Wayne R Derossett

US Patent:

54125260, May 2, 1995

Filed:

Feb 10, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/015764

Inventors:

Wilhelm H. Kapp - Goleta CA
Derek J. Foster - Santa Barbara CA
Wayne R. Derossett - Goleta CA

Assignee:

Square D Company - Palatine IL

International Classification:

H02H 320
H02H 906

US Classification:

361 56

Abstract:

The present invention provides a circuit for limiting voltage surges in load centers, panelboards and other electrical distribution devices. The circuit includes at least one high potential terminal adapted for connecting to at least one corresponding service line and a low potential terminal adapted for connecting to a low potential means. The circuit also includes a plurality of varistors connected in parallel to one another between each high potential terminal and the low potential terminal and a plurality of fuses corresponding in number to the plurality of varistors. Each fuse is connected in series to one of the varistors. Each fuse opens the circuit therethrough upon failure of the associated varistor. The circuit further includes monitoring the status condition of the fuses.