GB2605137A

GB2605137A - Device for enabling the measurement of electricity

Info

Publication number: GB2605137A
Application number: GB2103939.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Hall David; Harris Nigel; James King Addison
Original assignee: UK Secretary of State for Defence
Current assignee: UK Secretary of State for Defence
Priority date: 2021-03-22
Filing date: 2021-03-22
Publication date: 2022-09-28
Also published as: GB202103939D0

Abstract

A device for measurement of electricity within one or more conductive cores of a multicore cable routes the electrical current through two spaced channels, grooves or pathways 4, 5 such that a measurement in one pathway is not affected by interference from the other pathway. There may be one or more apertures 6 between the pathways. The device includes connection means 2a, 2b for connecting the cable. A means 7 may be provided to connect the two pathways 4, 5. Points 19, 20, 21, 22 are points where current can be measured. Live 8, neutral 9 and earth 10 cores of a cable (see figure 1) may be inserted in the device for measurement. The device may also be used with ribbon or co-axial cables; it can also be integrated into an extension cable. A current clamp or Rogowski coil may be used to measure the current.

Description

Device for enabling the measurement of electricity The present invention is in the field of tools to assist with electricity measurement, and in particular the measurement of electricity flowing through the cores of multicore cables.

Conventional tools to measure electricity include for example current clamp meters which have been available for many years, and are an accepted method of non-intrusive current measurement in single core cables. A known current clamp meter comprises two clamp jaws having electrical coils embedded therein which substantially encircle a conductive core, and sense the magnetic field created by current flow in order to measure the current in said conductive core. There are multiple types of current clamp meters including but not limited to alternating current (AC) clamp meters, used to measure AC only, Hall effect clamp meters which are used to measure both AC and direct current (DC), flexible types which may use a Rogowski coil for measuring only AC, etc. These instruments can only reliably measure current in a single conductive core. If the measurement of current flowing in a single conductive core within a multicore cable, which typically comprises a protective and/ or insulative outer sheath, is required, typically the outer sheath of the multicore cable is removed (in whole or in part) to gain access to the inner conductive core or cores, and each single conductive core is drawn away from any other to allow measurement of each single conductive core. Removing the outer sheath can be difficult, usually involving cutting it, presenting a risk of additionally cutting any internal insulation around any of the inner conductive cores, or indeed one or more of the inner conductive cores themselves, exposing potentially live wires, presenting risk to the user.

Multicore clamp meters exist, which are marketed for the measurement of current in two or three conductive cores typically inside multicore cables, without the need to separate those individual conductive cores. They typically comprise a complex array of planar magnetic sensor coils to calculate the current flowing in the conductive cores of multicore cables, however, they are expensive and have not proven to be consistently reliable. 1.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simple and inexpensive device that will facilitate the measurement of one or more conductive cores from a multicore cable reliably, whilst reducing the risk of electric shock to the user.

Thus in a first aspect of the invention there is provided a device for enabling the measurement of electricity, comprising at least one connection means for at least two electrically conductive cores, at least two pathways comprising a means for routing the conduction of electricity, wherein at least one of the pathways is securedly spaced apart from at least one other pathway, to permit electricity flowing therein to be measured without suffering electrical interference from electricity flowing in at least one other pathway.

The skilled reader will appreciate that the measurement of electricity starts from a scale of zero, which if a conductive core is expected to carry a live electrical feed results in this device being capable of enabling the detection of the presence of electricity, which in addition enables the measurement thereof, meaning the operator can gauge any amount of current flow from there being any at all from none (i.e. the act of detection) through to, if their additional tools so permit, a precise reading. Securedly spacing the pathways apart permits the measurement of electricity flowing within that pathway with minimal user manipulation, and with consistency if the device is permanently or near permanently affixed or embedded within a circuit, either or both of which are possible, thereby reducing the risk of electric shock.

Optionally, at least one of the pathways is securedly spaced apart from at least one other pathway by way of an aperture therebetween.

An aperture prevents or reduces interference from the magnetic fields of the other pathways as it provides a clear separation therebetween and facilitates easy access for any additional test equipment a user may choose to use to measure electricity flowing along the pathways, as it permits a subject pathway to be substantially encircled.

Optionally, said aperture is sized to permit a current reading device to substantially surround at least one pathway. Examples of common current reading devices are provided above, and include but are not limited to the clamp jaws of a current clamp meter, the flexible coil of a Rogowski coil, or any such similar tool as the user may require. Sizing the aperture in this manner means ensuring there is sufficient space for such a device to substantially encircle a subject pathway, in order to facilitate electrical measurement thereof.

