Method and system for open neutral protection circuit
AssigneeEricson Manufacturing Company
InventorRonald W. Hughes
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An open neutral protection method and apparatus including a blocking diode arrangement to prevent connection of power in circuits when the power source has an open neutral. In particular, when more than one branch circuits are connected to a power supply with more than one hot power lines, blocking diodes prevent back feed currents from activating relays connecting the power source to the branch circuits when the power source has an open neutral.
Claims22
An open neutral protection circuit, comprising:
- a first control switch for selectively connecting a power source to a first circuit, wherein the first control switch comprises a first element for opening and closing the first control switch, wherein when a first current flows through the first element, the first control switch connects the power source to the first circuit;
- and
- a first blocking diode to prevent a second current from flowing through the first element, wherein the first element is connected to the first blocking diode.
A method of providing open neutral circuit protection, comprising:
- selectively connecting a power source to a first circuit with a first control switch comprising a first element, wherein when a first current flows through the first element, the first control switch connects the power source to the first circuit;
- and
- preventing a second current from flowing through the first element with a first blocking diode, wherein the first element is connected to the first blocking diode.
A method of providing open neutral circuit protection, comprising:
- connecting a first blocking diode in series with a first element of a first control switch to prevent a first back feed current from flowing through the first element, wherein the first control switch selectively connects a power source to a first downstream circuit when current flows through the first element.
An open neutral protection circuit, comprising:
- means for selectively connecting a power source to a first circuit when a first current flows through a switching means, the switching means connecting the power source to the first circuit based on the first current;
- and
- means for preventing a second current from flowing through the switching means when a neutral line of the power supply is open.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.