Abstract: The present invention is implemented by deploying an enhanced ground fault detection and location apparatus and by using the apparatus in conjunction with specific circuit analysis methods, using the information generated by the ground fault detection and location apparatus. The ground fault detection and location apparatus comprises the functionality of a voltmeter, an ammeter, a phase angle meter, a frequency generator, and a variable power supply, thereby providing for a variety of signals and analyses to be performed on a unintentionally grounded circuit in an ungrounded AC or DC power distribution system. The ground fault detection and location apparatus is capable of operating in six different modes, with each mode providing a different capability or opportunity for detecting, analyzing, and locating one or more unintentionally grounded circuits in an normally ungrounded AC or DC power distribution system.

Abstract: The present invention is implemented by deploying an enhanced ground fault detection and location apparatus and by using the apparatus in conjunction with specific circuit analysis methods, using the information generated by the ground fault detection and location apparatus. The ground fault detection and location apparatus comprises the functionality of a voltmeter, an ammeter, a phase angle meter, a frequency generator, and a variable power supply, thereby providing for a variety of signals and analyses to be performed on a unintentionally grounded circuit in an ungrounded AC or DC power distribution system. The ground fault detection and location apparatus is capable of operating in six different modes, with each mode providing a different capability or opportunity for detecting, analyzing, and locating one or more unintentionally grounded circuits in an normally ungrounded AC or DC power distribution system.

Abstract: The present invention is implemented by deploying an enhanced ground fault detection and location apparatus and by using the apparatus in conjunction with specific circuit analysis methods, using the information generated by the ground fault detection and location apparatus. The ground fault detection and location apparatus comprises the functionality of a voltmeter, an ammeter, a phase angle meter, a frequency generator, and a variable power supply, thereby providing for a variety of signals and analyses to be performed on a unintentionally grounded circuit in an ungrounded AC or DC power distribution system. The ground fault detection and location apparatus is capable of operating in six different modes, with each mode providing a different capability or opportunity for detecting, analyzing, and locating one or more unintentionally grounded circuits in an normally ungrounded AC or DC power distribution system.

Abstract: The present invention is implemented by deploying an enhanced ground fault detection and location apparatus and by using the apparatus in conjunction with specific circuit analysis methods, using the information generated by the ground fault detection and location apparatus. The ground fault detection and location apparatus comprises the functionality of a voltmeter, an ammeter, a phase angle meter, a frequency generator, and a variable power supply, thereby providing for a variety of signals and analyses to be performed on a unintentionally grounded circuit in an ungrounded AC or DC power distribution system. The ground fault detection and location apparatus is capable of operating in six different modes, with each mode providing a different capability or opportunity for detecting, analyzing, and locating one or more unintentionally grounded circuits in an normally ungrounded AC or DC power distribution system.

Abstract: The present invention is implemented by deploying an enhanced ground fault detection and location apparatus and by using the apparatus in conjunction with specific circuit analysis methods, using the information generated by the ground fault detection and location apparatus. The ground fault detection and location apparatus comprises the functionality of a voltmeter, an ammeter, a frequency generator, and a variable power supply, thereby providing for a variety of signals and analyses to be performed on a unintentionally grounded circuit in an ungrounded AC or DC power distribution system. The apparatus includes a main unit and a remote unit, which may be a portable hand-held unit. In a first mode, the apparatus of the present invention can be used to detect ground faults. By switching to a second mode, the apparatus of the present invention can be used to locate ground faults. The methods of the present invention involve the generation of various signals by the main ground fault detection and location unit.

Abstract: An operability testing apparatus used in conjunction with an electrical testing apparatus to perform live-dead-live tests consists of: a power source; a voltage source coupled to the power source with the voltage source being configured to provide an AC voltage output and/or a DC voltage output; and one or more visual indicators. The visual indicator(s) are configured to indicate operability for electrical testing equipment such as voltmeters and the like. The probes or leads of electrical testing equipment are inserted into apertures in the apparatus. The apparatus provides an output, allowing a determination to be made as to the operability of the electrical testing equipment. Then, the test leads or probes are applied to the subject electrical circuit or equipment to ensure that the subject electrical circuit or equipment is de-energized.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing a “safe working practice” known as a live-dead-live test on a voltmeter to confirm that the meter is operational before being relied upon to verify an electrical circuit, component, device and/or equipment is de-energized. The live-dead-live tester is transported to the location at which the voltmeter will be used to verify an electrical circuit, component, device and/or equipment is de-energized. The voltmeter is set to read either AC or DC voltage. The voltage selection switch on the live-dead-live tester is then moved from the “off” position to the position that will output the same type of voltage that the voltmeter is set to indicate. The LED for the type of voltage selected on the LDL will then illuminate, indicating that the LDL battery is good and that it is supplying the output selected. The voltmeter operability will then be verified.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locating any grounded circuit on an ungrounded AC or DC system without de-energizing the circuit, and enabling isolation of the grounded component of the circuit. A load is fed through an isolation device, such as a transformer for AC systems or a DC-to-DC converter for DC systems, and isolated from the normal distribution system without ever being de-energized. Once the isolating device is paralleled with the normal source for the load, the normal source is removed, leaving the load energized and fed by the isolating device. A ground detector relay is added at the secondary side of the isolation device to detect unwanted grounds along with a ground locating method to isolate the source of the ground, such as by oscillating the ground current. Once the grounded circuit is located, further troubleshooting may be performed to isolate the grounded component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locating any grounded circuit on an ungrounded AC or DC system without de-energizing the circuit, and enabling isolation of the grounded component of the circuit. A load is fed through an isolation device, such as a transformer for AC systems or a DC-to-DC converter for DC systems, and isolated from the normal distribution system without ever being de-energized. Once the isolating device is paralleled with the normal source for the load, the normal source is removed, leaving the load energized and fed by the isolating device. A ground detector relay is added at the secondary side of the isolation device to detect unwanted grounds along with a ground locating method to isolate the source of the ground, such as by oscillating the ground current. Once the grounded circuit is located, further troubleshooting may be performed to isolate the grounded component.