GB2483632A - Electrical fitting with externally accessible test terminals - Google Patents
Electrical fitting with externally accessible test terminals Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2483632A GB2483632A GB1013529.1A GB201013529A GB2483632A GB 2483632 A GB2483632 A GB 2483632A GB 201013529 A GB201013529 A GB 201013529A GB 2483632 A GB2483632 A GB 2483632A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- electrical
- electrical installation
- terminals
- testing
- external
- 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- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R1/00—Details of instruments or arrangements of the types included in groups G01R5/00 - G01R13/00 and G01R31/00
- G01R1/02—General constructional details
- G01R1/04—Housings; Supporting members; Arrangements of terminals
- G01R1/0408—Test fixtures or contact fields; Connectors or connecting adaptors; Test clips; Test sockets
- G01R1/0416—Connectors, terminals
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R1/00—Details of instruments or arrangements of the types included in groups G01R5/00 - G01R13/00 and G01R31/00
- G01R1/02—General constructional details
- G01R1/04—Housings; Supporting members; Arrangements of terminals
- G01R1/0408—Test fixtures or contact fields; Connectors or connecting adaptors; Test clips; Test sockets
-
- G01R31/041—
-
- 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
-
- 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
- G01R31/66—Testing of connections, e.g. of plugs or non-disconnectable joints
- G01R31/67—Testing the correctness of wire connections in electric apparatus or circuits
Abstract
An electrical installation, such as a light fitting, switch or fused connection box, has an external outlet 202 with terminals 102 for electrical testing. The terminals are accessible from the outside without any need to remove the cover of the fitting and disassemble electrical connections within it. The external test terminals 102 connect to the live, neutral and earth wires supplying the electrical installation from the mains. In use, an electrical testing unit is connected to the external terminals and used to carry out the required tests. The terminals 102 may be provided with a moveable cover when not in use, and be configured to connect to a special test cable and connector.
Description
Patent Application of Ian Allden for An electrical installation with an external outlet for testing
Background of the Invention
[1] The present invention relates to electrical installations, more specifically, methods of testing electrical installations.
[2] Electrical installation testing is a common task. Small faults in electrical installations can go undetected, leading to further faults that may cause fire, electrocution, serious injury and even death. Electrical installation testing can detect these faults before such incidences occur.
Consequently, in many regions, such testing is required by law.
[3] Testing the circuitry within an electrical outlet is a straightforward job -electrical testing units are simply plugged into the outlet, and the status of the outlet is indicated.
[4] However, electrical installations that do not comprise an external outlet, such as fused connection units, light switches and light fittings, are not so straightforward to test. In order to access the wiring within the installation, it must be disassembled. This is often a time-consuming task: in the case of fused connection units and switches, for example, the tester is required to unscrew faceplates from walls or ceilings, remove the internal components whilst carrying out the tests, and then re-assemble and screw the faceplate back to the wall or ceiling when the test is complete.
[5] In large buildings, or other areas with a high number of electrical installations, this process can become very lengthy and inefficient, leading to significant costs for both the tester and the proprietor of the building.
[61 Furthermore, electrical installation testing often comprises two stages -dead' testing, and live' testing.
Installations are first tested dead', meaning that the mains electricity supply to the installation is stopped. Once this has been completed, the mains power is restored and the installation tested again. With the faceplate of the installation removed, the wires are easily accessible by the tester which places them at high risk of electrocution and serious injury when live testing.
Brief Summary of the Invention
[7] It can be seen by the forgoing that a need has arisen for a method of testing electrical installations without disassembling them to access the wiring held within. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a apparatus achieving this.
[8] To this end, disclosed is an electrical installation with an external outlet for testing, the external outlet adapted for connection to an electrical testing unit, and being connected to the live, neutral and earth wires supplying the electrical installation with electricity from the mains.
[9] The tester connects an electrical testing unit to the external outlet of the electrical installation, and may then use the electrical testing unit to carry out the required tests without disassembling the electrical installation.
[10] An advantage of the present invention is that the electrical installation need not be disassembled to test the wiring within. Consequently, electrical installation testing is quicker and more efficient. Furthermore, the process of electrical testing is made safer as live wires need not be exposed.
Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawing [11] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings, in which: [12] Figure one shows a back view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
[13] Figure two shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
[14] Figure three shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of_an Embodiment
[15] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in figures one to three in which like numerals refer to like components, an electrical installation with an external outlet for testing is disclosed, the external outlet being adapted for connection to an electrical testing unit, and being connected to the live, neutral and earth wires supplying the electrical installation with electricity from the mains.
[16] The electrical installation may be any known in the art where the wiring inside is not externally accessible, and therefore cannot be accessed without disassembling the installation. This could include, but is not limited to, switches, light fittings and fused connection units.
[17] The external casing 201 of the electrical installation comprises an aperture 202 to provide access to the external outlet body 101. Ln the drawings, the aperture 202 is shown as square, though it may be any shape as appropriate. The aperture 202 may comprise a hood or a cover, not shown, to protect the external outlet body 201 and to enhance safety by ensuring live electrical contacts are not exposed at all times. The hood may work on a sliding mechanism, whereby it retracts up into the external casing 201 of the electrical installation when the external outlet is to be accessed.
Alternatively, it may be detachably connected simply using a screw or another means of attachment.
[18) Directly behind the aperture 202 in the electrical installation external casing 201 is the external outlet body 101. The external outlet body 101 is ideally a moulded plastic body, formed as part of the standard housing for terminals 109 found in electrical installations, as shown in the drawings.
