GB2456799A - Residual current device test actuator - Google Patents
Residual current device test actuator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2456799A GB2456799A GB0801278A GB0801278A GB2456799A GB 2456799 A GB2456799 A GB 2456799A GB 0801278 A GB0801278 A GB 0801278A GB 0801278 A GB0801278 A GB 0801278A GB 2456799 A GB2456799 A GB 2456799A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- conductor
- residual current
- live
- earth
- connect
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- G01R31/327—Testing of circuit interrupters, switches or circuit-breakers
- G01R31/3277—Testing of circuit interrupters, switches or circuit-breakers of low voltage devices, e.g. domestic or industrial devices, such as motor protections, relays, rotation switches
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H83/00—Protective switches, e.g. circuit-breaking switches, or protective relays operated by abnormal electrical conditions otherwise than solely by excess current
- H01H83/02—Protective switches, e.g. circuit-breaking switches, or protective relays operated by abnormal electrical conditions otherwise than solely by excess current operated by earth fault currents
- H01H83/04—Protective switches, e.g. circuit-breaking switches, or protective relays operated by abnormal electrical conditions otherwise than solely by excess current operated by earth fault currents with testing means for indicating the ability of the switch or relay to function properly
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
- H02H3/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection
- H02H3/26—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection responsive to difference between voltages or between currents; responsive to phase angle between voltages or between currents
- H02H3/32—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection responsive to difference between voltages or between currents; responsive to phase angle between voltages or between currents involving comparison of the voltage or current values at corresponding points in different conductors of a single system, e.g. of currents in go and return conductors
- H02H3/33—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection responsive to difference between voltages or between currents; responsive to phase angle between voltages or between currents involving comparison of the voltage or current values at corresponding points in different conductors of a single system, e.g. of currents in go and return conductors using summation current transformers
- H02H3/334—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection responsive to difference between voltages or between currents; responsive to phase angle between voltages or between currents involving comparison of the voltage or current values at corresponding points in different conductors of a single system, e.g. of currents in go and return conductors using summation current transformers with means to produce an artificial unbalance for other protection or monitoring reasons or remote control
- H02H3/335—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection responsive to difference between voltages or between currents; responsive to phase angle between voltages or between currents involving comparison of the voltage or current values at corresponding points in different conductors of a single system, e.g. of currents in go and return conductors using summation current transformers with means to produce an artificial unbalance for other protection or monitoring reasons or remote control the main function being self testing of the device
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
- H01H2300/052—Controlling, signalling or testing correct functioning of a switch
Abstract
A protection device actuator comprises a manual switch 14 that selectively connects the live conductor 22 to the earth conductor 18 via a load circuit 24,26 in order to trigger a residual current device 100. The load can comprise a capacitor 26 and resistor 24 and a second switch 14' in series with the first to prevent accidental operation. The actuator can include an indicator 16 connected between live and neutral, and be built into a case (fig 2, 12) having prongs (fig 2, 18,22,20) to connect with a mains outlet 30. The device provides earth leakage through the load to operate and test a residual current trip.
Description
PROTECTION DEVICE ACTUATOR
Background to the invention
The present invention relates to a protection device actuator for an electrical circuit and a test device for a residual current device and a method of use of said device.
Residual current devices, an example of which is a residual current circuit breaker, operate by measuring the current balance between two conductors using a differential current transformer and breaking the circuit if a predefined imbalance is detected. A current imbalance can occur where there is current leakage, for example, through the body of a person accidentally touching a part of the live circuit. Thus, should a person touch part of a live circuit, the resulting current leakage though the body of the person creates a current imbalance which is detected at the residual current device which operates to break the circuit. The residual current device is designed to break the circuit quickly enough to prevent the person from sustaining a lethal electric shock. S... * . S...
However, there are often additional situations where it is desirable to be able to manually activate the residual current device to break the electrical circuit, particularly in a mains circuit in a property. For example, electrical appliances * ** such as microwave ovens, washing machines, tumble driers and cookers, are often connected to a mains supply via electrical socket connections that are in * inaccessible positions. For example, the electrical sockets may be located adjacent the skirting boards directly behind the appliance once in position in a domestic kitchen or laundry room. Although this is an aesthetically pleasing arrangement as the electrical connections are not visible during use, should the appliance malfunction resulting in an electrical fire or the like, it is extremely difficult to access the electrical sockets to disconnect the appliance from the mains supply.
