Protection device with lockout test

A protective device for interrupting power upon detection of an electrical fault in an electrical distribution system, comprising:

• a plurality of line terminals connectable to a source of voltage;
• a plurality of load terminals connectable to a load;
• a sensor for sensing said electrical fault;
• a detector coupled to said sensor for detecting said electrical fault;
• a switch coupled to said detector responsive to said detected fault;
• a relay, coupled to said switch, including a solenoid and a plurality of interrupting contacts wherein said relay disconnects said line terminals from said load terminals upon occurrence of said electrical fault, thereby moving said interrupting contacts to a disconnected position;
• a fusing element;
• a test button for enabling a test signal for testing an operating condition of at least one of said sensor, detector, switch, solenoid and trip mechanism and for providing a first current through said fusing element;
• wherein failure of said test signal to disconnect said interrupting contacts within a predetermined time interval causes said fusing element conducting said first current to reach a predetermined temperature, wherein said fusing element causes an open circuit, and wherein said interrupting contacts remain permanently in said disconnected position.

A protective device for interrupting power upon detection of an electrical fault in an electrical distribution system, comprising:

• a plurality of line terminals connectable to a source of voltage;
• a plurality of load terminals connectable to a load;
• a set of bus bars that connect or disconnect said plurality of line terminals from said plurality of load terminals, said set of bus bars including a first bus bar and a second bus bar;
• a resistor body one-way moveable between a first and second position, wherein when said resistor body is in said second position, said set of bus bars is permanently disconnected from said plurality of line terminals and said plurality of load terminals;
• a test button for enabling a test signal for testing an operating condition of said device to determine if said device is in good operating condition or bad operating condition, and for providing a current through said resistor body;
• said resistor body being connected on one end to said test button and on another end to one of said first and second bus bars;
• and
• wherein when said source of voltage is miswired to said load terminals and said test button is pressed, said resistor body does not move to said second position when said protective device is in said good operating condition.

A method for locking out a reset mechanism of an electrical protective device, comprising the steps of:

• providing a spring driven lockout for said reset mechanism;
• providing a resistor body which holds said lockout in a first position, wherein said first position permits resetting said electrical protective device;
• pressing a test button to check an operating condition of said electrical protective device;
• sending a current through said resistor body in response to pressing said test button;
• and
• moving said lockout to a second position in response to said resistor body reaching a predetermined temperature as a result of said current being sent through said resistor body for a longer period of time than a normal trip time of said electrical protective device, wherein said second position permanently prevents resetting of said electrical protective device.

A method for locking out a reset mechanism of an electrical protective device, comprising the steps of:

• providing a tripping mechanism which includes a normally open relay;
• providing a fusing element which permits power to said relay so that said relay remains closed;
• pressing a test button to check an operating condition of said electrical protective device;
• sending a current through said fusing element in response to pressing said test button;
• and
• blowing said fusing element in response to said fusing element reaching a predetermined temperature as a result of said current being sent through said fusing element for a longer period of time than a normal trip time of said electrical protective device, wherein said blowing of said fusing element creates an open circuit to said relay, thereby permanently preventing resetting of said electrical protective device.