Resettable MEMS micro-switch array based on current limiting apparatus

1. A method for over-current protection, the method comprising:

monitoring a load current value of a load current passing through a plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices;

determining if the monitored load current value varies from a predetermined load current value;

generating a fault signal in the event that the monitored load current value varies from the predetermined load current value;

diverting the load current from the plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices in response to the fault signal;

opening the plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices in response to the diverting; and

determining if the variance in the load current value was due to a true fault trip or a false nuisance trip.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein if it is determined that the variance in the load current value was due to a true fault trip, then the switches of the micro-electromechanical switching devices will remain open.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein if it is determined that the variance in the load current value was due to a false nuisance trip, then the switches of the micro-electromechanical switching devices will be closed.

4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising monitoring a load voltage value.

5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising determining if the monitored load voltage value varies from a predetermined load voltage value.

6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising generating a fault signal in the event that the monitored load voltage/current value varies from the predetermined load voltage value.

7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising determining if the variance in the load voltage/current value was due to a true fault trip or a false nuisance trip.

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising initiating a pulse circuit current in response to the generated fault signal.

9. The method of claim 8 , where in response to the diversion of the load current the switches of the plurality of micro-electromechanical switching devices are opened.

10. An over-current protective device for electrical distribution systems, the device comprising:

a user interface, wherein the user interface is configured to receive input control commands, the user interface further comprising a terminal block and a disconnect switch, the terminal block being in communication with the disconnect switch;

a logic circuit in communication with the user interface;

a power stage circuit in communication with the logic circuit;

a MEMS protection circuit in communication with the logic circuit and the power stage circuit; and

a switching circuit in communication with the MEMS protection circuit, the switching circuit comprising a plurality of micro-electromechanical system switching devices; wherein,

the logic circuit is disposed to monitor a load current or load voltage, and in response to the monitored load current or load voltage varying from a predetermined value, the logic circuit is configured to generate and transmit a fault signal to the MEMS protection circuit and determine if the monitored current or voltage was in response to a true fault trip or a false nuisance trip;

the MEMS protection circuit is disposed to divert a load current from micro-electromechanical system switching devices in response to the fault signal; and

the switching circuit is configured to open the plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices in response to diversion of the load current by the MEMS protection circuit.

11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of micro-electromechanical system switching devices of the switching circuit are in communication with the disconnect switch of the user interface.

12. The device of claim 10 , where the micro-electromechanical system switches are opened in response to the diversion of the load current.

13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the switching circuit further comprises an isolator contactor that is in communication with the plurality of micro-electromechanical system switching devices, the isolator contactor being configured to isolate a line to a load in response to the switches of the plurality of micro-electromechanical system switching devices being in an open position.

14. The device of claim 13 , wherein if it is determined that the varying in the current load value was due to a true fault trip, then the switches of the micro-electromechanical switching devices will remain open.

15. The device of claim 14 , wherein if it is determined that the varying in the current load value was due to a false nuisance trip, then the switches of the micro-electromechanical switching devices will be closed.