WO2002082484A1 - Method of contact monitoring - Google Patents

Method of contact monitoring Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002082484A1
WO2002082484A1 PCT/NO2002/000098 NO0200098W WO02082484A1 WO 2002082484 A1 WO2002082484 A1 WO 2002082484A1 NO 0200098 W NO0200098 W NO 0200098W WO 02082484 A1 WO02082484 A1 WO 02082484A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
warning
arcing
control part
designed
wire
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2002/000098
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Øyvind STOKKA
Original Assignee
Stokka Oeyvind
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 Stokka Oeyvind filed Critical Stokka Oeyvind
Publication of WO2002082484A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002082484A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H1/00—Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
    • H02H1/0007—Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements concerning the detecting means
    • H02H1/0015—Using arc detectors
    • H02H1/0023—Using arc detectors sensing non electrical parameters, e.g. by optical, pneumatic, thermal or sonic sensors

Definitions

  • This invention regards a method of monitoring electrical contact points with regard to arcing.
  • the invention also comprises a device for implementing the method.
  • a contact fault may cause overheating to occur, which affects both the electroconductive material with regard to thermal expansion and corrosion, and the insulation material with regard to deformation and brittleness.
  • overheating will after a period of use lead to loose contact connections, where the conditions are favourable to the formation of arcs between wire components and the apparatus.
  • the loose connections may be due to e.g. incorrect installation, vibrations or overloading.
  • the insulation material may upon heating release gases that have a corrosive effect on the metal conductors.
  • the object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of prior art.
  • the light sensor may advantageously be designed to operate outside of the visible light spectrum, e.g. in the ultraviolet frequency range, thereby to avoid being influenced by visible light.
  • the electrical control/warning circuit may be equipped with a memory function designed to maintain the warning, even after the arc has been broken.
  • the warning device is constructed as a compact device adapted and designed to allow retrofitting into e.g. a wall socket.
  • the device also comprises outlets for delivering a warning by means of a lamp and/or a loudspeaker.
  • the power supply receives voltage from the connection points that are to be monitored or from another, preferably nearby, supply point. If a light sensitive diode is used, the resistance through the diode will change when arcing occurs.
  • the control circuit is affected by the change in resistance, and delivers a voltage at one or more warning outlets that may optionally be connected to the warning lamp and/or loudspeaker via an amplifier. The sound and/or light signal may be heard/seen by persons who are in the area, and
  • the device may if so desired be provided with a relay outlet designed to disconnect the power supply from the subsequent apparatus .
  • the device is also provided with a temperature sensor.
  • the temperature sensor is designed to sense an increase in temperature in the contact point of the apparatus.
  • Figure 1 shows a wiring diagram for a warning device according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows the wiring diagram of Figure 1, but with the addition of a temperature sensor.
  • reference number 1 denotes a warning device for arc monitoring in electrical contact points, comprising a power supply 2 that may be provided with a back-up capacitor (not shown) and a required noise filter, a light-sensitive diode 4 and a control part 6.
  • the power supply 2 supplies voltage from the electrical connection points 10 and 12, which are subject to monitoring, via wires 14 and 16.
  • the power supply 2 supplies the diode 4 and the control part 6 with power via wires 18, 20 and 22, respectively.
  • the diode 4 is a warning device for arc monitoring in electrical contact points, comprising a power supply 2 that may be provided with a back-up capacitor (not shown) and a required noise filter, a light-sensitive diode 4 and a control part 6.
  • the power supply 2 supplies voltage from the electrical connection points 10 and 12, which are subject to monitoring, via wires 14 and 16.
  • the power supply 2 supplies the diode 4 and the control part 6 with power via wires 18, 20 and 22, respectively.
  • the diode 4 is a warning device for
  • P9915de-26.06.2002 is connected to earth at its connection point 24 to the control part 6, through a resistance 26.
  • a signal reset switch 28 is connected to the wire 18 and the control part 6, respectively, via a wire 30.
  • the control part 6 processes the signal from the diode 4 and delivers a voltage at one or more outlets, e.g.' via a wire 32 to a warning lamp 40, via a wire 34 to an amplifier 42, and via a wire 36 to a relay 44.
  • the amplifier 42 is supplied with voltage through the wire 18, and is. designed to supply a loudspeaker 48 with voltage via a wire 50.
  • the relay 42 is designed to break the supply of voltage through wires 52, 54, which supply the subsequent apparatus (not shown) .
  • the warning device is equipped with a temperature sensor 56 supplied with voltage through the wire 18 and a wire 58, and the temperature sensor 56 is connected to the control part 6 via a wire 60.
  • control part 6 Upon reaching a temperature higher than the set danger level, the control part 6 will, in a similar manner to that described above, deliver output voltages.
  • P9915de-26.06.2002 A device in accordance with the description is well suited for retrofitting in a number of traditional domestic and industrial appliances and contact points . Implementation of the method according to the invention may therefore prevent a large number of fires caused by faulty electrical systems.

