Abstract: An apparatus and method of identifying wires or circuits uses plugs with light-emitting diodes ("LED's") attached across the plug contacts corresponding to the wiring circuit. All of the jacks in a terminal or patch panel are filled with such plugs prior to testing and are monitored by a first worker. A second worker, in two-way communication with the first worker, applies a test voltage at the remote terminations of the wires, causing the corresponding LED to light, but no others. The lit LED immediately identifies the circuit, which can be labeled, and the process repeated. When testing is complete, all plugs with LED's are removed from the terminal for re-use.

Abstract: An extension cord with integral monitoring system including a male connector having a pair of strip contacts. Such contacts include a neutral strip contact and a line strip contact. Further included is a female connector having a pair of receiving contacts residing within a pair of apertures formed therein. The contacts include a neutral receiving contact and a line receiving contact. Further included is a cable coupled between the male connector and the female connector. The cable has a neutral wire electrically connected between the neutral strip contact of the male connector and the neutral receiving contact of the female connector and a line wire electrically connected between the line strip contact of the male connector and the line receiving contact of the female connector. Next provided is a voltage monitor for indicating the presence of a voltage at the contacts of the female connector thereby signaling that the male connector is in proper electrical communication with the electrical receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing operation of a vehicle instrument panel that includes first and second electrical connectors each of predetermined connector configuration and each having a predetermined number of individually identified electrical contacts arrayed in identical series. An array of electrical switches is disposed on an operator panel, with each of the switches having a pair of switch contacts respectively connected to corresponding identically identified contacts of the first and second connectors. Each of the switches has facility on the operator panel responsive to an operator for selectively individually closing or opening each of the switches to interconnect or disconnect within the apparatus the corresponding connector contacts of the first and second connectors. A pair of single-conductor jacks are disposed on the panel adjacent to each of the switches, with each of such jacks being connected to a corresponding contact of the adjacent switch.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring the voltage and energy between the contacts of a male connector from a piece of electronic equipment after it has been disconnected for a given period of time from a source of AC power. The device has both a voltage meter and a milli-joules meter which are connected into any one of a series of four circuits. In the first circuit, the meters are connected across the high voltage contact and the low voltage contact of the male connector. In the second circuit, the meters are connected across the high voltage contact and the safety ground, in the third circuit the meters are connected across the low voltage contact and the safety ground, and in the fourth circuit the meters measure the residual voltage and energy between the tip of a conductive probe and safety ground. A control element controls a relay to connect or disconnect the meters into the circuit selected after the piece of equipment being tested has been disconnected from a source of power for a given period of time.

Abstract: A self-contained, plug-in, hand-held device for testing the current carrying ability of the Hot wire and the Safety Ground return of standard AC outlets which have Hot, Neutral and Ground connections. The test circuit device also detects common miswires and open connections in the AC outlet being tested by way of flashing lights built into the tester unit. If the AC outlet is wired correctly and the total resistance of the Hot and Safety Ground are below a predetermined limit, only one light "Green" meaning "OK" will flash, which use of only one light to indicate everything is properly wired makes the device easy to use even by a user with little knowledge of electrical testing devices and procedures. Various other detection conditions and indications of occurrence are afforded by the test circuit device.

Abstract: A connector insertion inspection jig has a frame reception portion for holding a frame of a divided multipolar connector, a detector body facing the frame reception portion and provided so as to be movable forward/backward, and detection pins which are disposed on the detector body so as to be able to elastically contact with respective sub-connectors mounted in the frame. At least a set of the detection pins are provided for each of the sub-connectors so as to project from the detector body toward the front surfaces of the sub-connectors and so as to be separated from each other.

Abstract: An electrical outlet wiring analyzer includes generator circuitry for periodically providing an alternating current pulse of one cycle at a frequency of an alternating current voltage supplied by an electrical outlet having a plurality of conductors. The wiring analyzer also includes connecting circuitry for electrically applying the alternating current pulse to at least one of the conductors and circuitry for determining an impedance of each of the conductors to which the alternating current pulse is applied. Another embodiment of the electrical outlet wiring analyzer includes pulser means for periodically providing a current pulse of one-half cycle at a frequency of an alternating current voltage supplied by an electrical outlet having a plurality of conductors.

