CA2460828A1 - Portable battery operated electronic interactive electric arc detector - Google Patents
Portable battery operated electronic interactive electric arc detector Download PDFInfo
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- CA2460828A1 CA2460828A1 CA002460828A CA2460828A CA2460828A1 CA 2460828 A1 CA2460828 A1 CA 2460828A1 CA 002460828 A CA002460828 A CA 002460828A CA 2460828 A CA2460828 A CA 2460828A CA 2460828 A1 CA2460828 A1 CA 2460828A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
- G01R31/50—Testing of electric apparatus, lines, cables or components for short-circuits, continuity, leakage current or incorrect line connections
- G01R31/52—Testing for short-circuits, leakage current or ground faults
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Abstract
The invention provides an improved system for the detection of arc faults specifically a portable battery powered interactive electrical arc detection instrument that is both responsible for and responsive to the elicitation of electrical arcs caused by mechanical vibrations being impinged upon electrical apparatus and its support structure thereby influencing the associated wiring of the said apparatus. This is accomplished by a procedure the present inventor calls the bang test utilized by one embodiment of the present invention, specifically the embodiment with the said hammer shaped member, whereby mechanical vibrations are transferred to electrical conductors associated by proximity with the said electrical apparatus. The said bang test provides said mechanical vibrations of various intensities that are impinged upon the wiring of said apparatus in order to elicit arc responses from loose or shorting electrical conductors that supply current to a load.
The elicited response would be an arc produced when the said conductors make and break a flaw of electrons as a result of the influence of the mechanical vibrations. The said invention utilizes electronic circuitry to amplify and shape an arcs electromagnetic characteristics, The said arcs characteristics are picked up by an antenna that is in close proximity to a point of impact between a hammer like portion of the present invention and electrical apparatus. The antenna is placed inside the said hammer shaped member of one embodiment of the present invention that when used as a hammer serves as the source of the mechanical vibrations. A response from the present inventions electronics to the presence of an electric arc is given in the form of visual and auditory stimulus. The described invention and method of usage provides a basis for an electrical troubleshooting system that also offers preventative maintenance of various alternating current and direct current electrical systems. Also offered, as an alternative to the bang test is the use of a vibrator, which serves as the source of the said mechanical vibrations and as an antenna.
The elicited response would be an arc produced when the said conductors make and break a flaw of electrons as a result of the influence of the mechanical vibrations. The said invention utilizes electronic circuitry to amplify and shape an arcs electromagnetic characteristics, The said arcs characteristics are picked up by an antenna that is in close proximity to a point of impact between a hammer like portion of the present invention and electrical apparatus. The antenna is placed inside the said hammer shaped member of one embodiment of the present invention that when used as a hammer serves as the source of the mechanical vibrations. A response from the present inventions electronics to the presence of an electric arc is given in the form of visual and auditory stimulus. The described invention and method of usage provides a basis for an electrical troubleshooting system that also offers preventative maintenance of various alternating current and direct current electrical systems. Also offered, as an alternative to the bang test is the use of a vibrator, which serves as the source of the said mechanical vibrations and as an antenna.
Description
-2-ARCING FAULT TROUBLESHOOTING INSTRUMENT AND METHOD
THEREFORE
This invention provides a novel instrument and method of its use that provides troubleshooting assistance for locating loose connections or shorting conductors that are passing a nominal current being fed to a resistive, inductive or capacitive load. The said invention also provides preventative maintenance of existing 11 S-220 volt alternating current or direct current low voltage electrical systems by exposing said loose or shorting conductors early in their life cycle before they become hazards. More particularly an interactive portable battery operated arc fault detector that in one embodiment utilizes a hammer shaped member that is swung as a standard claw hammer would be to supply mechanical vibrations that are integral to the operation of the present inventian. Also in another embodiment the use of a vibrator serves as the source of vibrations.
The said mechanical vibrations thereby elicit arcs from loose or shorting conductors all without the need to remove switch or receptacle plates or to open ceiling fixtures. More specifically the detection of hidden electrical hazards. A great need exists specifically for homes built between 1965 and 1973 when aluminum wire was commonly used. As stated in a U. S. consumer product safety commission publication numbered 516,aluminum wired homes of the said time period are 55 times more likely to have one or more connections reach fire hazard conditions. Also noted in the publication is the statement " unfortunately not all failing aluminum wired connections provide warning signs such as warm to the touch face plates, flickering lights, circuits that are not working or the smell of burning plastic".
Aluminum wired connections have been reported to fail without prior indications. The present invention is capable of detecting such hazards in their infancy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Existing arc fault safety devices are usually manufactured in the form of a circuit breaker and reside in a distribution panel ar in a duplex receptacle. In response to arc faults in the circuit that an arc fault circuit interrupter in the form of a breaker or a duplex outlet is protecting a tripping of the said breaker or receptacles power ensues. In one patent it was observed that an inventor and his company patented such above-mentioned devices but also and of particular interest is the said companies
THEREFORE
This invention provides a novel instrument and method of its use that provides troubleshooting assistance for locating loose connections or shorting conductors that are passing a nominal current being fed to a resistive, inductive or capacitive load. The said invention also provides preventative maintenance of existing 11 S-220 volt alternating current or direct current low voltage electrical systems by exposing said loose or shorting conductors early in their life cycle before they become hazards. More particularly an interactive portable battery operated arc fault detector that in one embodiment utilizes a hammer shaped member that is swung as a standard claw hammer would be to supply mechanical vibrations that are integral to the operation of the present inventian. Also in another embodiment the use of a vibrator serves as the source of vibrations.
The said mechanical vibrations thereby elicit arcs from loose or shorting conductors all without the need to remove switch or receptacle plates or to open ceiling fixtures. More specifically the detection of hidden electrical hazards. A great need exists specifically for homes built between 1965 and 1973 when aluminum wire was commonly used. As stated in a U. S. consumer product safety commission publication numbered 516,aluminum wired homes of the said time period are 55 times more likely to have one or more connections reach fire hazard conditions. Also noted in the publication is the statement " unfortunately not all failing aluminum wired connections provide warning signs such as warm to the touch face plates, flickering lights, circuits that are not working or the smell of burning plastic".
Aluminum wired connections have been reported to fail without prior indications. The present invention is capable of detecting such hazards in their infancy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Existing arc fault safety devices are usually manufactured in the form of a circuit breaker and reside in a distribution panel ar in a duplex receptacle. In response to arc faults in the circuit that an arc fault circuit interrupter in the form of a breaker or a duplex outlet is protecting a tripping of the said breaker or receptacles power ensues. In one patent it was observed that an inventor and his company patented such above-mentioned devices but also and of particular interest is the said companies
-3-development of an arc fault monitor that plugs into an outlet. Its function is to monitor the 115-volt 64-cycle sine wave characteristics and if an arcs signature were to be detected an alarm would sound.