Optionally, the device comprises at least three pathways which are securedly spaced apart from each other. This permits the electricity flowing (if any) in at least three conductive cores or tracks to be measured individually, or in any combination, without suffering interference from another conductive core.

Optionally, the device comprises at least one means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway.

This at least one means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway permits, in a non-limiting example to offer an early illustration for the skilled reader, using for example a conventional domestic UK plug cable which requires three electrically conductive cores; a live, a neutral, and an earth, and in an embodiment where there are only two pathways comprising a means for routing the conduction of electricity, and one means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway, for the live and neutral electrically conductive cores to be routed in one such pathway, and the earth in another, and said means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway would permit the neutral electrically conductive core to be directed away from the live electrically conductive core via said means, meeting up with the earth electrically conductive core in the pathway it rests in. Thus the user would have these three electrically conductive cores available in the following combinations: Live and neutral electrically conductive cores together, with the earth electrically conductive core alone in a separate pathway, the neutral electrically conductive core alone while routed in the means to permit the flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway, with the live electrically conductive core alone in the same pathway it was originally, and the neutral and earth electrically conductive cores together once neutral has joined the pathway the earth electrically conductive core was originally in. Thus the skilled reader can easily see that this at least one means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway increases the combinations of electrically conductive cores, which for the users increases the number of places where electricity can be measured from two to five combinations, and that having more than one of said means would permit further increases in possible combinations of electrically conductive cores for more complex cables or combinations thereof. Testing a live electrically conductive core together with a neutral electrically conductive core permits a known earth leakage test to be performed. Being able to test a live electrically conductive core in isolation permits an understanding of the current being demanded through the electrically conductive core, for example by any products attached to such a conventional domestic UK plug cable.

Optionally, the at least one means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway comprises two, three or four of said means, as the user may so require. This permits specific additional combinations of cables to be grouped together or isolated depending on the cables the user is addressing, to be between five, eight and fourteen with said respective number of said means.

Optionally, the at least one connection means for at least two electrically conductive cores comprises at least two connection means. The skilled reader will appreciate this may be either a single connection means on effective entry to the device, and a separate single connection means on exit, meaning electricity flows from one to the other in either direction as required. Such connection means arranged in this manner reduces the chances of electrically conductive cores being damaged, and they can be more easily grouped together. For example a protective sheath could surround them prior to effective entry, and a separate (or an effective continuation of the same) sheath could surround them post effective exit.

Alternatively it may be that the user wishes to consider combinations of electrically conductive cores from different sources, meaning they may wish to have a connection means for at least two electrically conductive cores from one source, and a second connection means for at least two electrically conductive cores from a different source. The device may then be used to enable the measurement of electricity in the at least two pathways comprising a means for routing the conduction of electricity using any combination of those cores the user may wish. For example to measure and thus to be able to compare the current in one to the other. Naturally this may mean it is not the notional input to the device, but the output that leads to two at least two different sources of electrically conductive cores, or that both the effective input and output of the device (in respect of electricity flow) lead to at least two different sources of electrically conductive cores.

Optionally, the device comprises at least a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is substantially for providing the pathways, and the second part comprises a cover portion.

This provides for simple manufacturing and/ or use of the device, in which the first part can be configured to provide the pathways, be that by way of non-limiting example to comprise any one or combination of; a simple space for the electrically conductive core(s), general or dedicated channels therefor, or grooves therefor, or a malleable portion to receive electrically conductive cores, and so on, while the second part can provide a cover for the electrically conductive cores. The user may thus be able to arrange the electrically conductive cores as they may require, and cover them with ease for protection and safety using the cover portion.

Optionally, at least one of the first part and the second part is securable to another part. Making at least one of the parts securable to another will assist the user in protecting the electrically conductive cores, making for simple operation. Naturally it may be that at least one of the first part and the second part is securable to the other.

Optionally, the device comprises at least one window portion for permitting a user to see the contents of at least one of the pathways and/ or the connection means. The user can thus see the contents of the device through or via the window portion, for example the pathways, and hence can identify where they will locate any electrically conductive cores, or if electrically conductive cores have already been inserted to the device, the electrically conductive cores and their configuration within the device. This allows the user to quickly visualise which pathway/ electrically conductive cores and at which specific location any measurement they may plan or wish to take should be undertaken, or to see if there is any damage to them. Where the device itself should provide a level of protection to the of electrically conductive cores itself, if for example the electrically conductive cores have been overloaded or damaged during manufacture, transit or use while within the device, then said at least one window portion will assist the user in determining if this is the case. The skilled person will appreciate a window need not be clear, it may be opaque, coloured, or both, and simply needs to perform the function as described above. Indeed the user may choose to configure the device to include a plurality of window portions each of which has a colour and/ or opacity of meaning to them. The device itself or any whole part thereof when separated may comprise a window, for example in an embodiment where the device is a first part and a second part at least one of said parts may be fully or near fully clear or opaque.

