HK1089299A - Circuit interrupting device and system utilizing bridge contact mechanism and reset lockout - Google Patents

Description

Circuit interrupting device and system utilizing bridge contact mechanism and reset lockout

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional application serial No.60/444,469, filed on 3/2/2003.

The present invention and a related application, also in the name of the present applicant, entitled circuit interrupting device and system utilizing an electromechanical reset, was filed on month 10 and 22 of 2003.

Technical Field

The present application relates to a family of resettable circuit interrupting devices and systems comprising: ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI); arcing Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs); immersion detection circuit breakers (IDCI); an equipment leakage circuit breaker (ALCI); an apparatus electrical leakage circuit breaker (ELCI); an electrical disconnect; a contactor; latching relays and solenoid mechanisms. More particularly, the present application relates to circuit interrupting devices that include a circuit interrupting portion that breaks an electrical path between the line and load sides of the device.

Background

Many wiring devices have a line side that is connected to a power source, a load side that is connectable to one or more loads, and at least one conductive path between the line side and the load side. Electrical connections to supply power or conduct electricity to one or more loads are on the line side and the load side. The line equipment industry has demonstrated an increase in demand for circuit interrupting devices or systems designed to interrupt the supply of electrical power to various loads, such as household appliances, consumer electrical products, and branch circuits. In particular, electricity usage regulations require that electrical circuits in home bathrooms and kitchens be configured with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), for example. A GFCI device is described in more detail in U.S. patent No.4,595,894, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Currently used GFCI devices, such as the device described in U.S. patent No.4,595,894 (the' 894 patent) owned by the present applicant, utilize an electrically actuated trip mechanism to mechanically break the electrical connection between the line side and the load side. Such devices may be reset after being tripped, for example, by detection of a ground fault. In the device discussed in the' 894 patent, the trip mechanism used to mechanically break the electrical circuit (i.e., the conductive path between the line and load sides) includes a solenoid (or trip coil). A test button is used for the trip mechanism and circuitry to detect faults and a reset button is used to restore the electrical connection between the line and load sides.

However, conditions caused by abnormal conditions such as lightning strikes not only cause fluctuations in the power in the device and cause the device to open, but also cause the opening mechanism to be rendered ineffective and the circuit to be mechanically broken. This may occur without the knowledge of the user. An unknowing user faced with a GFCI device trip would press the reset button, which would cause the device with the inoperative trip mechanism to be reset without ground fault protection.

In addition, there may be an open neutral condition as determined by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard PAG943A, when electrical conductors supply power to such GFCI devices. If the open neutral condition has the neutral conductor on the line (as opposed to the load) side of the GFCI device, a situation can arise where a current path is created from the phase (or hot) conductor supplying power to the GFCI device through the load side of the device and through personnel to ground. In the presence of an open neutral condition, the current GFCI device that has created an open circuit can be reset even though an open neutral condition still exists.

U.S. patent No.6,040,967, serial No.09/138,955, filed 24/8/1998, owned by the present applicant and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a family of resettable circuit interrupting devices that can trip the reset portion of the device if the circuit interrupting portion is not operating or an open neutral condition exists.

Some of the circuit interrupting devices described above have user accessible load side connections in addition to the line side and load side connections. The user accessible load side connection includes one or more connection points where a user can make an external connection to the power supplied from the line side. The load side connection and the user accessible load side connection are typically electrically connected together. One example of such circuit interrupting devices is a GFCI receptacle wherein the line side and load side connections are binding screws and the user accessible load side connection is a two or three hole receptacle commonly used in power outlets for connection to electrically powered devices commonly using three or two pin plugs. As described above, such devices are connected to external wiring so that the line side wires are connected to the line side connection and the load side wires are connected to the load side connection. However, it may occur that the circuit interrupting device is improperly connected to the external wiring to connect the load wiring to the line side connection and the line side wires to the load connection. This condition is called reverse wiring. In the event that the circuit interrupting device is reverse wired, fault protection to the user accessible load connection may be eliminated even though fault protection to the load side connection remains. In addition, since the fault protection is eliminated, the user accessible terminals (i.e., three or two hole sockets) will have power, which will allow the user to think that the device is operating correctly if it is not actually operating correctly. Therefore, it is desirable to detect a fault in the reverse wiring of the circuit interrupting device. In addition, it is desirable to prevent reverse wiring of the device. In addition, it is desirable to prevent the user accessible load terminals from having power when the circuit interrupting device is reverse wired or the circuit interrupting device is not operating properly.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a family of resettable circuit interrupting devices that prevent electrical energy from contacting the user of the device when reverse wiring is performed. The device has a reset lockout mechanism to prevent the device from resetting in the event of improper operation. No power is delivered to the user accessible receptacle and/or plug disposed on the device panel when the device is not reset and if the device is reverse wired. Various devices of the present invention have at least a pair of line terminals, a pair of load terminals and a pair of face terminals. The line terminals may be electrically connected to a power source. The load terminals are electrically connected to the load and are incorrectly connected to the power source if the device is reverse wired. The face terminals are electrically connected, for example, to user accessible plugs and/or sockets disposed on the face of the device. The line, load and face terminals are electrically isolated from each other. The device of the present invention is made and delivered in a power-off state, i.e., a power-off state with no electrical connection between the line and load terminals and no electrical connection between the load and face terminals. Thus, in the power-off state, at least the three terminals are electrically isolated from each other.

Each pair of terminals has a phase terminal and a neutral terminal. A phase conductive path is formed when the respective phase terminals are connected to each other. Similarly, when the corresponding neutral terminals are connected to each other, a neutral conductive path is formed. The phase conductive path preferably includes one or more switching devices that can be opened to disconnect electrical power from the phase conductive path and closed to reestablish electrical continuity in the phase conductive path. In addition, the neutral conductive path includes one or more switching devices that can be opened to disconnect electrical power from the neutral conductive path and closed to reestablish electrical continuity in the neutral conductive path.

The devices of the present invention each further have a pair of movable bridges electrically connected to the line terminals. The movable bridges electrically connect the line and load terminals with the face terminals when the device is reset to deliver power to the face of the device. The movable bridges are mechanically biased away from the load and face terminals. When the device is improperly wired or reverse wired (i.e., power is connected to the load terminals), the reset lockout mechanism prevents the movable bridges from connecting the line terminals to the load and face terminals even in an attempt to reset the device, thus preventing power from being present at the face terminals or at the user accessible plugs and/or receptacles.

In one embodiment, the circuit interrupting device includes a housing in which the line terminals, movable bridges, load terminals and face terminals are at least partially disposed. The circuit interrupting device also includes a circuit interrupting portion disposed in the housing to break the electrical connection between the terminals upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition. The circuit interrupting device also includes a trip portion, a reset portion and a sensing circuit.

