Patent Application
20230408575
The application relates generally to a self-testing fault interrupting device, such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). More particularly, the present application relates to a self-testing fault interrupting device where a periodic self-test is performed on the fault detection and tripping portions of the device independent of a manual test.
Fault interrupting devices are designed to trip in response to the detection of a fault condition at an AC load. The fault condition can result when a person comes into contact with the hot side of the AC load and an earth ground, a situation which can result in serious injury. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) detects this condition by using a sense transformer to detect an imbalance between the currents flowing in the line and neutral conductors of the AC supply, as will occur when some of the current on the load hot side is being diverted to ground. When such an imbalance is detected, a relay or circuit breaker within the GFCI device is immediately tripped to an open condition, thereby removing all power from the load.
Many types of GFCI devices are capable of being tripped not only by contact between the line side of the AC load and ground, but also by a connection between the neutral side of the AC load and ground. The latter type of connection, which may result from a defective load or from improper wiring, is potentially dangerous because it can prevent a conventional GFCI device from tripping at the required threshold level of differential current when a line-to-ground fault occurs.
To be commercially sold in the United States a GFCI device must conform to standards established by the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) in conjunction with industry-leading manufacturers as well as other industry members, such as various safety groups. One UL standard covering GFCI devices is UL-943, titled “Standard for Safety—Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters.” UL-943 applies to Class A, single- and three-phase, GFCIs intended for protection of personnel and includes minimum requirements for the function, construction, performance, and markings of such GFCI devices. UL-943 requires, among other things, specific fault current levels and response timing requirements at which the GFCI device should trip. Typically, GFCIs are required to trip when a ground fault having a level higher than 5 milliamps (mA) is detected. Further, when a high resistance ground fault is applied to the device, the present version of UL-943 specifies that the device should trip and prevent current from being delivered to the load in accordance with the equation, T=(20/1)1.43, where T refers to time and is expressed in seconds and I refers to electrical current and is expressed in milliamps. Thus, in the case of a 5 mA fault, the device must detect the fault and trip in 7.26 seconds or less.
With such safety-related standards in place, and because GFCI devices are directly credited with saving many lives since their introduction in the early 1970s, they have become ubiquitous throughout the residential and commercial electrical power grid. Like most electro-mechanical devices, however, GFCI devices are susceptible to failure. For example, one or more of the electronic components that drive the mechanical current interrupter device can short-out or otherwise become defective, as can components in the fault detector circuit or elsewhere within the device, rendering the device unable to properly detect the ground fault and/or properly interrupt the flow of electrical current. For this reason it has long been required that GFCI devices be provided with a supervisory circuit that enables manual testing of the ability of the device to trip when a fault is encountered. Such supervisory circuits are typically have a TEST button which, when pressed, actuates a simulated ground fault on the hot and neutral conductors. If the device is functioning properly the simulated fault is detected and the device will trip, i.e., the mechanical interrupter is actuated to open the current path connecting the line side of the device, e.g., where the in AC power is supplied, and load side, where the user connects his or her electrical appliance, etc. and where downstream receptacles or additional GFCI devices are connected.
A study performed by industry safety groups indicated that most often the public does not regularly test their GFCI devices for proper operation, i.e., by pressing the TEST button. This study further revealed that some GFCI devices that had been in service for an extended period of time became non-functional and were unable to properly detect a fault condition, thus, rendering the device unsafe. Specifically, it was discovered that after extended use GFCI devices fail to trip when a fault occurs, thus rendering the device operable as an electrical receptacle but unsafe in the presence of a fault condition. Because the devices are not being regularly tested, this unsafe condition is exacerbated. That is, people falsely believe the device is operational, in view of the fact that it adequately delivers power, when in fact the device is a potentially life-threatening hazard.
The discovery that GFCI devices deployed in the field are becoming increasingly non-operational and unsafe in combination with the realization that people do not regularly test their GFCI devices, regardless of manufacturer's explicit instructions to do so, initiated investigations into possible changes to the UL-943 standard to require the GFCI devices to self-test (e.g., auto-monitor) themselves without the need for human intervention. The changes contemplated to UL-943 further included a requirement for either a warning to the consumer of the loss of protection and/or the device automatic removing itself from service, e.g., permanently tripping. Moreover, these additional self-testing operations would have to be performed without interfering with the primary function of the device, i.e., tripping when an actual fault was encountered.
The revised self-test functionality mentioned above is not yet a requirement for UL-943 certification, but it is expected that it will be soon. In preparation for this significant UL change, and in view of the seemingly endless reduction in the cost of integrated circuits, many GFCI manufacturers have migrated to digital techniques (e.g., microprocessors and microcontrollers) in favor of previous analog designs to provide both ground fault protection and self-monitoring functionality. The digital solutions offered thus far, however, are not ideal. For example, several related art GFCI designs, including those directed at providing self-test functionality, suffer from nuisance tripping, a situation where the interrupter is actuated when neither a real ground fault, a manually generated simulated ground fault, nor an automatic self-test fault are present. This unfavorable condition is believed by many to be worsened by the additional requirement of automatic self-testing, which results in additional inductive currents being generated within the device.
It is therefore desired to provide a GFCI device that provides certain self-testing capabilities, including those proposed in the next revision of UL-943, but minimizes the risks associated with nuisance tripping.
