Importance

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Abstract

A fireguard circuit for a power cable, which comprises a power line, a neutral line and a metal sheath surrounding the power line and the neutral line, includes a circuit breaker switch located in one of the lines. A solenoid sets the circuit breaker switch in either an open position or a closed position. An arc detection subcircuit connects the metal sheath to the solenoid and causes the solenoid to open the circuit breaker switch upon detecting the presence of an arcing condition between either the power line and the metal sheath or the neutral line and the metal sheath. The power connections for the solenoid and the arc detection subcircuit are derived from the power cable at the power source. In order to prevent the solenoid from overheating and/or burning upon the presence of an arcing condition, a protection switch is ganged to the solenoid and terminates the supply of power to the solenoid when an arcing condition is detected.

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First Claim