GB2530498A - A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers - Google Patents

A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2530498A
GB2530498A GB1416777.9A GB201416777A GB2530498A GB 2530498 A GB2530498 A GB 2530498A GB 201416777 A GB201416777 A GB 201416777A GB 2530498 A GB2530498 A GB 2530498A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
diagnostic
communication device
circuit breakers
circuit
control means
Prior art date
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Withdrawn
Application number
GB1416777.9A
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GB201416777D0 (en
Inventor
Martin Bills
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Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
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Priority to GB1416777.9A priority Critical patent/GB2530498A/en
Publication of GB201416777D0 publication Critical patent/GB201416777D0/en
Publication of GB2530498A publication Critical patent/GB2530498A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H3/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection
    • H02H3/02—Details
    • H02H3/04—Details with warning or supervision in addition to disconnection, e.g. for indicating that protective apparatus has functioned
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H02J13/00002—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by monitoring
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H02J13/00006—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment
    • H02J13/00016—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment using a wired telecommunication network or a data transmission bus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H02J13/00032—Systems characterised by the controlled or operated power network elements or equipment, the power network elements or equipment not otherwise provided for
    • H02J13/00036—Systems characterised by the controlled or operated power network elements or equipment, the power network elements or equipment not otherwise provided for the elements or equipment being or involving switches, relays or circuit breakers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H02J13/00032—Systems characterised by the controlled or operated power network elements or equipment, the power network elements or equipment not otherwise provided for
    • H02J13/00036—Systems characterised by the controlled or operated power network elements or equipment, the power network elements or equipment not otherwise provided for the elements or equipment being or involving switches, relays or circuit breakers
    • H02J13/0004—Systems characterised by the controlled or operated power network elements or equipment, the power network elements or equipment not otherwise provided for the elements or equipment being or involving switches, relays or circuit breakers involved in a protection system
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S10/00—Systems supporting electrical power generation, transmission or distribution
    • Y04S10/30—State monitoring, e.g. fault, temperature monitoring, insulator monitoring, corona discharge
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S40/00—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them
    • Y04S40/12—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them characterised by data transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated electrical equipment
    • Y04S40/124—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them characterised by data transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated electrical equipment using wired telecommunication networks or data transmission busses

Abstract

A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers 1 comprises an interface means 2a, 2b for connection to a circuit breaker that is configured to receive and relay status information relating at least to the on/off condition of the circuit breaker, a control means connected to the interface means and configured to receive the status information from the interface means and a communication means configured to relay the status information to a remote terminal.

