Upstream Parallel Arc Fault Outlet Protection Method

An are fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlet is disclosed which detects and interrupts upstream parallel arc faults. The example AFCI outlet includes a switching element coupled between the line and neutral conductors at the outlet. The outlet also includes a voltage sensor and a current sensor. A...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors SCHROEDER, Jeremy D, BEIERSCHMITT, Joseph
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 05.07.2018
Subjects
CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
ELECTRICITY
EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
GENERATION
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Summary:An are fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlet is disclosed which detects and interrupts upstream parallel arc faults. The example AFCI outlet includes a switching element coupled between the line and neutral conductors at the outlet. The outlet also includes a voltage sensor and a current sensor. A parallel upstream arc fault is detected from a sensed voltage drop and no corresponding increase in current. On detecting the arc fault, the switching element is closed and current flows through the relatively lower resistance switching element interrupting power through the arc fault. The closed switching element results in an overcurrent condition causing an upstream conventional thermal-magnetic circuit breaker to trip. C : C) 2-, a) D > 0 c C) co -00 CN a) a)N
Bibliography:Application Number: AU20180204368