The said patent is that of blades-2125026. Other examples of arc fault circuit breakers are:
5121282 issued to White 4951170 issued to From 4639817 issued to Cooper 5938246 issued to Durivage 6266219 issued to Macbeth Though the above arc fault circuit interrupters serve a valuable function and blades monitor is a useful device, they are passive not interactive, and none are battery powered as is the present invention. Accordingly there has been a continuing need for improvement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVE1~TTIOIV
The present invention pertains to the detection of hidden arcing faults in electrical systems. Although the present invention can detect arcs from direct current sources it is believed a more suited application would be furl 15/220-volt apparatus and wiring in residential homes and apartments, some convnercial and industrial applications would apply as well. Electrical arcing represents a severe threat that can and does result in loss of life and property. There are various causes of such electrical hazards some examples being diminished spring tension on circuit breakers or receptacles, shorting electrical conductors to each other or to ground and loose terminations on electrical apparatus. Also, as mentioned, aluminum wiring is a hazard therefore houses with aluminum wiring are particularly amenable to loose connections. The aluminum wire corrodes and when mixed with copper without special care their different expansion coefficients pose a problem. Wires that were cut or nicked when installed are also hazards. Many reasons for the presence of electrical wiring faults occur. The results are line arcing or contact arcing. Line arcing could be a short to ground or from one conductor impacting another conductor of a different phase. Contact arcing could be a loose screw connection on a light switch or a receptacle or the improper use of wire connectors. If a condition degrades to the point where a conductor burns through, a resistive connection may remain and small vibrations may bridge the gap temporarily thereby creating an electric arc if a current flow -q.~
is present such as a light or a plug in load. The present inventions electronic circuit would alarm to such arcs. Even loose light bulbs although not particularly hazardous can diminish the life cycle of such a light and the arcing can cause dust to catch on fire. The present invention can be used in a troubleshooting mode for such faults or as a preventative maintenance check for electrical systems by looking for loose or shorting connections that have not yet degraded to the point of being dangerous.
It is more beneficial o correct wiring faults early in their life cycle. It is believed that some people usually are not aware that an arcing fault exists. As an example a light switch that has an arcing fault may show symptoms in the form of a temporary dimming of the light associated with the said switch.
Dimming of lights occurs in many instances due to a fridge compressor starting or a fiunace fan starting, both of which have a high inrush current so homeowners are desensitized to the dimming of lights. Present safety devices detect such faults and interrupt the power that feeds the said fault. This type of system is not readily available to average homeowners due to the cost of such safety devices.
Also the electric code dictates their usage in newer built homes and needed only in the bedrooms.
Also the said safety devices can be prone to false triggering and if a fault is present it still needs to be .
located. The present invention and associated vibration testing procedure locates faults as it performs the said preventative maintenance on electrical apparatus and wiring. The term preventative maintenance is not normally equated with wiring systems but preventing electrical fires and unstable voltages is a great benefit. Unstable voltage and current are also a result of arcing electrical faults and can degrade equipment connected to such a source of unstable power. The present invention addresses the problem of arc faults in a unique manner. The present inventor has offered two embodiments but one commonality is the use of vibrations utilized in conjunction with the use of the present inventions electronics. The said vibrations elicit arcs from loose or shorting conductors whose electromagnetic signature is amplified by an electronic circuit that responds to arcs of varying frequencies and results in a visual and auditory alarm. It is believed that electrical connections that axe intermittently loose or shorting, when subjected to mechanical vibrations, will make and break the connection thereby eliciting an arc if a current flow were present. An arc may be almost invisible to the naked eye if the current flow is small but it has been found that even a current in the milliamp range will trigger the present inventions alarms if the said current flow is broken then reconnected.
Used in conjunction with one embodiment of the present invention is a procedure called the bang test by the present inventor. The said bang test utilizes a hammer like member of the present invention in ..
one embodiment that also has a fixed circular wound antenna in the head of the said hammer like member that is swung, with varying degrees of intensity, like a standard claw hammer would be to impact around building material such as drywall that is supporting electrical apparatus such as light switches, receptacles and fixtures thus the term, bang test. The said swinging motion transfers vibratory forces to the wiring of said switches, receptacles and fixtures whereby loose or shorting connections would belay their presence by eliciting an arc. If an arc is forthcoming the said antenna would be in close proximity to the source of the said arc and the present inventions alarms would be triggered. For a light switch, receptacle or fixture or any electrical apparatus the hammer would impact by repeated swinging of the said hammer all around the said apparatus.
In the case of the said receptacle a load that requires a small amount of current would be plugged in.
~ffered as an adjunct for the testing of receptacles is a dummy load that will be more closely examined further into this application. The said hammer has a padded surface on one end for the testing of said lights and receptacles and also for testing ceiling fixtures so as not to cause damage.
In a second embodiment an electrical vibrator is used and this embodiment could be used for testing distribution panels. If when testing the said panel the present inventions alarms are triggered the cover can then be removed and an inspection of the connections would be done. It has been noted through experience that the source of arcing could be a circuit breaker itself. Some circuit breakers have pressure fitting contacts spring held to the buss line of the panel and the spring tension may be degraded for whatever reason and minute arcing between the tabs and the buss bar may ensue.
Admittedly such arcing may seem insignificant but the voltage surges that ensue could degrade electronic equipment such as computers and even the life of a light bulb would be reduced due to the current instability. Also possible is the degradation of the contact surfaces to the point where a resistive barrier may form and heat would rise to the point of combustion.
Such said degradation is highly dependent on the current draw ofthe Load. A circuit breaker feeding a four-slice toaster for example would be subject to a greater rate of degradation and produce a more hazardous situation.
While working as an electronic electrician for twenty years in various factories the present inventor utilized the said bang test many times on circuit breaker distribution panels, control panels, fuse panels and motor starters and occasionally a spark could be seen belaying the presence of a loose or shorting connection when mechanical vibrations from whatever means were impinged upon said electrical apparatus. The present invention is particularly advantageous in that a visual representation of an arc is not needed, this fact allows for the testing or troubleshooting of distribution panels receptacles and light switches having cover plates or ceiling fixtures whose structures precludes a visual investigation. Most arc faults are hidden but are easily detected electronically because an arcs electromagnetic signature travels through the air, on a conductor and even metal barriers ai~ord a path for the said electromagnetic signature. It should be noted that some loose connections are not yet to the point where degradation has occurred and spring tension may butt a conductor in the said connection sufficiently against a conductors termination that the vibratory forces may not jostle the said connection sufficiently to elicit an arc response. Such a situation has not yet reached the danger point. In time such said degradation of electrical connections will cause the said connections to become amenable to manipulation by mechanical vibrations due to a resistive oxide forming or due to the weakening of the spring tension due to heat. Some light switches have so much dust internal to the switch that just turning the light switch on and off will cause multiple alarms from the present invention. Such a switch could cause sputtering arcs and intense heat could build up and result in a fire. In such a case the switch should be changed. A test for the present invention before use is to hold the antenna of either embodiment close to a light switch and a user would look for a clean single alarm when the switch is turned on and off_ Admittedly the present invention can locate minor problems but that is the point of preventative maintenance specifically, locating minor problems before they become major problems. One key to the use of the present invention and its associated procedure is the repeatability of alarms. If when you perform a vibratory test on any electrical apparatus, for example a light switch, and you bang around the switch 8 times, if an alarm from the present inventions electronics is forthcoming every time you perform a vibration test on said switch it should be repeated a few times and if similar results occur then in elect confirmation has been given that a loose or shorting electrical conductor may be present and the cover plate should be removed and an inspection should ensue. The same applies to ceiling fixtures, receptacles, distribution panels or any electrical apparatus ac or do that has electrical conductors. On the other hand if you were to bang the said light switch and only one alarm is given then not repeated on subsequent tests then it is likely a burst of electromagnetic radiation from another source triggered the alarm such as a nearby fridge compressor kicking in. Other source of false fault alarm triggers would be a 2 to 6 circuit sputter. Such a splitter would have to be removed and a said dummy load put in its place. A solid connection between the receptacles contact blades and the load must he insured. In one instance while testing a receptacle, five bangs from the embodiment with a hammer like member caused three alarm triggers and could be repeated so I removed the cover plate and did a visual inspection. It was discovered that the receptacle had been tampered with by a non qualified person hecause the receptacles casing was cracked with a part missing and one of the internal connection blades was visible. Also there were severe scratches on the receptacles casing and there was a I4-gauge wire shunt joining two hot screw connections. In other words someone tried to change a split duplex into a standard duplex. It was determined that even though the receptacle was functioning properly it was a receptacle that the toaster was plugged into and I determined that it should be changed.
