A power controller is positioned within a current path between the line
side and the load side of an electrical circuit. The power controller
closes the current path in the presence of a control supply and opens the
current path in the absence of the control supply. A power supply
electrically connected to the current path provides the control supply. A
sensor system receives power from the power supply, monitors the current
in the current path and outputs a sensor signal indicative of a current
condition within the current path. A logic controller also receives power
from the power supply, receives the sensor signal and removes the control
supply from the power controller when the sensor signal does not satisfy
an established criteria. The sensor system may include one or both of an
imbalance sensor for monitoring the current balance among two or more
electrical lines and over-current sensors for monitoring current in
individual lines.