Neutral switch test mechanism for a circuit interrupter

Abstract

Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include neutral fault test simulation.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A circuit interrupting device comprising: 
 a housing;    a phase conductive path and a neutral conductive path each disposed at least partially within said housing between a line side and a load side, said phase conductive path terminating at a first connection capable of being electrically connected to a source of electricity, a second connection capable of conducting electricity to at least one load and a third connection capable of conducting electricity to at least one user accessible load, and said neutral conductive path terminating at a first connection capable of being electrically connected to a source of electricity, a second connection capable of providing a neutral connection to said at least one load and a third connection capable of providing a neutral connection to said at least one user accessible load;    a circuit interrupting portion disposed within said housing and configured to cause electrical discontinuity in said phase and neutral conductive paths between said line side and said load side upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition; and    a reset portion disposed at least partially within said housing and configured to reestablish electrical continuity in said phase and neutral conductive paths; and    said circuit interrupting device further comprising a reset lockout portion that prevents reestablishing electrical continuity in said phase and neutral conductive paths only if a neutral fault simulation test is successful.