Interestingly enough was the fact that when I tested the said receptacle I had no load plugged into it.
One peculiar aspect of the present invention is that even unloaded loose connections seem to trigger the present inventions alarms but to be totally thorough a dummy load (Fig. 9 and I O} should be placed in all receptacles of a residence under test and all lights should be on due to the peculiarities of apartment and residential parallel circuits. As an alternative to the said dummy loads is a series of one half watt neon lights connected to some 3 prong male plugs and some to a two-wire plug (not shown). When testing light switches the light itself is the load and can be performed by anyone. In one instance while testing a ceiling fixture every time I banged the fixture an alarm ensued and when I opened the fixture for a visual inspection I discovered a loose neutral crimp. I turned down the lights and when I hanged the suspect wire with the padded side of the embodiment with the hammer like member I noticed tiny arcs coming from the neutral screw crimp termination. The surrounding area had dirt and insulation so I changed the fixture. At best such a situation can cause the light bulb to burn out more often due to the unstable current flow and also possible is nearby dust catching on fire. In other instances the present inventions alarms were triggered by loose wiring in a light switch but no change in the lights brilliance was noticed. The present invention can locate arcs that give no visual response in the associated light under test but indeed are still present. The testing of receptacles may be better performed by contractors who could afford to acquire 30 odd dummy loads (Fig. 9 and 10} that could be beneficially utilized. The need for such a number of dummy loads is cumbersome but it is felt that they would be needed. In some cases a ceiling fixture is a power source for a parallel run of some duplex outlets and when you perform a vibration test on such a fixture the associated duplexes should have loads plugged in to provide a current flow from the lights loose connection to the said receptacles. Ideally the present invention would be better utilized for empty houses or apartments. A vacant area would speed the testing procedure.
Another area that would benefit from the usage of the present invention and its vibrator testing is older homes and as stated earlier homes with aluminum wiring. Some furniture and appliances may have to be moved to gain access to receptacles. Also an avenue of usage is in industrial and commercial 115-220 volt systems. The present invention and procedure of usage could suitably be utilized as a franchisable operation for the testing of buildings, apartments and residential units or for older homes being bought and sold and when tenants or owners vacate. Another possibility is electrical inspectors utilizing the said vibration testing through contractors who would be licensed to perform such vibration testing.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. lA Shows a schematic diagram of the present inventions electronic circuit applicable to both embodiments of the present invention.
Fig.lB shows an advantageous camponent layout ofthe present inventions electronic components Fig. 2 shows one embodiment of the present invention that utilizes an electronic control box and is tethered by a suitable conductor to a hammer shaped member that has inside it a circularly wound bxed antenna, said member would be used to supply mechanical vibrations through a procedure called the bang test to wiring systems and associated building materials supporting electrical apparatus.
Fig.3 shows a back view ofthe electronic control box 14 housing the circuit referred to in Fig. lA.
Fig.4 shows and end view of the electronic control box 14.
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_g_ Fig.S, 6 and 7 show different perspective views of the hammer like member shown in figure 2.
Fig.8 shows another embodiment that utilizes a motorized vibrator tethered by the antenna cable to the electronic control box l4.Said vibrator having means to plug into a 115-volt outlet.
Fig.9 shows a double receptacle dummy load for a 115-volt receptacle that can be manufactured as an adjunct to the present invention and would be utilized when testing receptacles.
Fig. I O shows a single receptacle dummy load.
Fig. l l is a symbolic representation of a resistive element and neon light that would be placed inside the nonconductive pliable material of the dummy loads.
Fig. I2 and 13 shows stickmen representations using different embodiments of the present invention and their usage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Fig. l A is a schematic diagram of the electronic circuit used in both embodiments of the present invention. The power source is a 9-volt transistor type battery 1. An arcs signal is picked up by the antenna 2 and is sent to a 2-stage transistor preamplifier, 3 that amplifies the said signal 200 times.
The output of the said preamplifier goes to an LM386 operational amplifier 4 where the arcs signal is further amplified 200 times. The output of the said operational amplifier goes to the input of a 4469 buffer inverter 5 and at this point is tied to a potentiometer 6A to alter the bias threshold at the 4069 input thereby eliminating static background noise. The inverted amplified signal is now sent to an LM555 timer shaper 7 that lengthens the signal to an appropriate level for the alarms to become noticeable. The alarms are a high intensity light emitting diode 8 and a piezo alarm 10 of su~cient frequency and decibel level as well as being low current drain and used in the present invention is an Intervox BRP-1408-12-CS-+A.02 piezo alarm. If a piezo alarm is used that requires more current than the 555 can comfortably deliver, a 100-ohm limiting resistor 9 can be used. This circuit offers a level of immunity to high frequency noises such as fluorescent lights, dimmer switches and transformer 60-cycle hum and does not respond to the presence of a 115-volt potential. The potentiometer 6A is adjusted to compensate for ambient electromagnetic radiation caused by the said lights, switches, transformers and 60 cycle potential. The said potentiometer adjusts the base line threshold of the 4069. The switch 6B turns the circuit on and off: Also shown are carefully chosen resistors and capacitors that provide biasing, filtering and isolation characteristics to the functioning of the said electronic circuit.
Fig.lB shows an advantageous component layout. It was found that this arrangement was necessary to prevent a detrimental capacitive coupling between the present inventions components. The circuit is sensitive to component layout specifically a straight line layout is preferable to a more compact layout where say the transistors run parallel to the integrated circuits IC1, IC2 and IC3.
Fig.2 shows a first embodiment and shown is control box 14 which houses the electronic circuits shown in Fig. l, said control box being tethered to the hammer type member of the present invention by the antenna cable 2 that is a single conductor of suitable durability and gauge. The antenna cable 2 would be a continuous run thru the handle 17 terminating as secured circular wraps spaced evenly in the hammer 18 and secured to the said hammer member by 15. An on-off tuning potentiometer combination switch (6A-6B) provides fine-tuning of the electronic circuit thereby compensating for the electric noise of fluorescent lights, dimmer switches and 60 cycle transformers. The holes 11 allow the sound from the piezo alarm to travel to a user. Light emitting diode 14 provides a visual alarm. The electronic control box 14 is corned on a users belt by the belt clip 12. When not in use the hammer portion, particularly the retaining ring 16 is placed on the retaining clip 13. The hammer portion consists of the handle 17 and the striking surfaces 18 and 19. The hammer 18 has a hard plastic surface at one end for doing the bang test on more sturdy electrical apparatus such as electrical panels and a padded surface 19 at the other end for more delicate apparatus such as around receptacles, light switches and on ceiling fixtures.
Fig.3 is a hack view of control box 14 showing the belt clip 12 retaining clip 13 and cable connector .., _.ry~~ ~. "m. _._,..s.~ _ : ..~.: _.~~~.~~..-.~,.~.~~ M T,~
~.~.._._._.._____.._.._ . __... _.____._._. _.___._...... . wm._._ _. .....
115. Also shown is the light emitting diode 10 and the on off potentiometer combination (6A-6B) Fig.4 shows an end view of control box 14.
Fig.S, 6 and 7 are perspective views of the hammer portion shown in figure 2.