In consideration of certain likely additional requirements for commercial GFCI devices and problematic issues associated with related art GFCI devices, including but not limited to the problematic issues discussed above, a self-testing GFCI device in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present application generally includes an auto-monitoring circuit that continuously monitors the performance of the GFCI device. For example, a GFCI device is provided with an auto-monitoring circuit that periodically and automatically tests the ability of the device to respond to a ground fault. Moreover this testing is done without opening the circuit interrupter contacts of th device.
Also, with the GFCI device wired correctly, i.e., with AC power connected to the line side of the device, the auto-monitoring circuit performs the automatic test each time power becomes available to the load terminal(s) or alternatively line terminal(s) of a properly wired GFCI. The automatic test is initiated within five seconds of power availability to the line or load terminals and the automatic test is repeated at least every three hours and does not compromise the ability of the GFCI device to respond to a ground fault or a grounded neutral fault.
At least one consequence of the auto-monitoring circuit detecting a problem includes one or more of, (a) tripping the device and/or otherwise denying power to the load, or line, terminals (power denial) and preventing the device from being reset, (b) tripping the device with the ability to reset, subject to the next auto-monitoring test cycle or repeatedly tripping, (c) providing visual and/or audible indication of the situation.
More specifically, a processing device, such as a microcontroller or microprocessor, is configured to periodically perform an auto-monitoring routine based on a stored software program for testing and verifying the viability and functionality of various sub-circuits within the GFCI device. To test proper current isolation of the GFCI device, a driver coupled to the microcontroller is operated to initiate a test signal representative of a ground fault each time the auto-monitoring routine is performed, or run, and different circuit nodes are monitored to confirm proper operation of the device.
An end-of-life indicator is also coupled to the microcontroller to indicate whether the GFCI device has failed to properly detect the test signal or some other malfunction within the device has occurred. To avoid tripping the mechanical current-interrupting device when the test signal is generated, but also allow as much of the GFCI device circuitry to perform its intended function, a unique monitor circuit is provided that takes advantage of various functionality of the digital components, such as the GFCI integrated circuit device and the microcontroller. Specifically, to provide an automatic test function that monitors the fault detection capability of the GFCI device without interfering and causing a false trip under normal conditions, embodiments consistent with the application include a specifically selected filter capacitor associated with the interrupter drive output of the GFCI integrated circuit (IC) device. Proper selection of the capacitor and other related circuit components prevents the interrupter drive circuit, e.g., silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), from firing, or turning ON, until a real fault condition is encountered.
According to one exemplary embodiment, circuit component values and microcontroller software of, for example, the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,443,309, are modified to meet additional UL943 requirements, such as those of section 6.30 (Yr. 2015), captioned Auto-Monitoring Function Tests. When the End-Of-Life (EOL) state of the GFCI has been verified, the software (S/W) in the microcontroller (uC) outputs a signal (e.g., a high signal) on port GP1, pin 6, for 20 msecs, or more. This time is adjustable and accounts for the inclusion of a positive 60 Hz ½ cycle required to activate the solenoid independent of when the signal to trip is asserted during AC wave.
The microcontroller then outputs a signal (e.g., a low signal) on port GP1, pin 6, to inhibit any further resets (via the reset switch) from triggering the SCR and latching the contacts closed. The value of resistor R5, i.e., the resistor connected between GP1 of the microcontroller and the gate of the SCR, is selectively chosen (e.g., a value less than the equivalent resistor in U.S. Pat. No. 7,443,309) to ensure that the gate voltage of the SCR does not reach its ‘ON’ threshold point, for example, when a reset is attempted during the time when power denial is being enforced. Further, an indicator, such as a red LED is controlled to flash to provide clear visual indication of the situation, e.g., EOL.
Further, the EOL state is stored in memory within the microcontroller, e.g., in RAM, and is cleared if AC power is lost. If the fault causing the EOL condition is still present when power is restored, the microcontroller verifies and asserts the EOL state again. Alternatively, if the fault causing the EOL is no longer present when power is restored, the GFCI continues auto-monitoring and normal operation.
Additional optional features are provided in regard to other exemplary embodiments as well. For example, the EOL state can be cleared and normal operation of the GFCI resumed should the fault that caused EOL be no longer present and the auto-monitoring routine verifies this “self-healing” via one or more confirmatory operations, such as confirming normal conditions over a predetermined period of time. Operation of the GFCI device according to the application, including the auto-monitoring and self-testing features, at operating frequencies other than 60 Hz are also contemplated by the application. For example, by modifying various device components and/or the software code within the microcontroller the device according to this application can be implemented in countries other than the U.S. where the power grid uses power signals with various frequencies.
In one embodiment, the application provides a circuit interrupting device including one or more line terminals for connecting to an external power supply, one or more load terminals for connecting to an external load, one or more contacts electrically connecting one or more line terminals to one or more load terminals; and an auto-monitoring circuit. The auto-monitoring circuit continuously monitoring one or more signals to determine an operating state of said circuit interrupting device. Wherein if said auto-monitoring circuit determines that said circuit interrupting device has reached its end-of-life and it is determined that the contacts have not failed, then a signal is driven to a first level to actuate a switch and open the contacts. Wherein said signal is further driven to a second level to inhibit said circuit interrupting device from resetting when it is determined that contacts of said interrupting device have failed. Wherein the second level has a voltage greater than zero volts.