Alternatively, appliances connected to circuits fed by a residual current devicc, could be remotely switched off by activating the residual current device (using the test button provided on the residual current device). However, often residual circuit devices are themselves inconveniently located in reasonably inaccessible areas within the property and the incoming electrical supply cannot be quickly stopped.
There is therefore a need for a means of quickly disconnecting the electrical supply.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention seeks to address the problems of the prior art.
The present invention provides a protection device actuator for an electrical circuit having a live conductor, a neutral conductor, and an earth conductor, the device comprising; a. First means to connect to the live conductor; S...
b. Second means to connect to the earth conductor; and C. A first manually operable switch selectively operable to connect the live conductor to the earth conductor via a load circuit. * .*
The load circuit preferably comprises a capacitor in which case a charge bleed * S. circuit will be required in order to avoid the possibility of the device being disconnected from the mains with the capacitor in a charged state. The load circuit may also require means to protect the switch contacts from overload.
Alternatively, the load of the load circuit may be a resistor.
The switch is selectively operable to connect the live conductor to the earth conductor via a load circuit in order to trigger the residual current device.
In one embodiment, the first switch is operable between a first configuration in which the live conductor is connected to the earth conductor via the load circuit and a second configuration in which the load circuit is not connected to at least one of the live and earth conductors.
When the first switch is in the first configuration the residual current device is activated to disconnect the mains supply, and a second configuration in which the residual current device is not activated to disconnect the mains supply. In this way, should the requirement arise, the switch may be operated between a second configuration in which the mains supply is connected and a first position to activate the residual current device to disconnect the mains supply.
Respective first and second means preferably comprise, at least in part, male connection means for complementary inter-engagement with female socket means provided as part of a conventional electrical socket arrangement. The male * connection means preferably comprise electrically conductive prongs. S... * .
The protection device actuator may further comprise a second manually operable switch selectively operable, in combination with the first switch, to connect the live conductor to the earth conductor via a load circuit. In this way, accidental * *. disconnection of the mains electricity supply is prevented in the event of one of the switches being unintentionally operated. For example, where one or more of the * switches comprises a push button arrangement, if the switches are provided in different planes then the accidental knocking of the device may activate one button, but unintentional activation of the residual current device is prevented unless the other switch is also activated.
Although it is preferred that the manually operable switches of the present invention comprises push buttons, it is envisaged that any suitable manually operable arrangement may be provided which is known to the skilled person, including but not limited to flick switches, touch pad switches, dials and the like.
The manually operable switches of the present invention may be latching switches.
The use of such switches ensures the operation of delayed residual current devices.
A protection device actuator in accordance with present invention may further comprise a third means to connect to the neutral conductor. Said third means will preferably comprises, at least in part, male connection means for complementary inter-engagement with female socket means provided as part of a conventional electrical socket arrangement. The male connection means preferably comprises an electrically conductive prong. However, it will be appreciated that any other suitable complimentary inter-engagement means known to the skilled person may be used.
*:*::* A protection device actuator in accordance with the present invention may further comprise an indicator means connecting the live conductor and the neutral * **.
conductor. The indicator means may be operable to indicate, for example by means of a light emitting diode or the like, to show if the mains supply to the device is switched on. * ..
A second aspect of the present invention provides a test device for a residual * current device, the test device comprising: a. First means to connect to the live conductor; b. Second means to connect to the earth conductor; and c. A first manually operable switch selectively operable to connect the live conductor to the earth conductor via a load circuit.
A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of activating a residual current device in an active electrical circuit, the method comprising the steps of: a. Connecting a protection device actuator according to a first or second aspect of the present invention to live and earth conductors associated with the residual current device; b. connecting the respective first and second means of the protection device actuator A to respective live and earth conductors associated with the residual current device; c. operating the switch of the device to connect the live conductor to the earth conductor via the load circuit.
The method of activation is equally valid in either a situation of emergency activation of a residual current device or in the event of testing of the residual current device.
Preferably, connection of the live conductor to the earth conductor via the load circuit triggers the residual Current device and breaks the active electrical circuit to which the residual current device is connected. * I. * * *.
