GB2465831A - Electrical installation with external test point - Google Patents

Electrical installation with external test point Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2465831A
GB2465831A GB0822146A GB0822146A GB2465831A GB 2465831 A GB2465831 A GB 2465831A GB 0822146 A GB0822146 A GB 0822146A GB 0822146 A GB0822146 A GB 0822146A GB 2465831 A GB2465831 A GB 2465831A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
test point
installation
external test
test
electrical
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0822146A
Other versions
GB0822146D0 (en
Inventor
Paul James Leverton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB0822146A priority Critical patent/GB2465831A/en
Publication of GB0822146D0 publication Critical patent/GB0822146D0/en
Publication of GB2465831A publication Critical patent/GB2465831A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R15/00—Details of measuring arrangements of the types provided for in groups G01R17/00 - G01R29/00, G01R33/00 - G01R33/26 or G01R35/00
    • G01R15/14—Adaptations providing voltage or current isolation, e.g. for high-voltage or high-current networks
    • G01R31/02—
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
    • H02B1/015—Boards, panels, desks; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
    • H02B1/06—Boards, panels, desks; Parts thereof or accessories therefor having associated enclosures, e.g. for preventing access to live parts
    • H02B1/066—Boards, panels, desks; Parts thereof or accessories therefor having associated enclosures, e.g. for preventing access to live parts with hinged covers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
    • H05K5/0026—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus provided with connectors and printed circuit boards [PCB], e.g. automotive electronic control units
    • 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
    • G01R31/62—Testing of transformers

Abstract

An electrical installation 21, such as a device for the generation, transmission, distribution or utilisation of electrical energy, is provided with an external test point or terminal 23 which is accessible without having to expose live parts of the installation. The device may be manufactured with the test point integral to the exterior of the device housing or the test point may be fitted to an existing device. The test point has sockets or connections 29 to the device's live 31, neutral 33 and earth 35 conductors to allow the connection of a test probe and the device may be a single phase or three phase system. A hinged cover 25 may be provided for the test terminal. Examples of possible devices include; distribution boards, lighting systems, switches and fuse boards.

Description

TESTING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to electrical equipment or assemblies and, in particular, the testing of such equipment or assemblies by assessing such an installation to determine its effectiveness.
Background to the Invention
It is necessary for health and safety or for other reasons to test an electrical installation to ascertain its effectiveness. This normally involves testing the installation when it is electrically live. Typically the cover of the equipment, such as a lighting circuit, distribution board etc. is removed and connections are made to live wires forming part of the circuit. This procedure is both time consuming and, by involving exposure to live parts, not a safe one.
Statements of the Invention
According to the present invention, there is provided an electrical installation having an external test point which is accessible without the necessity to expose live parts of the installation.
The installation may be a single phase electrical installation or a triple phase installation.
Preferably, the external test point is located within its own housing having an inspection cover which is easily opened to allow access to test points. This is achieved without having to remove any of the barriers of the electrical equipment.
Preferably, the test points are simple sockets into which the electrical probes of a test unit can be inserted.
An electrical installation with which the present invention is concerned can be any item of electrical equipment provided for such purposes as generation, conversion, * * transmission, distribution or utilisation of electrical energy. The installation may be, for instance, a machine, a transformer, apparatus, a measuring instrument, a protected device, a wiring system, an accessory, an appliance and a luminaire. S..
Testing includes ascertaining values associated with the installation being measured, the values being such that they are not detected by inspection. An example of a value which S..
might be measured is the insulation resistance, a characteristic which might be measured in ohms. A particular electrical installation may have an installation resistance which has to fall within a range set out in an appropriate authorised standard such as the particular British Standard which applies.
The present invention also provides an external test point which is connectable to an electrical installation. Accordingly, an electrical installation may be manufactured assembled with an external test point forming part thereof. Alternatively, the external test point may be applied to an existing electrical installation as a retrofit.
Brief description of the drawings
The accompanying drawings are as follows: Figure 1 illustrates a single phase test point of the invention; Figure 2 shows a three phase test point of the invention; Figure 3 shows the present invention applied to a fuse board; Figure 4 shows the present invention the internal wiring of electrical equipment; and Figure 5 shows a test instrument applied to an external test point of the invention.
Detailed description of the Invention
The present invention will now be described, by way of examples only.
Referring to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated an external test point in the form of a unit I which includes a housing having a hinged front cover 3.
Within the housing are located test points in the form of live neutral and earth sockets, 5,7 and 9 respectively.
Referring to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings, external test point 11 is similar to that described above with respect to Figure 1 except that it is suitable for use with a three phase electrical installation. Within the housing 13 are three live test points 15 as well as neutral and earth points 17 and 19 respectively. *. ..
: * The test points of Figures 1 and 2 can be incorporated into any type of electrical equipment, for instance, distribution boards, lighting systems, switches etc. and the like.
This can be done at the point of manufacture of the installation or installed, retrofitted, to on site existing equipment.
The external test points can be used for the purpose of electrical inspection, testing and certification. The test point outlets are connected to the internal phase, neutral and earth connections of the equipment, either at the point of manufacture or at some subsequent time.
The test point is used to enable all types of required tests to be carried out, as defined in BS7671(2008). See also the IEE(Institute of Electrical Engineers) Regulations and Guidance Notes 3 Inspection & Testing.
The test points are accessed by removing the hinged panel by use of a suitable tool.
Once the panel has been opened, the exposed test sockets can be used to connect to the proprietary test instrument which is provided to carry out the full range of tests required.
Referring to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a typical fuse board cover 21 which has an external test point 23 including a panel or cover 25 which is removed by applying a suitable tool to item 27 provided on cover 25.
Within the external test point is an array of test sockets 29 which, for a three phase system, will include three live sockets 31 as well as a neutral and earth socket 33 and 35 respectively. Wiring 37 connects the test sockets to incoming wiring of the electrical equipment.
Referring to Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings, incoming wiring for a single phase installation is illustrated in line fuses such as fuse 41, if required, and disconnection sockets 43. The wiring is connected to sockets 47 of external test point 45.
Referring to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings, an external test point 51 includes * S..
live, neutral and earth sockets 49. Test instrument 53 may be connected to test point 51 by connecting test leads 54 to sockets 49. A test button 55 on instrument 53 may be activated to give a reading on panel 57. This reading may be that of the insulation resistance measured in ohms or earth fault loop impedance (Zs). S... 55.. S..
S