Description

A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers that will contact a suitable individual or individuals in the event of a device switching off due to a tripped circuit breaker or power failure.
Background
A residual-current device (ROD), or residual-current circuit breaker (ROCB) is an electrical wiring device that disconnects a circuit whenever it detects that the electric current is not balanced between the energized conductor and the return neutral conductor. These devices are designed to disconnect quickly enough to prevent injury. These device are also known as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI) or an Appliance Leakage Current Interrupters (ALCI) in the United States and Canada. Ground Fault Condition is defined as: An unintentional, electrically conducting connection between an ungrounded conductor of an electrical circuit and the normally non-current-carrying conductors, metallic enclosures, metallic raceways, metallic equipment or earth.
In the United Kingdom, a residual-current device is referred to as an ROD or an RCBO when it includes overcurrent protection. Non residual-current circuit protection devices are called Circuit Breakers or MCBs. Infrequently they can be called Trips or Trip Switches. In Australia, they are sometimes known as Safety Switches or an ROD. A residual-current circuit breaker with overload protection (RCBO) combines the functions of overcurrent protection and leakage detection.
In domestic use, RCDs are safety devices that will trip and turn off power to a circuit when overloaded, in order to protect an occupant against the risks of electrocution and fire caused by earth faults. For example, if an occupant cuts through a power cable when mowing the lawn, and accidentally touches the exposed live cable, then the RCD will detect electricity flowing down the unintended path and trip to quickly shut off power to the circuit and prevent injury. There are normally several circuits in a typical domestic dwelling. Most domestic RCDs are fixed RODs, installed in the fusebox. These can be reset easily once tripped by manually resetting the circuit, usually by moving a switch back to the use' position from a tripped' position.
As each ROD will generally cover a portion of the overall circuit in a domestic dwelling, if one is tripped it will cut power to every electrical outlet in that portion of the circuit. This could include all of the light and electrical outlets on a floor of a dwelling. If power is cut to the outlet or terminal into which an appliance is plugged, then power will be lost until the ROD is reset. This can cause problems if an appliance relies on a continuous power source, such as for example a refrigerator/freezer, which will defrost if power is lost. This can be especially problematic if the occupant is away for an extended period, such as a holiday, and will not realise that the circuit has been tripped or be able to rest the circuit until they return.
Prior Art
Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US5801635 describes and shows a power interruption detector including a housing, a power input cord, a multi-volt transformer having a 120-208-240 primary winding and a 24 volt secondary winding, a power contactor with an actuating coil, a power plug receptacle, a delay timer, a counting circuit, an alarm circuit, a thumb-wheel switch, a digital trip counter display driver, a display output device, an audible alarm enunciator, and a battery. The power input cord couples line power to the primary winding of the multi-volt transformer and to one side of the power contactor. The other side of the power contactor is wired to the terminals of the power plug receptacle. The power contactor has contacts that close to complete the circuit between the power input cord and the power plug receptacle when the actuating coil is energized. The secondary winding is coupled to the delay timer. The delay timer has a delay timer output coupled to the actuating coil of the contactor. The delay timer has internal circuitry that causes the delay timer output to energize the actuating coil of the contactor a predetermined delay period after the delay timer input detects current flow through the secondary winding.
U3566371 1 describes and shows a combination electrical connector and power failure signal device, comprising a generally box-like housing having a front, a back and a chamber, a male electrical plug on the back, a female electrical plug on the front, an electrical circuit in the housing including conductors connecting the male plug to the female plug, an alarm circuit in the housing responsive to power in the electrical circuit maintaining a stand by condition, the alarm circuit including a sensor for sensing a failure of power in the electrical circuit and initiating a first alarm mode, and responsive to a predetermined time in the first alarm mode to terminate the first alarm mode and initiate a second alarm mode, and a battery for powering the alarm circuit during failure of power in the electrical circuit.
US20070001 866 describes and shows a power failure alarm for use in sounding a warning in the occasion of a power failure, with built in electrical connectors, and a temporary source of light. The device is housed in a moulded plastic enclosure in a rectangular shape and includes an emergency light, night-light, flashlight, and power failure alarm. All unit functions are completely automatic once the unit has been plugged into a standard 120 volt receptacle. The device has a three prong male plug on the back of the body and is designed to occupy one receptacle of a duplex receptacle thus leaving one receptacle still available for use. Alternate embodiments of the device are specifically intended to alert and notify the user of a power failure.
The device utilized logic circuitry to determine if a power failure or improper setup has occurred. The battery charging and monitoring circuits ensure the batteries are always charged and ready for use.
In contrast the present invention provides a diagnostic and communication device that can contact a suitable person or persons in the event of a device switching off due to a tripped circuit breaker or power failure.
Sum mary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers, comprising: an interface means for connection to a circuit breaker, configured to receive and relay status information relating at least to the on/off condition of the circuit breaker; a control means connected to the interface means and configured to receive the status information from the interface means; and a communication means configured to relay the status information to a remote terminal. Communicating the status information to a remote terminal allows a user to see if the circuit has been tripped while they are not present to remedy the situation, and to take appropriate action.
In an embodiment, the interface means comprises a cable or conduit connector. This allows the diagnostic and communication device to be connected to an ROD, an RCCB, aGFCI, aGFI, anALCI, orsimilar.
In an embodiment, the cable or conduit connector is configured for 20, 40 or 60 connection configurations. These are common connection types and allow the connector to be quickly and easily fitted.
In an embodiment, the control means comprises one or more of an integrated circuit and POB, a microprocessor. These are reliable, readily available and inexpensive components.
In an embodiment, the control means further comprises a circuit data recorder or is configured to record circuit data. This allows a technician to access historical data to more easily diagnose faults or the source of a fault.
In an embodiment, the circuit data recorder comprises a digital encoder, configured to record information relating to the one or more tripped circuits. This is a reliable, readily available and inexpensive component.
In an embodiment, the control means further comprises a display configured to display circuit data. This allows a technician to read displayed information relating to faults and diagnose simple issues without connecting to the control means via a separate interface.
In an embodiment, the control means further comprises an integral control panel, the control panel and display configured so that a user can carry out basic control and diagnostic functions comprising one or more of power on and off, reset, initial installation and setup, diagnostic information. This allows a technician to diagnose and remedy simple issues without connecting to the control means via a separate interface.