** * A device in accordance with the present invention is preferably in the form of a portable device for connection to the electrical circuit at any electrical socket in * S.... * .
electrical connection with the live circuit on which a residual circuit device is located. However, it is envisaged that a device in accordance with the present invention may alternatively be permanently incorporated into a fitting such as a wall mounted socket or the like such that the device may be operated to trigger the residual current device to switch off the electrical supply. Switching off of the electrical supply by the residual current device typically takes place at the main distribution board which is fitted to all new houses and a significant number of older properties also.
Brief Description of the Drawings
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a protection device actuator in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view from the rear of the embodiment of figure 1; Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing the internal circuit of the embodiment of figure 1; and Figure 4 is a circuit diagram showing the embodiment of figure 1 in a mains circuit including a residual circuit device.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a device 10 in accordance with a first aspect of the present application.
Device 10 comprises a casing 12, first and second switches 14, 14' located on opposing sides of casing 12 and an indicator unit 16 located on an upper surface 12' of casing 12. * *. * * S...
Casing 12 is further provided with electrically conductive prongs 18, 20 and 22 extending from surface 12" of casing 12 and dimensioned so as to inter-engage with the corresponding apertures in a conventional 13 amp mains outlet. Prong 18 : ** is an earth connector, prong 20 is a neutral connector and prong 22 is a Jive *4, * connector. ** S * S * * **
Figure 3 shows the internal circuit of device 10. The internal circuit of device 10 includes a load circuit 24 and a bleed circuit 26. The circuit of figure 3 is of a capacitance type load with a charge bleed circuit. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the load circuit could comprise any suitable alternative means known to the skilled person to create the earth current such as a resistor or the like. However, the use of a capacitance type load circuit, as shown in figure 1, helps to avoid heat problems.
Means may be required to protect the switch contacts. For example, where the load is a capacitor-load, the means may comprise a resistor in series with the load.
Switch 14 is connected between the live connector 22 and the load circuit 24. In figure 3, switch 14' is connected between the earth connector 18 and the load circuit 24. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, switch 14' may be connected electrically adjacent to switch 14.
Bleed circuit 26 is connected directly across the load circuit 24, and indicator 16 is connected between live connector 22 and neutral connector 20.
Figure 4 shows the device 10 connected to a mains outlet 30 which is supplied via a residual current device 100. * S
In figure 4, switches 14 and 14' are in the operated position and the circuit is shown just before the residual current device trips. *
*.**S* * * In figure 4, the incoming mains live conductor 102 and the neutral conductor 104 are fed to a residual current device 100 shown in figure 4 in the ON state. The * *I S * output of the residual current device 100 is fed to 13 amp mains outlet 30, also ** S * S S * shown in figure 4 in the ON state. Device 10 is connected to 13 amp mains outlet (as previously described) and indicator 16 will illuminate.
Switches 14, 14' are shown in the closed state and a Current 202 will flow through the load Circuit 24 through the earth connector 18 to the mains earth connection 106. The live current 202 and the neutral current 204 will no longer be equal and this imbalance will cause the residual current device 100 to trip and switch off the mains electricity supply.
In this way, manually operating switches 14 and 14' will cause the residual current device to trip by connecting a load circuit hetween the live and the earth connection of the mains supply thereby causing an earth current to flow. The load circuit will create an earth current above the trip level threshold of the residual current device thereby ensuring its activation thereby resulting in the disconnection of the circuit from the mains electricity supply.
Although aspects of the invention have been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment shown and that various changes and modifications may be effected without further inventive skill and effort. For clarification, it is emphasised that the device of the present application is not intended to be a substitute for a residual current device, but is instead intended to be used to manually trip an existing residual current device installed elsewhere in *:*:: 15 the system. * S*S *
S
*.*S*. * S * ** * * S * S. * * . S S **
Claims (15)
1. A protection device actuator for an electrical circuit having a live conductor, a neutral conductor, and an earth conductor, the device comprising; a. First means to connect to the live conductor; b. Second means to connect to the earth conductor; and c. A first manually operable switch selectively operable to connect the live conductor to the earth conductor via a load circuit (in order to trigger the residual current device).
2. A protection device actuator according to Claim I wherein the first switch is operable between a first configuration in which the live conductor is connected to the earth conductor via the load circuit and a second configuration in which the load circuit is not connected to at least one of the s... live and earth conductors. sSs*
3. A protection device actuator according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein when the first switch is in the first configuration the residual current device * ** 20 is activated to disconnect the mains supply, and a second configuration in * * . which the residual current device is not activated to disconnect the mains *5 * * supply.
