Patent attributes
A circuit for controlling at least one circuit breaker switch that is series connected between a source of electrical power and an electrical load. The circuit includes a programmed controller having at least two inputs and at least one output. A current sensor senses the current between the source and the load and has an output connected to a controller input. Another controller input is connected to the control input of a load power switch. The control output of the controller is connected to the control input of the circuit breaker switch. The circuit is operated by sensing the current between the source of electrical power and the electrical load and monitoring the control input of the load power switch to detect whether the load power switch is commanded to be closed or open. If the load power switch is commanded to be open, the circuit breaker switch will be opened if the sensed current value is greater than a first maximum current value. If the load power switch is commanded to be closed, the circuit breaker switch will be opened if the sensed current value is greater than a second maximum current value. The first maximum current value is greater than the maximum load current anticipated when the load power switch is open and the second maximum current value is greater than the maximum load current anticipated when the load power switch is closed.