In another embodiment the application provides a circuit interrupting device including one or more line terminals for connecting to an external power supply, one or more load terminals for connecting to an external load, and an auto-monitoring circuit. The auto-monitoring circuit is configured to automatically perform a self-test routine based on a predetermined schedule and determine whether said circuit interrupting device has reached the end of its useful life, wherein said determination is based at least in part on a result from said self-test routine. Wherein, when said auto-monitoring circuit determines that said circuit interrupting device has reached the end of its useful life, a driver signal is driven to a first level for a first length of time to place the circuit interrupting device to a tripped condition. Wherein, when said auto-monitoring circuit determines that contacts of said circuit interrupting device have failed, the driver signal is driven to a second level, wherein the second level has a voltage greater than zero volts.
Other aspects of the application will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
Before any embodiments of the application are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the application is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The application is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
The GFCI receptacle 10 further includes mounting strap 24 having mounting holes 26 for mounting the GFCI receptacle 10 to a junction box (not shown). At the rear wall of the housing 12 is a grounding screw 28 for connecting a ground conductor (not shown).
A test button 30 extends through opening 32 in the cover portion 14 of the housing 12. The test button is used to activate a test operation that tests the operation of the circuit interrupting portion disposed in the GFCI receptacle 10. The circuit interrupting portion, to be described in more detail below, is used to break electrical continuity in one or more conductive paths between the line and load side of the GFCI receptacle 10. A reset button 34 extends through opening 36 in the cover portion 14 of the housing 12. The reset button 34 is used to activate a reset operation, which reestablishes electrical continuity in the open conductive paths.
Rear portion 16 preferably includes four screws, only two of which are shown in
In an embodiment of the present application rear portion 16 also contains an aperture 42 (See
Alarm indicator 44 preferably comprises a dual color lamp which provides a first color when a first filament is activated and a second color when a second filament is activated. In one embodiment of the present application, the alarm indicator 44A illuminates to provide a green color when the GFCI receptacle 10 is operating normally and providing GFCI protection. In another embodiment of the present application, the alarm indicator 44B illuminates to provide a flashing red color when the GFCI receptacle 10 is operating as a normal receptacle and not providing ground fault protection indicating a detected fault in the GFCI mechanism or electronics. Specifically, alarm indicator 44B flashes when any portion of the self-test fails or fails a coil test. In another embodiment of the present application, alarm indicator 44B illuminates steady to indicate that a ground fault was detected. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the alarm indicator is described as being a dual filament lamp, two separate single filament lamps, a single lamp having a single filament, or a buzzer, or any other suitable indicator such as a colored lamp can be used to provide an alarm indication without departing from the scope of the present application.
GFCI device 10 is structured and arranged to prevent an initial miswiring of the GFCI. That is, as described in more detail below, prior to shipping the device for use, the miswire plate 58 is pressed downward to engage a projection on the back of plunger 52 and makes contact with secondary contacts 62 to thus close the secondary contacts 62. In the GFCI device's initial configuration, the reset pin 56, when depressed, cannot engage the latching plate 54 because the latching plate 54 is displaced by the solenoid plunger 52 and the miswire plate 58, such that aperture 55 is aligned with reset pin 56 (See
In
In
It should be noted that since contacts 45, 46, 47 and 48 of
Referring now to
In an embodiment of the present application, the PIC12F675 microprocessor 104 is used where there is a need for an I/O port to accept more than one condition. For example, as an option, the test button 30 and reset button 34 can be voltage divided to share an analog I/O port. A voltage divider can be used to distinguish whether the test or reset button was pressed. In another embodiment of the present application, test button 30 can be eliminated and reset button 34 can be used as a test/reset button. For example, microprocessor 104 would distinguish a first press of the button as being a test and a second press of the button as being a reset. In another embodiment of the present application, the test button 30 and the reset button 34 can be RC coupled to produce signals having different periods of duration which can be detected by the microprocessor 104.
The GFCI device 10 employs two sets of contacts, namely contacts primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 and face hot and neutral contacts 47 and 48. Contact 45 establishes electrical continuity between line terminal 39 and load terminal 37 via hot conductor 66. Contact 46 establishes electrical continuity between line terminal 40 and load terminal 38 via neutral conductor 64. Face contacts 47 and 48 establish electrical continuity between the line terminals 39 and 40 and face terminals 18 and 20 via hot conductor 66 and neutral conductor 64, respectively. The isolation of face contacts 47 and 48 from the load terminals 37 and 38 prevent the face terminals 18 and 20 from being powered if the GFCI device 10 is mistakenly wired so that power source 41 is connected to the load terminals 37 and 38. It should be noted that GFCI device 10 is structured and arranged to permit the electronics of the circuit to be powered only when the GFCI device 10 is wired from the line terminals 39 and 40 via a power source. If a power source 41 is connected to the load terminals 37 and 38, the electronics of the GFCI device 10 cannot be powered, and the miswire plate 58 cannot be released in order to close contacts 45, 46, 47 and 48, which are mechanically closed by the reset button 34. Before initial power is applied contacts 45, 46, 47 and 48 are open. As discussed in more detail below, optocoupler 71 detects current from the load hot conductor 67 and load neutral conductor 65 via conductors 66 and 64 when primary hot contact and primary neutral contact 45 and 46 are closed.