Shown are the threads 20 that join the handle 17 to the hammer portion 18,a padded surface 19 of suitable material such as leather is glued onto one end while the other end is hard plastic also of suitable material such as nylon. Also shown is the antenna cable support 15 and retaining ring 16. The antenna 2, that is secured in the handle so no movement occurs when the hang test is being issued, runs through the length of the handle 17 and culminates as a length of conductor wrapped in a circular pattern with equal spacing between the said conductor wraps in the hollow hammer 18. The said antenna is also affixed as previously mentioned to allow no movement between wraps when the bang test is performed because such movement would induce an electromotive force in the conductor thereby producing a minute burst of electromagnetic radiation that would set off the present inventions alarms. This fact is a testament to the sensitivity of the present inventions ability to detect loose electrical conductors. Also this arrangement allows the antenna to be close as possible to the electrical apparatus being checked.
Fig.8 shows another embodiment of the present invention that utilizes a vibrator as the source of vibrations, consisting of the antenna cable support 15 the vibrator body 21 and a padded surface 22.
For illustration purposes only a combination on-off potentiometer speed pot 23, could be used in conjunction with a silicon control rectifier (not shown) incorporated into the vibrator to assist in finding the resonance of a particular material or apparatus thereby achieving a more eff cient means of transferring vibrations to the wiring of the said electrical apparatus. The power cord 24 and plug 25 would supply the vibrator with 115-volt power. The antenna would consist of a length of wire wound in a circular fashion inside the vibrator body and connect to the electronic control box 14 via conductor 2 that is also part of the antenna circuit. This arrangement in order to function properly would need an induction motor with no brushes so as not to cause false triggering in the electronic circuit. Also necessary is the securing of the antenna wire wraps that would farm the antenna inside the vibrator. This embodiment can be used around switch plates, receptacle plates but not recommended for use on sensitive ceiling fixtures. Another advantageous use of this embodiment is on distribution panels where more severe vibratory forces are needed to cause loose or shorting conductors to belay their presence. When used on said switch and receptacle plates the padding 22 would protect drywall from damage. When used on the dummy loads there would be no problem because the said dummy loads having a flat surface and being of a durable material would not be affected by the vibrations.
Fig.9 and 10 illustrate plug in dummy loads that could be manufactured as an adjunct to the present invention to be used when doing vibration testing of receptacles. Shown in Fig.9 is a plug in for duplex receptacles having a retractable handle 27 a plastic body 26 capable of tolerating said vibrating means and the electrical blades 29 that plug into the receptacles.
Also shown is the transparent plastic window 28 and behind said window is a 115-volt neon indicating means 34. The said retractable handle would facilitate the insertion and removal of the load as well and would provide a flat surface to be struck by the padded side 19 of the hammer portion or 22 of the vibrator that would facilitate the transfer of vibrations to reach the duplex wiring more effciently. Also the said dummy load, would have a nominal resistance Fig. l l-33 that would supply a naminal wattage and would be incorporated into the construction of the said dummy load and would facilitate the offering of a stronger current source for arcs elicited by the vibration testing. A neon light 34 could also be incorporated into the said dummy loads to signal a user that 115-volts is present at the receptacle. The dummy load of fig.10 is for single receptacles and has a retractable handle 31 and the plastic body 30.AIso shown are the electric blades 29. The dummy load of Fig.9 would have 2 resistive loads 33 and two neon lights 34 whereas the single dummy load of Fig.10 would have 1 such resistive load and light. Duplex receptacles have many parallel circuits therefore all duplexes should have a dummy load and all lights of a home or apartment should be on when utilizing the present invention and the method of its usage. Such thorough necessities would ensure all connections are tested.
Fig.l 1 shows a nominal resistive load 33 and a neon light 34 that would be encased in the plastic of the dummy loads shown in Fig. 9 and 10 and would be connected to the electrical blades 29 The resistive element is shown as 33 and testing has shown that a 50 thousand ohms resistor having a current of 2.24 milliamps, which equates to 2.76 watts, is su~cient to trigger the present inventions ._~..____ .n_ ... ~."..,". ~ ...-~», .-,..,m .u ,.-azma.,,~,r~~.~ ~.,~r,~omx~m ..~,~n, ~.smu.~: ,.
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alarms at a distance of three feet. The said resistive loads would be an integral part of the durable plastic moldings 26 and 30. The nominal resistive element would better serve to facilitate a stronger arc signal when a loose or shorting conductors make and break its connection in response to mechanical vibrations impinged upon associated electrical appar atus. A
contractor checking an empty apartment for an insurance company or a real estate firm could better afford to have the said dummy loads. In some instances when using the said dummy loads one might find that the receptacle contact blades may have lost their spring pressure and cause contact bounce between the dummy load male contacts and the receptacles female blades. Older homes having older receptacles may be prone to such problems. Such a situation would require the plugging in of a standard light plug that has two blades no ground and if the light plug feels loose in the receptacle then the receptacle should be changed and the vibration test repeated.
Fig.12 and 13 portrays stickmen representations utilizing different embodiments of the present invention in different situations. Although many variations and embodiments can be used in different circumstances an attempt to illustrate some examples are given. Starting with Fig.12A the stickman is using the embodiment of Fig 2 and is using the padded side of the hammer 19 to do the bang test on a ceiling fixture 26. In the case of a light being checked the switched on light bulb is the load. A
loose connection at the light switch or the light fixture would trigger the alarms. A gloved hand tapping the ceiling fixture 26 can also effectively be used on the said fixture as long as the antenna of the said embodiment is near the point of impact.
In Fig.12B a duplex receptacle 2'1 is being tested with the embodiment of Fig.2.and in this case a contractor would use the said dummy loads {Fig.9 and 10) to facilitate current flow should a fault occur. The said dummy loads could withstand being lightly banged or vibrated during testing. The padded side of the hammer portion 19 is being used while checking the said receptacle.
Fig.12-C shows a stickman testing a light switch using the bang test with the embodiment of Fig:2.
The stickman of C is testing a light switch 28 with the padded portion 19 being utilized because the drywall and switch cover plate is relatively fragile. The said light switch would be on.
Fig.12-D shows a stickman initially using the unpadded side of the hammer shaped member on a distribution panel 29 therefore a more firm swing of the hammer member could be used on the panels thicker metal structure and if any trigger of the present inventions alarms occurred then the cover should be removed and the padded side 19 of the hammer shaped member would be used to tap the panels conductors and breakers or fuses. The vibrator embodiment of Fig. 8 would be more appropriate for testing the said distribution panel. A specific frequency of vibrations might have to be established or a speed potentiometer utilized to achieve such an end. When using the vibrator embodiment of the present inventi~n the panel cover could stay on and should a response be forthcoming from the present inventions alarms then the cover removed and an inspection would ensue.
Fig.13E portrays a stickman utilizing the embodiment of Fig.B and is testing a light switch 28 on a concrete block wall The said embodiment would have the circuitry of Fig.
lA so a visual and auditory alarm would be given. The vibrator 21 has padding 22 so as not to damage the switch cover plate. The vibrator would plug into a 115-volt outlet.
