GB2479344A

GB2479344A - Power source indicator

Info

Publication number: GB2479344A
Application number: GB201005184A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Robert Wingent
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-03-29
Filing date: 2010-03-29
Publication date: 2011-10-12
Anticipated expiration: 2030-03-29
Also published as: GB201005184D0; GB2479344B

Abstract

An electrical connector, for example on an extension lead, contains visual and/or audible indicators, to show the presence of electricity or presence of a fault. The visual indicator may be an LED or a neon indicator, and the audible alert may be a series of tones or a pre-recorded voice. The lower body of the connector housing is transparent to allow, the visual indicator to be seen. The connector may be used in the building industry, where the connector may be some way from a power source.

Description

Power Source Indicator -electrical extension lead/junction box This invention relates to electrical extension leads and electrical junction boxes used primarily but not exclusively in the building industry, in particular the invention relates to an indication system for informing the user when there is power at the electrical extension lead / junction box.

Electrical extension leads / junction boxes are commonly used in industries for providing an electrical power source from a location where an electrical power source is available to a location perhaps some distance away where an electrical power source is unavailable.

Whilst such electrical extension leads / junction boxes are desirable and indeed necessary for carrying out work in remote locations, those other than those already equipped with an electrical power source, the inventor has recognised it is often the case a user assumes regardless, because the electrical extension lead / junction box is already positioned within the remote location area, there is an electrical power source at the electrical extension lead-end and or junction box. Whilst there may well be an electrical power source at the electrical extension lead-end and or junction box it may also be that this is not the case specifically when the electrical extension lead / junction box is plugged in' at the location containing the power source but not turned on' or indeed the electrical extension lead is faulty.

This results in costly time wasting while the user returns to the location containing the power source, often a considerable distance away. It will also be appreciated that a faulty electrical extension lead / junction box can cause bodily injury or even death.

It is the aim of the present invention to provide a novel power source indicator which informs the user of the electrical power status of the electrical extension lead / junction box prior to and during use.

In accordance with the first aspect, the present invention provides a power indication for an electrical extension lead / junction box comprising; an indicator indicating there is power at the electrical extension lead / junction box, an indicator indicating there is a fault within the electrical extension lead / junction box, an aural alert indicating there is a fault within the electrical extension lead / junction box.

The power source indicator may be incorporated into an extension lead /junction box or may be retrofittable to an existing electrical extension lead end plug / junction box.

Most conveniently the indicator may comprise a light emitting diode which lights or pulses when power is available.

The aural alert is desirably electrically operated. The sound made by the alert may be one or more tones, optionally a repeating sequence of tones.

The power source indicator may include its own power source, for example but not strictly limited to a dry cell. Alternatively, the power source indicator may tap power from the existing power source used to power the electrical extension lead / junction box The power source indicator may be completely hard wired or may use one or more wireless connections between various of its components and or existing components from the electrical extension lead / junction box. For example there may be a blue tooth link between the indicator and the aural alert.

For the purpose of illustration, one embodiment of the invention will now be further described with reference to the following figures in which: Figure 1 illustrates an electrical extension lead plug as is known in the prior art.

Figure 2 illustrates an electrical extension lead plug incorporating an embodiment of the power source indicator of the invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a circuit diagram for an embodiment of the power source indicator in accordance with the invention.

As can be seen from figure 1 a typical electrical extension lead plug end includes an outer body 1 for the protection of the power source from the elements and insulating the user from the power source. Three (or as required) electrical pins 2, for the transfer of electricity from one source to another. An incoming' feed cable/lead 3, containing three further wires live 4, neutral 5 and earth 6 to supply electrical power to the electrical extension lead plug end.

Figure 2 shows an electrical extension lead plug end similar to that referenced in Figure 1. The electrical extension lead plug end has Light Emitting Diode's in this instance.

Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram for a power source indicator substantially similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2. The circuit comprises a the socket body, the Light Emitting Diode's, Capacitors and Resistors in this instance.

It is to be understood that the forgoing is merely representative of one embodiment which the power source indicator of the invention may take, other embodiments will no doubt occur to the skilled addressee without the need for inventive thought and without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims.

Diagram(s) Explanation Figure 2. shows an electrical extension lead plug end similar to that referred in fig 1. The Electrical Extension Lead Plug has a male and female option so that the EELP can be connected to a transformer, electrical implement, lighting device or another EELP ready for use The EELP has a transparent lower body ensuring the indicators are visible to operators. The body is of rugged construction and comprises of a coloured end enclosing the electrical pins/connections. The protective end cap is also colour coded correlated to power use fig 2. showing a 11OV application.

Fig 2. shows internal components consisting of three wires -LIVE, NEUTRAL and EARTH. Fig 3,4,5 shows wiring components consisting of capacitors, illumination device and or audible alert These are examples of general layout only and not definitive.

When the plug is energized, electrical power available, a lamp is illuminated. If there is a fault with the EELP or with the electrical source the lamp will not illuminate for example. Upon inspection a lamp will indicate which component is at fault. An audible alert can also be linked into the EELP as well as or in place of, the indicator lamp. Key:

EELP -Electrical Extension Lead Plug