The detection of a ground fault condition at a load connected to one of the face receptacles 18, 20 or to the load terminals 37 and 38, is implemented by a current sense transformer 68A, and the GFCI chip 100 as well as other interconnecting components. The GFCI chip 100 is preferably a Type RV4145N integrated circuit. The GFCI chip 100 and the microprocessor 104 are powered from the line terminals 39 and 40 by a full-wave bridge rectifier 72. A transient voltage suppressor 73 is preferably connected across the line terminals 39 and 40 to provide protection from voltage surges due to lightning and other transient conditions. As the transients increase, the voltage suppressor 73 absorbs energy.
Within the GFCI receptacle 10, the hot conductor 66 and 67, as mentioned above, connect the line terminal 39 to the load line terminal 37, and neutral conductor 64 and 65 connect the line terminal 40 to the load terminal 38, in a conventional manner when contacts 45 and 46 are closed. The conductors 66 and 64 pass through the magnetic cores 67A and 67B of the two transformers 68A and 68B, respectively. The transformer 68A serves as a differential sense transformer for detecting a leakage path between the line side of the AC load and an earth ground (not shown), while the transformer 68B serves as a grounded neutral transformer for detecting a leakage path between the neutral side of the AC load and an earth ground. In the absence of a ground fault, the current flowing through the conductors 64 and 66 are equal and opposite, and no net flux is generated in the core 67A of the differential sense transformer 68A. In the event that a connection occurs between the line side of the AC load and ground, however, the current flowing through the conductors 64 and 66 no longer precisely cancel, and a net flux is generated in the core 67A of the differential sense transformer 68A. This flux gives rise to a potential at the output of the sense transformer 68A, and this output is applied to the input 150 of the GFCI chip 100 to produce a trip signal on the output line 102. The trip signal pulses the SCR's 51 gate which is detected via pin 112 of the microprocessor 104. The solenoid 50 is energized via SCR 51, which opens primary hot contact and neutral contact 45 and 46 and face hot contact and face neutral contact 47 and 48. The optocoupler 71 outputs a signal which is detected by the microcontroller 104 via pin 110. If the optocoupler's 71 signal is high, it indicates that primary hot contact and primary neutral contact 45 and 46 are open. If the optocoupler's 71 signal is low, it indicates that both the primary hot contact and primary neutral contact 45 and 46 are closed
Primary hot contact and neutral contact 45 and 46 and face hot contact and face neutral contact 47 and 48 are in a closed state when the reset button 34 has been pressed and the solenoid 50 is deenergized. This state will be referred to as the normal state or closed state. However, when the solenoid 101 is energized, the contacts 45, 46, 47 and 48 are open. This state will be referred to as an abnormal or open state.
In operation, a ground fault can occur via a manual or self-test, or an actual ground fault, for example when a person comes into contact with the line side of the AC load and an earth ground at the same time. In a manual test described in more detail below, a user presses test button 30. Test button 30 is connected between the hot conductor 66 and neutral conductor 64. When the test button 30 is pressed, an imbalance is detected by sense transformer 68A because a path is established outside of the transformers 68. Since there is no canceling current in the opposite direction, sense transformer 68A detects the current imbalance. As discussed above, the GFCI chip 100 detects a fault condition via transformers 68A and 68B. GFCI chip 100 communicates the fault condition via a trip signal on pin 102 to the microprocessor 104 via pin 112. Since the microprocessor 104 has no way of knowing whether a ground fault was triggered by an actual fault or by a manual fault simulated by pressing test button 30, the microprocessor 104 always reacts as if an actual fault condition has occurred.
The microprocessor 104 also does not know whether the actual fault has been removed until a user presses the reset button 34. If the fault is still present, the transformers 68A and 68B will detect the condition and GFCI chip 100 will reopen the contacts immediately as discussed above. If a manual test was performed, the fault will no longer be present and the GFCI device 10 returns to normal operation.
According to an embodiment of the present application, a self-test is performed on the fault detection and circuit tripping portions of the GFCI device 10. In this example, the self test is preferably performed in two stages, Test A and Test B, and preferably at 1 minute intervals. However, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the microprocessor 104 can be programmed to perform testing at any interval of time. During the first stage, which is Test A, of the self-test the microprocessor 104 communicates a signal to the transistor 70 via pin 106 on a negative half sinusoid near the middle of the half sinusoid. The transistor 70 is activated and provides a signal on conductor 69, which creates an imbalance in sensing transformer 68A. The imbalance is detected by GFCI chip 100, and the GFCI chip 100 provides a 0.5 ms trip signal on pin 102 which is detected by the microprocessor 104 via pin 112. Pin 112 of the microprocessor 104 is preferably an analog I/O. Resistor R5, which is in series with the pin 112 of the microprocessor 104, allows capacitor C2 to be monitored. Specifically, when the signal is output from pin 102 of the GFCI chip 100, the charge on capacitor C2 rises. The test signal is short and on a negative half cycle of a sinusoid to prevent current in the sinusoid 50 and thereby avoid tripping the contacts 45, 46, 47 and 48. The microprocessor 104 detects the GFCI chip's trip signal in order to verify that the GFCI chip 100 is operating normally.