Abstract: The test probe for electrical measuring instruments, particularly for voltmeters, is characterized by an automatic holding device that automatically holds the test probe in a socket-outlet jack of any given design, which device comprises a contact spring at least partially adjacent to a contact pin and bilaterally bulging toward the tip of the contact pin. This results in a universally utilizable test probe that will hold automatically in any jack format of different socket-outlets, shock-hazard protection being ensured at all times.

Abstract: A test instrument for determining whether an apparatus has a high voltage on the chassis thereof includes a meter, a probe and a socket for receiving a plug from the device being tested. The device also has a plug for insertion into an AC outlet. The test device first tests to determine that the AC outlet into which it is plugged is properly configured, then tests for a voltage on the chassis of a tested apparatus. The test is undertaken by connecting both the high and low contacts of the plug from an apparatus to be tested to the high voltage side of an outlet and connecting the probe to the ground contact of an outlet. Thereafter, when the probe is touched to the chassis of the apparatus the meter will indicate whether a voltage is present on the chassis of the appliance.

Abstract: A device for testing for leakage of electronic equipment has a female AC connector for receiving the male AC connector of the electronic equipment to be tested and a male AC connector for attaching the test device to a source of AC power. The device also includes an electrically conductive probe and a meter for detecting a voltage on a surface contacted by the probe. Within the device are first and second switches which connect the male AC connector and the female AC connector in four successive configurations for applying AC power to the connector of the piece of equipment to be tested. A sequencing circuit in the device operates the two switches to apply all four test configurations within an interval of 1.033 seconds. The probe and the meter for detecting a current in the probe is used to contact the conductive surfaces of the piece of equipment being tested to detect a voltage while the four tests are applied to the power connector.

Abstract: An electrical test buzzer is adapted for insertion into an output receptacle and used to test for the presence of electricity at the output receptacle. The electrical test buzzer includes an audible alarm, a transformer, held in a housing, and a pair of contact prongs. The contact prongs are inserted into a respective output receptacle causing the buzzer to sound a high pitched alarm when electricity is present at the receptacle. When no electricity is present at the receptacle no circuit is formed and the alarm does not sound.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining which bulb or bulbs in a string of miniature incandescent light bulbs is burned out. The apparatus includes a socket adaptor with wire contacts at the base thereof for making conductive contact with both circuit contacts in the base of a selected bulb socket in the light circuit. Light emitting diodes are located within the adaptor body between each wire contact and a junction connected to one contact of a battery. The other contact of the battery is connected to both contacts of a female receptacle body. The male plug of the light circuit is inserted into the female receptacle of the socket adaptor, thus placing both ends of the string of bulbs in connective communication with one contact of the battery. The diodes are located in the socket adaptor body so that when either diode lights up, the direction in the light circuit of the inoperative bulb is indicated.

Abstract: A single hand-held tester performs both off-line continuity tests and on-line voltage tests for electrical cables and equipment such as that used in entertainment, studio or stage lighting. A test plug and a test socket fixed one at each end enable the tester to (a) plug into a power outlet socket to check for the correct presence of a.c. line voltage, (b) engage both ends of an extension cable to test continuity and correct wiring of each wire in the cable or (c) engage the plug end of an extension cable to provide audible indication of the continuity of a load such as a lamp connected to the cable. In a three-conductor (hot, ground and neutral) embodiment, a row of three test pushbuttons, one for each conductor, corresponds with an adjacent row of three LED continuity indicators. Three neon lamps indicate the presence of a.c. voltage between contact members of a power outlet under test.

Abstract: A telecommunication signal detector consists of a light emitting diode attached to a standard connector plug which maybe temporarily connected to the telecommunications equipment to be tested. The light emitting diode illuminates to indicate the presence of a signal. In this manner, the telecommunications equipment maybe tested for signal presence by a small and inexpensive device without interruption of operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tool for aligning and manipulating an electrical outlet comprising: a base member including a top portion and bottom portion, front portion and rear portion, the rear portion including plugs for plugging into the electrical outlet; and a removable shield for minimizing the possibility of shorting out an electrical connection of the outlet with a metallic junction box during installation for example, the removable shield and the base member being coupled together or released.