The said patent is that of blades-2125026. Other examples of arc fault circuit breakers are:
5121282 issued to White 4951170 issued to From 4639817 issued to Cooper 5938246 issued to Durivage 6266219 issued to Macbeth Though the above arc fault circuit interrupters serve a valuable function and blades monitor is a useful device, they are passive not interactive, and none are battery powered as is the present invention. Accordingly there has been a continuing need for improvement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVE1~TTIOIV
The present invention pertains to the detection of hidden arcing faults in electrical systems. Although the present invention can detect arcs from direct current sources it is believed a more suited application would be furl 15/220-volt apparatus and wiring in residential homes and apartments, some convnercial and industrial applications would apply as well. Electrical arcing represents a severe threat that can and does result in loss of life and property. There are various causes of such electrical hazards some examples being diminished spring tension on circuit breakers or receptacles, shorting electrical conductors to each other or to ground and loose terminations on electrical apparatus. Also, as mentioned, aluminum wiring is a hazard therefore houses with aluminum wiring are particularly amenable to loose connections. The aluminum wire corrodes and when mixed with copper without special care their different expansion coefficients pose a problem. Wires that were cut or nicked when installed are also hazards. Many reasons for the presence of electrical wiring faults occur. The results are line arcing or contact arcing. Line arcing could be a short to ground or from one conductor impacting another conductor of a different phase. Contact arcing could be a loose screw connection on a light switch or a receptacle or the improper use of wire connectors. If a condition degrades to the point where a conductor burns through, a resistive connection may remain and small vibrations may bridge the gap temporarily thereby creating an electric arc if a current flow -q.~
is present such as a light or a plug in load. The present inventions electronic circuit would alarm to such arcs. Even loose light bulbs although not particularly hazardous can diminish the life cycle of such a light and the arcing can cause dust to catch on fire. The present invention can be used in a troubleshooting mode for such faults or as a preventative maintenance check for electrical systems by looking for loose or shorting connections that have not yet degraded to the point of being dangerous.
It is more beneficial o correct wiring faults early in their life cycle. It is believed that some people usually are not aware that an arcing fault exists. As an example a light switch that has an arcing fault may show symptoms in the form of a temporary dimming of the light associated with the said switch.
Dimming of lights occurs in many instances due to a fridge compressor starting or a fiunace fan starting, both of which have a high inrush current so homeowners are desensitized to the dimming of lights. Present safety devices detect such faults and interrupt the power that feeds the said fault. This type of system is not readily available to average homeowners due to the cost of such safety devices.
Also the electric code dictates their usage in newer built homes and needed only in the bedrooms.
Also the said safety devices can be prone to false triggering and if a fault is present it still needs to be .
located. The present invention and associated vibration testing procedure locates faults as it performs the said preventative maintenance on electrical apparatus and wiring. The term preventative maintenance is not normally equated with wiring systems but preventing electrical fires and unstable voltages is a great benefit. Unstable voltage and current are also a result of arcing electrical faults and can degrade equipment connected to such a source of unstable power. The present invention addresses the problem of arc faults in a unique manner. The present inventor has offered two embodiments but one commonality is the use of vibrations utilized in conjunction with the use of the present inventions electronics. The said vibrations elicit arcs from loose or shorting conductors whose electromagnetic signature is amplified by an electronic circuit that responds to arcs of varying frequencies and results in a visual and auditory alarm. It is believed that electrical connections that axe intermittently loose or shorting, when subjected to mechanical vibrations, will make and break the connection thereby eliciting an arc if a current flow were present. An arc may be almost invisible to the naked eye if the current flow is small but it has been found that even a current in the milliamp range will trigger the present inventions alarms if the said current flow is broken then reconnected.
Used in conjunction with one embodiment of the present invention is a procedure called the bang test by the present inventor. The said bang test utilizes a hammer like member of the present invention in ..
one embodiment that also has a fixed circular wound antenna in the head of the said hammer like member that is swung, with varying degrees of intensity, like a standard claw hammer would be to impact around building material such as drywall that is supporting electrical apparatus such as light switches, receptacles and fixtures thus the term, bang test. The said swinging motion transfers vibratory forces to the wiring of said switches, receptacles and fixtures whereby loose or shorting connections would belay their presence by eliciting an arc. If an arc is forthcoming the said antenna would be in close proximity to the source of the said arc and the present inventions alarms would be triggered. For a light switch, receptacle or fixture or any electrical apparatus the hammer would impact by repeated swinging of the said hammer all around the said apparatus.
In the case of the said receptacle a load that requires a small amount of current would be plugged in.
~ffered as an adjunct for the testing of receptacles is a dummy load that will be more closely examined further into this application. The said hammer has a padded surface on one end for the testing of said lights and receptacles and also for testing ceiling fixtures so as not to cause damage.
In a second embodiment an electrical vibrator is used and this embodiment could be used for testing distribution panels. If when testing the said panel the present inventions alarms are triggered the cover can then be removed and an inspection of the connections would be done. It has been noted through experience that the source of arcing could be a circuit breaker itself. Some circuit breakers have pressure fitting contacts spring held to the buss line of the panel and the spring tension may be degraded for whatever reason and minute arcing between the tabs and the buss bar may ensue.
Admittedly such arcing may seem insignificant but the voltage surges that ensue could degrade electronic equipment such as computers and even the life of a light bulb would be reduced due to the current instability. Also possible is the degradation of the contact surfaces to the point where a resistive barrier may form and heat would rise to the point of combustion.
Such said degradation is highly dependent on the current draw ofthe Load. A circuit breaker feeding a four-slice toaster for example would be subject to a greater rate of degradation and produce a more hazardous situation.
While working as an electronic electrician for twenty years in various factories the present inventor utilized the said bang test many times on circuit breaker distribution panels, control panels, fuse panels and motor starters and occasionally a spark could be seen belaying the presence of a loose or shorting connection when mechanical vibrations from whatever means were impinged upon said electrical apparatus. The present invention is particularly advantageous in that a visual representation of an arc is not needed, this fact allows for the testing or troubleshooting of distribution panels receptacles and light switches having cover plates or ceiling fixtures whose structures precludes a visual investigation. Most arc faults are hidden but are easily detected electronically because an arcs electromagnetic signature travels through the air, on a conductor and even metal barriers ai~ord a path for the said electromagnetic signature. It should be noted that some loose connections are not yet to the point where degradation has occurred and spring tension may butt a conductor in the said connection sufficiently against a conductors termination that the vibratory forces may not jostle the said connection sufficiently to elicit an arc response. Such a situation has not yet reached the danger point. In time such said degradation of electrical connections will cause the said connections to become amenable to manipulation by mechanical vibrations due to a resistive oxide forming or due to the weakening of the spring tension due to heat. Some light switches have so much dust internal to the switch that just turning the light switch on and off will cause multiple alarms from the present invention. Such a switch could cause sputtering arcs and intense heat could build up and result in a fire. In such a case the switch should be changed. A test for the present invention before use is to hold the antenna of either embodiment close to a light switch and a user would look for a clean single alarm when the switch is turned on and off_ Admittedly the present invention can locate minor problems but that is the point of preventative maintenance specifically, locating minor problems before they become major problems. One key to the use of the present invention and its associated procedure is the repeatability of alarms. If when you perform a vibratory test on any electrical apparatus, for example a light switch, and you bang around the switch 8 times, if an alarm from the present inventions electronics is forthcoming every time you perform a vibration test on said switch it should be repeated a few times and if similar results occur then in elect confirmation has been given that a loose or shorting electrical conductor may be present and the cover plate should be removed and an inspection should ensue. The same applies to ceiling fixtures, receptacles, distribution panels or any electrical apparatus ac or do that has electrical conductors. On the other hand if you were to bang the said light switch and only one alarm is given then not repeated on subsequent tests then it is likely a burst of electromagnetic radiation from another source triggered the alarm such as a nearby fridge compressor kicking in. Other source of false fault alarm triggers would be a 2 to 6 circuit sputter. Such a splitter would have to be removed and a said dummy load put in its place. A solid connection between the receptacles contact blades and the load must he insured. In one instance while testing a receptacle, five bangs from the embodiment with a hammer like member caused three alarm triggers and could be repeated so I removed the cover plate and did a visual inspection. It was discovered that the receptacle had been tampered with by a non qualified person hecause the receptacles casing was cracked with a part missing and one of the internal connection blades was visible. Also there were severe scratches on the receptacles casing and there was a I4-gauge wire shunt joining two hot screw connections. In other words someone tried to change a split duplex into a standard duplex. It was determined that even though the receptacle was functioning properly it was a receptacle that the toaster was plugged into and I determined that it should be changed.
