Fail-safe lockout trip mechanism in a circuit interrupting device

A method for fail-safe lockout trip in a circuit interrupting device, the method comprising:

• providing an energizing conductor;
• providing a main contactor that is spring loaded but held in a closed switch position using a latch;
• providing a first electromagnetic device configured to instantaneously generate a magnetic force capable of unlatching the latch releasing a spring to open the main contactor removing power from an electrical circuit when an overload current exceeds a predetermined % of a rated load current;
• providing a section of conductor that generates heat;
• providing a temperature sensing switch having contacts, the temperature sensing switch located in close substantial proximity to the section of conductor which closes the contacts when a temperature reaches a predefined temperature threshold in response to an overload current less than the predetermined % of a rated load current;
• providing a second electromagnet in the form of a first solenoid such that when the temperature sensing switch is closed the first solenoid is disposed across the energizing conductor and a connection to a neutral conductor;
• and
• providing a temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism located in close proximity to the section of conductor that generates heat,
• wherein the energized first solenoid generates a magnetic force capable of moving an armature that unlatches the latch releasing the spring to open the main contactor removing power from the electrical circuit,
• wherein the temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism upon reaching a predefined temperature which is higher than the predetermined temperature threshold of the temperature sensing switch also generates a mechanical force capable of moving the armature that unlatches the latch releasing the spring to open the main contactor removing power from the electrical circuit,
• wherein, once activated, the temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism inhibits the latch from latching which prevents a reset of the circuit interrupting device thus the circuit interrupting device is permanently disabled as the main contactor cannot be closed, and power cannot be reconnected to the electrical circuit.

A circuit interrupting device, comprising:

• a temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism located in substantial proximity to a section of conductor that generates heat,
• wherein an energized first solenoid generates a magnetic force capable of moving an armature that unlatches a latch releasing a spring to open a main contactor removing power from an electrical circuit,
• wherein the temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism upon reaching a predetermined temperature which is higher than the predetermined temperature threshold of the temperature sensing switch also generates a mechanical force capable of moving the armature that unlatches the latch releasing the spring to open the main contactor removing power from the electrical circuit,
• wherein, once activated, the temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism inhibits the latch from latching which prevents a reset of the circuit interrupting device thus the circuit interrupting device is permanently disabled as the main contactor cannot be closed, and power cannot be reconnected to the electrical circuit.