Compatibility between GFCI Breakers and Household Adjustable Speed Drives

Abstract

As manufacturers find more applications for adjustable speed drives (ASDs) in household appliances, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) compatibility becomes crucial. As compared to industrial applications, the GFCI thresholds for residential applications are much lower. This work explores the compatibility issues that arise for a 1.5 hp (1.1 kW) ASD intended for use in a hot tub or spa. The experimental frequency response of a commonly-used GFCI breaker is compared to the common-mode current of a commercially-available ASD. To enhance compatibility, the input filter needs to be changed to reduce capacitance to earth.

Meeting Name

IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition (2009: Sep. 20-24, San Jose, CA)

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Adjustable Speed Drive; Adjustable Speed Drives; Common Mode Currents; Experimental Frequencies; Ground Faults; Household Appliances; Input Filter; Residential Application; Domestic Appliances; Electric Grounding; Electromagnetic Compatibility; Energy Conversion; Frequency Response; Industrial Applications; Underground Cables; Variable Speed Drives; Speed; Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter; Variable Speed Drives; Current Transformers; Signal Generators; Pulse Width Modulation; Electromagnetic Interference; Circuit Faults; Interrupters; Application Specific Integrated Circuits; Voltage; Circuit Breakers; Fault Currents

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-1424428939

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

2329-3721; 2329-3748

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2009 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

24 Sep 2009

Link to Full Text

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