One embodiment of the circuit interrupting device uses an electromechanical circuit interrupting portion to break the electrical connection between the line, load and face terminals. The reset lockout mechanism prevents reestablishing electrical continuity between the line, load and face terminals unless the circuit interrupting portion is operating properly. That is, the reset lockout mechanism prevents resetting of the device unless the circuit interrupting device is operating properly. The reset portion allows the device to be reset to produce an electrical connection between the line and load terminals and an electrical connection between the line and face terminals, i.e., the device is in a set or reset mode. In addition, there is an electrical connection between the load and face terminals when the device is reset. Thus, the reset portion establishes electrical connections between the line, load and face terminals. The electromechanical breaking portion includes: a latch plate and lifter assembly; a coil and core assembly; a mechanical switch assembly; the movable bridge and a sensing circuit.

The reset part comprises a reset pin connected with a reset button; the button and reset pin are mechanically biased, the reset pin having a flange (e.g., a circular flange or disk) extending radially from an end thereof that interacts with the latch plate and lifter assembly when the reset pin is depressed while the device is in the tripped state. The interfering latch plate and lifter assembly cooperate with the mechanical switch assembly to activate the sensing circuit. If the circuit interrupting portion is operating properly, the activated sensing circuit will energize the coil assembly associated with the sensing circuit. A movable plunger is disposed in the coil assembly and is energized to engage the movable plunger with the latch plate to permit the end of the reset pin and the flange to momentarily pass through aligned openings in the latch plate and lifter assembly. The openings are then no longer aligned and the flanges and the ends of the reset pin are trapped under the lifter. The flange now interferes with the latch plate and lifter assembly just below the lifter. In the event that the button is released after being depressed, the bias of the reset pin biases the reset pin away from the latch plate and lifter assembly. Upon release of the reset button, the biasing of the reset pin, along with its interference flange, causes it to lift the latch plate and lifter assembly. In this manner, the lifter portion of the latch plate and lifter assembly engages the movable bridges to cause the bridges to electrically connect the line, load and face terminals, thereby placing the device in a set or reset state. If the circuit interrupting portion is not operating properly, the plunger of the coil assembly does not engage the latch plate and lifter assembly to prevent the circuit interrupting device from resetting.

The sensing circuit includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components to sense the occurrence of a predetermined condition. The sensing circuit is integrated with the electromechanical circuit interrupting portion. Upon detection of a predetermined condition, the sensing circuit actuates the electromechanical breaker to place the device in a tripped condition.

The open circuit condition is achieved by actuating the trip portion of the circuit interrupting device. A trip portion of the circuit interrupting device is at least partially disposed in the housing to break the electrical connection in the phase and/or neutral conductive paths. The open circuit condition may also occur when the device detects a predetermined condition (e.g., a ground fault) and is in a reset mode. In one embodiment, the trip portion includes a test button connected to a trip pin having a cam or angled portion at its end that engages the latch plate when the device is reset. The trip pin and the test button are mechanically biased such that the trip pin tends to move away from the latch plate and lifter assembly when the test button is released after being depressed. Actuation of the trip portion (i.e., button depressed) when the device is in the reset mode causes the cam portion of the trip pin to momentarily engage the latch plate and align the lifter and latch plate openings; this allows the end of the reset pin and flange to be released from under the lifter and no longer interfere with the lifter and latch plate assembly. The result of the lifter and latch plate no longer lifting the movable bridges and the biasing of the movable bridges causes them to move away from the load and face terminals to disconnect the line, load and face terminals from each other, thereby placing the device in a tripped condition.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present application will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a ground fault circuit interrupting device in accordance with the present invention;

fig. 2 is a top view of the GFCI device of fig. 1 with the panel portion removed and the remainder removed;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the face terminal inner housing, load terminal and movable bridges;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the construction of some of the components of the circuit interrupting portion of the device of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of FIG. 4;

figure 6 is a perspective view of the reset portion of the present invention;

fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the lifter/latch assembly of the circuit interrupting device of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a sensing circuit;

FIGS. 9-14 illustrate a sequence of operations when the apparatus of the present invention is reset from the tripped condition;

fig. 15-18 illustrate the sequence of operation of the device of the present invention in a reset state when it is open.

Detailed Description

The present invention contemplates different types of circuit interrupting devices having at least one conductive path. The conductive path is typically divided between a line side connected to a power source, a load side connected to one or more loads, and a user side connected to a user accessible plug or receptacle. As mentioned above, different ones of the resettable circuit interrupting devices of a family include: ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), arcing fault interrupters (AFCI); immersion detection circuit breakers (IDCI); an equipment leakage circuit breaker (ALCI); an apparatus electrical leakage circuit breaker (ELCI).

For the purposes of this application, the structure or mechanism used in the circuit interrupting devices shown in the drawings and described below is incorporated into a GFCI device that is adapted to be mounted within a single gang junction box used in an electrical circuit system. However, the mechanism of the present application can be incorporated into any of the various devices in the family of resettable circuit interrupting devices. Further, more generally: the circuit interrupting device of the present invention can be used as any device having at least a first, second, and third electrical conductor, each of which is disposed in at least one housing. The electrical conductors are electrically isolated from each other, a first conductor is connectable to a power source, a second conductor is connectable to one or more loads, and a third conductor is shaped to be accessible by a user. At least one movable bridge interconnects the first, second and third electrical conductors, one end of the movable bridge being connected to a power source and the first conductor, the movable bridge disconnecting the conductors from each other upon detection of a fault or predetermined condition.

More specifically, however, the circuit interrupting devices described herein have at least three pairs of electrically isolated terminals: at least one pair of line terminals, at least one pair of load terminals, and at least one pair of user or face terminals. The at least one pair of line terminals communicate electrical energy (e.g., alternating current) to the device; the at least one pair of load terminals connect an external conductor or implement to the device. These connections may be, for example, electrical fixtures to secure or connect the external conductor to the circuit interrupting device and conduct electricity. Examples of such connections include binding screws, lugs, terminals and male plug connections. At least one face plate or otherwise referred to as a user terminal, typically using a two-prong or three-prong receptacle, allows a user to electrically connect an electrical device to the GFCI device via a two-prong or three-prong plug that mates with the receptacle.

The above-described features can be incorporated into any resettable circuit interrupting device, but for purposes of explanation, the following relates to a GFCI device.

In one embodiment, the GFCI device has: the circuit breaker comprises a circuit breaking part, a resetting part and a resetting locking mechanism. The GFCI device also has a mechanical trip portion. The GFCI device also has a pair of movable bridges that connect the line terminals to the load and face terminals when the bridges are engaged. When the bridges are not engaged, the line, load and face terminals are electrically isolated from one another. Since the face terminals are electrically isolated from the load and line terminals, there is no power at the face terminals even if the GFCI device is reverse wired (power is connected to the load terminals and not the line terminals). When the movable bridges are not engaged, the line, load and face terminals are electrically isolated from one another and the device is considered to be in a tripped condition.

