Susan Sneed Hooper

US Patent:

20100013491, Jan 21, 2010

Filed:

Mar 20, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/408229

Inventors:

William P. Hooper - Duluth GA, US
Hugh T. Kinsel - Sugar Hill GA, US
Susan Sneed Hooper - Duluth GA, US

Assignee:

Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

G01R 31/14

US Classification:

324509

Abstract:

A self-test circuit is provided that includes a signal circuit adapted to periodically output a circuit inhibitor signal to inhibit a breaking signal from a ground fault detector. The signal circuit is also adapted to periodically output a test signal simulating a ground fault. The self-test circuit also includes an alarm circuit adapted to receive an output signal from the ground fault detector in response to detecting the ground fault, and adapted to output an alarm when the ground fault detector is not operative. The signal circuit may be further adapted to periodically output a second test signal simulating a grounded neutral condition. A ground fault circuit interrupter system and a method are also provided.