Abstract: The monitoring system of the conduction of a low voltage A.C. mains system comprises at least one measuring module creating a D.C. current component between two mains system conductors. The measuring module computes a value representative of the line resistance of the mains system which is proportional to the ratio between the measurement of the D.C. component of the voltage at its terminals and the measurement of the D.C. component of a voltage at the terminals of a resistor through which the D.C. current flows. An increase in this measured value indicates a loss of conduction and, therefore, such an increase is detected and indicated as soon as it exceeds a preset thereshold. A servo module delimits, may also be provided for delimiting the portion of the mains system to be monitored enabling looping of the D.C. current component and regulating the D.C. component of the voltage at its terminals to zero.

Abstract: A circuit tester includes a light-weight portable transmitter and receiver, with the transmitter being provided with several interchangeable plugs for the testing of power circuits of different voltage. The plugs are alternately firmly electrically and mechanically coupled to apply power to the transmitter, which does not need a battery. The transmitter transmission circuitry operates on a relatively low voltage such as 9 volts, and the transmitter input circuitry operates without switching circuits to reduce the applied power to this operating level. The transmitter only weighs 21/2 or 3 ounces and the receiver only weighs 7 or 8 ounces. Unique modulation or interruption of the transmitter operates audio and/or visual signalling elements in the receiver.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying and determining the energization status of a cable having a conductive neutral member and an internal resistive screen layer involving probes radially movable relative to the cable to contact the neutral member and the internal resistive screen. Narrow-band AC signals and resistance measurements are utilized for self-testing and for cable testing. A microprocessor controls probe-heating in the advancing of probes through plastic sheath to reach the neutral wire and resistive screen layer. Resistance measurements made under control of the microprocessor are monitored with probe advance. Oscillators provide two signals of different frequencies, one of which is that of the power being transmitted through the cable, to provide distinctive signals indicative of cable energization status.

Abstract: A ground circuit indicator has a very high resistance and low leakage current to ground. Accordingly, should the ground circuit not be connected, the voltage applied to the chassis of any appliance connected to the circuit will be low, and will not expose persons to a shock hazard. The indicator is adapted for use with multiple outlet connectors.

Abstract: A ground fault detector has a neon bulb connected between a rectangular copper plate connected to an antenna wire and a resistor connected to one arm of a double-pole double-throw relay with the stationary contacts cross coupled to hot and neutral wires of a three-wire A.C. line. A photocell detector is optically coupled to the neon bulb and provides a signal to a live wire detector circuit when the neon bulb is illuminated to disable operation of the relay. A timer circuit causes the live wire detector circuit to operate the relay when the neon bulb is not illuminated after a predetermined time. A network is photo-optically coupled to a ground status detector that controls a contactor that selectively connects power to the equipment being monitored. The junction of a Y network is also coupled to the input of the ground status detector. The input of the photo-optical coupler is connected between a leg of the Y circuit and the enclosure of the equipment being monitored.

Abstract: A circuit tester indicates the presence of power at an outlet and the continuity of a resistive load connected to the outlet. The tester is particularly useful as an automotive block heater circuit tester. The tester has a housing with a male end equipped with the prongs conventionally found on a male electrical plug and a female end with a socket of the same configuration as a conventional female electrical outlet. One of the sockets is divided into inner and outer terminals that are sequentially engaged by the mating prong of a male plug as it is inserted into the female end of the tester. A lamp and a resistive circuit are connected into this structure in such a way that when the tester is plugged into a live outlet, the lamp is illuminated brightly. When a male plug is inserted into the female end of the tester, the lamp initially dims to confirm continuity of the load and then brightens as the male plug is fully seated in the socket.