The circuit interrupting and reset portions described herein preferably use electro-mechanical components to break (open) and connect (close) one or more conductive paths between the line and load terminals and between the line and face terminals of the device. However, electrical components such as solid state switches and support circuits may be used to open and close the conductive paths.

Typically, the circuit interrupting portion is used to automatically break an electrical connection (i.e., open a conductive path) in one or more conductive paths between the line and load terminals upon detection of a fault, which in this embodiment is a ground fault. The electrical connection between the line and face terminals is also broken. A reset portion is used to close the open conductive paths.

In this configuration, the operation of the reset and reset lockout portions is combined with the operation of the circuit interrupting portion such that electrical continuity in the severed conductive path cannot be reset if the circuit interrupting portion is not operational, if an open neutral condition exists and/or the device is reverse wired. The device cannot be reset when the circuit interrupting portion is not operating, which means that any one or more components of the circuit interrupting portion are not functioning properly. The mechanical trip portion is capable of breaking electrical continuity between the line, load and face terminals independently of the operation of the circuit interrupting portion. Thus, the device can still be tripped in case the circuit breaking portion is not functioning properly.

Turning now to fig. 1, the GFCI device has a housing 12 with a face or end cover portion 36 removably secured to the housing 12. Faceplate portion 36 has jacks 16, 18, 24, 26 aligned with the jacks to receive standard or polarized prongs of a plug commonly found at the end of a household appliance cord (not shown), and faceplate portion 36 also has ground prong receiving portions 17, 25 to receive a three-wire plug. The GFCI device also includes a mounting strap 14 to secure the device to the junction box.

The test button 22 extends through an opening 23 in a face portion 36 of the housing 12. The test button is used to set the device 10 to a tripped condition. The circuit interrupting portion, which will be described in detail below, is used to break electrical continuity in one or more conductive paths between the line and load sides of the device. A reset button 20, which forms part of the reset portion, extends through the opening 19 in the face portion 36 of the housing 12. The reset button is used to initiate a reset operation to reestablish electrical continuity in the open conductive paths.

With further reference to fig. 1, electrical connections to existing household electrical circuitry are made by binding screws 28, 30, for example, screw 30 is an input (or line) phase connection and screw 28 is an output (or load) phase connection. Screws 28, 30 are secured (by a threaded arrangement) to terminals 32, 34, respectively. However, the GFCI device can be designed such that: i.e., screw 30 is an output phase connection and screw 28 is an input phase or line connection. The terminals 32, 34 are one half of the pair of terminals. Thus, two additional binding screws and terminals (not shown in the figures) are arranged on opposite sides of the device 10. These additional binding screws provide line and load neutral connections, respectively. It should be noted that: binding screws and terminals are exemplary types of wire terminals that may be used to provide an electrical connection. Examples of other types of terminals include set screws, pressure clamps, pressure plates, push-on connections, flexible connectors, and quick-connect tabs. The face terminals are used as receptacles for mating with male plugs. The face terminals are shown in detail in fig. 2.

Referring to fig. 2, a top view of the GFCI device is shown (without the face portion 36 and mounting strap 14). An inner housing structure 40 provides a platform on which the components of the GFCI device are disposed. The reset button 20 and the test button 22 are mounted on the housing structure 40. The housing structure 40 is mounted on the printed circuit board 38. The receptacle aligned with opening 16 of face portion 36 is formed by extensions 50A, 52A of bracket 48. The bracket 48 is made of an electrically conductive material and the sockets aligned with the openings 16, 24 are formed of an electrically conductive material. The receptacle aligned with opening 24 of face portion 36 is formed by extensions 50B, 52B of bracket 48. In addition, the bracket 48 has a flange with an electrically conductive contact 56 attached to the end of the flange. The bracket 46 is of electrically conductive material and the receptacle aligned with the openings 18, 26 is formed by the bracket 46. Receptacles aligned with openings 18 of face portion 36 are constructed from bracket extensions 42A, 44A. Receptacles aligned with openings 26 of face portion 36 are constructed from extensions 42B, 44B. The bracket 46 has a flange with an electrically conductive contact 60 attached to the end of the flange. Thus, brackets 46 and 48 form face terminals that serve as receptacles aligned with openings 16, 18, 24, 26 of face portion 36 of GFCI device 10 (see fig. 1). Load terminals 32 and line terminals 34 are also mounted on the inner housing structure 40. The load terminal 32 has an extension with an electrically conductive load contact 58 attached to an end of the extension. Likewise, the load terminal 54 has an extension to which the conductive contact 62 is attached. The line, load and face terminals are electrically isolated from each other and electrically connected to each other by a pair of movable bridges. The relationship between the line, load and face terminals and how they are interconnected is shown in fig. 3.

Referring now to fig. 3, the positioning of the face and load terminals relative to each other and their interaction with the movable bridges 64, 66 is shown. Although the line terminals are not shown in the figures, it should be understood that: the line terminal is also electrically connected to one end of the movable bridge. The movable bridges 64, 66 are typically electrical conductors configured and arranged to connect at least the line terminals to the load terminals. Specifically, movable bridge 66 has a bent portion 66B and a connecting portion 66A. The bent portion 66B is electrically connected to the line terminal 34 (not shown). Likewise, movable bridge 64 has a bent portion 64B and a connecting portion 64A. The bent portion 64B is electrically connected to another line terminal (not shown); the other line terminal is arranged on the opposite side of the line terminal 34. The connecting portion 66 of the movable bridge 66 has two fingers, each of which has a bridge contact 68, 70 attached to its end. Connecting portion 64A of movable bridge 64 also has two fingers, with bridge contacts 72, 74 connected to the ends of both fingers. The bridge contacts 68, 70, 72, 74 are made of a material having a relatively high electrical conductivity. In addition, the panel terminal contacts 56, 60 are made of a material having high conductivity. In addition, the load terminal contacts 58, 62 are made of a material having a relatively high electrical conductivity. The movable bridges are preferably made of a flexible metal that can bend when subjected to mechanical forces. The connecting portions 64A, 66A of the movable bridges are biased downward by mechanical force or in the general direction indicated by arrow 67. When the GFCI device is reset, the connecting portions of the movable bridges are moved in the direction indicated by arrow 65 and engage the load and face terminals to interconnect the line, load and face terminals. In particular, connecting portion 66A of movable bridge 66 is bent upward (in the direction indicated by arrow 65) to allow contacts 68, 70 to mate with contacts 56 of bracket 48 and contact 58 of load terminal 32, respectively. Likewise, connecting portion 64A of movable bridge 64 is bent upward (in the direction indicated by arrow 65) to allow contacts 72, 74 to mate with contacts 62 of load terminal 54 and contacts 60 of carrier 46, respectively. The connecting portion of the movable bridges are bent upward by a latch/lifter assembly positioned below the connecting portion and which moves upward (in the direction of arrow 65) when the GFCI device is reset, as will be described below with reference to fig. 14. It should be noted that: the contacts of the movable bridges cooperate with the contacts of the load or face terminals when current flows between the contacts, by bringing the contacts into contact with each other. Some of the components that move the connecting portion of the movable bridge upward are shown in fig. 4.

