Patent ID: 6097191
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: G01R,H05B

Abstract:
A diagnostic device useful (i) to verify the integrity of a new installation of a high intensity discharge (HID) light fixture having a lamp with electrode and (ii) to troubleshoot an improperly operating HID light fixture installation having a lamp with electrode, said device comprising:a housing having physical dimensions and weight characteristics permitting it to be carried with personnel raised and lowered in a bucket to the level of a fixture installation;a testing circuit carried by said housing, said testing circuit including a fixed resistive load having a resistance value that lies in the range of resistances offered by the variety of conventional HID lamps subject to testing by said device, an ammeter and a momentary switch, said resistive load, ammeter and switch being connected in series;an adapter for fitting into the socket of a fixture installation being tested for connecting the testing circuit across the ballast in the fixture installation; andsaid ammeter including a plurality of indicia on the face thereof at selected current value locations, each indicium representing a correct current value for a particular lamp size and fixture type in good working order, so that the reading of said ammeter may be compared to a known correct current reading for the particular fixture installation being tested when the testing circuit is connected across the ballast of the fixture and the momentary switch is activated.