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Abstract

A method of detecting and warning of arcing in electrical systems, where a light sensitive sensor (4) is positioned near the connection points (10,12) that are to be monitored, and is connected to an appropriate control part (6) designed when arcing occurs, toemit a sound and/or light signal.

Description

METHOD OF CONTACT MONITORING
This invention regards a method of monitoring electrical contact points with regard to arcing. The invention also comprises a device for implementing the method.
A significant number of fires that originate in electrical systems are caused by faulty contacts at connection points between conductors in wires and e.g. connection boxes, plugs, switches and other electrical equipment, hereinafter termed an apparatus. A contact fault may cause overheating to occur, which affects both the electroconductive material with regard to thermal expansion and corrosion, and the insulation material with regard to deformation and brittleness. Typically, overheating will after a period of use lead to loose contact connections, where the conditions are favourable to the formation of arcs between wire components and the apparatus. The loose connections may be due to e.g. incorrect installation, vibrations or overloading.
P9915de-26.06.2002 When using insulation material of the polyvinyl chloride type, the insulation material may upon heating release gases that have a corrosive effect on the metal conductors.
Periodic checking of electrical connection points is highly labour intensive and costly as a result of concealed and built-in wiring. Such checking is therefore not very practical in conventional houses and office buildings. Today's requirements for protection of wiring circuits through the use of fuses have little effect when it comes to protecting against arcing, as an arc can occur without any significant increase in amperage through the circuit. The increase in amperage that is required to trip a fuse may occur e.g. in the case of an arc between conductors of different polarity. In the case of an arc between a conductor and earth, any earth fault switch will be tripped first.
Monitoring of electrical system noise has been proposed as a means of monitoring electrical systems, among other things with regard to arcing. The formation of an arc in an electric circuit is known to alter the noise conditions to a certain extent. It may however still be difficult to reliably separate the arcing noise from other noise, in as much as it may be a case of relatively weak arcs created in large electrical systems.
The object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of prior art.
The object is achieved in accordance with the invention by the characteristics stated in the undermentioned description and in the appended claims.
P9915de-26.06.2002 Electrical connection points, e.g. in the connection box of a motor or behind a wall contact, are monitored with regard to light intensity and/or light frequency. Upon flashover or arcing, light is emitted in a wide spectrum that may be detected by a light sensitive sensor, preferably in the form of a light sensitive diode. A warning lamp and/or an acoustic warning may be activated by means of an electrical circuit connected to the sensor. The light sensor may advantageously be designed to operate outside of the visible light spectrum, e.g. in the ultraviolet frequency range, thereby to avoid being influenced by visible light.
The electrical control/warning circuit may be equipped with a memory function designed to maintain the warning, even after the arc has been broken.
In a preferred embodiment, the warning device is constructed as a compact device adapted and designed to allow retrofitting into e.g. a wall socket. In addition to a power supply, a light sensitive sensor and a control circuit, the device also comprises outlets for delivering a warning by means of a lamp and/or a loudspeaker.
Preferably, the power supply receives voltage from the connection points that are to be monitored or from another, preferably nearby, supply point. If a light sensitive diode is used, the resistance through the diode will change when arcing occurs. The control circuit is affected by the change in resistance, and delivers a voltage at one or more warning outlets that may optionally be connected to the warning lamp and/or loudspeaker via an amplifier. The sound and/or light signal may be heard/seen by persons who are in the area, and
F9915de-26.06.2002 any required repair of the contact point where the arcing occurred, may be carried out.
The device may if so desired be provided with a relay outlet designed to disconnect the power supply from the subsequent apparatus .
In an alternative embodiment, the device is also provided with a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is designed to sense an increase in temperature in the contact point of the apparatus.
The following describes a non-limiting example of a preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a wiring diagram for a warning device according to the invention.
Figure 2 shows the wiring diagram of Figure 1, but with the addition of a temperature sensor.
In the drawings, reference number 1 denotes a warning device for arc monitoring in electrical contact points, comprising a power supply 2 that may be provided with a back-up capacitor (not shown) and a required noise filter, a light-sensitive diode 4 and a control part 6. The power supply 2 supplies voltage from the electrical connection points 10 and 12, which are subject to monitoring, via wires 14 and 16. The power supply 2 supplies the diode 4 and the control part 6 with power via wires 18, 20 and 22, respectively. The diode 4
P9915de-26.06.2002 is connected to earth at its connection point 24 to the control part 6, through a resistance 26.
A signal reset switch 28 is connected to the wire 18 and the control part 6, respectively, via a wire 30.
When arcing occurs, the resistance of the light sensitive diode 4 changes. The control part 6 processes the signal from the diode 4 and delivers a voltage at one or more outlets, e.g.' via a wire 32 to a warning lamp 40, via a wire 34 to an amplifier 42, and via a wire 36 to a relay 44. The amplifier 42 is supplied with voltage through the wire 18, and is. designed to supply a loudspeaker 48 with voltage via a wire 50.
The relay 42 is designed to break the supply of voltage through wires 52, 54, which supply the subsequent apparatus (not shown) .
All components 2, 6, 26, 42, 44, 48 and 56 are connected to earth.
In an alternative embodiment, see Fig. 2, the warning device is equipped with a temperature sensor 56 supplied with voltage through the wire 18 and a wire 58, and the temperature sensor 56 is connected to the control part 6 via a wire 60.
Upon reaching a temperature higher than the set danger level, the control part 6 will, in a similar manner to that described above, deliver output voltages.
P9915de-26.06.2002 A device in accordance with the description is well suited for retrofitting in a number of traditional domestic and industrial appliances and contact points . Implementation of the method according to the invention may therefore prevent a large number of fires caused by faulty electrical systems.
P9915de-26.06.2002