Referring now to fig. 4, there is shown a coil core assembly mounted on the printed circuit board 38 and including a bobbin 82 having a cavity in which a longer cylindrical core 80 is slidably disposed. For clarity, the bracket 48 and load terminals 32 are not shown. One end of plunger 80 is shown extending out of the bobbin cavity. The other end of plunger 80 (not shown) is coupled or engaged by a spring that provides the appropriate force to push a portion of the plunger out of the bobbin cavity after the plunger is pulled into the cavity by the magnetic force generated when the coil is energized. A wire (not shown) is wound on the bobbin 82 to form a coil. For clarity, the wire wound on the spool 82 is not shown. A lifter 78 and latch 84 assembly is shown with the lifter 78 disposed below the movable bridges. Movable bridges 66, 64 are held by mounting brackets 86 (only one shown) and mounting brackets 86 are also used to secure line terminal 34 and another line terminal (not shown) to the GFCI device. It should be understood that: the other mounting bracket 86 for mounting the movable bridge 64 is arranged directly opposite the mounting bracket shown in the figures. The reset button 20 has a reset pin 76 that cooperates with the lifter 78 and latch 84 assembly, as will be shown below.

Referring to fig. 5, a side view of the structure of fig. 4 is shown. When the coil is energized, plunger 80 is pulled into the coil in the direction indicated by arrow 81. Connecting portion 66A of movable bridge 66 is shown as being biased downward (in the direction indicated by arrow 85). Although not shown, the connecting portion of movable bridge 64 is similarly biased downward. In addition, a mechanical switch, a portion of detection arm 90, is shown disposed below a portion of lifter 78. It should be noted that: since the bracket 48 is not shown, the panel terminal contacts 56 are also not shown.

Referring now to fig. 6, the positioning of the lifter 78 and latch 84 assembly relative to the spool 82, reset button 20 and reset pin 76 is shown. Note that the return pin has a lower portion 76A and a disc-shaped flange 76B. It should be noted that: the flange 76B may be any shape and the disk-shaped flange shown here is only one specific example of the type of flange that may be used. The lower portion 76A and flange 76B of the reset pin are arranged to extend through aligned openings of the latch 84 and lifter 78. The mechanical switch assembly shown in the figures is also disposed beneath a portion of the lifter 78. The mechanical switch assembly includes a sensing arm 90 and a sensing pin 92 to cause an open circuit condition to occur. The reset button 20 and reset pin 76 are biased in an upward direction (direction indicated by arrow 94) by a spring coil (not shown). The detection arm 90 of the mechanical switch is also biased upward. When the detection arm 90 is pressed down (direction indicated by arrow 94A), the detection arm 90 will move up (direction indicated by arrow 94) to the initial position when released. Similarly, when reset button 20 is depressed (in the direction indicated by arrow 94A), reset button 20 will return to its original position by moving in the direction indicated by arrow 94. The latch plate 84 and lifter 78 assembly is mounted on top of the spool 82. Only a portion of lifter 78 is shown to show how lifter 78 engages detection arm 90 and how latch plate 84 engages lifter 78. Fig. 7 shows the specific relationship between the latch plate 84 and the lifter 78.

Referring now to fig. 7, there is shown how the latch plate 84 is slidably and resiliently mounted to the lifter 78. The latch plate 84 has one opening 84B and another opening 84D, with the spring coil 84A disposed in the opening 84D. The latch plate projection 84C is adapted to receive one end of the spring coil 84A, the other end of the spring coil 84A engaging one of the catch portions of the lifter 78. The latch plate 84 has a hook portion 84E for engaging the test button 22, as will be described with reference to fig. 15. Although the reset pin 76 is not part of the latch plate/lifter assembly, the reset pin 76, having a lower portion 76A and a flange 76B, is designed to extend through the openings 78A, 84B of the lifter 78 and the latch plate 84 when aligned with one another. The two openings are aligned with each other when the plunger 80 of the coil plunger assembly is mated with the latch plate 84, as will be described below. The plunger is pulled into the cavity of the bobbin 82 in the event that the sensing circuit detects a fault or a predetermined condition and the coil is energized by the sensing circuit. In the embodiment in question, the predetermined condition is a ground fault. The predetermined condition may be any type of fault, such as an arcing fault, an equipment leakage fault, or an immersion detection fault. Typically, a fault is an indication of: i.e., the circuit interrupting device has detected a dangerous condition and has or is ready to disconnect power from a connected load to the device through the load terminals and/or face terminals. The sensing circuit is shown in fig. 8.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a sensing circuit is shown, the sensing circuit comprising: a differential transformer; a ground/neutral transformer (G/N transformer); an integrated circuit IC-1 for detecting a current and outputting a voltage upon detection of the current; a full wave bridge rectifier D3, D4, D5, D6; a voltage suppressor MV1 to absorb excess power that may be present at the line terminals; a plurality of filtering coupling capacitors C1-C9; a gate semiconductor device Q1; a relay coil assembly K1; a plurality of current limiting resistors R1-R4 and a voltage limiting zener diode D2. As shown, the mechanical switch, including sensing arm 90 and sensing pin 92, is connected to the conductor of the line terminal arranged in series with current limiting resistor R4. The movable bridges are shown to act as switches connecting the line terminals to the face and load terminals. The line, load and face terminals are electrically isolated from each other except when connected by a movable bridge. There is a difference in current magnitude between the two line terminals when a predetermined condition, such as a ground fault, occurs. This current difference appears as a net current detected by the differential transformer and is provided to IC-1. Integrated circuit IC-1 may be any of the integrated circuits commonly used in ground fault circuits (e.g., LM-1851) produced by National semiconductor corporation or other well-known semiconductor manufacturers. Based on the current provided by the differential transformer, the integrated circuit IC-1 generates a voltage on pin 1 which is connected to the gate Q1. The full wave bridge formed by diodes D3-D6 has a DC side connected to the anode of Q1. Q1 is turned on to short the DC side of the full wave bridge to energize relay K1, causing the movable bridge to remove power from the face and load terminals. The relay K1 has disposed therein bobbin 82, coil (not shown) and plunger 80 components. It should be noted that: diode D1 functions as a rectifier to maintain the voltage supply to IC-1 when Q1 is turned on. Relay K1 may also be actuated when mechanical switch 90 is closed to cause an imbalance in the current on the line terminal conductors, which is detected by the differential transformer. The G/N transformer detects the remote ground voltage present on one of the load terminal conductors and provides current to IC-1 when the remote ground voltage is detected, thereby again activating relay K1.