Optionally, the device comprises non-conductive material, which may provide an additional layer of electrical insulation for the conductive cores, thus enhancing safety for a user.

Optionally, the device comprises at least one marking indicating a location where the reading of a current can be measured from at least one pathway. Such a marking may be at any point or location on the device, including but not limited to on or about the at least one connection, on the pathways or relative thereto, and can be used to identify the specific location(s) to position a measuring element of any test equipment the user may wish to deploy. A marking can alternatively or additionally be used to indicate to the user how or where electrically conductive cores are configured (or are intended to be configured). Optionally, when at least one means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway is present, at least one marking may also be present for at least the reasons set out above.

Optionally, the at least two electrically conductive cores originate from a multicore cable, a ribbon cable, or a co-axial cable. These are common types of cable which may be of specific interest to the user.

Optionally and/ or additionally, the at least two electrically conductive cores originate from a cable which is screened and/ or armoured and/ or mineral insulation copper cladded, allowing the device to be operable with multiple cables types and cable coverings including fire alarm circuits.

Optionally, at least one of the means for routing the conduction of electricity comprises a channel for substantially locating at least one of the at least two electrically conductive cores therein. Such a channel may be specifically configured to receive a known number of electrically conductive cores, or may be configured to receive a general number thereof, depending on their size.

Optionally said channel comprises at least one groove configured to substantially locate at least one of the least two electrically conductive cores therein. The skilled person may consider a groove in this case to be a portion sized to receive at least one electrically conductive core. It may be further configured to substantially secure said electrically conductive core, or to otherwise at least reduce movement thereof, for safety reasons.

Optionally, at least one of the means for routing the conduction of electricity comprises at least one conductive track. At least one conductive track provides a known path for electricity through the device. The skilled reader will appreciate that at least one conductive track covers both one individual such track, and a plurality of individual conductive tracks.

Optionally said device may comprise a printed circuit board. This facilitates the inclusion of at least one form of at least one conductive track, and additionally or alternatively, should the designer so wish, additional electronic components. It may also permit the device to be conveniently sized.

Optionally said device may comprise electrical connection means. In addition to the at least one connection means for at least two electrically conductive cores, the user may wish to include an additional means arranged to permit an electrical connection between one or more of the electrically conductive core(s) and the device. This is of use in general, but is of particular use when at least one of the means for routing the conduction of electricity comprises a conductive track, as it may permit the user to form an electrical connection between one or more of the electrically conductive core(s) and any or all paths which form a conductive track.

Optionally, the device comprises at least one current reading device. Such a device permits the measurement of electricity in or about the pathways comprising a means for routing the conduction of electricity without necessarily needing any additional test equipment. Naturally the skilled person will appreciate further additional test equipment may be used, should the user so wish. Optionally, the current reading device may comprise a current clamp meter and/ or a Rogowski coil. These are typical current reading devices for AC measurement.

Optionally, the device comprises a Bayonet Neill-Concelman and/ or a Sub Miniature version B connection. These are specific connection types of use to the user.

In a second aspect there is provided an extension cable comprising a device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any and/ or all of the optional features set out in the first aspect above. An extension cable is a common and typical candidate article to use the device of the invention.

In a third aspect there is provided a termination housing for a motor or the like comprising a device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any and/ or all of the optional features set out in the first aspect above. A termination housing is another common and typical candidate article to use the device of the invention.

The present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the same embodiment of the invention as Figure 1, in use.

Figure 3 shows a top view of a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows a top view of an example of a second aspect of the invention.

Figure 5 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention comprising conductive track.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the invention.

In the figures, like elements are denoted by like reference numerals.

