Multiple-channel active sensing and switching device

Apparatus comprising:

• means for responding to operational conditions of different load types and providing load type sensor signals containing information about the operational conditions of the different load types, and also for responding to controller signals for controlling the operation of the different load type in two or more different protection configurations;
• and
• means for responding to the load type sensor signals and providing the controller signals in order to control the operation of the different load types in the two or more different protection configurations.

A circuit breaker device comprising:

• a sensing and switching module configured to respond to an undesirable operational condition of a load type and provide a load type sensor signal containing information about the undesirable operational condition of the load type, and also configured to respond to a controller signal for shutting off the operation of the load type;
• and
• a controller module configured to respond to the load type sensor signal and provide the controller signal in order to shut off the operation of the load type.