Samsung Promoting Widespread Use of Ground Fault Interrupters

Low-Cost Integrated GFI Controller for Wide Range of Electrical Equipment
Detects Shock Hazards, Saves Lives

SAN JOSE, Calif., September XX, 1993 -- Samsung Semiconductor today launched its campaign to eradicate potentially lethal shock hazards in commonly used electrical equipment with the introduction of a low-cost ground fault interrupter (GFI) controller. The KA2808 GFI controller detects hazardous grounding conditions in household appliances, power tools, office equipment and other AC-powered devices, and shuts off the power before a harmful or lethal shock can occur.

Ground fault interrupters already are mandated for use in hairdryers, bathroom heaters, kitchen and bath receptacles and in pools and spas. With the availability of low-cost integrated controllers, Samsung believes ground fault interrupters now can become standard equipment in a large number of other electrical products, offering "affordable insurance" against hazards.

"The proliferation of fax machines, copiers, computers and other traditional office equipment in the home has dramatically increased the potential for people sticking their hands into machines that are still plugged in," points out Bill Mikelonis, [title]. "GFIs can reduce manufacturers' exposure to product liability suits inexpensively while offering them a way to differentiate their products."

Besides the 20 million handheld hairdryers produced yearly mandated for GFIs, Mikelonis predicts GFIs will find widespread use in PCs, fax machines, copiers, electric blankets, extension cords and a variety of power tools, particularly those used in wet environments where the shock hazard is greatest.

High-Tech for the Masses

Based on high-voltage diode technology originally developed by Samsung for the telecommunications industry, the KA2808 is a low-power controller for AC outlet ground fault interrupters. It integrates a 26-volt zener diode shunt regulator, operational amplifiers and a driver enabling direct interface to a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR). With the addition of two sense coils, a bridge rectifier, an SCR, a relay and a handful of passive components, the KA2808 detects and protects against both hot-wire-to-ground and neutral-wire-to-ground faults for 110-volt or 220-volt systems.

The KA2808 requires no additional power supply circuitry, operating directly from the AC line, and has a quiescent current rating of just 450 mA. It meets Underwriters Laboratories 943 standards, and operates over a temperature range of -35 to +80 degrees Celsius. Sensitivity to normal and grounded neutral faults is independently adjustable, and no potentiometer is required to maintain UL 943 standard compliance.

Pricing and Availability

Manufacturers can use the KA2808 to provide additional protection for their equipment now. The KA2808N is packaged in an 8-pin DIP, and is available now for $0.47 (quantity 10,000). The KA2808D-TF is packaged in an 8-pin SOIC, and is available now for $0.50 (quantity 10,000). Samsung expects prices to drop to 3/$1.00 as quantities reach 1 million.

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