It should be noted that the I/O of microprocessor 104 comprises a 10 bit I/O providing 3.2 my per bit accuracy or 31 bits for 0.1 v. The sampling rate of the microprocessor 104 is ≈15 μs at an internal oscillator frequency of 4 MHz (8 TOSC) and 15 μs×31 bits=0.46 ms. The 2.5 k ohm minimum recommended analog source requirement is met since capacitor C2 has a low source resistance (ESR) and is charged by GFCI chip 100.
It should be noted that during Test A, if the GFCI chip 100 cannot provide an output signal to open the contacts 45, 46, 47 and 48, the microcontroller 104 will activate SCR 51 and energize the solenoid 50 to open the contacts 45, 46, 47 and 48. The user can reset the GFCI device 10 to restore power to the load terminals. However, the microcontroller 104 will no longer send a signal to open the contacts 45, 46, 47 and 48.
The second phase of the self testing according to an embodiment of the present application will now be discussed. The second phase of the embodiment of the present application, which is Test B. Test B tests the operability of SCR 51 and the continuity of solenoid 50 via pin 118 of the microprocessor 104. Specifically, capacitor C2 is quick charged via a 0.5 ms pulse on pin 112 of the microprocessor 104. The 0.5 ms pulse is asserted high 12 ms after the zero crossing at the start of the positive half sinusoid. That is, Test B is initiated only on the negative half sinusoid. The charge on capacitor C2 activates SCR 51 about 0.4 ms from the zero crossing, which is far away from the energy necessary to open contacts 45, 46, 47 and 48. The microprocessor 104 will then detect via pin 118 whether capacitor C5 discharges through the SCR 51 in order to determine if the SCR 51 is operating normally. The microprocessor 104 then detects whether the capacitor C5 recharges after the SCR 51 has turned off in order to determine whether the solenoid 50 has continuity.
In an embodiment of the present application, if the GFCI device 10 determines that the one minute periodic test failed, the one minute test can be repeated, preferably eight times, and if the test fails each time, the GFCI device 10 can be declared as non-operational. As previously described, the red LED 44B will flash. In an embodiment of the present application, the GFCI device 10 allows a user to reset the GFCI device 10 to function in an unprotected mode, if the GFCI device 10 is determined to be non-operational. The red LED 44B will then flash to indicate that the GFCI device 10 is not providing ground fault protection.
It should be noted that if the GFCI device 10 is determined to be nonfunctional, and operates in a receptacle mode of operation, the self tests are prevented from occurring. The microprocessor 104 flashes the red LED 44B via pin 108.
The application will now be described with reference to power/alarm indicator 44. It should be noted that the GFCI chip 100 preferably includes a regulator that provides a dual function. One function is to power the internal circuitry of the GFCI chip 100. The second function is to power circuitry external to the GFCI chip 100 (such as Green LED 44A). The Green LED 44A illuminates during normal operation of the GFCI receptacle 10. The Red LED 44B is illuminated solid if contacts 45, 46, 47 and 48 have been tripped and the Green LED 44A is extinguished. However, the Red LED 44B flashes to indicate that the GFCI receptacle 10 is not providing ground fault protection if any of the self tests have failed.
At step 206, a determination is made as to whether C5 is at a normal minimum voltage which indicates that solenoid 50 has continuity. If the determination at step 206 is answered negatively, the method proceeds to step 210 where a determination is made as to whether the solenoid test failed 8 out of 8 times. If the determination at step 210 is answered affirmatively, the method proceeds to step 226. If the determination at step 210 is answered negatively, the method returns to step 204.
If the determination at step 206 is answered affirmatively, the method proceeds to step 208 where a determination is made as to whether Test B was conducted last. If test B was not conducted last, the method proceeds to step 220. If Test B was conducted last, the method proceeds to step 212 to perform Test A.
At step 212, Test A is performed. The microcontroller 104 is asserted high at pin 106 for about 1.5 ms near the middle of a negative half sinusoid of the line input 39, and preferably less than about 2.0 ms. The high signal on pin 106 turns transistor 70 on resulting in a signal on third wire 69. It should be noted that the SCR 51 anode capacitor C5 waveform is used to locate positive and negative half sinusoids and the middle of half sinusoids. Capacitor C5 voltage minimum occurs slightly after the true zero crossing during the negative half cycle. The microcontroller 104 preferably monitors the voltage C5 via pin 118, and may include software to calculate the actual zero crossing.
At step 214, the sense transformer 68A detects the pulse on third wire 69 as an imbalance and provides an imbalance indication to the GFCI chip 100. The GFCI chip 100 places a trip signal on pin 102 of the GFCI chip 100 which charges capacitor C2.
At step 216, a determination is made as to whether the microcontroller 104 detects capacitor C2 being charged from 0.0 volts to preferably 0.28 volts. The rise in capacitor C2 occurs preferably in less than 1.5 ms. If the determination at step 216, is answered affirmatively, the method returns to step 204.
If the determination at step 216 is answered negatively, the process proceeds to step 218 where a determination is made as to whether Test A, which tests the sense transformer 68A and GFCI chip 100 has failed 8 out of 8 times.