Referring first to Figure 1, a device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown. The skilled reader will appreciate that the connection means 2a, 2b need not be electrically conductive. Its function is to permit the device 1 of the invention to connect to the at least two electrically conductive cores (not shown) and/ or any outer sheath they are carried in, purely to allow the device 1 stability, and to engage with those electrically conductive cores (not shown). The user may have stripped off any outer sheath and thus the connection the device 1 has via the connection means 2a, 2b may be to the electrically conductive cores (not shown) themselves. In this example embodiment where the skilled person will appreciate one connection means 2a or 2b would suffice, two connection means 2a, 2b for at least two electrically conductive cores (not shown) are present. These connection means 2a, 2b are in essence the interface between the arrival and/ or departure of electrically conductive cores (not shown) and their entry and/ or exit to the device 1. The skilled reader will appreciate there may be additional electrical connection means (not shown), which in themselves will permit an electrical connection, should that be of use to the user.

In this example both entry at connection means 2a and exit is shown by connection means 2b being present. This implies a flow of electricity through the device from left to right in direction of arrow 3. The skilled person will appreciate a device like this can be deployed in any direction, so electricity could flow in the reverse direction to the arrow 3 shown. It is possible for the user to separate the at least two electrically conductive cores (not shown) by placing, inserting or routing them individually or in combination through the at least two pathways 4, 5 each of which is shown two parts for further explanation and example below as 4a and 4b and 5a and 5b respectively. At least one of the pathways 4 is securedly spaced apart from at least one other pathway 5 at least in part, to permit electricity flowing in each of said pathways 4, 5 to be measured without suffering electrical interference from electricity flowing in at least one other pathway. For example should the skilled person seek to measure the electricity flowing in or about pathway 4, that it is securedly spaced apart from pathway 5 means when there is sufficient separation between the pathways 4 and 5 it is possible to take such a measurement from pathway 4 without suffering electrical interference from electricity flowing in pathway 5, for example at 4b. In this example the skilled person will note the pathways 4, 5 are securedly spaced apart by way of apertures 6 therebetween, in essence a substantially unobstructed gap between the pathways, which may be sized to permit one or more current reading device(s) (not shown) to substantially surround at least one of the pathways 4, 5 to permit a measurement thereof. To provide significant utility to the user, a means 7 to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways 4, 5 to another pathway 4, 5 is provided 7. The skilled reader will appreciate this means 7 to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways 4, 5 acts as an additional pathway as well as being the means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways 4, 5 to the other. No such means 7 need be present if the user is able to separate or create a combination or combinations of the at least two electrically conductive cores (not shown) that are meaningful to them with the number of pathways 4, 5 provided.

The main use of the device is to permit the measurement of electricity in at least one of at the least two electrically conductive cores (not shown) by arranging and being able to separate them apart securedly in a repeatable manner, rather than having to remove any outer sheath from a multicore cable carrying such at least two electrically conductive cores (not shown) and have to pull them apart, potentially time after time. Examples of such multicore cables include but are not limited to general cables containing multiple cores, ribbon cables, co-axial cables, and so on, each of which comprise some sort of outer sheath or protection on or about at least some if not all of their outer circumference, within which there are cables comprising at least one core which is electrically conductive.

Figure 1 also shows five suitable locations denoted as 19-22 inclusive about the device 1 where electricity flowing in each of said respective pathways 4, 5 may be measured without suffering electrical interference from electricity flowing in at least one other respective pathway 4, 5, and in this example embodiment as one is present, in the means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways 4, 5 to another pathway 4, 5 at 7, which also offers an additional location where a measurement can be taken at 23.