Interestingly enough was the fact that when I tested the said receptacle I had no load plugged into it.
One peculiar aspect of the present invention is that even unloaded loose connections seem to trigger the present inventions alarms but to be totally thorough a dummy load (Fig. 9 and I O} should be placed in all receptacles of a residence under test and all lights should be on due to the peculiarities of apartment and residential parallel circuits. As an alternative to the said dummy loads is a series of one half watt neon lights connected to some 3 prong male plugs and some to a two-wire plug (not shown). When testing light switches the light itself is the load and can be performed by anyone. In one instance while testing a ceiling fixture every time I banged the fixture an alarm ensued and when I opened the fixture for a visual inspection I discovered a loose neutral crimp. I turned down the lights and when I hanged the suspect wire with the padded side of the embodiment with the hammer like member I noticed tiny arcs coming from the neutral screw crimp termination. The surrounding area had dirt and insulation so I changed the fixture. At best such a situation can cause the light bulb to burn out more often due to the unstable current flow and also possible is nearby dust catching on fire. In other instances the present inventions alarms were triggered by loose wiring in a light switch but no change in the lights brilliance was noticed. The present invention can locate arcs that give no visual response in the associated light under test but indeed are still present. The testing of receptacles may be better performed by contractors who could afford to acquire 30 odd dummy loads (Fig. 9 and 10} that could be beneficially utilized. The need for such a number of dummy loads is cumbersome but it is felt that they would be needed. In some cases a ceiling fixture is a power source for a parallel run of some duplex outlets and when you perform a vibration test on such a fixture the associated duplexes should have loads plugged in to provide a current flow from the lights loose connection to the said receptacles. Ideally the present invention would be better utilized for empty houses or apartments. A vacant area would speed the testing procedure.
Another area that would benefit from the usage of the present invention and its vibrator testing is older homes and as stated earlier homes with aluminum wiring. Some furniture and appliances may have to be moved to gain access to receptacles. Also an avenue of usage is in industrial and commercial 115-220 volt systems. The present invention and procedure of usage could suitably be utilized as a franchisable operation for the testing of buildings, apartments and residential units or for older homes being bought and sold and when tenants or owners vacate. Another possibility is electrical inspectors utilizing the said vibration testing through contractors who would be licensed to perform such vibration testing.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. lA Shows a schematic diagram of the present inventions electronic circuit applicable to both embodiments of the present invention.
Fig.lB shows an advantageous camponent layout ofthe present inventions electronic components Fig. 2 shows one embodiment of the present invention that utilizes an electronic control box and is tethered by a suitable conductor to a hammer shaped member that has inside it a circularly wound bxed antenna, said member would be used to supply mechanical vibrations through a procedure called the bang test to wiring systems and associated building materials supporting electrical apparatus.
Fig.3 shows a back view ofthe electronic control box 14 housing the circuit referred to in Fig. lA.
Fig.4 shows and end view of the electronic control box 14.
,..~ , , ,.. . ux, ". w.y. ~ ,. ... ..~., ,~r"; ,..u, n .~," y~a....~ . r 3..;,x2~r .v217AW e:ab: w.-~. z~Fmn ;;uavqp',r"w:>.cpf~,y.~.~zz..,x:",rm,r:
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_g_ Fig.S, 6 and 7 show different perspective views of the hammer like member shown in figure 2.
Fig.8 shows another embodiment that utilizes a motorized vibrator tethered by the antenna cable to the electronic control box l4.Said vibrator having means to plug into a 115-volt outlet.
Fig.9 shows a double receptacle dummy load for a 115-volt receptacle that can be manufactured as an adjunct to the present invention and would be utilized when testing receptacles.
Fig. I O shows a single receptacle dummy load.
Fig. l l is a symbolic representation of a resistive element and neon light that would be placed inside the nonconductive pliable material of the dummy loads.
Fig. I2 and 13 shows stickmen representations using different embodiments of the present invention and their usage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Fig. l A is a schematic diagram of the electronic circuit used in both embodiments of the present invention. The power source is a 9-volt transistor type battery 1. An arcs signal is picked up by the antenna 2 and is sent to a 2-stage transistor preamplifier, 3 that amplifies the said signal 200 times.
The output of the said preamplifier goes to an LM386 operational amplifier 4 where the arcs signal is further amplified 200 times. The output of the said operational amplifier goes to the input of a 4469 buffer inverter 5 and at this point is tied to a potentiometer 6A to alter the bias threshold at the 4069 input thereby eliminating static background noise. The inverted amplified signal is now sent to an LM555 timer shaper 7 that lengthens the signal to an appropriate level for the alarms to become noticeable. The alarms are a high intensity light emitting diode 8 and a piezo alarm 10 of su~cient frequency and decibel level as well as being low current drain and used in the present invention is an Intervox BRP-1408-12-CS-+A.02 piezo alarm. If a piezo alarm is used that requires more current than the 555 can comfortably deliver, a 100-ohm limiting resistor 9 can be used. This circuit offers a level of immunity to high frequency noises such as fluorescent lights, dimmer switches and transformer 60-cycle hum and does not respond to the presence of a 115-volt potential. The potentiometer 6A is adjusted to compensate for ambient electromagnetic radiation caused by the said lights, switches, transformers and 60 cycle potential. The said potentiometer adjusts the base line threshold of the 4069. The switch 6B turns the circuit on and off: Also shown are carefully chosen resistors and capacitors that provide biasing, filtering and isolation characteristics to the functioning of the said electronic circuit.
Fig.lB shows an advantageous component layout. It was found that this arrangement was necessary to prevent a detrimental capacitive coupling between the present inventions components. The circuit is sensitive to component layout specifically a straight line layout is preferable to a more compact layout where say the transistors run parallel to the integrated circuits IC1, IC2 and IC3.
Fig.2 shows a first embodiment and shown is control box 14 which houses the electronic circuits shown in Fig. l, said control box being tethered to the hammer type member of the present invention by the antenna cable 2 that is a single conductor of suitable durability and gauge. The antenna cable 2 would be a continuous run thru the handle 17 terminating as secured circular wraps spaced evenly in the hammer 18 and secured to the said hammer member by 15. An on-off tuning potentiometer combination switch (6A-6B) provides fine-tuning of the electronic circuit thereby compensating for the electric noise of fluorescent lights, dimmer switches and 60 cycle transformers. The holes 11 allow the sound from the piezo alarm to travel to a user. Light emitting diode 14 provides a visual alarm. The electronic control box 14 is corned on a users belt by the belt clip 12. When not in use the hammer portion, particularly the retaining ring 16 is placed on the retaining clip 13. The hammer portion consists of the handle 17 and the striking surfaces 18 and 19. The hammer 18 has a hard plastic surface at one end for doing the bang test on more sturdy electrical apparatus such as electrical panels and a padded surface 19 at the other end for more delicate apparatus such as around receptacles, light switches and on ceiling fixtures.
Fig.3 is a hack view of control box 14 showing the belt clip 12 retaining clip 13 and cable connector .., _.ry~~ ~. "m. _._,..s.~ _ : ..~.: _.~~~.~~..-.~,.~.~~ M T,~
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115. Also shown is the light emitting diode 10 and the on off potentiometer combination (6A-6B) Fig.4 shows an end view of control box 14.
