Energy validation arrangement for a self-powered circuit interrupter

摘要

A self-powered circuit interrupter arrangement for interrupting current in a circuit path uses a current-blocking component to ensure that an insufficient amount of accumulated power for actuating and completing interruption of the circuit path is not misused in an unwarranted attempt to interrupt the current path. The arrangement includes a current inducer circuit for providing a current signal having a magnitude corresponding to the current in the circuit path and a power supply operating from the current signal to provide a voltage signal of a predetermined value relative to common. A trip command circuit, in response to a fault detected in the circuit path, sends an electrical signal commanding that the circuit path be interrupted by using the voltage signal. The electrical signal is sent to an electrical latch located electrically in series with a coil of a solenoid mechanism. Current from the power supply passing through the coil of a solenoid mechanism causes the interruption of current in the current path. A prevention circuit is constructed and arranged to prevent the electrical signal from engaging the latch, or current from the power supply from passing through the coil until the voltage signal exceeds the predetermined value.