The device 1 is shown in an example use in Figure 2. Should the user connect a conventional domestic UK plug cable (not shown) to both connection means 2a, 2b, where such a cable comprises three electrically conductive cores, a live 8, ;neutral 9 and an earth 10, which will be referred to as simply live 8, neutral 9, and earth 10 for the reader's ease, the reader appreciating they are all examples of electrically conductive cores, the user would be able to insert from left to right: The live 8 and neutral 9 cores to pathway 4, meaning at 19, 4a, they could measure the electricity from those live 8 and neutral 9 electrically conductive cores (typically to detect earth leakage) together. The user would have another electrically conductive core, the earth 10, which could be inserted to pathway 5, which could thus be measured at 21, 5a in isolation. Thanks to the presence of the means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways 4, 5 to another pathway 4, 5 at 7, the neutral 9 in pathway 4 from 4a could be inserted to said means 7, and thus the neutral 9 in isolation could be measured at 23, 7. As the neutral 9 is present in pathway 4 at 4a but has been removed from pathway 4 by 4b, what remains therein at 4b is the live 8 alone, which can be measured in isolation at 20, 4b. Being able to assess the live 8 alone assists the user in understanding the current being demanded, for example by any products attached to said conventional domestic UK plug cable. Then in pathway 5 the earth 10 and neutral 9 are present at 5b, which can be measured together at 22, 5b. The skilled person will appreciate that colours in the Figures for live 8, neutral 9 and earth 10 electrically conductive cores are purely exemplar to permit the viewer to distinguish them, and may not reflect convention and/ or regulatory requirements in any given nation for insulation or the like.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 3. In the first embodiment in Figures 1 and 2 the user in effect, takes a cable (not shown) which comprises at least two electrically conductive cores shown in Figure 2 as examples of live 8, neutral 9 and earth 10 electrically conductive cores, and is able to manipulate them about the device 1 to separate them in a consistent manner of use to them and securedly spacing them apart, permitting measurement in combination(s) of use to them. In this further embodiment in Figure 3 the device 1 is used to in effect physically interrupt a cable (not shown), which comprises the at least two electrically conductive cores (not shown), meaning said at least two electrically conductive cores (not shown) do not themselves need to pass or extend through the device 1. Instead, as per Figure 3 they may be connected to the at least one connection means 2a, 2b, and the device 1 comprises electrically conductive track 11. Such electrically conductive track 11 in this example embodiment is etched to a substrate akin to a printed circuit board,. Electrically conductive track 11 in this form can be made to turn at angles hard for conventional cables to achieve, for example at right angles, and over short distances. This means in this example embodiment it may be possible to have a device 1 with a smaller footprint than one which requires cables to be physically separated. With this device 1 the electrically conductive track 11 comprises at least two pathways 12, 13 comprising a means for routing the conduction of electricity, at least one of the pathways 12, 13 is securedly spaced apart from at least one other pathway, to permit electricity flowing therein to be measured without suffering electrical interference from electricity flowing in at least one other pathway. In this example the at least two pathways 12, 13 are separated by way of apertures 6, which are sized to permit a current reading device to substantially surround at least one pathway 12, 13. Also in this embodiment is shown a further pathway 14 which comprises an electrically conductive track 11, illustrating the utility and scalability of the invention. The skilled reader will appreciate with an appropriate arrangement of such pathways 12, 13, 14 and apertures 6, it is possible to form positions akin to 19-23 (potentially, but not necessarily identical of course) in the first embodiment where different combinations of pathways can be measured. In this example embodiment there are also six electrical connection means 24 grouped together in two pairs of three insulated from each other which permit an electrical connection between the at least two electrically conductive cores (not shown) and the pathways 12, 13, 14. In this example the electrical connection means 24 comprises two copper loops per pathway 12, 13, 14, one at each end of the pathways 12, 13, 14, in individual fluid communication therewith, thus electricity flowing through each respective pathway 12, 13, 14 will connect with each respective copper loop to form an electrical connection. Said copper loop also comprises a threaded hole and a complimentary machine screw. To form an electrical connection through the device 1 with at least two electrically conductive cores (not shown) the user may simply strip a portion of any insulation about an electrically conductive core when present, or otherwise take such an uninsulated portion, insert it to one of the respective copper loops in the electrical connection means 24 on the pathway 12, 13, 14 of interest to the user, and tighten the machine screw. Thus electricity may flow from the respective electrically conductive core through the respective pathway 12, 13, 14 via the electrical connection means 24. The skilled person will appreciate more than one electrically conductive core may thus be electrically connected to a single pathway 12, 13, 14 via the electrical connection means 24 should the user so wish. To permit electricity to continue to flow and to form a circuit through the device 1 the user would simply do the same with the copper loop at the other end of the respective pathway 12, 13, 14. In essence in this embodiment this permits the user to "cut through" at least two electrically conductive cores (not shown), electrically connect them to the conductive track 11 in combinations and pathways 12, 13, 14 of use and interest to them via the electrical connection means 24 at both ends, allowing electricity to continue to flow through the at least two electrically conductive cores (not shown).

Figure 4 shows an example of the invention of either of the embodiments in Figures 1 and 2 in use in a second aspect as an example. In this example the inventive device is not shown as it is under the cover of a conventional domestic UK plug extension lead 15, with apertures 6 in effect separating pathways (not shown). This is particularly important in a conventional domestic UK plug extension lead 15, as users may on occasion plug a significant number of devices in to them, not realising the impact it can have on the power being drawn from a single electrical source via plug socket 18. Naturally this is an issue affecting any nation's power use and supply and that this is a conventional domestic UK plug extension lead 15 should not be construed as limiting the invention: Overloaded sockets are a common source of electrical fire globally. Being able to measure the flow of electricity in such a device is thus very important. The user may be content in such an example for the conductive cores within the source cable 16 to be separated inside the body 17 of the conventional domestic UK plug extension lead 15 in line with the operation of the first embodiment per Figure 1, or for the conductive cores to be interrupted and electrically conductive track to be used inside the device 1 in line with the operation of the second embodiment per Figure 2.