Abstract: A voltage rotation indicator for testing the phase sequence of live multi-phase electrical power is mounted within a housing. The housing is provided with structure for removably mounting the indicator on a meter box or can during voltage rotation testing. Contact plungers extend from the housing and contact meter jaw test points in the meter box during testing. Field personnel are thus not required to insert their hands into the meter box to attach test clips to the live circuit.

Abstract: This light bulb shaped device is comprised of a one hundred and ten volt buzzer wired to a threaded light bulb type metal base. The sound from this buzzer is amplified by an unbreakable plastic megaphone. The interior works of this device is protected from tampering by affixing a protective unbreakable plastic grill at the large end of the megaphone. This entire device is intended to be screwed into a typical light bulb socket in order to emit an audio alarm signal. This occurs when the light bulb socket is energized by a surge of one hundred and ten volt current.

Abstract: An audible circuit tracer which is palm size for indicating audibly the presence of electric power in an outlet. The tracer consists of a cylindrical housing containing a step down transformer, a full wave rectifier and a piezo buzzer for sounding in the presence of electric power. The sound being emitted can be muffled adjustably and there is provision for a light as well.

Abstract: A monitor for detecting miswiring in standard 3-spade AC electrical outlets. The monitor includes a housing, prongs for insertion into the outlet to be tested, outlet ports for an external plug, and a banana jack for a wrist strap or other anti-static device. If the outlet is properly wired, a lamp will illuminate. If, however, the outlet is miswired, one of two silicon controlled rectifiers will shunt current around the lamp, extinguishing it, indicating to the user the presence of a faulty outlet. A junction field effect transistor is also provided to activate one of the silicon controlled rectifiers when one particular miswiring condition is present.

Abstract: The present invention discloses electrical testing apparatus to test an AC multiphase supply outlet. The apparatus is located within a flame proof enclosure and provides a visual indication of phase energization, direction of phase rotation, and supply voltage.

Abstract: A tester system which is adapted to be plugged into the outlet receptacle of an electrical power circuit for testing for faults which would affect the capability of the circuit to provide rated output voltage at rated load, whether the output line voltage is within a selected voltage range, and whether the receptable has been properly wired to the high voltage or hot conductor, the low voltage or return conductor and to the earth grounding wire. The tester is enabled on occurrence of a plurality of alternate cycles of the AC power carried by the circuit to connect the line conductors across a measuring resistor of sufficiently low value to draw rated current from the line. An electronic switch, including an SCR, is triggered coincident with the zero crossing of the AC cycle so that a single half-cycle of current passes through the measurement resistor. The measurement resistor may be rated much lower than the rated power. A resistor rated at three watts may be suitable.

Abstract: Positive assurance of correct connection, in supplying electrical utilization equipment from a current source, is provided when it is critical to safety and particularly when receptacle outlets are used or a fixed wiring installation required which may be subject to wiring error. An electromagnetic relay is employed to prevent equipment use and to provide audible indication in the event of hazardous connective error such as reversal of ungrounded and grounded neutral conductors and the omission of a grounding connection. The relay may be one that is also otherwise controlled for on-off power switching.

Abstract: A testing device for determining, in an automobile electrical system, the integrity and continuity of the power input circuitry to a mobile telephone installation, comprises a pair of body sections that are joined to form a hollow interior region. Electrical contact pins are mounted in bores through an interior wall integral with one of the body sections. The contact pins are arranged to contact terminals, connected to the battery, ignition, and ground circuits of the automobile electrical system, at the junction between the electrical system and the telephone installation. The battery and ignition pins are connected to the input node of a red and a yellow LED, respectively. The output nodes of the LEDs are spliced together and connected to the ground pin. The LEDs are press-fit into an opening through a grommet. The grommet is press-fit and sealed onto the open end of one of the body sections.

