Energization indicator and method for heat trace cable and the like

• US 4,650,971 A
• Filed: 10/24/1983
• Issued: 03/17/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 10/24/1983
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: PGM, Inc.
• Original Assignee: PGM, Inc.
• Inventors: Manecci, John V., Pajer, Jerry D.
• Primary Examiner(s): PASCHALL, MARK H
• Application Number:
  US06/544,600
• Time in Patent Office: 1,240 Days
• Field of Search: 219/300, 219/301, 219/506, 219/494, 219/508-510, 219/528, 219/549, 340/640, 340/642, 340/655, 340/650, 340/652
• US Class Current: 219/506
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 53/38 using elongate electric heating elements, e.g. wires or ribbons
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 15/22 using light-emitting devices, e.g. LED, optocouplers G01R31/31901 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/36 using visible light sources

Abstract

An optical indicator apparatus includes an optical output device for producing a light output in response to an electrical input thereto, a hollow housing for supporting the optical output device relative to another device to permit viewing of light output by the optical output device, electrical input leads extending through at least a portion of the housing for receiving such electrical input and coupling the same to cause the optical output device to produce an output indicating receipt of such electrical input, and seal material for sealing in substantially fluid-tight relation in the hollow housing at least part of the optical output device and at least part of the electrical input leads while holding the same in relatively fixed position in the hollow housing. A method of identifying the energized condition of an electrical device, such as heat trace cable or the like, includes mounting a plurality of indicators with respect to such heat trace cable or the like at a plurality of locations along the length thereof and electrically connecting such indicators thereto for energization in response to power received at such connection thereof, whereby failure of energization of such an indicator represents a failure in the energization of such heat trace cable or the like.

Claims

1. A method of identifying the energized condition of heat trace cable or the like, comprising mounting a plurality of visible light output indicators with respect to such device at a plurality of locations therealong intermediate respective power input and relatively remote ends thereof and electrically connecting such indicators to such device for energization in response to power received at such connection thereof, whereby failure of energization of such an indicator represents a failure in the energization of such device.

2. The method of claim 1, such device comprising heat trace cable, said electrically connecting comprising forming a butt joint thereof including leads of the indicator and leads of such heat trace cable.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising sealing in waterproof relation such electrical connection.

4. The method of claim 1, said mounting comprising using a tie wrap to circumscribe such device to which the indicator is mounted.

5. The method of claim 4, such device comprising heat trace cable positioned with respect to a pipe to heat the latter, said mounting comprising mounting such indicator at spaced locations of from about 5 feet to about 50 feet along the length of such pipe.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein such device comprises heat trace cable positioned with respect to a pipe, insulation and weatherproofing material about at least a portion of such pipe and heat trace cable, and said mounting comprising forming an opening in such insulation and weatherproofing material and locating the indicator therethrough.