Ground fault/arc fault circuit interrupter and method of testing the same with a test button and a reset button

A circuit interrupter for a power circuit, said device comprising:

• a first terminal;
• a second terminal;
• separable contacts electrically connected between said first terminal and said second terminal;
• an operating mechanism for opening said separable contacts, said operating mechanism having a closed position for closing said separable contacts;
• a trip mechanism cooperating with said operating mechanism to trip open said separable contacts;
• a ground fault protection circuit operatively associated with said power circuit;
• an arc fault protection circuit operatively associated with said power circuit;
• a test button;
• a reset button;
• and
• means for testing said ground fault protection circuit, testing said arc fault protection circuit, and restoring said operating mechanism to the closed position responsive to sequential activation of said test button and said reset button.

A method of testing a circuit interrupter, said method comprising the steps of:

• engaging a test button;
• opening separable contacts responsive to said step of engaging the test button;
• testing a first fault protection circuit responsive to said step of engaging the test button;
• engaging a reset button;
• testing a second fault protection circuit responsive to said step of engaging the reset button;
• and
• closing said separable contacts responsive to successfully testing at least one of said first and second fault protection circuits.