Abstract: Electrical monitoring circuitry simultaneously and continuously tests a three-wire ground-type AC outlet for proper line voltage, polarity of the wiring and external ground resistance. The circuitry includes a single indicating lamp, preferably a light-emitting diode, which illuminates only when the proper conditions tested for exist at the outlet. For optimum convenience, the circuitry is incorporated in a male/female outlet adaptor which, in use, is plugged into the wall outlet to be tested, thereby to establish via the phase, neutral and ground prongs of the adaptor the necessary test connections of the circuitry to the wall outlet. The adaptor includes one or more jack receptacles internally connected to the adaptor ground prong for receiving static charges from external equipment and draining same to the building ground when the light-emitting diode illuminates.

Abstract: The invention concerns circuit testing devices for connection to an existing electrical circuit to determine whether or not power is present across a pair of conductors. The devices are characterized by having a selector switch which may be placed in either a first position, wherein the device is so connected that an audible signal is emitted only when power is present across the conductors to which the device is connected, and a second position, wherein the audible signal is emitted only when power is not present. The device is disclosed in an embodiment which may be used with either AC or DC circuits, each at various voltage levels, and in a further embodiment wherein the audible alarm is actuated by a radio receiver which receives signals from a transmitter connected to the circuit being tested.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining which one of a plurality of circuit breakers in a breaker box controls a given electrical outlet supplied by one of the circuits emanating from the breaker box. A transmitter is plugged into the electrical outlet of interest which imposes a low frequency RF signal on the power line. The transmitter includes an indicator for indicating whether power is present at the outlet of interest. A receiver is plugged into a second electrical outlet near the breaker box, the receiver being configured to detect whether the low frequency RF signal is present at the second outlet, and includes an indicator to indicate whether the signal is present at the second outlet. The receiver also includes an indicator for indicating whether power is present at the second outlet. Each of the circuit breakers are turned off and back on in sequence until the circuit breaker is found which causes the receiver signal indicator to go off, while the receiver power indicator remains on.

Abstract: A reset coordinated fault indicator for indicating the occurrence of a fault current in a monitored conductor includes an electrically actuated indicator flag. A trip circuit within the fault indicator impulses the indicator flag from a normal reset-indicating state to a fault-indicating state following the occurrence of a fault current in the conductor. A reset circuit periodically impulses the indicator flag to the reset-indicating state upon restoration of power to the conductor. To preclude simultaneous actuation of the trip and reset circuits and consequent failure of the indicator flag to register a fault, the trip circuit, upon the occurrence of a fault, first actuates the reset circuit to render the reset circuit inoperative, and then actuates the indicator flag to provide a fault indication.

Abstract: A circuit testing device, including a casing having opposite ends, a single probe rigidly projecting from one end of the casing so that the casing may be manipulated to forcibly insert the probe into an electrical power socket, the casing carrying a first socket terminal, and there being a second probe connected with the socket terminal, circuitry in the casing including at least one Zener diode and at least one half wave rectifier interconnecting the single probe and the socket terminal, a presence-of-voltage circuit in the casing and electrically connected with the single probe, the circuit including a presence of voltage indicator and rectifier and amplifier elements electrically connected between the single probe and the indicator, the rectifier element including a rectifier bridge having two terminals connected across the Zener diode, there also being a voltage level indicating meter connected in series with such circuitry.

Abstract: A self-contained unit intended primarily for tracing the circuit connection between electrical outlets and a circuit-breaking connection thereof to an AC power source. The unit includes a housing containing batteries, a buzzer or other sound-producing means, an AC relay and a switch for selective placement in either of two positions. An electrical cord extends from the housing and terminates in a male plug for insertion in a receptacle of the circuit to be traced. By placing the switch in its first position the buzzer will sound when the AC power is supplied to the receptacle; placing the switch in its second position will cause the buzzer to sound when AC power, initially present, is removed from the receptacle. A second embodiment adds to the foregoing the capability of testing unpowered circuits for continuity between two conductors by incorporating an additional selectively positioned switch.

Abstract: A voltage rotation indicator for testing the phase sequence of live multi-phase electrical power is mounted within a housing. The housing is provided with structure for removably mounting the indicator on a meter box or can during voltage rotation testing. Contact plungers extend from the housing and contact meter jaw test points in the meter box during testing. Field personnel are thus not required to insert their hands into the meter box to attach test clips to the live circuit.