Panelboard arrangement with improved control

Abstract

In a panelboard for controlling current paths through a plurality of associated circuit breakers, a panelboard enclosure includes circuit breakers which each have a side facing a front side of the enclosure and including a multi-sectioned user interface circuit, that is configured to communicate with at least one of the circuit breakers. The interface circuit includes a first circuit section and a second circuit section. The first circuit section is located adjacent the back wall of the enclosure and behind the second circuit section, and the second circuit section includes communication means for allowing an operator at the front of the enclosure to communicate with the circuit breakers. This arrangement minimizes heat in the back of the enclosure, provides control and monitoring functions at the front of the enclosure and allows room for additional circuitry in the back of the enclosure. An automatic interpreter may be included in the enclosure for interpreting a coded message which provides the operator access to control the circuit breakers. Preferably, the coded message is received on a coded key card.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.