Patent Publication Number: US-2022214374-A1

Title: Electrical circuit bypass device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/330,882, filed on May 26, 2021, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/127,663, filed on Dec. 18, 2020. The entire disclosures of the above application are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an electrical testing device and, more specifically, to an electrical circuit bypass device used to bypass low voltage circuits for testing purposes. 
     INTRODUCTION 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Electrical testing equipment is often used to troubleshoot electrical problems in both industrial and residential settings. Various testing instruments, such as multimeters, ohmmeters, and jumpers, may be used to determine whether electronic equipment, automobiles, appliances, and other devices are working properly. 
     In one example of known electrical testing equipment, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,016,599 to Melby et al., a magnetic jumper cable used to bypass electrical circuits includes a magnet disposed at each end of a wire. In another example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,618,535 to Chait et al., a test instrument includes a point and a clamp action for gripping electrical components. In yet another example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,135,212 to Meehan, an electric circuit jumper including electrical connectors, a coupling, and probes is used to bypass an electrical circuit. 
     Despite offering basic electrical testing and troubleshooting capabilities, many known devices work only in a limited set of circumstances, for example, with a specific system or terminal. Additionally, many known devices are not capable of testing multiple circuits independently from one another, and also simultaneously, as desired. Furthermore, it is possible for a user to short circuit a system during testing if an electrical testing device does not include components directed to preventing damage to the system. These known electrical testing devices can be difficult for a user to operate in situations where adjustments to the testing equipment would ideally be made. 
     There is a continuing need for a versatile electrical testing device that is capable of being used with various systems having a variety of terminals and in a multitude of settings. Desirably, the electrical testing device prevents damage to the system being tested and is easy for a user to customize and operate during testing. 
     SUMMARY 
     In concordance with the instant disclosure, a versatile electrical testing device that is capable of being used with various systems having a variety of terminals and in a multitude of settings, prevents damage to the system being tested, and is easy for a user to customize and operate during testing, has surprisingly been discovered. 
     In one embodiment, an electrical testing device includes a housing having a base and a cover. The base and the cover define a cavity. The electrical testing device further includes an input connector and a plurality of output connectors in electrical communication with the input connector. A fuse is in electrical communication with the input connector and the plurality of output connectors. Each of the input connector and each output connector of the plurality of output connectors is adapted to connect to an interchangeable test lead. The input connector and each output connector of the plurality of output connectors is in electrical communication with an activation mechanism. 
     In another embodiment, an electrical testing kit includes an electrical testing device having a housing including a base and a cover. The base and the cover define a cavity. The electrical testing device further includes an input connector and a plurality of output connectors in electrical communication with the input connector. A fuse is in electrical communication with the input connector and the plurality of output connectors. Each of the input connector and each output connector of the plurality of output connectors is in electrical communication with a separate activation mechanism. The kit further includes a plurality of interchangeable test leads and a plurality of interchangeable test lead attachments. 
     In a further embodiment, a method of testing a system includes providing an electrical testing kit. The electrical testing kit includes an electrical testing device having a housing defining a cavity, an input connector in electrical communication with a plurality of output connectors, and a fuse in electrical communication with the input connector and the plurality of output connectors, wherein the input connector and each output connector of the plurality of output connectors is in electrical communication with a separate activation mechanism. The electrical testing device further includes a plurality of interchangeable test leads and a plurality of interchangeable test lead attachments. The method further includes identifying a system for testing, evaluating the system, selecting a testing combination including at least three of the electrical testing device, at least one test lead of the plurality of interchangeable test leads, and at least one test lead attachment of the plurality of interchangeable test lead attachments, connecting the selected testing combination to the system, and testing the system using the selected testing combination. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of an electrical testing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the electrical testing device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevational view of the electrical testing device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear elevational view of the cover of the electrical testing device of  FIG. 1 , the electrical testing device shown with the base removed; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the electrical testing device of  FIG. 1 , the electrical testing device shown in combination with a plurality of interchangeable test leads; 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the electrical testing device of  FIG. 1 , the electrical testing device shown in use with a plurality of interchangeable test leads connected to a system; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view of the electrical testing device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of an electrical testing kit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of a test lead and a test lead attachment included in the electrical testing kit of  FIG. 8 , the test lead disconnected from the test lead attachment; 
         FIG. 10A  is a front elevational view of a magnetic tip test lead attachment of the electrical testing kit of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10B  is a front elevational view of an insulation piercing test lead attachment of the electrical testing kit of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10C  is a front elevational view of a probe tip test lead attachment of the electrical testing kit of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10D  is a front elevational view of an alligator clamp test lead attachment of the electrical testing kit of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of a test lead connected to two test lead attachments included in the electrical testing kit of  FIG. 8 ; and 
         FIG. 12  is a method of testing a system using an electrical testing kit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. 
