Importance

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Abstract

A circuit breaker protecting electric low-voltage circuits includes a housing with grid and load-side connections and a mechanical isolating contact unit connected to an electronic interruption unit. The isolating contact unit pairs with load-side, and the electronic interruption unit pairs with grid-side, connections. The isolating contact unit switches by opening contacts preventing, or closing contacts permitting, current flow in the low-voltage circuit. The electronic interruption unit switches to high-ohmic state of semiconductor-based switch elements preventing, or low-ohmic state permitting, current flow in the low-voltage circuit. Current level in the low-voltage circuit is ascertained. Current flow prevention in the low-voltage circuit initiates upon exceeding current and/or current/time thresholds. With contacts closed and the electronic interruption unit switched to high-ohmic state, the electronic interruption unit switches to low-ohmic state for a first duration checking circuit breaker functionality.

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First Claim