A system and method employing a fault circuit interrupter to provide enhanced
miswiring
protection. The fault circuit interrupter is used with an alternating current (AC)
receptacle and comprises first and second source terminals, and first and second
load terminals. The fault circuit interrupter also comprises a sensing circuit,
which is adapted to selectively enter a fault detection state in response to an
imbalance of current flow in the AC receptacle. A latching mechanism is also provided
and is adapted to break at least one conductive path between the source and load
terminals of the AC receptacle in response to entry of the sensing circuit in the
fault state. The sensing circuit is further adapted to maintain the latching mechanism
in a condition to maintain a break in at least one of the conductive paths when
an AC source is connected to the load terminals instead of to the source terminals.
