US 5,289,148 A · Adaptable power switch module for circuit breaker panels

Abstract

A power switching module is adaptable for installation in a variety of existing circuit breaker panels. The module contains electrical controls providing selected control functions, such as an integral timer function. The module plugs into an existing breaker position in the circuit breaker panel adjacent a conventional circuit breaker on the same panel. The module has external terminals, including an interchangeable clip for connecting to the circuit breaker panel buss, a switched-circuit input series-connected to the load line output from the adjacent circuit breaker, a switched circuit output for carrying power to an external load being controlled by the switch, and a neutral wire extending to a neutral terminal on the panel. A microprocessor contained in the module provides the switched timer function that is set by digital inputs and displayed on the module housing. The microprocessor obtains operating power from the circuit breaker panel buss and controls operation of the switch solenoids. The power switching module obtains power for the switched load and over-current protection from the series-connected circuit breaker.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A power switch module adapted for use in circuit breaker panels of various configurations, the circuit breaker panel having a power buss extending along a series of side-by-side circuit breaker panel positions each configured to normally receive a single conventional circuit breaker unit, the switching module having an integral electrical control function for controlling switching to an external load, the power switch module comprising a housing;

switch means including a pair of switch contacts in the housing movable between an open position and a closed position;
microprocessor means in the housing having a control function for controlling operation of the switch means;
switch control means in the housing responsive to an output from the microprocessor for moving the switch contacts between the open and closed positions;
control inputs to the microprocessor for controlling operation of the switch means;
the housing having an external configuration for mounting the housing in a single breaker position in the circuit breaker panel normally occupied by a single conventional circuit breaker unit;
a circuit breaker buss connector on the housing for attachment to the power buss of the circuit breaker panel;
first circuit means within the housing for transmitting electrical power from the buss connector to the microprocessor for controlling microprocessor functioning;
second circuit means within the housing for transmitting electrical power from the buss connector to the switch control means, the switch control means being activated by an output from the microprocessor to produce a control signal for closing the switch contacts to carry out said control function of the microprocessor;
a switched circuit input to one of said switch contacts for coupling power from the power buss to the switch means through an intervening series-connected circuit breaker unit externally mounted in a separate circuit breaker position within the same panel;
and a switch circuit output from the other of said switch contacts for coupling electrical power from the series-connected circuit breaker unit through the switch means and to an external load when the switch contacts are closed.

7 more elements

An electrical control system for controlling the switching of electrical power to a load, comprising:

a circuit breaker panel having a power buss extending along a series of side-by-side circuit breaker panel positions each configured to normally receive a single conventional circuit breaker unit;
a circuit breaker unit mounted in one of the single circuit breaker panel positions and connected to the power buss;
an adaptable power switch module having an integral electrical control function for controlling switching to the load, the power switch module comprising a housing;
switch means including a pair of switch contacts in the housing movable between an open position and a closed position;
control means in the housing for controlling operation of the switch means;
switch control means in the housing responsive to an output from the control means for moving the switch contacts between the open and closed positions;
the housing having an external configuration for mounting the housing in a single breaker position in the circuit breaker panel;
a circuit breaker buss connector on the housing for attachment to the power buss of the circuit breaker panel;
first circuit means within the housing for transmitting electrical control power from the buss connector to the control means at a power level greatly less than the rated power level of the circuit breaker panel;
second circuit means within the housing for transmitting electrical control power from the buss connector to the switch control means, the switch control means being activated by an output from the control means to produce a control signal for closing the switch contacts;
a switched circuit input to one of said switch contacts for coupling power from the power buss to the switch means through the series-connected circuit breaker unit externally mounted in said separate circuit breaker position in the panel;
and a switch circuit output from the other of said switch contacts for coupling electrical power from the series connected circuit breaker unit through the switch means and to the external load when the switch contacts are closed.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Adaptable power switch module for circuit breaker panels

Life of this patent

Adaptable power switch module for circuit breaker panels

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15