The sensing circuit cooperates with the trip portion of the GFCI device to trip the device. Additionally, the sensing circuit may allow the GFCI device to reset if the reset lock has not been actuated after the GFCI device has tripped, as will be described below. In the tripped condition, the line, load and face terminals are electrically isolated from each other. Thus, even if the device is reverse wired, there is no power at the panel terminals. GFCI devices made in accordance with the present invention are shipped in a tripped condition. The circuit interrupting portion includes the coil and plunger 80 assembly, the latch plate 84 and lifter 78 assembly, and the mechanical switch assemblies 90, 92.

Referring to fig. 9-14, a sequence of resetting the GFCI device from a tripped condition is shown. When the GFCI device is in the tripped state, the line, load and face terminals are electrically isolated from each other because the movable bridges are not engaged with any of the terminals. Referring to fig. 9, the arrangement of the reset button 20, reset pin 76, reset pin lower portion 76A and disk flange 76B is shown when the device is in the tripped condition. In the tripped condition, the lifter 78 disposed below the movable bridges (not shown) does not engage the movable bridges. The reset button 20 is in its uppermost position. The latches 84 and the lifter 78 are arranged so that the openings of the latches 84 and the lifter are not aligned to allow the disc-shaped flange 76B to pass through the openings. In addition, a portion of the lifter 78 is disposed directly above the detection arm 90 but does not contact the detection arm 90.

In fig. 10, to initially reset the GFCI device, reset button 20 is depressed (in the direction shown by arrow 94A) to cause flange 76B to interfere with latch plate 84 to depress lifter 78 onto sensing arm 90 of the mechanical switch. Thus, the detecting arm 90 comes into contact with the detecting pin 92 (see fig. 6).

In fig. 11, when the detection arm 90 is in contact with the detection pin 92, the sensing circuit is actuated to energize the coil, as previously described, thereby momentarily drawing the plunger 80 into the spool 82 into engagement with the latch plate 84, and more particularly, the plunger 80 momentarily pushes the latch plate 84 in the direction indicated by arrow 81.

In fig. 12, the latch plate slides (in the direction of arrow 81) along lifter 78 as it is pushed by plunger 80 to align its opening with the lifter opening, allowing flange 76B and a portion of reset pin lower portion 76A to extend through openings 84B, 78A (see fig. 7).

In fig. 13, the latch plate is retracted (in the direction shown by arrow 81A) and upon release of the reset button, the detection arm 90 also springs back out of engagement with the detection pin 92. In fig. 14, retraction of the latch plate 84 causes the opening 84B to again misalign with the opening 74B to trap the flange 78 beneath the lifter 78 and latch assembly. When the reset button is released, the biasing of the reset pin 76, along with the restrained flange 76B, raises the lifter and latch assembly to bring the lifter (disposed below the movable bridges) into engagement with the movable bridges 66, 64. Specifically, the connecting portions 66A, 64A of the movable bridges 66, 64, respectively, are bent in the direction indicated by arrow 65 (see fig. 3 and corresponding discussion) to electrically interconnect the line, load and face terminals. Now that the GFCI device is in the reset mode means that the electrical contacts of the line, load and face terminals are electrically connected to each other to allow power from the line terminal to be supplied to the load and face terminals. The GFCI device remains in the reset mode until the sensing circuit detects a fault or the GFCI device is intentionally tripped by pressing the test button 22.

When the sensing circuit detects a condition such as a ground fault in the GFCI or other condition (e.g., arcing fault, immersion detection fault, device leakage fault; device leakage fault), the sensing circuit energizes the coil to engage the plunger 80 with the latch plate 84, thereby aligning the latch opening 84B with the lifter opening 78A and allowing the reset pin lower portion 76A and the disc shaped flange 76B to disengage from the underside of the lifter, thus separating the lifter from the movable bridges 64, 66, which are biased away from the face and load terminal contacts 64, 66. Based thereon, the line, load and face terminals are electrically isolated from one another to place the GFCI device in an open circuit state or condition (see fig. 9).

The GFCI device of the present invention can also be placed into a tripped state by depressing the test button 22. The sequence of operations of how the device is to be tripped by the test button 22 is shown in figures 15-18. In fig. 15, the test button 22 is depressed while the device is in the reset mode. The test button 22 has a test button pin portion 22A and a cam end portion 22B connected thereto, the cam end portion 22B being biased upwardly by mechanical force in the direction indicated by arrow 94. The cam end 22B is preferably tapered so that a cam action occurs when the cam end 22B engages the hook end 84E of the latch plate 84 due to the angle of the end of the detection button pin portion 22A.

In fig. 16, the camming action is a movement of the latch plate 84 in the direction indicated by arrow 81 when the test button 22 is depressed (in the direction indicated by arrow 94A), which aligns the latch plate opening 84B with the lifter opening 78A.

In fig. 17, the alignment of the openings 78A, 84B allows the lower portion 76A of the reset pin and the disc-shaped flange 76B to disengage from the lifter to disengage the lifter from the movable bridges 64, 66, which movable bridges 64, 66 are biased away from the face and load terminal contacts (see fig. 3). The test button 20 is now in the uppermost position. Thus, the line, load and face terminals are electrically isolated from each other to place the GFCI device in an open circuit state or condition (see fig. 9). In FIG. 18, the test button 22 is released so that it is biased to move upwardly (in the direction indicated by arrow 94) and disengage from the hook portion 84E of the latch plate 84. The latch plate is retracted in the direction shown by arrow 81A to misalign the opening in latch plate 84 with the opening of lifter 78. The device is now in the off state. It should be noted that: once the device of the present invention is in the off position, pressing the test button will not be effective because the latch plate 84 cannot now engage the beveled end of the test button 22. The test button 22 will perform the trip function after the device is reset.

The GFCI device of the present invention does not allow (by pushing the reset button) a reset once in the tripped position if the circuit interrupting portion is in the off state; that is, if any one or more components of the circuit interrupting portion fail to function properly, the device cannot be reset. Furthermore, if the sensing circuit does not function properly, the device cannot be reset. The reset lockout mechanism of the present invention may function in an active manner, i.e., if the circuit interrupting portion or if the sensing circuit is not functioning properly, the reset lockout mechanism is provided with one or more components specifically designed to perform the reset lockout function to prevent the device from being reset. The reset lockout mechanism may also function in a passive manner, i.e., the device may not enter a reset mode if any one or more components of the sensing circuit or if any one or more components of the circuit interrupting portion are not functioning properly; this passive reset lockout is implemented in the present invention. For example, the device cannot be reset if either of the coil/core assemblies 82, 80 or the latch plate/lifter assemblies 84, 78 or the reset button/reset pins 22, 76 fail to function properly or if there is a fault. Furthermore, if the sensing arm 90 or the sensing pin 92 is not operating properly, the device cannot be reset.

It should be noted that: the circuit interrupting device of the present invention has a trip portion that operates independently of the circuit interrupting portion so that the device can still be tripped in the event the circuit interrupting portion fails to operate. The preferred situation is: the trip portion is manually actuated (by pushing the test button 22) as previously described and utilizes mechanical components to break one or more conductive paths. However, the trip portion may also utilize electrical circuitry and/or electromechanical components to break either the phase or neutral paths or both.