Fig.S, 6 and 7 are perspective views of the hammer portion shown in figure 2.
Shown are the threads 20 that join the handle 17 to the hammer portion 18,a padded surface 19 of suitable material such as leather is glued onto one end while the other end is hard plastic also of suitable material such as nylon. Also shown is the antenna cable support 15 and retaining ring 16. The antenna 2, that is secured in the handle so no movement occurs when the hang test is being issued, runs through the length of the handle 17 and culminates as a length of conductor wrapped in a circular pattern with equal spacing between the said conductor wraps in the hollow hammer 18. The said antenna is also affixed as previously mentioned to allow no movement between wraps when the bang test is performed because such movement would induce an electromotive force in the conductor thereby producing a minute burst of electromagnetic radiation that would set off the present inventions alarms. This fact is a testament to the sensitivity of the present inventions ability to detect loose electrical conductors. Also this arrangement allows the antenna to be close as possible to the electrical apparatus being checked.
Fig.8 shows another embodiment of the present invention that utilizes a vibrator as the source of vibrations, consisting of the antenna cable support 15 the vibrator body 21 and a padded surface 22.
For illustration purposes only a combination on-off potentiometer speed pot 23, could be used in conjunction with a silicon control rectifier (not shown) incorporated into the vibrator to assist in finding the resonance of a particular material or apparatus thereby achieving a more eff cient means of transferring vibrations to the wiring of the said electrical apparatus. The power cord 24 and plug 25 would supply the vibrator with 115-volt power. The antenna would consist of a length of wire wound in a circular fashion inside the vibrator body and connect to the electronic control box 14 via conductor 2 that is also part of the antenna circuit. This arrangement in order to function properly would need an induction motor with no brushes so as not to cause false triggering in the electronic circuit. Also necessary is the securing of the antenna wire wraps that would farm the antenna inside the vibrator. This embodiment can be used around switch plates, receptacle plates but not recommended for use on sensitive ceiling fixtures. Another advantageous use of this embodiment is on distribution panels where more severe vibratory forces are needed to cause loose or shorting conductors to belay their presence. When used on said switch and receptacle plates the padding 22 would protect drywall from damage. When used on the dummy loads there would be no problem because the said dummy loads having a flat surface and being of a durable material would not be affected by the vibrations.
Fig.9 and 10 illustrate plug in dummy loads that could be manufactured as an adjunct to the present invention to be used when doing vibration testing of receptacles. Shown in Fig.9 is a plug in for duplex receptacles having a retractable handle 27 a plastic body 26 capable of tolerating said vibrating means and the electrical blades 29 that plug into the receptacles.
Also shown is the transparent plastic window 28 and behind said window is a 115-volt neon indicating means 34. The said retractable handle would facilitate the insertion and removal of the load as well and would provide a flat surface to be struck by the padded side 19 of the hammer portion or 22 of the vibrator that would facilitate the transfer of vibrations to reach the duplex wiring more effciently. Also the said dummy load, would have a nominal resistance Fig. l l-33 that would supply a naminal wattage and would be incorporated into the construction of the said dummy load and would facilitate the offering of a stronger current source for arcs elicited by the vibration testing. A neon light 34 could also be incorporated into the said dummy loads to signal a user that 115-volts is present at the receptacle. The dummy load of fig.10 is for single receptacles and has a retractable handle 31 and the plastic body 30.AIso shown are the electric blades 29. The dummy load of Fig.9 would have 2 resistive loads 33 and two neon lights 34 whereas the single dummy load of Fig.10 would have 1 such resistive load and light. Duplex receptacles have many parallel circuits therefore all duplexes should have a dummy load and all lights of a home or apartment should be on when utilizing the present invention and the method of its usage. Such thorough necessities would ensure all connections are tested.
Fig.l 1 shows a nominal resistive load 33 and a neon light 34 that would be encased in the plastic of the dummy loads shown in Fig. 9 and 10 and would be connected to the electrical blades 29 The resistive element is shown as 33 and testing has shown that a 50 thousand ohms resistor having a current of 2.24 milliamps, which equates to 2.76 watts, is su~cient to trigger the present inventions ._~..____ .n_ ... ~."..,". ~ ...-~», .-,..,m .u ,.-azma.,,~,r~~.~ ~.,~r,~omx~m ..~,~n, ~.smu.~: ,.
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alarms at a distance of three feet. The said resistive loads would be an integral part of the durable plastic moldings 26 and 30. The nominal resistive element would better serve to facilitate a stronger arc signal when a loose or shorting conductors make and break its connection in response to mechanical vibrations impinged upon associated electrical appar atus. A
contractor checking an empty apartment for an insurance company or a real estate firm could better afford to have the said dummy loads. In some instances when using the said dummy loads one might find that the receptacle contact blades may have lost their spring pressure and cause contact bounce between the dummy load male contacts and the receptacles female blades. Older homes having older receptacles may be prone to such problems. Such a situation would require the plugging in of a standard light plug that has two blades no ground and if the light plug feels loose in the receptacle then the receptacle should be changed and the vibration test repeated.
Fig.12 and 13 portrays stickmen representations utilizing different embodiments of the present invention in different situations. Although many variations and embodiments can be used in different circumstances an attempt to illustrate some examples are given. Starting with Fig.12A the stickman is using the embodiment of Fig 2 and is using the padded side of the hammer 19 to do the bang test on a ceiling fixture 26. In the case of a light being checked the switched on light bulb is the load. A
loose connection at the light switch or the light fixture would trigger the alarms. A gloved hand tapping the ceiling fixture 26 can also effectively be used on the said fixture as long as the antenna of the said embodiment is near the point of impact.
In Fig.12B a duplex receptacle 2'1 is being tested with the embodiment of Fig.2.and in this case a contractor would use the said dummy loads {Fig.9 and 10) to facilitate current flow should a fault occur. The said dummy loads could withstand being lightly banged or vibrated during testing. The padded side of the hammer portion 19 is being used while checking the said receptacle.
Fig.12-C shows a stickman testing a light switch using the bang test with the embodiment of Fig:2.
The stickman of C is testing a light switch 28 with the padded portion 19 being utilized because the drywall and switch cover plate is relatively fragile. The said light switch would be on.
Fig.12-D shows a stickman initially using the unpadded side of the hammer shaped member on a distribution panel 29 therefore a more firm swing of the hammer member could be used on the panels thicker metal structure and if any trigger of the present inventions alarms occurred then the cover should be removed and the padded side 19 of the hammer shaped member would be used to tap the panels conductors and breakers or fuses. The vibrator embodiment of Fig. 8 would be more appropriate for testing the said distribution panel. A specific frequency of vibrations might have to be established or a speed potentiometer utilized to achieve such an end. When using the vibrator embodiment of the present inventi~n the panel cover could stay on and should a response be forthcoming from the present inventions alarms then the cover removed and an inspection would ensue.
Fig.13E portrays a stickman utilizing the embodiment of Fig.B and is testing a light switch 28 on a concrete block wall The said embodiment would have the circuitry of Fig.
lA so a visual and auditory alarm would be given. The vibrator 21 has padding 22 so as not to damage the switch cover plate. The vibrator would plug into a 115-volt outlet.
Claims (16)
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1.A portable battery powered interactive electrical arc detection and electrical fault troubleshooting instrument and method of use, offered in two embodiments, that is both responsible for and responsive to the elicitation of electrical arcs caused by mechanical vibrations. The said vibrations are impinged upon electrical apparatus thereby transferring the said vibrations to electrical conductors associated by proximity with the said apparatus thereby eliciting arcs if loose or shorting electrical conductors, being present, make and break an electrical connection having a current path.