If the determination at step 218 is answered negatively, the process waits for 2 seconds at step 219 then returns to step 212. If the determination at step 218 is answered affirmatively, the process proceeds to step 226.
At step 220, Test B is performed every minute preferably 30 seconds before and 30 seconds after Test A. The microcontroller 104 places a high signal on pin 112 of the microcontroller 104 after the zero crossing at and the positive half sinusoid, hence only on the negative half sinusoid. Pin 112 is maintained high until the SCR anode voltage drops sharply after 2 ms but no longer than 3 ms. Capacitor C5 can discharge through SCR 51 rather than through R15 and R16 which is a slow discharge. The method proceeds to step 222.
At step 222 a determination is made as to whether the microcontroller 104 detects a sharp drop in the SCR anode voltage at pin 118. That is the microcontroller 104 looks for the SCR anode voltage to drop sharply to ground. Test B is performed during the negative half cycle when the solenoid 50 advantageously cannot be tripped.
If the determination at step 222 is answered affirmatively, Test B has passed and the method returns to step 204. If the determination at step 222 is answered negatively, the process proceeds to step 224 where a determination is made as to whether Test “B” has failed 8 out of 8 times. If Test B has failed eight times, the method proceeds to step 226.
At step 226, the microcontroller 104 flashes the red LED 42B permanently via pin 108 if Test “A” or “B” failed 8 out of 8 times. The flashing of the red LED 42B provides an alarm indication to a user that GFCI 10 is nonfunctional and has reached its End Of Life (EOL). If Test “A” fails and the failure of the GFCI 10 prevents the GFCI chip 100 from providing an output on pin 102 to open the contacts, the microcontroller 104 provides a signal to activate SCR 51 and open the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46. It should be noted that the user is not permanently locked-out. The user is still able to reset GFCI 10 to restore power. However, the microcontroller 104 will no longer conduct self-tests, and will not generate another signal to open the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46. Manual tests, however, remain available to the user.
At step 228, the reset button 34 is pressed in order to reset the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 of the GFCI 10. At step 230, the red LED 42B continues to flash if the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 remain closed. The malfunctioning GFCI 10 should be replaced.
At step 304, the pressing of the test button causes an imbalance in the sense transformer 68A because the current from the line neutral flows through line 61. The sense transformer 68A communicates an imbalance signal to the GFCI chip 100, which places a trip signal on pin 102 of the GFCI chip 100.
At step 306, the trip signal activates the SCR 51, which results in the solenoid 50 being energized at step 308. The energization of the solenoid 50 results in the solenoid plunger 52 pushing the latch plate 54 to a position where the reset pin 56 is released. The force of the cantilevered contact arms then move the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 to an open position at step 310.
At step 312, if both the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 fail to open when the test button 30 is pressed, the optocoupler's 71 signal to the microcontroller 104 remains low. Thus, this embodiment of the present application can detect dual welded contacts.
At step 314, a determination is made as to whether the optocoupler signal transitioned high indicating that the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 opened. If the determination at step 314 is answered negatively, the method proceeds to step 316 where the red LED 44B flashes until the GFCI 10 is replaced. Since the manual test has been performed and the primary hot and neutral contacts failed to open, the failure of the manual test is due to a problem affecting the mechanics of the GFCI 10. Thus, the self test is no longer performed. As with a failure of the self test, as described above, a failure of the manual test causes the Red LED 44B to flash until the unit is replaced. Self tests will no longer be performed and the unit operates in an unprotected receptacle mode until replaced.
If the determination at step 314 is answered affirmatively, the method proceeds to step 318 where the manual test passes once the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 open.
At step 320 the user presses the reset button 34. Then at steps 322 and 324, the reset pin 56 is then positioned through the latch plate 54 into a position of engagement. When the reset button 34 is released, the reset pin engages the latch plate 54. The reset button 34 return spring 35 pulls the latch plate assembly and the reset pin 56 upward. This results in the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 and the face hot and neutral contacts 47 and 48 closing.
The closing of the contacts results in the completion of the manual test at step 326. At step 328, the GFCI 10 returns to monitoring for ground faults and performing periodic self tests.
At step 404, the ground fault is detected via an imbalance in the sense transformer 68A because the current from the line neutral conductor 64 flows through the third wire 69. The sense transformer 68A communicates an imbalance signal to the GFCI chip 100, which places a trip signal on pin 102 of the GFCI chip 100.
At step 406, the trip signal activates the SCR 51, which results in the solenoid 50 being energized at step 408. The energization of the solenoid 50 results in the solenoid plunger 52 pushing the latch plate 54 to a position where the reset pin 56 is released. The force of the cantilevered contact arms then move the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 to an open position at step 410.
At step 412, if both the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 fail to open when the test button 34 is pressed, the optocoupler's 71 signal to the microcontroller 104 remains low. It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application can detect dual welded contacts.
At step 414, a determination is made as to whether the optocoupler's 71 signal transitioned high indicating that the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 opened. If the determination at step 414 is answered negatively, the method proceeds to step 416 where the red LED 44B flashes permanently until the GFCI 10 is replaced. Since the self test has recently been performed and passed and the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 failed to open, the failure of the contacts to open is due to a problem affecting the mechanics of the GFCI 10. Thus, the self test is no longer performed at step 418, and the GFCI operates in a receptacle mode until replaced.