While the components used in the opening of the circuit and in the device reset operation are electromechanical in nature, the present application contemplates the use of electrically powered components such as solid state switches and supporting circuitry and other types of components capable of making and breaking electrical connections in conductive paths.

It should be noted that: the circuit interrupting device of the present invention may be part of a system that includes one or more wires, for example, through a house or through any other known structure. Thus, the system of the invention has a conductive medium (e.g., a wire for carrying current) forming at least one electrical circuit comprising at least one circuit breaking device according to the invention; an electric device; electrical systems and/or components; that is, the electrically powered components, devices and/or systems are connected by wires to form an electrical circuit that includes the circuit interrupting device of the present invention. The resulting circuit is the inventive system supplied with electrical power. Thus, if the circuit interrupting device detects a fault (or predetermined condition) from the component, system or electrically powered device, the system of the present invention will protect it by cutting off their power. In one embodiment, the circuit interrupting device used in the system may be a GFCI.

While there have been shown, described, and pointed out fundamental features of the invention, it will be understood that: omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices described, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims (78)

1. A circuit interrupting device comprising:

a first electrical conductor in electrical connection with a power source;

a second electrical conductor operable to carry current to a load when the second electrical conductor is electrically connected to the first electrical conductor;

a third electrical conductor electrically connected to the user accessible plug and/or receptacle, the first, second and third electrical conductors being electrically isolated from one another;

a movable bridge electrically connected to the first electrical conductor, the movable bridge being capable of electrically connecting the first, second and third electrical conductors to one another;

a circuit interrupting portion that interrupts electrical power between the first, second and third electrical conductors when a predetermined condition occurs;

a reset portion for reestablishing electrical continuity between the first, second and third electrical conductors after the predetermined condition has occurred;

a reset lockout mechanism that prevents reestablishing electrical continuity between the first, second and third electrical conductors if the circuit interrupting portion is inoperable.

2. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1 wherein: the conditions include a ground fault, an arcing fault, a device leakage fault, an equipment leakage fault, or an immersion detection fault.

3. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1 wherein: a trip portion is included and is configured to interrupt power between the first, second and third electrical conductors.

4. The circuit interrupting device of claim 3 wherein: the trip portion includes a test button having an angled end that cooperates with the latch plate.

5. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1 wherein: a sensing circuit is included for detecting the occurrence of the predetermined condition.

6. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1 wherein: the circuit interrupting portion includes a coil and core assembly, a latch plate and lifter assembly and a mechanical switch assembly that cooperates with a sensing circuit for detecting the condition.

7. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1 wherein: the reset portion has a reset button attached to the reset pin having a flange portion extending from and integrally formed with an end thereof.

8. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1 wherein: the movable bridge is an electrically conductive spring arm that is mechanically biased away from the second and third electrical conductors.

9. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1 wherein: the first electrical conductor includes a contact connected to an electrically conductive material, at least a portion of which extends out of the housing.

10. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1 wherein: the second electrical conductor includes a contact connected to an electrically conductive material, at least a portion of which extends out of the housing.

11. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1 wherein: the third electrical conductor includes a contact connected to an electrically conductive support formed as a socket accessible from outside the housing.

12. A circuit interrupting device comprising:

a first pair of terminals electrically connected to a power source;

a second pair of terminals operable to transmit current to a load when the second pair of terminals is electrically connected to the first pair of terminals;

a third pair of terminals for electrical connection with a user accessible plug and/or socket, the first, second and third pairs of terminals being electrically isolated from one another;

a pair of movable bridges electrically connected to the first pair of terminals, the movable bridges electrically connecting the first, second and third pairs of terminals to each other;

a circuit breaking portion that interrupts power between the first, second, and third pairs of terminals when a predetermined state occurs;

a reset portion for reestablishing electrical connection between the first, second and third pairs of terminals after the predetermined state has occurred;

a reset lockout mechanism that prevents reestablishing electrical continuity between the first, second and third pairs of terminals if the circuit interrupting portion is inoperable.

13. The circuit interrupting device of claim 12 wherein: the conditions include a ground fault, an arcing fault, a device leakage fault, an equipment leakage fault, or an immersion detection fault.

14. The circuit interrupting device of claim 12 wherein: a trip portion is also included that interrupts power between the first, second and third pairs of terminals.

15. The circuit interrupting device of claim 14 wherein: the trip portion includes a test button having a beveled end that cooperates with the latch.

16. The circuit interrupting device of claim 12 wherein: a sensing circuit is included for detecting the occurrence of the predetermined condition.

17. The circuit interrupting device of claim 12 wherein: the circuit interrupting portion includes a coil and core assembly, a latch plate and lifter assembly and a mechanical switch assembly that cooperates with a sensing circuit for detecting the condition.

18. The circuit interrupting device of claim 12 wherein: the reset portion has a reset button connected to the reset pin having a flange portion extending from and integrally formed with an end thereof.

19. The circuit interrupting device of claim 12 wherein: the movable bridge is an electrically conductive spring arm that is mechanically biased away from the second and third pairs of terminals.

20. The circuit interrupting device of claim 12 wherein: the first pair of terminals includes a pair of contacts connected to electrical conductors, at least a portion of which extend out of the housing.

21. The circuit interrupting device of claim 12 wherein: the second pair of conductors includes a pair of contacts connected to electrical conductors, at least a portion of which extend out of the housing.

22. The circuit interrupting device of claim 12 wherein: the pair of terminals includes a pair of contacts connected to a conductive support formed as a pair of receptacles accessible from outside the housing.

23. A GFCI device comprising:

a housing;

a pair of line terminals at least partially disposed in the housing and electrically connectable with a power source;

a pair of load terminals at least partially disposed in the housing, the load terminals being operable to transmit current to a load when the load terminals are electrically connected to the line terminals;

a pair of face terminals connected to a pair of user accessible sockets, each face terminal extending from and being integrally formed with a metal structure disposed in the housing;

a pair of movable bridges each having two fingers and a bent end portion, each bent end portion being connected to one of the line terminals, the two fingers of each movable bridge being mechanically biased away from the line and load terminals, the two fingers electrically interconnecting the line, load and face terminals;

a circuit interrupting portion disposed in said housing, the circuit interrupting portion including a coil and movable core assembly, a biased mechanical switch assembly and a latch and lifter assembly; wherein the latch has a circular opening resiliently and slidably coupled to the lifter, the lifter also having a circular opening; the movable core is arranged to cooperate with the latch, the lifter is arranged to cooperate with a mechanical switch cooperating with a sensing circuit for detecting a predetermined condition, the lifter also cooperating with the movable bridge to connect the line terminals with the load terminals and the face terminals;

a reset portion including a reset button affixed to the reset pin, the reset button and reset pin being mechanically biased, the reset pin having a circular flange extending from an end thereof, the flange interfering with the latch when the opening of the latch is misaligned with the opening of the lifter; when the latch member is engaged by the movable plunger, the opening of the latch member is aligned with the opening of the lifter, the flange and the end portion extend through the openings of the latch member and the lifter, the retraction of the latch member misaligns the openings to confine the end portion and the flange under the latch member, thereby allowing the reset pin and the reset button to be biased to engage the flange with the lifter, the lifter in combination with the movable bridge electrically connecting the line terminal with the load terminal and the panel terminal;

a reset lockout mechanism that prevents reestablishing electrical continuity between the line, load and face terminals if the circuit interrupting portion is not operating.