Figure 5 shows the device 1 having connection means 2a, 2b and an electrical connection means 25 in the form of a connector block or strip. This known electrical connection means 25 in the form of a connector block or strip comprises a typical plastic body insulating copper cylinders from each other, with two threaded holes per cylinder and machine screws inserted thereto. To one end of the cylinder an electrically conductive core 8, 9, 10 is placed as a conductive track, in effect pre-loading the device 1 with electrically conductive core 8, 9, 10 comprising conductive track for the user's ease. Shown in an example embodiment here are three conductive tracks, in the form of a live 8 electrically conductive core, which is inserted to the cylinder in one electrical connection means 25 and the respective machine screw tightened to form an electrical connection with the copper cylinder. This is repeated at the other end, and is also repeated in different cylinders for a neutral 9 and earth 10 electrically conductive cores respectively. The skilled person will then insert at least two subject electrically conductive cores through the connection means 2a, 2b to corresponding respective cylinders, tighten the additional machine screw per cylinder, and form in this example embodiment two pathways for electricity 4, 5 through the device 1 formed from conductive track, securedly spaced apart from each other. This permits the user to have a device 1 in which where not shown may also include conventional or regulatory required coloured insulation to assist the user in connecting the correct electrically conductive cores from their source multicore cable to the correct pathways for electricity 4, 5 in the device 1. The skilled reader will appreciate there are three conductive tracks in the form of electrically conductive cores as live 8, neutral 9 and earth 10 in this example, as is shown in the Figure an electrical connection means 25 may have capacity for additional conductive track (not shown) in any form as the user may require, be that track electrically conductive core, or deposited or etched to a substrate.

The skilled reader will appreciate there is no need for the device 1 to be in effect configured in two dimensions as is shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 6 in use with a current reading device 26, in this case a Rogowski coil. The skilled reader will appreciate such a current reading device may be located about one pathway 12, 13, 14 individually, or as is shown here around two pathways 13, 14 as the user may require. The skilled reader will appreciate the current reading device 26 is an optional part of the invention and is shown in Figure 6 to illustrate use.

Further in the embodiment of Figure 7, the user has chosen to configure the device 1 in a manner where the at least two pathways 12, 13, 14 comprising a means for routing the conduction of electricity are raised and spaced apart from other pathways 27, 28, 29 also comprising a means for routing the conduction of electricity. The skilled reader will readily see that thanks to the apertures 6 in this example a current reading device 26, in this case a Rogowski coil may be located about multiple different combinations of pathways 12, 27 and also 13, 28 as well as 14, 29 as the user has selected for their needs. In this example the user is testing pathways 14, 29 with a current reading device 26. The skilled reader will appreciate the current reading device 26 is an optional part of the invention and is shown in Figure 6 to illustrate use.

The following features and alternatives are common to all embodiments in isolation or in any combination: The device 1 which comprises at least two pathways (4, 5 and 12, 13 respectively) may comprise at least three pathways, each of which are spaced apart from each other, as is shown at 14 as an example in the second embodiment. This provides additional utility to the user when selecting paths for different source electrically conductive cores to travel. Many more pathways 12, 13, 14, 27, 28,29 are user to illustrate possible combinations as the user may so require. Indeed if the at least two electrically conductive cores of interest to the user emanate from ribbon cables, there may be potentially hundreds of such pathways.

The device 1 need not comprise one means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway 7, but may comprise two, three or four of said means. For example this would have utility when the source is three phase electricity, as the three phases could be separated from one another with an appropriate number of means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway 7.

The at least one means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway 7 may be configurable between a first position and at least a second position. In the first position it will permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway 7, and in the second position it will permit a flow of electricity to a different pathway from that which it flows electricity to in the first position. The skilled reader will consider this akin to "points" on a railway, in which with the movement thereof, a train (in this case electricity) may be directed from one path to another (in this case at least one of the pathways to another pathway). This gives considerable utility to a user in that they may use the device in a first configuration to test one group of electrically conductive cores, and then using is the device, rather than handling the electrically conductive cores themselves, they may test a second or more configuration. Where this is akin to how without the device a user simply pulls electrically conductive cores apart to be able to test them in combinations of use, the device adds considerable stability and certainty as to the user's safety, and also the reliability of such tests.