If the determination at step 414 is answered affirmatively, the method proceeds to step 420 where the red LED 44B is illuminated solid. This indicates that the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 and the face hot and face neutral contacts 47 and 48 have opened. The ground fault condition is cleared at step 422.
At step 424 the user presses the reset button 34. Then at steps 426 and 428, the reset pin 56 is then positioned through the latch plate 54 into a position of engagement. When the reset button 34 is released, the reset pin 56 engages the latch plate 54. The reset button 34 return spring 35 pulls the latch plate assembly and the rest pin 56 upward. This results in the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 and the face hot and face neutral contacts 47 and 48 closing.
At step 430, the closing of the contacts results in the primary hot and neutral contacts and 46 and the face hot and face neutral contacts 47 and 48 closing and the red LED 44B being extinguished.
At step 322, the GFCI receptacle 10 returns to monitoring for ground fault conditions and performing periodic self-tests.
At step 504, an extension pin on the solenoid plunger 52 holds the spring biased miswire plate 58 against the secondary contacts 62. The secondary contacts 62 short the SCR's 51 anode to line neutral 64. The miswire plate 58 also maintains solenoid plunger 52 in a position where the latch plate 54 cannot engage the reset pin 56.
At step 506, if the GFCI receptacle 10 is miswired on the load side, the solenoid 50 cannot be energized to displace the solenoid plunger 52. If the GFCI receptacle 10 is wired correctly, which is from the line side, the solenoid 50 is energized and displaces the solenoid plunger 52 releasing the miswire plate 58 permanently.
At step 508, the primary hot and neutral contacts 45 and 46 and the face hot and face neutral contacts 47 and 48 are still open but are closed when the reset button 34 is depressed at step 510.
Further, according to a further aspect of the embodiment of
For example, as shown in
At reference number 166 a short-circuit condition is applied across the switching semiconductor, e.g., transistor Q1, that supplies the trip solenoid, and at 168 a short-circuit condition is applied across pins 2 and 3 of the full-wave bridge rectifier device to short circuit a single rectifier diode in the ground fault detection power supply circuit. Additionally, to confirm that the auto-monitoring routine, including the self-test fault signal, is active during a device testing procedure, such as UL943 testing, that includes applying a ‘real’ ground fault condition to the device, provision 170 is provided at the base of transistor Q1 to enable a tester to confirm that self-test faults continue during the time when ‘real’ ground fault(s) pursuant to the test are being applied. Provision 170 can be, for example, a test point for applying a test probe, such as for an oscilloscope. These and other provisions for enabling testing of a GFCI in accordance with the present application are provided as shown in
One or more auto-monitoring routines in accordance with the present application perform the following functions and/or meet the following requirements.
In addition to the Supervisory Circuit, e.g., the TEST button described above, a permanently connected ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be provided with an auto-monitoring function that will allow for periodic, automatic testing of the ability of the device to respond to a ground fault. This testing shall be done without opening the circuit interrupter contacts.
With the GFCI wired normally (not reversed), the auto-monitoring function shall perform the automatic test each time power becomes available to the load terminal(s) or alternatively line terminal(s) of a properly wired GFCI. The automatic test shall be initiated within five seconds of power availability to the line or load terminals. The automatic test shall be repeated at least every three hours.
The auto-monitoring function shall not compromise the ability of the GFCI to respond to a ground fault or a grounded neutral fault. Compliance of these requirements is determined by the test procedures and requirements set forth below.
The consequence of the auto-monitoring test detection of a problem is one or more of the following: a) Power denial (trip with the inability to reset); b) Trip with the ability to reset, subject to the next auto-monitoring test cycle or repeatedly trip; c) Visual and/or audible indication.
During testing, separate samples can be modified to represent those single component failure modes that can cause the GFCI to become unable to respond to a ground fault per this standard. Welded power contacts are not considered. Each sample can be altered with a single modification that represents either an open or a shorted component (unless otherwise specified) as follows (a-g): a) Open circuit or short circuit the ground fault sensing component (transformer); b) Alter the integrated circuit responsible for the ground fault detection by one of the following modifications (1-4): 1) Disconnect the power supply pin of the IC; 2) Disable the “clock” circuit; 3) Open the signal path at the subject IC pin; 4) Short the signal path pin to one of the adjacent pins one at a time; c) Open circuit the current limiter (for example, dropping resistor) of the power supply of the ground fault detection circuit; d) open-circuit the trip solenoid; e) open the switching semiconductor supplying the trip solenoid; f) Short circuit the switching semiconductor supplying the trip solenoid; and g) Open circuit or short circuit a single rectifier diode in the ground fault detection power supply circuit. Short circuit a single diode in the case of a bridge rectifier package.
Certain failure modes in need not be tested if, based on an engineering analysis of the circuit, one or both of the following criteria are met; a) The failure mode does not interfere with the ability of the GFCI to respond to a line to ground fault; and b) The failure mode results are being met automatically, without assistance from the auto-monitoring function.