24. The GFCI device of claim 23, wherein: the pairs of line terminals are metal conductors having binding screws mounted thereon, such binding screws being at least partially arranged outside the housing.

25. The GFCI device of claim 23, wherein: the pairs of load terminals are metal conductors having binding screws mounted thereon, such binding screws being at least partially disposed outside the housing.

26. The GFCI device of claim 23, wherein: a user accessible socket is used to receive the output plug.

27. The GFCI device of claim 23, wherein: each movable bridge of the pair of movable bridges is a metal strip having a connecting portion and a bent end portion, the connecting portion having two fingers, each finger having a contact connected thereto for mating with a respective face contact and load contact, the connecting portion being mechanically biased away from the face terminal and the load terminal.

28. The GFCI device of claim 23, wherein: also included is a sensing circuit for detecting a fault, the interference between the reset button and the latch and lifter assembly causing the latch and lifter assembly to cooperate with the biased mechanical switch assembly to actuate the sensing circuit upon depression of the reset button.

29. The GFCI device of claim 23, wherein: a trip portion is included to disconnect power between the line, load and face terminals.

30. The GFCI device of claim 29, wherein: the trip portion includes a detection button having an inclined end to be combined with the latch.

31. A circuit interrupting device comprising:

a first electrical conductor electrically connectable to a power source;

a second electrical conductor operable to carry current to a load when the second electrical conductor is electrically connected to the first electrical conductor;

a third electrical conductor electrically connected to the user accessible plug and/or receptacle, the first, second and third electrical conductors being electrically isolated from one another;

a movable bridge electrically connected to the first electrical conductor, the movable bridge electrically connecting the first, second and third electrical conductors to one another;

a circuit interrupting portion that interrupts electrical power between the first, second and third electrical conductors when a predetermined condition occurs;

a reset portion for reestablishing electrical continuity between the first, second and third electrical conductors after the predetermined condition has occurred.

32. The circuit interrupting device of claim 31 wherein: the conditions include a ground fault, an arcing fault, a device leakage fault, an equipment leakage fault, or an immersion detection fault.

33. The circuit interrupting device of claim 31 wherein: a trip portion is also included that interrupts power between the first, second and third electrical conductors.

34. The circuit interrupting device of claim 33 wherein: the trip portion includes a test button having a beveled end that cooperates with the latch.

35. The circuit interrupting device of claim 31 wherein: a sensing circuit is included for detecting the occurrence of the predetermined condition.

36. The circuit interrupting device of claim 31 wherein: the circuit interrupting portion includes a coil and core assembly, a latch plate and lifter assembly and a mechanical switch assembly that cooperates with a sensing circuit for detecting the condition.

37. The circuit interrupting device of claim 31 wherein: the reset portion has a reset button connected to the reset pin having a flange portion extending from and integrally formed with an end thereof.

38. The circuit interrupting device of claim 31 wherein: the movable bridge is an electrically conductive spring arm that is mechanically biased away from the second and third electrical conductors.

39. The circuit interrupting device of claim 31 wherein: the first electrical conductor includes a contact connected to an electrically conductive material, at least a portion of which extends out of the housing.

40. The circuit interrupting device of claim 31 wherein: the second electrical conductor includes a contact connected to an electrically conductive material, at least a portion of which extends out of the housing.

41. The circuit interrupting device of claim 31 wherein: the third electrical conductor includes a contact connected to an electrically conductive support formed as a socket accessible from outside the housing.

42. A circuit interrupting device comprising:

a first pair of terminals electrically connectable to a power source;

a second pair of terminals operable to transmit current to a load when the second pair of terminals is electrically connected to the first pair of terminals;

a third pair of terminals for electrical connection with a user accessible plug and/or socket, the first, second and third pairs of terminals being electrically isolated from one another;

a pair of movable bridges electrically connected to the first pair of terminals, the movable bridges electrically connecting the first, second and third pairs of terminals to each other;

a circuit breaking portion that interrupts power between the first, second, and third pairs of terminals when a predetermined state occurs;

a reset portion for reestablishing electrical connection between the first, second and third pairs of terminals after the predetermined state has occurred.

43. The circuit interrupting device of claim 42 wherein: the conditions include a ground fault, an arcing fault, a device leakage fault, an equipment leakage fault, or an immersion detection fault.

44. The circuit interrupting device of claim 42 further comprising a trip portion that interrupts power between the first pair, the second pair and the third pair of terminals.

45. The circuit interrupting device of claim 42 wherein: the trip portion includes a test button having a beveled end that cooperates with the latch.

46. The circuit interrupting device of claim 42 further including a sensing circuit for detecting the occurrence of the predetermined condition.

47. The circuit interrupting device of claim 42 wherein: the circuit interrupting portion includes a coil and core assembly, a latch plate and lifter assembly and a mechanical switch assembly that cooperates with a sensing circuit for detecting the condition.

48. The circuit interrupting device of claim 42 wherein: the reset portion has a reset button connected to the reset pin having a flange portion extending from and integrally formed with an end thereof.

49. The circuit interrupting device of claim 42 wherein: the movable bridge is an electrically conductive spring arm that is mechanically biased away from the second and third pairs of terminals.

50. The circuit interrupting device of claim 42 wherein: the first pair of terminals includes a pair of contacts connected to electrical conductors, at least a portion of which extend out of the housing.

51. The circuit interrupting device of claim 42 wherein: the second pair of conductors includes a pair of contacts connected to electrical conductors, at least a portion of which extend out of the housing.

52. The circuit interrupting device of claim 42 wherein: the pair of terminals includes a pair of contacts connected to a conductive support formed as a pair of receptacles accessible from outside the housing.

