Earth leakage detection device

An earth leakage detection device for detecting earth leakage in an electrical distribution circuit and for actuating a circuit breaker when earth leakage is detected, the earth leakage detection device comprising:

• a housing;
• an earth leakage detection circuit;
• an electrically conductive strap arranged to conduct electrical current to the electrical distribution circuit, said electrically conductive strap for providing operating current to the earth leakage detection circuit;
• and
• a dielectric test switch arranged in signal communication with said electrically conductive strap and said earth leakage detection circuit, said dielectric test switch including an actuator disposed at said housing, wherein manipulating said actuator causes said dielectric test switch to interfere with the flow of electrical current from said electrically conductive strap to said earth leakage detection circuit;
• wherein said dielectric test switch further includes:
• a dielectric test cartridge arranged within said housing, said dielectric test cartridge having a first conductive portion, said first conductive portion being in electrical communication with said electrically conductive strap and arranged to electrically communicate with a second conductive portion disposed at said earth leakage detection circuit;
• and
• wherein manipulating said actuator moves said dielectric test cartridge in a direction to separate said first conductive portion from said second conductive portion to interfer with the flow of electrical current from said electrically conductive strap to said earth leakage detection circuit during dielectric testing, thereby resulting in the registration of an earth leakage.