4. A protection device actuator according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the load of the load circuit comprises a capacitor.
5. A protection device actuator according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the load of the load circuit is a resistance
6. A protection device actuator according to any preceding Claim further comprising a second manually operable switch selectively operable in combination with a first switch to connect the live conductor to the earth conductor via a load circuit.
7. A protection device actuator according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second manually operable switch in series with the first switch.
8. A protection device actuator according to any preceding Claim further provided with means to connect to the neutral conductor.
9. A protection device actuator according to Claim 8 further provided with an indicator means connecting the live conductor and the neutral conductor. * ** * * * * **
*****
10. A test device for a residual Current device, the test device comprising:
S
****** * * a. First means to connect to the live conductor; b. Second means to connect to the earth conductor; and * *. 20 c. A first manually operable switch selectively operable to connect the live conductor to the earth conductor via a load circuit
11. A method of activating (emergency activation or testing) a residual current device (in an active electrical circuit), the method comprising the steps of: a. Connecting the device of claim 10 to live and earth conductors associated with the residual current device; b. Operating the switch of the device to connect the live conductor to the earth conductor via the load circuit
12. A method according to Claim 11 wherein connection of the live conductor to the earth conductor via the load circuit triggers the residual current device and breaks the active electrical circuit to which the residual current device is connected.
13. A protection device actuator substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
14. A test device substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
15. A method of activating a residual current device substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. * * * * * I. **S S
S **SS
S
*55555 * * * *S * S * *S* S ** S * S S * S.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0801278A GB2456799A (en) | 2008-01-24 | 2008-01-24 | Residual current device test actuator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0801278A GB2456799A (en) | 2008-01-24 | 2008-01-24 | Residual current device test actuator |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0801278D0 GB0801278D0 (en) | 2008-02-27 |
| GB2456799A true GB2456799A (en) | 2009-07-29 |
Family
ID=39166273
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0801278A Pending GB2456799A (en) | 2008-01-24 | 2008-01-24 | Residual current device test actuator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2456799A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9044814B2 (en) | 2008-10-29 | 2015-06-02 | National Oilwell Varco, L.P. | Spindle drive apparatus and methods |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3984765A (en) * | 1974-09-27 | 1976-10-05 | Rocci Jr Joseph A | Power outlet circuit tester with ground fault testing capability |
| GB2072861A (en) * | 1980-02-23 | 1981-10-07 | Redsure Elp Ltd | Earth leakage circuit breaker tester |
| GB2118310A (en) * | 1982-04-08 | 1983-10-26 | Avo Limited | An instrument for testing circuit breakers |
| JPS63208769A (en) * | 1987-02-25 | 1988-08-30 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Tester for earth leakage breaker |
| WO1999028755A2 (en) * | 1997-11-27 | 1999-06-10 | Cali Michela | Electronic circuits for detecting the earthing system and for testing the efficiency of residual current circuit-breakers connected to phase, neutral and earth of electrical users |
| US20040174173A1 (en) * | 2003-03-06 | 2004-09-09 | Elms Robert T. | Power circuit tester apparatus and method |
-
2008
- 2008-01-24 GB GB0801278A patent/GB2456799A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3984765A (en) * | 1974-09-27 | 1976-10-05 | Rocci Jr Joseph A | Power outlet circuit tester with ground fault testing capability |
| GB2072861A (en) * | 1980-02-23 | 1981-10-07 | Redsure Elp Ltd | Earth leakage circuit breaker tester |
| GB2118310A (en) * | 1982-04-08 | 1983-10-26 | Avo Limited | An instrument for testing circuit breakers |
| JPS63208769A (en) * | 1987-02-25 | 1988-08-30 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Tester for earth leakage breaker |
| WO1999028755A2 (en) * | 1997-11-27 | 1999-06-10 | Cali Michela | Electronic circuits for detecting the earthing system and for testing the efficiency of residual current circuit-breakers connected to phase, neutral and earth of electrical users |
| US20040174173A1 (en) * | 2003-03-06 | 2004-09-09 | Elms Robert T. | Power circuit tester apparatus and method |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9044814B2 (en) | 2008-10-29 | 2015-06-02 | National Oilwell Varco, L.P. | Spindle drive apparatus and methods |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0801278D0 (en) | 2008-02-27 |
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