53. A GFCI device comprising:

a housing;

a pair of line terminals at least partially disposed in the housing and electrically connectable with a power source;

a pair of load terminals at least partially disposed in the housing, the load terminals being operable to transmit current to a load when the load terminals are electrically connected to the line terminals;

a pair of face terminals connected to a pair of user accessible receptacles, each face terminal extending from and integrally formed with a metal structure at least partially disposed in the housing;

a pair of movable bridges each having two fingers and a bent end portion, each bent end portion being connected to a line terminal, the two fingers of each movable bridge being mechanically biased away from the line and load terminals, the two fingers electrically interconnecting the line, load and face terminals;

a circuit interrupting portion comprising a coil and movable core assembly, a biased mechanical switch assembly and a latch and lifter assembly; wherein the latch has a circular opening resiliently and slidably coupled to the lifter, the lifter also having a circular opening; the movable core is arranged to cooperate with the latch, the lifter is arranged to cooperate with the mechanical switch to cooperate with a sensing circuit for detecting a predetermined condition, the lifter also cooperates with the movable bridge to connect the line terminals with the load terminals and the face terminals;

a reset portion including a reset button connected to a reset pin, the reset button and reset pin being mechanically biased, the reset pin having a circular flange extending from an end thereof, the flange interfering with the latch when the opening of the latch is misaligned with the opening of the lifter; when the latch member is engaged by the movable plunger, the opening of the latch member is aligned with the opening of the lifter, the flange and the end portion extend through the openings of the latch member and the lifter, and the retraction of the latch member misaligns the openings to confine the end portion and the flange under the latch member, thereby allowing the reset pin and the reset button to be biased to engage the flange with the lifter, which in combination with the movable bridge electrically connects the line terminals with the load terminals and the panel terminals.

54. The GFCI device of claim 53, wherein: the pairs of line terminals are metal conductors having binding screws mounted thereon, such binding screws being at least partially arranged outside the housing.

55. The GFCI device of claim 53, wherein: the pairs of load terminals are metal conductors having binding screws mounted thereon, such binding screws being at least partially disposed outside the housing.

56. The GFCI device of claim 53, wherein: a user accessible socket is used to receive the output plug.

57. The GFCI device of claim 53, wherein: each movable bridge of the pair of movable bridges is a metal strip having a connecting portion and a bent end portion, the connecting portion having two fingers, each finger having a contact connected thereto for mating with a respective face contact and load contact, the connecting portion being mechanically biased away from the face terminal and the load terminal.

58. The GFCI device of claim 53, wherein: also included is a sensing circuit for detecting a fault, the interference between the reset button and the latch and lifter assembly causing the latch and lifter assembly to cooperate with the biased mechanical switch assembly to actuate the sensing circuit upon depression of the reset button.

59. The GFCI device of claim 53, wherein: a trip portion is included to disconnect power between the line, load and face terminals.

60. The GFCI device of claim 59, wherein: the trip portion includes a detection button having an inclined end to be combined with the latch.

61. A circuit interrupting device comprising:

a housing;

a pair of circuit terminals disposed at least partially within the housing and electrically connectable to a power source;

a pair of load terminals at least partially disposed in the housing, the load terminals being operable to transmit current to a load when the load terminals are electrically connected to the line terminals;

a pair of electrical conductors for electrically connecting the line terminals with the load terminals;

a circuit interrupting portion disposed in said housing, the circuit interrupting portion including a coil and movable core assembly, a biased mechanical switch assembly and a latch and lifter assembly; wherein the latch has a circular opening resiliently and slidably coupled to the lifter, the lifter also having a circular opening; the movable core is arranged to cooperate with the latch, the lifter is arranged to cooperate with the mechanical switch to cooperate with a sensing circuit for detecting a predetermined condition, the lifter also cooperates with the pair of electrical conductors to connect the line terminal with the load terminal;

a reset portion including a reset button mounted to a reset pin, the reset button and reset pin being mechanically biased, the reset pin having a circular flange extending from an end thereof, the flange interfering with the latch when the opening of the latch is misaligned with the opening of the lifter; when the latch member is engaged by the movable plunger, the opening of the latch member is aligned with the opening of the lifter, the flange and the end portion extend through the openings of the latch member and the lifter, and the retraction of the latch member misaligns the openings to confine the end portion and the flange under the latch member, thereby allowing the reset pin and the reset button to be biased to engage the flange with the lifter, which in combination with the movable bridge electrically connects the line terminal with the load terminal.

62. The circuit-breaking device according to claim 61, wherein: the conditions include a ground fault, an arcing fault, a device leakage fault, an equipment leakage fault, or an immersion detection fault.

63. The circuit interrupting device of claim 61 further comprising a trip portion for interrupting power between the line and load terminals, the trip portion including a trip button having an angled end that engages the latch to align the opening of the latch with the opening of the lifter to allow the reset pin to disengage the lifter to disconnect the line and load terminals from each other.

64. The circuit interrupting device of claim 61 further comprising a pair of face terminals electrically connected to a pair of user accessible receptacles, each face terminal extending from and integrally formed with a metal structure disposed in the housing.

65. The circuit-breaking device of claim 64, wherein: pairs of electrical conductors connect the line terminals to the face terminals.

66. The circuit-breaking device of claim 64, wherein: upon reset of the device, the paired electrical conductors interconnect the line, load and face terminals, and upon detection of a predetermined condition, the conductors interrupt the interconnection of the line, load and face terminals.

67. The circuit interrupting device of claim 61 further comprising sensing circuitry for detecting the occurrence of the predetermined condition.

68. A circuit interrupting device comprising:

a first electrical conductor;

a second electrical conductor;

a third electrical conductor;

a movable bridge electrically connected to the first electrical conductor, the movable bridge electrically interconnecting the first, second and third electrical conductors and breaking electrical continuity between the first, second and third conductors when a predetermined condition occurs;

a reset portion that reestablishes electrical connection between the first, second, and third electrical conductors after the predetermined condition occurs.

69. The circuit interrupting device of claim 68 wherein: also included is a circuit interrupting portion that breaks electrical continuity between the first, second and third electrical conductors upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition.

70. The circuit interrupting device of claim 68 wherein: a reset lockout prevents reestablishing electrical continuity between the first, second and third electrical conductors when the device is inoperable.

71. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1 wherein: the reset lockout mechanism prevents reestablishing electrical continuity between the first, second and third electrical conductors if an open neutral condition exists.

72. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1 wherein: the reset lockout mechanism prevents reestablishing electrical continuity between the first, second and third electrical conductors if the device is reverse wired.

73. The circuit interrupting device of claim 12 wherein: the reset lockout mechanism prevents reestablishing electrical continuity between the first, second and third pairs of terminals if an open neutral condition exists.

74. The circuit interrupting device of claim 12 wherein: the reset lockout mechanism prevents reestablishing electrical continuity between the first, second and third pairs of terminals if the device is reverse wired.

75. The circuit interrupting device of claim 23 wherein: the reset lockout mechanism prevents reestablishing electrical continuity between the line, load and face terminals if an open neutral condition exists.

76. The circuit interrupting device of claim 23 wherein: the reset lockout mechanism prevents reestablishing electrical continuity between the line, load and face terminals if the device is reverse wired.

77. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1 wherein: if the device is reverse wired, there is no power at the third electrical conductor.

78. The circuit interrupting device of claim 12 wherein: if the device is reverse wired, there is no power at the third pair of terminals.