Method of an apparatus for testing wiring

• US 7,095,240 B2
• Filed: 12/11/2001
• Issued: 08/22/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Interface Technical Components Limited
• Original Assignee: Interface Technical Components Limited
• Inventors: Wilson, John
• Primary Examiner(s): Deb, Anjan
• Assistant Examiner(s): NATALINI, JEFF WILLIAM
• Application Number:
  US10/450,807
• Publication Number:
  US 20050099170A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,715 Days
• Field of Search: 324403-414, 324/415, 324/418, 324/539, 340/641, 340/642, 307 31- 35, 361/64
• US Class Current: 324/539
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/1272 of cable, line or wire insulation, e.g. using partial discharge measurements locating faults in cables G01R31/083
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/52 Testing for short-circuits, leakage current or ground faults
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/54 Testing for continuity
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/58 Testing of lines, cables or conductors testing of electric windings G01R31/72

Abstract

A test system employing a plurality of disconnect devices is provided. Each load, such as a lamp, has a local disconnect device which temporarily disconnects the load in order to protect it from high voltage during the test.

Claims

1. A test system comprising:

a plurality of disconnect devices and a test module arranged to be in communication with each of the plurality of disconnect devices, wherein each disconnect device is arranged to selectively remove at least one electrical load from connection between supply wires supplying electricity to the at least one electrical load in response to a first disconnect signal provided by the test module in order that the integrity of the wires can be tested, each disconnect device being further arranged to reconnect the at least one load in response to a second signal, and wherein the test module is arranged to check that all of the loads have been removed from connection between the supply wires before commencing a test.

2. The test system of claim 1, wherein the second signal is generated by the test module.

3. The test system of claim 2, wherein the test module is portable.

4. The test system of claim 2, wherein the test module is part of a building management system.

5. The test system of claim 1, wherein each disconnect device is responsive to a disconnect signal supplied via a control line.

6. The test system of claim 1, wherein each disconnect device is responsive to a control signal transmitted along the wires under test.

7. The test system of claim 1, wherein each disconnect device includes a local signaling device that operates once the load has been disconnected.

8. The test system of claim 7, wherein the load signaling device is an LED.

9. The test system of claim 1, wherein each disconnect device can be polled in order to determine its status.

10. The test system of claim 1, wherein each disconnect device is arranged to reconnect the load after a predetermined period of time.

11. The test system of claim 1, wherein each disconnect device is arranged to reconnect the load upon receipt of a reconnect signal.

12. The test system of claim 1, wherein each disconnect device is arranged to reconnect the load in response to the absence of the disconnect signal.

13. The test system of claim 1, wherein each disconnect device is powered, wherein the power is selected from the group consisting of a battery, a main supply, a remote DC supply, and combinations thereof.

14. The test system of claim 1, wherein communication between the test module and the disconnect devices is via wireless transmission.

15. The test system of claim 1, wherein said electrical load comprises a lighting device.

16. A method of testing wiring to lights connected to a power supply via a test system comprising a plurality of disconnect devices and a test module arranged to be in communication with each of the plurality of disconnect devices, each disconnect device being arranged to selectively remove at least one electrical load from connection between supply wires supplying electricity to the at least one electrical load in response to a first disconnect signal provided by the test module in order that the integrity of the wires can be tested, each disconnect device being further arranged to reconnect the at least one load in response to a second signal, wherein said test module is arranged to check that all of the loads have been removed from connection between the supply before commencing a test, the test comprising:

asserting a disconnect instruction to disconnect the lights;

confirming that all lights have disconnected;

performing at least a test of continuity; and

reconnecting the lights.

17. A method of testing wiring to lights connected to a power supply via a test system comprising a plurality of disconnect devices and a test module arranged to be in communication with each of the plurality of disconnect devices, each disconnect device being arranged to selectively remove at least one electrical load from connection between power supply wires supplying electricity to the at least one electrical load in response to a first disconnect signal provided by the test module in order that the integrity of the wires can be tested, each disconnect device being further arranged to reconnect the at least one load in response to a second signal, wherein said test module is arranged to check that all of the loads have been removed from connection between the supply wires before commencing a test, the test comprising:

asserting a disconnect instruction to disconnect the lights;

confirming that all lights have disconnected;

performing at least a test of insulation; and

reconnecting the lights.