The device power contacts are in the closed position at the start of the test. Power is applied externally by closing a switch in the supply. During device testing, a ground fault can be applied when the auto monitoring function is active and at least one of the following conditions is met; a) The GFCI visually or audibly indicates if it does not interrupt the electric circuit to all loads; or b) The GFCI interrupts the electric circuit to all loads or does not permit power to be applied to any loads, each time the reset is operated when reset is attempted.
According to a further embodiment of the application illustrated, for example, in
Referring to, for example, the schematic of
The RED LED (D3) also flashes in the EOL state. The EOL state is stored in the microcontroller's RAM, this will clear during a loss of AC power. If the fault causing the EOL is still present, the microcontroller verifies and asserts the EOL state. If the fault is no longer present, the GFCI will continue auto monitoring and normal operation. The fault condition causing EOL can be stored in the microcontroller's E2 nonvolatile memory for fault determination at a later time.
Further embodiments of the present application include one or more of the features described above in conjunction with an alternative method for preventing the miswire condition discussed above. Specifically, one exemplary embodiment includes an electrical solution to the miswire problem instead of the mechanical solution provided, for example, in the embodiment illustrated in
A conductive shorting bar 58a, more easily seen in
In a further embodiment, shorting bar 58a is attached to the latch assembly 50 with one or more intervening spring elements to provide additional travel for the latch assembly. For example, in accordance with this further embodiment one or more springs, such as coil springs, leaf springs, etc., are placed between the bottom of latch assembly 50 and shorting bar 58a. When reset button 34 is pressed, spring element 55 begins to compress as shorting bar 58a moves downward toward secondary switch contacts 33a, 33b. When shorting bar 58a makes contact with switch contacts 33a, 33b, the spring element(s) between the shorting bar and the bottom of the latch assembly begin to compress as reset button 34 continues to be pressed and reset spring 55 continues to compress.
Solenoid 51 is provided within solenoid housing 60. Plunger 52, spring element 62 and spacer 64 are all provided within solenoid 51 and are coaxially therewith. As shown, plunger 52 and spring element 62 abut against an outer surface of side wall 66 of the “T”-shaped latch plate 54. Latch plate 54 is held in its initial position by the force of helical spring element 67 provided between an inner surface of side wall 66 and a lower end of the latch assembly 50. In the absence of a magnetic field around solenoid 51, the force of spring element 67 overcomes the force of spring element 62 provided within solenoid 51, side wall 66 of latch plate 54 remains pressed against flange 69 of the solenoid housing.
As described in greater detail below with respect to
After the GFCI device is correctly wired to a power source by connecting the hot and neutral conductors of the power source to the line terminals 39 and 40 (
As shown in
Referring to
In a further exemplary embodiment, shown for example in
Regarding the embodiment illustrated in
Because the gate of the SCR is no longer activated when shorting bar 58a disconnects from the secondary contacts 33a, 33b, the SCR transitions back to a non-conducting/non-operating state. Consequently, current is no longer drawn through solenoid 51 and the magnetic field ceases. Without the magnetic field to push plunger 52 and spacer 64 against latch plate 54, spring element 67 contacting side wall 66 of the latch plate 54, pushes spacer 64 and plunger 52 to the left in
Referring to
As seen in
According to the embodiment shown in
Because GFCI device 10 is initially provided in an unlatched state and proper wiring is required before it can enter the reset state, there is no need to provide any locking mechanism or lock-out mechanism that could potentially be defeated prior to installation. The GFCI device will only enter the reset state when the GFCI device is properly wired during installation such that AC power is provided at the line terminals. Therefore, miswire protection of GFCI device cannot be defeated prior to installation and a potentially dangerous situation where the GFCI device is incorrectly wired unbeknownst to the user but power is applied to the face terminals can be prevented. Additionally, the above exemplary latching mechanism is capable of repeatedly detecting a miswire condition without any specific additional operation of the user, if the GFCI device is un-installed and then re-installed later.
Referring to
End-of-life circuit is provided on printed circuit board (PCB) 92 in
Because latch plate 54 is no longer engaged with reset flange 61 of reset pin 56, and reset flange 61 travels through aperture 71, latch assembly 50 is urged by the natural bias of cantilevered load arms 80, 81 to move, e.g., downward in
As mentioned, latch assembly 50 is urged downward in the direction of PCB 65 when a real or simulated ground fault occurs. Latch assembly 50 is prevented from contacting the PCB 65 in this situation, however, due to the reactive forces of spring elements 57a, 57b, and the at least one built-in stop 68a of the solenoid housing 60, e.g., as shown in
Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present application can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this application can be described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the application should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, specification and following claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/573,301, filed Sep. 17, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/415,086, filed on Jan. 25, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/203,610, filed on Mar. 11, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/791,114, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Related subject matter is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,443,309, filed on Dec. 1, 2004, titled “SELF TESTING GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER (GFCI)”, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/422,793, filed on Mar. 16, 2012, titled “REINSTALLABLE CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING DEVICE WITH VIBRATION RESISTANT MISWIRE PROTECTION,” the entire respective contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61791114 | Mar 2013 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17331083 | May 2021 | US |
| Child | 18450547 | US | |
| Parent | 16573301 | Sep 2019 | US |
| Child | 17331083 | US | |
| Parent | 15415086 | Jan 2017 | US |
| Child | 16573301 | US | |
| Parent | 14203610 | Mar 2014 | US |
| Child | 15415086 | US |
