Smart circuit interrupter accessories internal component diagnostics

A smart accessory device structured to be operatively connected to a circuit breaker so as to actuate an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker, the smart accessory device comprising:

• a power section structured to be electrically connected to a power source, the power section comprising:
• an actuator structured to actuate the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker, the actuator comprising:
• a solenoid comprising a coil of conductive wire;
• and
• a ferromagnetic plunger coupled to the solenoid and structured to move relative to the solenoid in response to current flowing through the solenoid;
• a current sensor structured to sense a current flowing through the power section;
• and
• a voltage sensor structured to sense a voltage across the power section;
• and
• a control section electrically and operatively connected to the power section, the control section comprising a processor,
• wherein the power section and the control section are not components of the operating mechanism,
• wherein the processor is configured to determine an operating condition of the actuator based on how much current flows through the coil when the power source provides power to the smart accessory device, and
• wherein the processor is configured to continually execute a coil diagnostic to determine the operating condition of the coil as long as power is being provided to the smart accessory device.