A power filter circuit for protecting electronic equipment from
electromagnetic interference introduced by a supply system circuit
includes a fault/condition sensing circuit capable of detecting whether
the supply system circuit is properly wired. The sensing circuit controls
switching circuits in accordance with the determination of whether the
supply system is properly wired. The sensing circuit activates a first
switching circuit to form a short circuit between the neutral and ground
conductors of the power filter circuit when it is determined that the
supply system circuit is properly wired. If any wiring fault conditions,
including a reverse polarity wiring, is detected by the sensing circuit,
the first switch is not activated and the short circuit is not formed
between the neutral and ground conductors. The sensing circuit controls a
second switching circuit which corrects the polarity when a reverse
polarity condition is detected and which does not change the polarity
when a correct polarity condition is detected. The sensing circuit can be
used with the first and second switching circuits in combination. In this
case, the first switching circuit can form a short circuit between the
line conductor of the power filter circuit and the ground conductor when
a reverse polarity condition is detected to provide superior common mode
electromagnetic interference suppression.