Common to all embodiments the device 1 need only have one connection means 2a, but may have more as the user so requires for example 2b, depending on how many source cables are present, and how the user wishes the cores to enter and/ or exit the device 1. Two would be logical, one on effective entry 2a, one on effective exit 2b in the expected direction of electrical flow through the device 1, one if which is illustrated as an example only as 3. Naturally the skilled person may just choose one on exit 2b rather than on entry 2a. Where any connection type may be used by the device 1, Bayonet Neill-Concelman and/ or a Sub Miniature version B connection may be of use to the user and thus may be present as at least one connection means 2a, 2b. The function of this connection means 2a, 2b is to provide rigidity to the device 1 assisting it in connecting with the electrically conductive cores of interest permitting them ease of access to the device 1.

Common to all embodiments the device 1 may comprise at least a first part and a second part (not shown), wherein the first part is substantially for providing the pathways 12, 13 (or more as the case may be, for example 14, 27, 28, 29), and the second part comprises a cover portion. It may be that at least one of the first part and the second part is securable to another part, be it each other, or another part of the device 1, as the user may so wish to aid ease of manufacture. Securing may be any common method, be that permanent or near-permanent, or temporary as the user may so require. The device may comprise non-conductive material for safety reasons, for example one or more plastics, wood or a combination thereof, or any further alternative or additional material typically comprising an electrical insulator. It, or any part of the device, may be manufactured using any convenient technique, including but not limited to stamping, moulding, vacuum forming, additive manufacturing and so on as is appropriate for such a material.

Common to all embodiments the device 1 may comprise at least one window portion for permitting a user to see the contents of at least one of the pathways and/ or the connection means. Such a window need not be clear, it may be opaque, coloured, or any combination thereof. Said at least one portion may comprise the whole device 1.

Common to all embodiments the device 1 may include at least one marking indicating a location where the reading of a current can be measured from at least one pathway, and/ or when present from at least one means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway. This aids the user to quickly see where electrically conductive cores may need to be located, and/ or where current can be measured. Such marking may be internal or external to a device 1, or both, for example when a cover is present it may be on both parts. Such marking may be present on the device 1 at convenient locations where tests may take place such as at 19, 20, 21, 22 in example embodiments shown herein.

Common to all embodiments the device 1 is suitable for use with at least two electrically conductive cores that originate from a multicore cable, a ribbon cable or a co-axial cable. Any of said cables may be screened and/ or armoured and/ or mineral insulation copper cladded. These are commonly used cables the user may be interested in applying the invention to.

Common to all embodiments, the electrical connection means 24 may comprise one or more of any form of connection type of use to the user. Described above are simple conventional conductive releasable connections in the form of connector block or strip. Any suitable alternative, individually or in combination, that performs a suitably similar function, such as terminal strips, tap splice connectors, crocodile clips, butt connectors, crimp connectors, male and/ or female spade connection(s), etc may be used as the user so wishes or requires for their particular application, for any or all of the pathways in the embodiment in use. The skilled person will appreciate there may be no need at all for such an electrical connection means 24, in any of the embodiments shown, as the user may make such a connection by other known means, such as by soldering, or they may not be needed as the device may not interrupt a subject cable, it may simply facilitate electrically conductive cores to be manipulated to the user's needs, and no such electrical connection means 24 is thus required.

Common to all embodiments the device 1 at least one of the means for routing the conduction of electricity may comprise a channel for substantially locating at least one of the least two electrically conductive cores therein. The channel may be formed in any appropriate manner, and may comprise an area intended to be dedicated to guiding at least one of the two electrically conductive cores therein. Such a channel or channels may comprise a groove. In the context of this invention a groove comprises a portion sized to receive at least one electrically conductive core. A groove may be further configured to substantially secure said electrically conductive core, or to otherwise at least reduce movement thereof, for safety reasons. The skilled person will appreciate it is possible to manufacture or form different devices with different channels and/ or grooves as the likely or dedicated use may benefit from. For example as per Figure 2, if such a device 1 is to be employed on a near permanent basis to a domestic UK plug cable, it would be possible to size the channel/ groove at 4a, 5b larger than that at 4b, 5a, as 4a and 5b would be expected to carry two electrically conductive cores, not one as per 5a and 5b. Or vice-versa of course if the user wished to have two electrically conductive cores located about 5a and 4b, with one each at 4a and 5b.

