摘要:
An MOV element is physically and electrically connected to a heat sensitive material which changes from a low impedance path to a high impedance path, such as a spark gap, when the temperature of the MOV element rises to a temperature below that at which the MOV will enter into its thermal runaway state. More specifically, the heat sensitive material is located on a surface of the MOV and is electrically connected in series with the MOV. In operation, as the MOV gets hot, it heats the heat sensitive material. As the heat sensitive material gets hot, it starts to separate from the surface of the MOV to form a spark gap which is electrically connected in series with the MOV element to help dissipate excessive voltage. The heat sensitive material on the surface of the MOV element can be a coating of epoxy which cracks and/or breaks away, at least partially from the surface of the MOV element during the occurrence of a high voltage transient surge, or it can be a solder that sputters to form an arc path during the occurrence of a high voltage transient surge. In operation, when a GFCI is subjected to a high voltage transient surge above a certain magnitude, the heat sensitive material forms a spark gap which is in series with the MOV and prevents the GFCI from going into its destructive thermal runaway condition. Thus, prior to the MOV entering its thermal runaway state, it goes from being only an MOV to an MOV in series with a spark gap which can be used to protect an up stream GFCI during the occurrence of a high voltage transient surge.
摘要:
An overvoltage device that is formed from a MOV device that is coupled in parallel with a spark gap. This device is coupled upstream from electronic components to protect these components from damage. For example, in one embodiment, the overvoltage device is coupled to a fault circuit interrupter such as a GFCI, across the phase and neutral lines to protect components of the GFCI from an overvoltage condition. In one embodiment the overvoltage device is formed as an MOV physically coupled to a spark gap wherein the MOV and the spark gap are electrically coupled across the phase line and the neutral line in parallel.
摘要:
A compact module with a pair of transformers and a double pole single throw relay (DPST) mounted onto a housing to create a self contained assembly for installation in a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) as a unit. The first transformer has a core and is electrically coupled to a first set of terminals for connection to a printed circuit board (PCB). The second transformer is located adjacent to and magnetically coupled to the core of the first transformer and is electrically coupled to a second set of terminals for connection to the PCB. The DPST relay has a pair of stationary contacts and a pair of movable contacts for selectively connecting line phase and neutral conductive paths to a load.
摘要:
A signaling system employing indicator lamp means and an audible alarm is employed to remind a user to periodically test his GFCIs and to provide information regarding the status of the GFCI. The power lines that supply the GFCI with power are also coupled to the circuits on the PCB to disconnect power to those circuits of the GFCI that trips due to faults or tests.
摘要:
A carrier for holding sheets of material to be bound along one edge thereof for use in a thermal binding machine. The carrier includes two side portions and a bottom portion which cooperate to support glue material to maintain the edges of the sheets being bound proximate the glue material. The bottom portion defines an inner surface which allows the bound material to be withdrawn from the bottom portion while maintaining the material in a bound disposition.
摘要:
Resettable circuit interrupting devices using a center latch are provided. The circuit interrupting devices include those with a reset lockout, reverse wiring protection, and/or an independent trip portion.