SAFETY DEVICE FOR DETECTING INSULATION FAULTS ON AN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE

摘要

The present invention relates to a security apparatus connected to the circuit of a machine in order to detect the presence of a fault therein such as a short circuit or loss of insulation between a power line and ground. The security apparatus comprises a tripping circuit having at least one transistor which is normally nonconductive and becomes conductive only when a fault current is fed to its base. The collector current activates a circuit breaking device and/or a signalling device which are continuously energized. The security apparatus operates, depending on its mode of connection, in response to a relatively small detected fault current resulting, for example, from defective insulation or from a short circuit. The security provided is irrespective of the state of the ground of the apparatus being protected.