In an embodiment, the display is an LCD display. This is a reliable, readily available and inexpensive component.
In an embodiment, the communication means comprises one or more of a speech dialler, a subscriber identity module, a WIFI module, a Bluetooth module. These allow the diagnostic and communication device to communicate via readily available and commonly-used communication channels.
In an embodiment, the communication means further comprises a landline connection. This allows the diagnostic and communication device to communicate via a readily available and commonly-used communication channel.
In an embodiment, the control means further comprises an integrated watt meter.
This allows a technician to assess current draw through a circuit.
In an embodiment, the diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers further comprises an emergency light. This helps to provide accessibility and allows diagnosis and fault remedy even in low-light conditions such as when the circuit breaker activates at night or when the circuit breaker is located in an area with a low level of ambient light, and mains power is not available.
In an embodiment, the diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers further comprises an integral battery connected to the control means to provide power when mains power is unavailable. This allows the apparatus to function for extended time periods after the loss of mains power.
In an embodiment, the control means and integral battery are configured for trickle charging the battery when main power is available. This helps to ensure that the battery will be available and fully charged when required.
Brief Description of Figures
Figure 1 shows a perspective view from one side and below of an embodiment of diagnostic and communication device according to the present invention, showing a casing with a cable/conduit connector on the side, configured for 20, 40 or 60 connection configurations, a display screen and a control panel and an aerial to enable wireless communication from a communication mechanism to a remote terminal such as a telephone, smartphone, laptop or similar.
Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the diagnostic and communication device of figure 1, showing detail of an integrated circuit and PCB, and a microprocessor that form a controller for the diagnostic and communication device and which are connected to the cable/conduit connector to receive and relay status information relating at least to the on/off condition of the circuit breaker, to process this information and to instruct a communication module in the casing to relay the status information to a remote terminal.
Figure 3 shows a flow chart of the process of action and communication when a circuit breaker to which the diagnostic and communication device is connected is tripped.
Detailed Description of Figures
An embodiment of diagnostic and communication device 1 will now be described in detail with reference to the figures.
In use, the diagnostic and communication device 1 is connected to an RCD, an RCCB, a GFCI, a GFI, an ALCI, or similar. The general term circuit breaker' will be used in this specification to refer to these types of devices and similar, and should not be construed as limiting the invention to these types of devices only.
The diagnostic and communication device 1 has an outer casing 5, within which are contained an interface means 2, a control means 3 and a communication means 4.
The interface means 2 is used for connecting the diagnostic and communication device 1 to a circuit breaker, and comprises a pair of cable terminals 2a, 2b which extend from the casing 5 on one side of the casing 5. Cables are connected between these terminals 2a, 2b and the circuit breaker so that the current in the circuit breaker can be monitored. The cable terminals 2a, 2b are configured for 20, 40 or 60 connection configurations.
As shown in figure 2, the cable terminals 2a, 2b are connected to the control means 3, which in this embodiment comprises one or more of an integrated circuit and PCB, and a microprocessor. The control means 3 receives the current signal from the circuit breaker via the cable terminals 2a, 2b. The control means 3 has an integrated watt meter so that the current draw through the circuits of the circuit breaker can be measured. A circuit data recorder comprising a digital encoder is also connected to the PCB of control means 3 and is configured to record circuit data relating to the one or more tripped circuits on the circuit breaker, such as the current draw via the integrated watt meter. This allows a technician to access historical data to more easily diagnose faults or the source of a fault. A display 6 and control panel 7 are located on the front side or face of the casing 5. The display 6 is connected to the control means 3 and displays circuit data as relayed to the display 6 via the control means 3. This allows a technician to read displayed information relating to faults and diagnose simple issues without connecting to the control means via a separate interface. The control panel 7 is connected to the control means 3 to allow a user to send and receive simple instructions/commands to the control means 3 so that a user can carry out basic control and diagnostic functions such as power on and off, reset, initial installation and setup, and diagnostic information. The control panel 7 and display 6 allow a technician to diagnose and remedy simple issues without connecting to the control means via a separate interface. The display 7 is an LCD display screen, which can be backlit.
A communications means 4 is connected to the control panel, the control panel sending instructions to the communication means 4 to relay a message or messages relating to the status information of the circuit breaker to a remote terminal. The communication means 4 comprises one or more of a speech dialler, a subscriber identity module, a WIFI module, a Bluetooth module, and a landline connection.
In use, if the circuit breaker trips or if power is disconnected, then the control means 3 will go through the process generally as shown in stage 1 of figure 3, and will instruct the communication means to send a message. A home-owner, office caretaker or similar will be alerted to the tripping of the circuit breaker via a text message or recorded message, or an e-mail or similar sent by the communication means 4. Multiple messages can be sent to multiple, different, recipients. This alerts a user to the fact that the trip' has occurred and they can take action as necessary, for example having a local contact go to the premises and reset the circuit breaker, or to see if there is a problem that requires further investigation and remedy.
The bluetooth/wireless components of the communication means 4 allow more detailed diagnosis. These transmit via the aerial 8 that extends from the top of the casing 5. A technician can communicate with the control means 3 via the communication means 4 and via their laptop, smartphone, tablet, or other FDA, portable computer tool. This allows for more detailed analysis and remedial actions than can be carried out via the control panel 7 and display 6, and the wireless nature of the connection allows a user more freedom and is less time-and labour-intensive to set up and use than a hardwired connection. The process is generally shown in Stage 2 of figure 3.
In variations of these embodiment described above, the diagnostic and communication can include an emergency light, which activates when the circuit is tripped. This helps to provide accessibility and allows diagnosis and fault remedy even in low-light conditions such as when the circuit breaker activates at night or when the circuit breaker is located in an area with a low level of ambient light, and mains power is not available. An integral battery can also be included, connected to the control means to provide power when mains power is unavailable. This allows the apparatus to function for extended time periods after the loss of mains power.
The control means and integral battery are configured for trickle charging the battery when main power is available. This helps to ensure that the battery will be available and fully charged when required.
The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.
With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims (16)

