Alan Dale Fuller

US Patent:

6373150, Apr 16, 2002

Filed:

Mar 14, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/524865

Inventors:

Alan D. Fuller - Warren PA

Assignee:

Warren Electric Cooperative, Inc. - Youngsville PA

International Classification:

H02J 100

US Classification:

307 39

Abstract:

An electric service load limiter limits the level of current a consumer receives from an electric utility power line. The load limiter is set either at the consumers location or through a remote control such as an automatic meter reading system in the load limiter. An electronically controlled power relay switch, connectable between the utility power line and the consumers electric power circuit, couples electric current to the consumers power circuit and interrupts the flow of current through the consumers power circuit when the level of current flow exceeds a predetermined maximum level. A sensor produces a sensor signal which is proportional to the amount of current flowing through the consumers power circuit and is coupled to a logic circuit. The logic circuit compares the resulting sensor signal to a signal representing the maximum current level of the consumers power circuit, as preselected by the consumers electric utility company. If the sensor signal reflects a level of current greater than the preselected maximum level, the logic circuit causes the automated power switch to interrupt the flow of current from the utility power line through the consumers power circuit, thereby disrupting electrical service to the consumer.