GFCI failure indicator
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United States of America Patent
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Sep 8, 2009
Grant Date -
Sep 21, 2006
app pub date -
Jan 30, 2006
filing date -
Jan 28, 2005
priority date (Note) -
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status (Latency Note)
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Abstract
A GFCI having a fault indicator device or signaling device that provides a continuous audible/visual indication of a failure condition of the GFCI is disclosed herein. A failure condition may occur when continuous current flows through the terminals of a trip coil caused by a failed or damaged component such as a TRIAC or SCR of a GFCI. The failure indicator is coupled across the trip coil in the trip mechanism thereby allowing the indicator to detect the current flow. By placing such a visual and/or audible signaling device across the trip coil terminals, the shorted TRIAC or SCR provides continuous power to the coil terminals and the signaling device, even after the coil has burned out, thereby reminding a user to replace the GFCI receptacle. The signaling device can be implemented as an LED, neon lamp, buzzer or other device. The signaling device also can be activated momentarily in normal operating situations whenever the trip coil of the GFCI detects a ground fault condition or when a reset button is pressed.
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