Hubbell Incorporated
Self-test auto monitor ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with power denial

Abstract:

A circuit interrupting device including one or more line terminals for connecting to an external power supply, one or more load terminals for connecting to an external load, one or more contacts electrically connecting one or more line terminals to one or more load terminals; and an auto-monitoring circuit. The auto-monitoring circuit continuously monitoring one or more signals to determine an operating state of said circuit interrupting device. Wherein if said auto-monitoring circuit determines that said circuit interrupting device has reached its end-of-life and it is determined that the contacts have not failed, then a signal is driven to a first level to actuate a switch and open the contacts. Wherein said signal is further driven to a second level to inhibit said circuit interrupting device from resetting when it is determined that contacts of said interrupting device have failed. Wherein the second level has a voltage greater than zero volts.