Claims (12)

  1. CLAIMS1. An electrical installation having an external test point which is accessible without the necessity to expose live parts of the installation i.e. removal of a barrier.
  2. 2. An installation according to Claim 1, wherein the external test point includes a discrete housing within which test terminals are located.
  3. 3. An installation according to Claim 2, wherein the test terminals are electrical sockets.
  4. 4. An installation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the external test point is provided with a cover which may be opened to reveal test terminals.
  5. 5. An installation according to Claim 4, wherein the cover is a hinged cover.
  6. 6. An installation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the installation is a single phase system.
  7. 7. An installation according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the installation is a three phase system.
  8. 8. An external test point for use with an installation according to any of the preceding claims.
  9. 9. An installation according to Claim 1 and substantially as herein described.
  10. 10. A test point according to Claim 8 and substantially as herein described.
  11. 11. An electrical installation substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.S * *
  12. 12. An external test point substantially as described with reference to the * accompanying drawings. a * *
GB0822146A 2008-12-04 2008-12-04 Electrical installation with external test point Withdrawn GB2465831A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0822146A GB2465831A (en) 2008-12-04 2008-12-04 Electrical installation with external test point

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0822146A GB2465831A (en) 2008-12-04 2008-12-04 Electrical installation with external test point

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0822146D0 GB0822146D0 (en) 2009-01-14
GB2465831A true GB2465831A (en) 2010-06-09

Family

ID=40289486

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0822146A Withdrawn GB2465831A (en) 2008-12-04 2008-12-04 Electrical installation with external test point

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2465831A (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2483632A (en) * 2010-08-12 2012-03-21 Ian Allden Electrical fitting with externally accessible test terminals
EP2778693A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-17 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Apparatus to verify an electrically safe work condition
WO2019053336A1 (en) * 2017-09-15 2019-03-21 Abb Oy Switching device whose stationary contact is provided with test terminal
EP3582344A1 (en) * 2018-06-15 2019-12-18 Fluke Corporation Electrical panel adapter providing pass through access to electrical signals within an enclosure
GB2622827A (en) * 2022-09-29 2024-04-03 Clark Andrew Improvements in testing of electrical spurs, including light switches, isolators and joint boxes

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1980721A (en) * 1928-06-04 1934-11-13 Square D Co Panelboard and testing means therefor
US3943413A (en) * 1974-07-03 1976-03-09 Westinghouse Electric Corporation Tamperproof external test contact arrangement for watthour meters
GB2038533A (en) * 1978-12-22 1980-07-23 Herrmann H Housings for accumulators &c
EP0204675A2 (en) * 1985-06-03 1986-12-10 Adc Telecommunications, Inc. Modular distribution frame including protector modules adapted for break access testing
GB2293493A (en) * 1994-09-23 1996-03-27 Contactum Ltd Enclosure for electrical components
GB2304420A (en) * 1993-02-16 1997-03-19 Raymond Mew Testing switches in street furniture
EP1298973A2 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-02 Tektronix, Inc. Instrument with housing having recess for connectors

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1980721A (en) * 1928-06-04 1934-11-13 Square D Co Panelboard and testing means therefor
US3943413A (en) * 1974-07-03 1976-03-09 Westinghouse Electric Corporation Tamperproof external test contact arrangement for watthour meters
GB2038533A (en) * 1978-12-22 1980-07-23 Herrmann H Housings for accumulators &c
EP0204675A2 (en) * 1985-06-03 1986-12-10 Adc Telecommunications, Inc. Modular distribution frame including protector modules adapted for break access testing
GB2304420A (en) * 1993-02-16 1997-03-19 Raymond Mew Testing switches in street furniture
GB2293493A (en) * 1994-09-23 1996-03-27 Contactum Ltd Enclosure for electrical components
EP1298973A2 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-02 Tektronix, Inc. Instrument with housing having recess for connectors

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2483632A (en) * 2010-08-12 2012-03-21 Ian Allden Electrical fitting with externally accessible test terminals
EP2778693A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-17 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Apparatus to verify an electrically safe work condition
US9234914B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-01-12 Rockwell Automation Technologies Incorporated Apparatus to verify an electrically safe work condition
WO2019053336A1 (en) * 2017-09-15 2019-03-21 Abb Oy Switching device whose stationary contact is provided with test terminal
US11193976B2 (en) 2017-09-15 2021-12-07 Abb Schweiz Ag Switching device whose stationary contact is provided with test terminal
EP3582344A1 (en) * 2018-06-15 2019-12-18 Fluke Corporation Electrical panel adapter providing pass through access to electrical signals within an enclosure
US11552460B2 (en) 2018-06-15 2023-01-10 Fluke Corporation Electrical panel adapter providing pass through access to electrical signals within an enclosure
GB2622827A (en) * 2022-09-29 2024-04-03 Clark Andrew Improvements in testing of electrical spurs, including light switches, isolators and joint boxes

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0822146D0 (en) 2009-01-14

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)