  1. Claims 1. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers, comprising: an interface means for connection to a circuit breaker, configured to receive and relay status information relating at least to the on/off condition of the circuit breaker; a control means connected to the interface means and configured to receive the status information from the interface means; and a communication means configured to relay the status information to a remote terminal.
  2. 2. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers as claimed in claim 1 wherein the interface means comprises a cable or conduit connector.
  3. 3. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers as claimed in claim 2 wherein the cable or conduit connector is configured for 20, 40 or 60 connection configurations.
  4. 4. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the control means comprises one or more of an integrated circuit and PCB, a microprocessor.
  5. 5. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers as claimed in claim 4 wherein the control means further comprises a circuit data recorder or is configured to record circuit data.
  6. 6. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers as claimed in claim 5 wherein the circuit data recorder comprises a digital encoder, configured to record information relating to the one or more tripped circuits.
  7. 7. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the control means further comprises a display configured to display circuit data.
  8. 8. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers as claimed in claim 7 wherein the control means further comprises an integral control panel, the control panel and display configured so that a user can carry out basic control and diagnostic functions comprising one or more of power on and off, reset, initial installation and setup, diagnostic information.
  9. 9. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the display is an LCD display.
  10. 10. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the communication means comprises one or more of a speech dialler, a subscriber identity module, a WIFI module, a Bluetooth module.
  11. 11. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers as claimed in claim 10 wherein the communication means further comprises a landline connection.
  12. 12. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the control means further comprises an integrated watt meter.
  13. 13. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers as claimed in any one of claims ito 12 further comprising an emergency light.
  14. 14. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 further comprising an integral battery connected to the control means to provide power when main power is unavailable.
  15. 15. A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers as claimed in claim 14 wherein the control means and integral battery are configured for trickle charging the battery when main power is available.
  16. 16. A diagnostic and communications device for circuit breakers substantially as herein described with reference to the figures. ii
GB1416777.9A 2014-09-23 2014-09-23 A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers Withdrawn GB2530498A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1416777.9A GB2530498A (en) 2014-09-23 2014-09-23 A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1416777.9A GB2530498A (en) 2014-09-23 2014-09-23 A diagnostic and communication device for circuit breakers

