Load interrupter system

A method for protecting a device connected to an electrical system, comprising the steps of:

• applying test signals to the device;
• recording responses of the device to the applied test signals;
• generating an operating profile for the device based on the recorded responses, the operating profile representing limits of normal operation of the device;
• connecting the device to an input voltage source via an interruptible current path;
• monitoring the interruptible current path by comparing dynamic operating characteristics of the device to the operating profile;
• and
• interrupting the current path in response to the dynamic operating characteristics falling outside the limits of normal operation of the device.

A method for protecting a device connected to an electrical system, comprising the steps of:

• connecting the device to an input voltage source via a first current path;
• applying test signals to the device using the first current path;
• monitoring the first current path for data responsive to the test signals applied to the first current path and storing the data in a memory;
• formatting the data into an operating profile representative of limits of normal operation of the device;
• connecting the device to the input voltage source via a second current path;
• monitoring the second current path by comparing dynamic operating characteristics of the device to the operating profile;
• and
• interrupting the current path in response to the dynamic operating characteristics falling outside the limits of normal operation of the device.

A load interrupter system for protecting a device connected to an electrical system, said load interrupter system comprising:

• means for applying test signals to the device and recording responses of the device to the applied test signals;
• means for generating an operating profile for the device based on the recorded responses, the operating profile representing limits of normal operation of the device;
• means for connecting the device to an input voltage source via an interruptible current path;
• means for monitoring the interruptible current path by comparing dynamic operating characteristics of the device to the operating profile;
• and
• means for interrupting the current path in response to the dynamic operating characteristics falling outside the limits of normal operation of the device.

A load interrupter system for protecting a device connected to an electrical system, said load interrupter system comprising:

• a test control unit coupled to the device, said test control unit including signal generation circuitry for applying test signals to the device and a storage medium for storing responses of the device to said test signals;
• processing circuitry for formatting said responses into an operating profile representative of limits of normal operation of the device;
• an interrupter unit including a memory for receiving and storing said operating profile from said test control unit while connected thereto, said interrupter unit including an input connected to an input voltage source and an output said interrupter unit forming a current path between said input and said output and including a relay along said current path for breaking said current path, said interrupter unit including a load monitor for monitoring dynamic operating characteristics of the device relative to said operating profile and causing said relay to break said current path in response to said dynamic operating characteristics outside the limits of normal operation of the device;
• and
• an external programming source connected to said test control unit for sending data to said control test unit, said data comprising electrical specifications and ratings of said device.