Claims

C l a i m s
A method of detecting and warning of arcing in electrical systems, c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n that a light sensitive sensor (4) is positioned near the connection points (10, 12) that are to be monitored, and is connected to an appropriate control part (6) designed when arcing occurs, to emit a warning.
A method according to Claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n that a temperature sensor (56) is placed near the connection points (10, 12) that are to be monitored, and is connected to an appropriate control part (6) designed to emit a warning when a temperature exceeds a set value.
6.06.2002
PCT/NO2002/000098 2001-03-15 2002-03-08 Method of contact monitoring WO2002082484A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20011323A NO20011323L (en) 2001-03-15 2001-03-15 Contact Monitoring Procedure
NO20011323 2001-03-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002082484A1 true WO2002082484A1 (en) 2002-10-17

Family

ID=19912258

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NO2002/000098 WO2002082484A1 (en) 2001-03-15 2002-03-08 Method of contact monitoring

Country Status (2)

Country Link
NO (1) NO20011323L (en)
WO (1) WO2002082484A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2446186A (en) * 2007-01-30 2008-08-06 Jonathan Champion Electrical safety device
CN106207652A (en) * 2016-08-26 2016-12-07 张红 A kind of Sparkless switch device and protection against electric shock smart jack

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3441870A1 (en) * 1984-11-16 1985-06-27 Ritter Starkstromtechnik GmbH & Co, 4600 Dortmund Device for detecting and stopping unwanted arcs
DE3428322A1 (en) * 1984-08-01 1986-02-13 Sachsenwerk, Licht- und Kraft-AG, 8000 München Method for monitoring insulation gas in high-voltage switching installations
US4658322A (en) * 1982-04-29 1987-04-14 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Arcing fault detector
DE4440281A1 (en) * 1994-11-11 1996-05-15 Aeg Sensorsysteme Gmbh Optical detection device for arcing interference discharges in enclosed switchgear
US6104297A (en) * 1999-01-20 2000-08-15 Danilychev; Vladimir A. Corona discharge detection system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4658322A (en) * 1982-04-29 1987-04-14 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Arcing fault detector
DE3428322A1 (en) * 1984-08-01 1986-02-13 Sachsenwerk, Licht- und Kraft-AG, 8000 München Method for monitoring insulation gas in high-voltage switching installations
DE3441870A1 (en) * 1984-11-16 1985-06-27 Ritter Starkstromtechnik GmbH & Co, 4600 Dortmund Device for detecting and stopping unwanted arcs
DE4440281A1 (en) * 1994-11-11 1996-05-15 Aeg Sensorsysteme Gmbh Optical detection device for arcing interference discharges in enclosed switchgear
US6104297A (en) * 1999-01-20 2000-08-15 Danilychev; Vladimir A. Corona discharge detection system

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2446186A (en) * 2007-01-30 2008-08-06 Jonathan Champion Electrical safety device
CN106207652A (en) * 2016-08-26 2016-12-07 张红 A kind of Sparkless switch device and protection against electric shock smart jack

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO20011323L (en) 2002-09-16
NO20011323D0 (en) 2001-03-15

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