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GB201416777D0 GB201416777D0 (en) 2014-11-05
GB2530498A true GB2530498A (en) 2016-03-30

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Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4706073A (en) * 1984-09-25 1987-11-10 Oscar Vila Masot Circuit breaker panels with alarm system
US5309312A (en) * 1989-09-29 1994-05-03 Basler Electric Company Overcurrent protection relay with communications
GB2290182A (en) * 1994-06-10 1995-12-13 Gen Electric Circuit interrupter with keypad and display unit
US5600527A (en) * 1994-12-22 1997-02-04 Eaton Corporation Circuit interrupter providing protection and waveform capture for harmonic analysis
WO1998054810A1 (en) * 1997-05-29 1998-12-03 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Remote-control monitoring of an electronic overcurrent trip
US5877691A (en) * 1996-11-15 1999-03-02 Schneider Electric Sa Circuit breaker with a circuit breaker unit and processing, calibration and communication modules
US6356422B1 (en) * 1999-11-05 2002-03-12 Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. Circuit breaker communication and control system
US20060087785A1 (en) * 2004-09-10 2006-04-27 Bender Robert L Circuit protector signal transmission, methods and system
US20110298625A1 (en) * 2010-06-02 2011-12-08 Sisley James P Metering Apparatus
US20130021163A1 (en) * 2011-07-20 2013-01-24 Siemens Industry, Inc. Circuit breaker trip notification systems and methods

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4706073A (en) * 1984-09-25 1987-11-10 Oscar Vila Masot Circuit breaker panels with alarm system
US5309312A (en) * 1989-09-29 1994-05-03 Basler Electric Company Overcurrent protection relay with communications
GB2290182A (en) * 1994-06-10 1995-12-13 Gen Electric Circuit interrupter with keypad and display unit
US5600527A (en) * 1994-12-22 1997-02-04 Eaton Corporation Circuit interrupter providing protection and waveform capture for harmonic analysis
US5877691A (en) * 1996-11-15 1999-03-02 Schneider Electric Sa Circuit breaker with a circuit breaker unit and processing, calibration and communication modules
WO1998054810A1 (en) * 1997-05-29 1998-12-03 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Remote-control monitoring of an electronic overcurrent trip
US6356422B1 (en) * 1999-11-05 2002-03-12 Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. Circuit breaker communication and control system
US20060087785A1 (en) * 2004-09-10 2006-04-27 Bender Robert L Circuit protector signal transmission, methods and system
US20110298625A1 (en) * 2010-06-02 2011-12-08 Sisley James P Metering Apparatus
US20130021163A1 (en) * 2011-07-20 2013-01-24 Siemens Industry, Inc. Circuit breaker trip notification systems and methods

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