Abstract: An installed device electrically connected to a power source. The installed device has circuitry capable of detecting voltage, performing self-diagnostics, and testing for connectivity to the power source. In one embodiment, the device can also check to see if the voltage is at a de-energized level, recheck for continuity and repeat the self-diagnostics. In another embodiment, the installed device can be electrically connected to the line and load side of a disconnect and have circuitry configured to check the status of the disconnect. In another embodiment, the device can be configured to communicate with a portable reader in order to transfer information to the portable reader. In yet another embodiment, the device can be configured to interact with a controller that controls access to the panel in which the device is installed.

Abstract: A method of providing a user access to an enclosure with an absence of voltage testing device (AVT) includes initiating an absence of voltage test, determining whether the user has appropriate authorization, and providing access to the enclosure.

Abstract: A method for allowing access to an electrical enclosure having a disconnect includes upon initiation by a user or upon a change of state of the disconnect automatically performing the steps of checking for an absence of voltage, giving a positive indication of an absence of voltage, checking the state of each phase of the electrical disconnect to ensure contacts of the disconnect are open, and opening a lock on the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of providing a user access to an enclosure with an absence of voltage testing device (AVT) includes initiating an absence of voltage test, determining whether the user has appropriate authorization, and providing access to the enclosure.

Abstract: An installed device electrically connected to a power source. The installed device has circuitry capable of detecting voltage, performing self-diagnostics, and testing for connectivity to the power source. In one embodiment, the device can also check to see if the voltage is at a de-energized level, recheck for continuity and repeat the self-diagnostics. In another embodiment, the installed device can be electrically connected to the line and load side of a disconnect and have circuitry configured to check the status of the disconnect. In another embodiment, the device can be configured to communicate with a portable reader in order to transfer information to the portable reader. In yet another embodiment, the device can be configured to interact with a controller that controls access to the panel in which the device is installed.

Abstract: A safety termination apparatus for connecting to a power conductor has first and second galvanic connections, a sensor wire, and an insulating housing. The first and second galvanic connections are connected to an uninsulated portion of the power conductor and a sensor wire is electrically connected to each galvanic connection. The insulating housing encloses the galvanic connections and has first and second compartments for enclosing the first and second galvanic connections. The first and second compartments separate the first and second galvanic connections such that the first and second galvanic connections are not electrically connected to each other than through a mutual connection to the power conductor.

Abstract: A safety termination apparatus for connecting to a power conductor has first and second galvanic connections, a sensor wire, and an insulating housing. The first and second galvanic connections are connected to an uninsulated portion of the power conductor and a sensor wire is electrically connected to each galvanic connection. The insulating housing encloses the galvanic connections and has first and second compartments for enclosing the first and second galvanic connections. The first and second compartments separate the first and second galvanic connections such that the first and second galvanic connections are not electrically connected to each other than through a mutual connection to the power conductor.

Abstract: A system for testing electrical continuity of a device to a source wherein there is at least one conductor connecting the device to the source can include a reference capacitive load, an oscillator, and a microprocessor. The oscillator is selectively connected to the reference capacitive load and each conductor connecting the device to the source such that the frequency output of the oscillator is a function of the selected capacitive load of the oscillator. Each conductor connecting the device to the source is connected to the oscillator such that when each one is selectively connected, the output of the oscillator is a function of that conductor's parasitic self-capacitance. The microprocessor can then compare the frequency of the signal generated when each conductor is connected to the oscillator with the frequency of the signal generated when the reference capacitive load is connected.

Abstract: Method and device for determining the absence of voltage in electrical equipment. An installed device is electrically connected to a power source. The installed device has circuitry capable of detecting voltage, performing self-diagnostics, and testing for connectivity to the power source. In one embodiment, the device can also check to see if the voltage is at a deenergized level, recheck for continuity and repeat the self-diagnostics. In another embodiment, the installed device can be electrically connected to the line and load side of a disconnect and have circuitry configured to check the status of the disconnect. In another embodiment, the device can be configured to communicate with a portable reader in order to transfer information to the portable reader. In yet another embodiment, the device can be configured to interact with a controller that controls access to the panel in which the device is installed.

Abstract: A system for testing electrical continuity of a device to a source wherein there is at least one conductor connecting the device to the source can include a reference capacitive load, an oscillator, and a microprocessor. The oscillator is selectively connected to the reference capacitive load and each conductor connecting the device to the source such that the frequency output of the oscillator is a function of the selected capacitive load of the oscillator. Each conductor connecting the device to the source is connected to the oscillator such that when each one is selectively connected, the output of the oscillator is a function of that conductor's parasitic self-capacitance. The microprocessor can then compare the frequency of the signal generated when each conductor is connected to the oscillator with the frequency of the signal generated when the reference capacitive load is connected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an enclosure for electrical equipment. The enclosure includes a power plate assembly and a vented cover installed over the power plate assembly. Electrical components operating at 50 volts or more are mounted to a rail in the power plate assembly. The vented cover separates the electrical components mounted to the rail from the electrical components mounted in the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an enclosure for electrical equipment. The enclosure includes a power plate assembly and a vented cover installed over the power plate assembly. Electrical components operating at 50 volts or more are mounted to a rail in the power plate assembly. The vented cover separates the electrical components mounted to the rail from the electrical components mounted in the enclosure.