[19) The external outlet body 101 comprises three contacts 102. The contacts 102 may be formed of steel, brass or any other suitable material known in the art. Furthermore, they may be plated with any suitable material, such as zinc tin or nickel. The contacts 102 may be recessed into the plastic moulding of the external outlet body 101 such that they cannot be easily accessed by body parts.
[20) One contact 102 is connected to a live wire 103 that runs between the contact and the internal live mains terminal 106 of the electrical installation. A second contact 102 is connected to a neutral wire 104 than runs between the contact and the internal neutral mains terminal 107 of the electrical installation. A third contact 102 is connected to an earth wire 105 that runs between the contact and the internal earth mains terminal 108 of the electrical installation.
[21] The wires 103, 104 and 105 are preferably soldered to the mains terminals 106, 107 and 108 within the electrical installation. The mains terminals 106, 107 and 108 may be adapted to comprise tabs to receive the wires 103, 104 and 105.
Best Mode for Carryg_Othe Invention [22] To test the electrical installation, the tester moves the hood of the aperture in the external casing, providing access to the external outlet body. Probes usually used to connect electrical testing units to circuits to be tested may then be inserted into the external outlet body and tests conducted as normal.
[23] Alternatively, a plug and cable may be provided, the plug being adapted for insertion to the external outlet body and connection to electrical testing units.
Claims (5)
- Claims 1. An electrical installation with an external outlet for testing is disclosed, the external outlet being adapted for connection to an electrical testing unit, and being connected to the live, neutral and earth wires supplying the electrical installation with electricity from the mains.
- 2. The electrical installation of the preceding claim where said external outlet comprises: an external outlet body comprising a live contact, a neutral contact and an earth contact; an aperture within an external casing of said electrical installation.
- 3. The electrical installation of the preceding claim where said aperture is covered by a movable hood.
- 4. The electrical installation of claim 2 where the contacts are connected to corresponding internal mains terminals within said electrical installation.
- 5. The electrical installation of any preceding claim where said external outlet is adapted to connect to a plug and cable adapted to connect to an electrical testing unit.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1013529.1A GB2483632A (en) | 2010-08-12 | 2010-08-12 | Electrical fitting with externally accessible test terminals |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1013529.1A GB2483632A (en) | 2010-08-12 | 2010-08-12 | Electrical fitting with externally accessible test terminals |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201013529D0 GB201013529D0 (en) | 2010-09-29 |
| GB2483632A true GB2483632A (en) | 2012-03-21 |
Family
ID=42937870
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1013529.1A Withdrawn GB2483632A (en) | 2010-08-12 | 2010-08-12 | Electrical fitting with externally accessible test terminals |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2483632A (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2499514A (en) * | 2012-02-14 | 2013-08-21 | Geoffrey Irish | Testing a ring main circuit using a switchable test arrangement e.g. in a wall socket |
| EP2778693A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-17 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus to verify an electrically safe work condition |
| CN105403738A (en) * | 2016-01-06 | 2016-03-16 | 中国工程物理研究院化工材料研究所 | Connector device for electric initiating explosive device resistance measurement |
| CN107703389A (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2018-02-16 | 广东天圣高科股份有限公司 | A kind of detection device for lightning surge generator experiment |
| WO2019053336A1 (en) * | 2017-09-15 | 2019-03-21 | Abb Oy | Switching device whose stationary contact is provided with test terminal |
| GB2622827A (en) * | 2022-09-29 | 2024-04-03 | Clark Andrew | Improvements in testing of electrical spurs, including light switches, isolators and joint boxes |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4371856A (en) * | 1980-09-22 | 1983-02-01 | Sentrol, Inc. | Switch assembly including circuit test points |
| US6087834A (en) * | 1996-04-16 | 2000-07-11 | The Shane Group | Diagnostic tester for lighting systems and method of using same |
| GB2413391A (en) * | 2004-04-21 | 2005-10-26 | Peter Thackeray | Test socket for testing of a light fitting |
| GB2465831A (en) * | 2008-12-04 | 2010-06-09 | Paul James Leverton | Electrical installation with external test point |
-
2010
- 2010-08-12 GB GB1013529.1A patent/GB2483632A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4371856A (en) * | 1980-09-22 | 1983-02-01 | Sentrol, Inc. | Switch assembly including circuit test points |
| US6087834A (en) * | 1996-04-16 | 2000-07-11 | The Shane Group | Diagnostic tester for lighting systems and method of using same |
| GB2413391A (en) * | 2004-04-21 | 2005-10-26 | Peter Thackeray | Test socket for testing of a light fitting |
| GB2465831A (en) * | 2008-12-04 | 2010-06-09 | Paul James Leverton | Electrical installation with external test point |
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2499514A (en) * | 2012-02-14 | 2013-08-21 | Geoffrey Irish | Testing a ring main circuit using a switchable test arrangement e.g. in a wall socket |
| GB2499514B (en) * | 2012-02-14 | 2014-10-08 | Geoffrey Irish | Electrical connector |
| 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 |
| CN105403738A (en) * | 2016-01-06 | 2016-03-16 | 中国工程物理研究院化工材料研究所 | Connector device for electric initiating explosive device resistance measurement |
| CN105403738B (en) * | 2016-01-06 | 2019-04-23 | 中国工程物理研究院化工材料研究所 | Interface arrangement for electric initiating explosive device resistance measurement |
| 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 |
| CN107703389A (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2018-02-16 | 广东天圣高科股份有限公司 | A kind of detection device for lightning surge generator experiment |
| CN107703389B (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2019-11-29 | 广东天圣高科股份有限公司 | A kind of detection device for lightning surge generator experiment |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| GB201013529D0 (en) | 2010-09-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |