GB2506669A - Socket outlet unit including ring main circuit conductor separating means - Google Patents

Socket outlet unit including ring main circuit conductor separating means Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2506669A
GB2506669A GB1217930.5A GB201217930A GB2506669A GB 2506669 A GB2506669 A GB 2506669A GB 201217930 A GB201217930 A GB 201217930A GB 2506669 A GB2506669 A GB 2506669A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
socket
conductors
socket outlet
outlet unit
separating means
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.)
Granted
Application number
GB1217930.5A
Other versions
GB2506669B (en
GB201217930D0 (en
Inventor
John Paul Wasellas
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 GB1217930.5A priority Critical patent/GB2506669B/en
Publication of GB201217930D0 publication Critical patent/GB201217930D0/en
Publication of GB2506669A publication Critical patent/GB2506669A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2506669B publication Critical patent/GB2506669B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R27/00—Arrangements for measuring resistance, reactance, impedance, or electric characteristics derived therefrom
    • G01R27/02—Measuring real or complex resistance, reactance, impedance, or other two-pole characteristics derived therefrom, e.g. time constant
    • G01R27/16—Measuring impedance of element or network through which a current is passing from another source, e.g. cable, power line
    • G01R27/18—Measuring resistance to earth, i.e. line to ground
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
    • H01R13/701—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch the switch being actuated by an accessory, e.g. cover, locking member
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
    • H01R13/703—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
    • H01R13/703—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part
    • H01R13/7031—Shorting, shunting or bussing of different terminals interrupted or effected on engagement of coupling part, e.g. for ESD protection, line continuity
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
    • H01R13/703—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part
    • H01R13/7036—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part the switch being in series with coupling part, e.g. dead coupling, explosion proof coupling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
    • H01R25/006—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R27/00—Arrangements for measuring resistance, reactance, impedance, or electric characteristics derived therefrom
    • G01R27/02—Measuring real or complex resistance, reactance, impedance, or other two-pole characteristics derived therefrom, e.g. time constant
    • G01R27/16—Measuring impedance of element or network through which a current is passing from another source, e.g. cable, power line
    • 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
    • G01R31/54—Testing for continuity
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2103/00—Two poles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
    • H01R2201/20—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for testing or measuring purposes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/76—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure with sockets, clips or analogous contacts and secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. to a wall
    • H01R24/78—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure with sockets, clips or analogous contacts and secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. to a wall with additional earth or shield contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
    • H02G3/18—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes providing line outlets

Abstract

A double socket outlet 1 includes internal links 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 connected via a triple pole, normally closed contact set 2 which, when operated, separates the ring final circuit conductors from each other but leaves them connected to respective sockets so as to allow for cross connection arrangement of the conductors necessary to obtain test results as required. The contact set may be a recessed key switch or may be plug-in bridging links. An adapter (Fig 5) can be plugged into the two sockets and cross connects the two sockets and hence the two cables, either swapping the line and neutral or the line and earth conductors. The adapter may include a pin (15, Fig 6) to operate the switch.

Description

Socket outlet Including rIng final dreuft condtsctoc separating meanL This Invention Sates to a device for separating the conductors of a nng main wiring circuit When Electriclns are installing, testing or Inspecting socket outlets in an Electrical Installation It is essential for the wiring circuit to be tested and the results of the tests documented. The most common circuit type used to connect socket outlets to the power source at the consumer unit is a ring circuit. When testing a ring circtht it Is necessary to carry out a continuity test of the ring final circuit conductors, amongst various other tests. To carry out this continuity test it Is required that the conductors of the ring drcult.be configured in a certain way to allow readings to be obtained for verification and documentation.
However, the use of the conventional socket outlets. mean the removal of the socket or the consumer unit cover, followed by the disconnection of the ring final circuit conductors to configure the conductors as required for the test procedure. Furtheri-nore, the disconnection and reconnection of the conductors actually weaken. the conductors, at the point of connection and as the conductors bend when removing and replacing, the outlet or the conductors in the consumer unit these weakened connections can become potential fault points. This can become a particular problem In installations which are required to be tested frequently. for example, short term let properties, commercial premises used by the public etc. Ta overcome these problems the present invention proposes a socket outlet lncluthn.g separating means which, when operated, separates the ring final circuit conductors without the need to remove the socket oalet or the consumer unit cover. Furthermore It removes the requiiement to disconnect the conductors for configuration as required for testing Connethon to each conductor can be achieved via the socket outlet; allowing easy configuration for the test purposes.. it is also. proposed that a specifically designed plug in adaptor could be used In conjunction with the proposed socket outlet to provide the cross connectton arrangements needed to obtain the necessary test results, The separating means within the socket outlet Is preferably provided by triple poke normally closed, set of contacts withIn the outlet wbch can be operated via a recessed or secret switch, although the separation means may also be provided by other means, such as a removable triple pole link.
The invention wilt now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIgure 1. shows a typical ring final circuit layout typically used when wirIng socket outlets.
Figure 2 shiwn typical cross connection arrangements required for obtaining ten results to confirm condition of the circuit.
Figure 3 shows the proposed socket ottet from a rear view VSIth proposedlnt&nal connectlois of the outlet to show how the separating means can be achieved, with typical cable loops and conductors.
Figure 4 shows the proposed socket outlets with recessed key switch and removable link with cover Figure 5 shows the proposed. plug In adaptor from a front view with internalcorinections tc the.
selector switch.
Figure. 6 shows the proposed plug hi adaptor from a side view.
in Figure 1, a ring final circuit has cable loops 1,2, 3,4, 5 and 6 Which start at the outgoing terminals of the consumer unit 7, connect to all the points in the ring circuit 8, 9, 10. ii and 12 then return to the same outgokig terminals of the consumer unit 7. Each cable loop comprises two live conductors, line 13 arid neutral 14 and.a circuit protective conductor, earth 15.
In Figure 2, typical.croconntion arrangements required for obtaining test results comprisecable loops. 1 and 2, line and neutral conductors 4, S and.6 respectively and earth conductors 7 and S and shown is how the cross connection arrangement can be achieved ether at a socket outlet or at the consumer unIt with the removal of equipment and disconnection of conductors.
in Figure 3, the proposed socket outlet 1 Is shown from a rear view with proposed internal connections and means of providing separation of the ring final circuit conductors via triple pole, normally closed contact set 2 The socket outlet has two line conductor connections L1,3 and 11,4, two neutral conductor connections NZS and N2,6 and two earth conductor connections E17 and 2& When the line, neutral and earth conductors of each cable loop 9 and 10 are connected to the appropriate terminals, they are linked internally within the socket through links 11., 12 and 13 vIa triple pole, normally closed switch 2 and links 14, 15 end 16 to form the continuous loop wiring system.
To separate the ring final circuit conductors ft is. proposed that the triple pole, normally closed switch 2 be operated by the insertion of an insulated key whith will latch fn place to open the triple pole switch Once this has been done, connection to the separated ring final circuit conductors can be made via the socket outlet terminals. Standard plug in test adaptors can be used and the required link arrangements can be made with wire links whIch plug in to the adaptors without the need to remove any equipment or disconnect any conductors Proposed plug in adaptor shown in figures 5 and 6 can also be used to provide The cross connectlon& Also shown are rocker switches 17 and IR of the socket outlet and it should be noted that these are shown as single pole for clarity but can also be double pole configuration to switch both tine and neutral connections to the socket outlet If required.
in Figure 4 the proposed. socket outlets 1 are shown with proposed recessed key swTtch 2 point and alternathe removable link which can be accessed by removing the link cover. on the front of the socket outlet The tnple pole link would simply plug in and out to make or break the internal connection links The link would be fully insulated with minimum exposed conductor parts and the link cover 3 would be secured in position, by a retaIning screw to prevent accidental removal of the lint In FIgure 5, proposed plug in adaptor S is shown from a front view with the two line connections 1 and 2, two neutral connectIons 3 and 4 and two earth connectIons 5 and 6 Internal links 9,10,11 12,13 and 14 are shown connecting these to selector swItch 7 whIch will make kne 1 to neutral 4 and line 2 to neutral 3 connectIon arrangements In one selected position and the line I to earth 6 and line 2 to earth S connecton arrangements In the other selected posItion This plug In adaptor will provIde the connection arrangements needed to obtain test results required when used with the proposed socket outlet of Figure 3 ThIs plug in adaptor would have an Insertion pin whKh automatically operates the recessed switch 2 and is positioned to operate it when the device s plugged in If used with a proposed socket outlet with alternative removable hn, ttus link should be rernoIed before using the adaptor to make the cross connection arrangements as requlreth in Figure 6 proposed plug In adaptor B is shown from a side view and'shows how insertion pin 15 is positiàned to operate the recessed switch 2 shown In cigure 4 also shown Is line pin 1, earth pln 5.
and selector switch 7 which would be used to change the cross connection arrangement required. If alternative separation means was used for the proposed socket outlet1 pin 15 would not be required and the removable link would have to be removed before using adiptor 8 to provide configuration as' required..
The proposed socket outlet would allow easier testing as previously described if each ring cIrcuit had one of the proposed outlets in the circuit however if aR sockets in the circuit were of this type, other benefits could be gained such as easier testing of each individual loop between sockets, quicker identification, of faulty 1uops. conductors and less döwhtime of fauity.drcuits. CL&ms

Claims (5)

1. A socket outlet unit with ring final clrciit conductor separating means comprising internal hnks connecting Through a triple pole separation device which can separate the ring final cwruit conductors when operated and allows for connection to the separated conductors via the socket outtet terminals.
2. A socket outlet unit according to Claim 1, in which the triple pole separation devico Is a normally closed contact set which cart be operated by the insettion of art insulated key/pin from the front of the outlet.
3. A socket. outlet unit according to Claim 1, in which the triple pole separation device has a removable triple pole lInk Which can be accessed by removing a cover on the front of the outlét. said cover is retained by a screw.
4. A socket outlet u.nlt.accordlng to Claim 1,irt which cross connection conductor arrangements are made by a plug in adaptor with a selector switch
5. A socket outlet unit with ring final circuit conductOr separating means, substantially as herein betre described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB1217930.5A 2012-10-07 2012-10-07 Socket outlet including ring final circuit conductor separating means Expired - Fee Related GB2506669B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1217930.5A GB2506669B (en) 2012-10-07 2012-10-07 Socket outlet including ring final circuit conductor separating means

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1217930.5A GB2506669B (en) 2012-10-07 2012-10-07 Socket outlet including ring final circuit conductor separating means

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201217930D0 GB201217930D0 (en) 2012-11-21
GB2506669A true GB2506669A (en) 2014-04-09
GB2506669B GB2506669B (en) 2017-09-20

Family

ID=47294380

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1217930.5A Expired - Fee Related GB2506669B (en) 2012-10-07 2012-10-07 Socket outlet including ring final circuit conductor separating means

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2506669B (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160097800A1 (en) * 2014-10-06 2016-04-07 International Business Machines Corporation Ring circuit continuity tester
GB2533821A (en) * 2015-01-05 2016-07-06 Kostanjsek Mark Safety breaker

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2444850A (en) * 2006-12-15 2008-06-18 Metrel Merilna In Regulacijska An apparatus for assisting measurement of the resistances of LV ring main circuits
GB2490146A (en) * 2011-04-20 2012-10-24 Avtarjeet Singh Dhanjal Wiring of electrical fittings

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB201202535D0 (en) * 2012-02-14 2012-03-28 Irish Geoffrey Electrical connector

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2444850A (en) * 2006-12-15 2008-06-18 Metrel Merilna In Regulacijska An apparatus for assisting measurement of the resistances of LV ring main circuits
GB2490146A (en) * 2011-04-20 2012-10-24 Avtarjeet Singh Dhanjal Wiring of electrical fittings

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160097800A1 (en) * 2014-10-06 2016-04-07 International Business Machines Corporation Ring circuit continuity tester
GB2530998A (en) * 2014-10-06 2016-04-13 Ibm Ring circuit continuity tester
US10078106B2 (en) * 2014-10-06 2018-09-18 International Business Machines Corporation Ring circuit continuity tester
GB2533821A (en) * 2015-01-05 2016-07-06 Kostanjsek Mark Safety breaker
GB2533821B (en) * 2015-01-05 2017-01-11 Kostanjsek Mark Safety breaker

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2506669B (en) 2017-09-20
GB201217930D0 (en) 2012-11-21

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
732E Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977)

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20160609 AND 20160615

PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20181007