Two methods for the creation of said mechanical vibrations.
An antenna utilized in both embodiments to capture an arcs electromagnetic signature thereby producing a first signal.
An electronic circuit to amplify said first signal 400 times thereby creating a second signal.
Alarm indication means to give an appropriate response to the said second signal.
Two embodiments are offered of the present invention.
A procedure called the bang test used to transfer mechanical vibrations to electrical apparatus and associated wiring.
Two versions of a dummy load for the testing of duplex receptacles.
A level of severity associated with repeatability of a fault condition to separate true hazards from minor problems such as nuisance alarms from sources other than the apparatus under test.
Two methods for the creation of said mechanical vibrations.
An antenna utilized in both embodiments to capture an arcs electromagnetic signature thereby producing a first signal.
An electronic circuit to amplify said first signal 400 times thereby creating a second signal.
Alarm indication means to give an appropriate response to the said second signal.
Two embodiments are offered of the present invention.
A procedure called the bang test used to transfer mechanical vibrations to electrical apparatus and associated wiring.
Two versions of a dummy load for the testing of duplex receptacles.
A level of severity associated with repeatability of a fault condition to separate true hazards from minor problems such as nuisance alarms from sources other than the apparatus under test.
2.An instrument according to claim 1 wherein the source of vibrations can come from one of two methods.
3.A method according to claim 2 wherein a first source of vibrations entails the use of a hollow hammer shaped member made of hard plastic with a soft leather type material affixed to the surface on one side the other side being the said hard plastic. The said device being utilized as a standard claw hammer would be to impact onto electrical apparatus or associated support material mechanical vibrations of varying intensities. The utilization of the hammer to create mechanical vibrations is called the bang test, which will be discussed more fully, in the following paragraphs.
4.A method according to claim 2 wherein a second method of producing mechanical vibrations entails the use of a 115-volt brushless induction type motorized vibrator having a soft leather like material as an impact surface.
5.An instrument according to claim 1 wherein an antenna is formed by placing secured circular wraps of a suitable conductor of suitable length and gauge inside a hammer shaped member or in a motorized vibrating member. Said antenna being responsible for the formation of a first signal.
6.An instrument according to claim 1 wherein the electronic circuit consists of a two stage transistor pre-amplifier that accepts a first signal from an antenna source amplifies it 200 times then feeds it to an operational amplifier that further amplifies the signal 200 times achieving a total gain in signal strength of approximately 400 times. Said amplified signal goes to the input of a buffer inverter said signal at this point being adjusted by a fine tuning pot to supply a baseline threshold to help eliminate background noise, said fine tuned inverted amplified signal output goes to an LMSSS timer that produces a second signal. Said second signal being lengthened to an appropriate level for the alarm indicators.
7.An instrument according to claim 1 wherein the alarm indicators consists of a combination of a high intensity light emitting diode and a piezo alarm having a specific frequency and decibel level and chosen so that the current drain would be minimal yet provide an acceptable audible characteristic.
8. An instrument according to claim 1 wherein a first embodiment has the electronics as stated in claim 6 housed in a control box and tethered by a suitable conductor to a hammer like member that serves a dual function.
9.An instrument according to claim 8 wherein the hammer like member serves as both the antenna and also as the source of vibrations when doing the bang test.
10.An instrument according to claim 1 wherein a second embodiment has the electronics as stated in claim 6 housed in a control box tethered to a vibrator that is powered by 115-volts and utilizes a brushless induction motor that can be of a specific vibrational frequency or means can be supplied to vary the speed using a potentiometer and silicon controlled rectifier technology (not shown). The said vibrating member would have a dual purpose.
11.An instrument according to claim 10 wherein one function of the vibrator would be to supply mechanical vibrations and a second function to serve as an antenna.
12. A method according to claim 1 called the bang test whereby a user of the present invention in one embodiment, specifically the embodiment with the hammer shaped member impinges upon electrical apparatus vibrations of various intensities. The said vibrations being precipitated by a swinging motion such as when using a standard claw hammer. The resulting impact on electrical apparatus and associated wiring will beneficially elicit arc responses from loose or shorting loaded conductors should they be present. Said intensities achieved by the speed with which the hammer like member is swung and also depending on the striking surface used, more specifically a padded or unpadded side of the said hammer like member.
13 An instrument according to claim 1 that utilizes the use of pre-manufactured dummy loads with neon lights incorporated in said loads for checking duplex receptacles, Said dummy loads being of two types.
14. An instrument according to claim 13 wherein one dummy load plugs into a standard duplex receptacle and has two resistive loads and two neon lights incorporated into said dummy load.
15. An instrument according to claim 13 wherein a second type dummy load is one that would plug into a single receptacle and have one neon light and one resistive load incorporated into the said dummy load.
16 A level of severity established to separate minor electrical situations from hazardous ones said level of severity being associated with the number and duration of alarms from the present invention in response to the vibration tests. Also the said alarm responses should be repeatable with similar alarm responses being issued with subsequent vibration tests on the apparatus under test.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002460828A CA2460828A1 (en) | 2004-03-03 | 2004-03-03 | Portable battery operated electronic interactive electric arc detector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002460828A CA2460828A1 (en) | 2004-03-03 | 2004-03-03 | Portable battery operated electronic interactive electric arc detector |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2460828A1 true CA2460828A1 (en) | 2005-09-03 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002460828A Abandoned CA2460828A1 (en) | 2004-03-03 | 2004-03-03 | Portable battery operated electronic interactive electric arc detector |
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| CA (1) | CA2460828A1 (en) |
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| US20140070833A1 (en) * | 2012-09-11 | 2014-03-13 | Charles John Luebke | Method and apparatus for detecting a loose electrical connection in photovoltaic system |
| HRP20160224B1 (en) * | 2016-03-01 | 2019-03-22 | Ivica Bevanda | Electric arc detector |
| CN112363070A (en) * | 2021-01-14 | 2021-02-12 | 江苏固德威电源科技股份有限公司 | Battery arc discharge detection method and device and battery energy storage system |
| CN113281625A (en) * | 2021-05-25 | 2021-08-20 | 天津大学 | Low-voltage user non-invasive arc fault accurate detection method and system |
-
2004
- 2004-03-03 CA CA002460828A patent/CA2460828A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20140070833A1 (en) * | 2012-09-11 | 2014-03-13 | Charles John Luebke | Method and apparatus for detecting a loose electrical connection in photovoltaic system |
| US9057752B2 (en) * | 2012-09-11 | 2015-06-16 | Eaton Corporation | Method and apparatus for detecting a loose electrical connection in photovoltaic system |
| HRP20160224B1 (en) * | 2016-03-01 | 2019-03-22 | Ivica Bevanda | Electric arc detector |
| CN112363070A (en) * | 2021-01-14 | 2021-02-12 | 江苏固德威电源科技股份有限公司 | Battery arc discharge detection method and device and battery energy storage system |
| CN112363070B (en) * | 2021-01-14 | 2021-06-22 | 江苏固德威电源科技股份有限公司 | Battery arc discharge detection method and device and battery energy storage system |
| CN113281625A (en) * | 2021-05-25 | 2021-08-20 | 天津大学 | Low-voltage user non-invasive arc fault accurate detection method and system |
| CN113281625B (en) * | 2021-05-25 | 2023-01-13 | 天津大学 | Low-voltage user non-invasive arc fault accurate detection method and system |
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