Common to all embodiments at least one conductive track when present in the device 1 may take a variety of forms. For example, a conventional electrically conductive core can comprise a conductive track which can be employed in the device 1 in a pre-arranged manner such as is shown in the example embodiment in Figure 5. Such conductive track may alternatively or additionally comprise an electrically conductive thin film or material etched or deposited on a substrate such as is shown in the example embodiment in Figure 3, or of course a combination of different types of conductive tracks, for example one or more conductive core(s), and one or more electrically conductive thin film(s) or material(s) etched or deposited on a substrate, as the user may so require. In other example embodiments, even within the same device, the user may wish to use electrically conductive thin film or material etched or deposited on a substrate as it can be made to move at angles harder for conventional cable to turn at, for example at 45 degrees, or right angles, or more.

Common to all embodiments the device 1 may comprise at least one current reading device. For example one may be physically connected about an aperture in an example of the first embodiment, or soldered or secured, permanently or otherwise, to a printed circuit board (when present) in the second embodiment. Such a current reading device may comprise a current clamp meter and/ or a Rogowski coil. More than one such current reading device may be present, and indeed more than one different type of device may be present Common to all embodiments, it may be the device is substantially triangular in cross section. Likewise, it may be that spacing four of the at least two pathways comprising a means for routing the conduction of electricity is of use to the user such that the device 1 is substantially square or rectangular in cross section, or indeed pentagonal or hexagonal or more, as the user may require, the embodiment in Figure 7 being purely an example of how the user may configure the device 1 to suit their available space and applications.

This invention provides that same functionality as cutting the outer sheath of a multicore cable and drawing out individual cores/conductors to be measured, however this device 1 has the advantage that it can be integrated into any circuit easily and permits consistent and reliable testing safely by all users. The invention is suitable for deployment to common electrical items, for example per Figure 4 the device 1 being effectively integrated to an extension cable of any type, or alternatively (not shown) being effectively integrated to a termination housing for a motor or the like, as may be of use to the user.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity, comprising at least one connection means for at least two electrically conductive cores, at least two pathways comprising a means for routing the conduction of electricity, wherein at least one of the pathways is securedly spaced apart from at least one other pathway, to permit electricity flowing therein to be measured without suffering electrical interference from electricity flowing in at least one other pathway.
2. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity, wherein at least one of the pathways is securedly spaced apart from at least one other pathway by way of an aperture therebetween.
3. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to claim 2, wherein said aperture is sized to permit a current reading device to substantially surround at least one pathway.
4. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any of claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the at least two pathways comprises at least three pathways, each of which are securedly spaced apart from each other.
5. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway.
6. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to claim 5, wherein the at least one means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway comprises two, three or four of said means.
7. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any previous claim, wherein the at least one connection means for at least two electrically conductive cores comprises at least two connection means.
8. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any preceding claim, wherein said device comprises at least a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is substantially for providing the pathways, and the second part comprises a cover portion.
9. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the first part and the second part is securable to another part.
10. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one window portion for permitting a user to see the contents of at least one of the pathways and/ or the connection means.
11. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any preceding claim, wherein said device comprises non-conductive material.
12. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any preceding claim comprising at least one marking indicating a location where the reading of a current can be measured from at least one pathway.
13. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any of claims 511, further comprising at least one marking indicating a location where the reading of a current can be measured from at least one pathway and/ or means to permit a flow of electricity from at least one of the pathways to another pathway.
14. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least two electrically conductive cores originate from a multicore cable, a ribbon cable or a co-axial cable
15. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least two electrically conductive cores originate from a cable which is screened and/ or armoured and/ or mineral insulation copper cladded.
16. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the means for routing the conduction of electricity comprises a channel for substantially locating at least one of the least two electrically conductive cores therein.
17. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to claim 16, wherein said channel comprises at least one groove configured to substantially locate at least one of the least two electrically conductive cores therein.
18. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any of claims 115, wherein at least one of the means for routing the conduction of electricity comprises at least one conductive track.
19. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to claim 18 wherein said device comprises a printed circuit board.
20. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one electrical connection means.
21. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one current reading device.
22. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to claim 21, wherein said current reading device comprises a current clamp meter and/ or a Rogowski coil.
23. A device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising a Bayonet Neill-Concelman and/ or a Sub Miniature version B connection.
24. An extension cable comprising a device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any preceding claim.
25. A termination housing for a motor or the like comprising a device for enabling the measurement of electricity according to any of claims 1-23.