Importance

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Abstract

A power supply circuit detects ground fault paths, and miswiring of the load, using a test mode in which electrical power is applied to only one power output terminal of the power supply relative to the ground terminal, while substantially no electrical power is applied to the second power output terminal relative to the ground terminal. If application of power during the test mode causes substantial current flow through ground, then there is a ground fault path, or an incorrect connection between the midpoint of the load and ground. The power supply further includes unique features for signaling the presence and kind of fault it has detected; the power supply is capable of distinguishing between ground faults in at least two different locations, and when a fault is detected, the power supply signals the presence of the fault and its location, e.g., by timed blinking of the connected discharge light. These features are enhanced by a diagnostic analyzer for connection to the power supply. The diagnostic analyzer monitors power flow from the output terminals of the diagnostic analyzer to the input terminals of the power supply, and evaluates the power flow to identify power flow patterns indicative of a fault and the kind of fault. The power supply also reduces inrush current by disconnecting and reconnecting power to the transformer primary winding in opposite half-cycles of the alternating current electrical power.

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First Claim