Circuit interrupting device for providing a fail-safe lock out trip mechanism or a temperature activated, permanent lock out trip mechanism in response to a self-test

A method of providing a fail-safe lock out trip mechanism for a circuit interrupting device in response to a self-test, the method comprising:

• providing a conductor capable of generating heat;
• and
• providing a temperature-activated, permanent lock out trip mechanism including:
• a plunger;
• a compressed or stretched spring;
• and
• a fusible metal to hold the plunger in place that has a constant force exerted on it by either the compressed or stretched spring, wherein the temperature-activated, permanent lock out trip mechanism is located near the conductor that generates heat and is configured such that when the fusible metal melts when at least one heating element is energized or a holding wire fuses when energized in response to a failed self-test the plunger is released:
• allowing the compressed or stretched spring to convert its potential energy into kinetic energy, and
• moving the plunger to generate a force to unlatch a latch releasing a first spring to open a contactor switch removing power from an electrical circuit,
• wherein the constant force generated by the compressed or stretched spring on the plunger inhibits the circuit interrupting device from resetting which permanently prevents reconnecting power to the electrical circuit.

A circuit interrupting device comprising:

• a conductor;
• and
• a temperature-activated, permanent lock out trip mechanism including:
• a plunger;
• a compressed or stretched spring;
• and
• a fusible metal to hold the plunger in place that has a constant force exerted on it by either the compressed or stretched spring, wherein the temperature-activated, permanent lock out trip mechanism is configured such that when the fusible metal melts the plunger is released:
• allowing the compressed or stretched spring to convert its potential energy into kinetic energy, and
• moving the plunger to generate a force to unlatch a latch releasing a first spring to open a contactor switch removing power from an electrical circuit,
• wherein the constant force generated by the compressed or stretched spring on the plunger inhibits the circuit interrupting device from resetting which permanently prevents reconnecting power to the electrical circuit.