POWER DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS FOR SEPARATE ELECTRICAL OVER CURRENT AND SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION
A system for protecting electrical power distribution circuits and loads electrically connected thereto comprises a circuit breaker or fuse in series with an over current protection device, for example a virtual circuit breaker. The circuit breaker or fuse provides protection against a short circuit condition, and the virtual circuit breaker provides against excess current. Separating the two protection means enables providing a higher current allowance for loads connected to outlets on a branch circuit.
1 . A circuit protection system comprising a short circuit protection device electrically connected in series with an over current device.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the short circuit protection device is a circuit breaker.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the short circuit protection device is a fuse.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the over current device is a virtual circuit breaker.