     All documents, including patents, patent applications, and scientific literature cited in this detailed description are incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Where any conflict or ambiguity may exist between a document incorporated by reference and this detailed description, the present detailed description controls. 
     Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein. 
     As referred to herein, disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9,1-8,1-3,1-2,2-10,2-8,2-3,3-10,3-9, and so on. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     An electrical testing device  100  used to test and troubleshoot a system  102  according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in  FIGS. 1-7 . The device  100  includes a housing  104 , an input connector  106 , a plurality of output connectors  108 , and a fuse  110 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , the housing  104  includes a base  112  and a cover  114  in certain embodiments. The cover  114  may be permanently connected to, semi-permanently affixed to, or removably engaged with the base  112 , as desired by one skilled in the art. As non-limiting examples, the cover  114  may be semi-permanently affixed to the base  112  using one or more screws  116  or a combination of one or more hinges with a locking mechanism (not shown). Alternatively, the cover  114  may slidingly engage with the base using a lip received by a groove (not shown). The base  112  and the cover  114  define a cavity  118 . 
     The housing  104  may be made from any durable material such as plastic, silicone, or rubber. In certain embodiments, the housing  104  may be made from material that is easy to grip, lightweight, and not electrically conductive. Any desirable shape, size, and thickness may be selected by a skilled artisan for the housing  104 . In certain embodiments, a first width  120  at a top end  122  of the electrical testing device  100  may be greater than a second width  124  at a bottom end  126  of the electrical testing device  100  such that the electrical testing device  100  is comfortable and more ergonomic to hold during use. The shape of the housing  104  may include grooves or grips (not shown) for fingers in certain embodiments, as desired. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , in certain embodiments, a hook  128  is disposed on the housing  104 . In certain embodiments, the hook  128  is disposed on a bottom surface  130  of the base  112  of the housing  104 . The hook  128  may be permanently affixed to the housing  104  in a set position, or moveably connected such that the hook  128  can rotate, slide, or move in any other desirable way with respect to the housing  104 . In a most particular embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the hook  128  is rotatably affixed to the base  112  such that during use the hook  128  extends upwardly above the housing  104  allowing the electrical testing device  100  to hang from a fixture on or near the system  102  being tested. The hook  128  can conveniently rotate to a position adjacent the bottom surface  130  of the base  112 . In certain embodiments, the hook  128  may be stored in a recessed channel (not shown) disposed in the housing  104 . The hook  128  may be made from any suitable material, for example, plastic or metal, as desired, and may include one or more components capable of changing shape or extending in length during use. 
     At least one magnet  132  may be disposed on the housing  104  of the device. In certain embodiments, the at least one magnet  132  may be disposed on the bottom surface  130  of the base  112  allowing the electrical testing device  100  to removably connect with and affix to a magnetic surface, for example, on or near the system  102 , during use. As non-limiting examples, the at least one magnet  132  may be disposed in one or more recesses (not shown) and be flush with the bottom surface  130  of the base  112 , or the at least one magnet may be disposed in a rim  134  extending outwardly away from the housing  104 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The at least one magnet  132  may be permanently or removably affixed to the housing  104  using glue, friction fit, or any other connecting means, as desired. The at least one magnet  132  may be any shape and size, as determined by one skilled in the art. In a most particular embodiment, the hook  128  may be made from a magnetic material and may be disposed adjacent to or over top of the at least one magnet  132 , thereby holding the hook  128  in a secure location. 
     The input connector  106  is an electrical connector that may be integral with the housing  104  or removably or permanently disposed through an opening in the housing  104 , as desired, and is adapted to receive an interchangeable test lead  136  during use. In certain embodiments, the interchangeable test lead  136  may be permanently affixed to the input connector  106 . A first end  138  of the input connector  106  may be flush with an outer surface  140  of the housing  104  or may extend outwardly from the housing  104 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . A second end  142  of the input connector  106 , in certain embodiments, may be disposed in the cavity  118  of the electrical testing device  100 . In certain embodiments, the input connector  106  may include a female connector  144  adapted to receive a male connector. However, a person skilled in the art may select an input connector having male, female, or other connectors, as desired. In a most particular embodiment, the input connector  106  includes a female banana socket adapted to receive a male banana plug. However, any connector type may be used such as quick connectors, pin connectors, molex connectors, spade connectors, and magnetic connectors, as non-limiting examples. The input connector  106  may be designated as such using a specific color, size, or other unique identifier, as desired by a person skilled in the art. 
     The input connector  106  is in electrical communication with a power input wire  146 . The power input wire  146  may be made from any desirable conductive material such as cooper or aluminum, as non-limiting examples, and may be a low-voltage wire according to certain embodiments. As a non-limiting example, the power input wire  146  may be adapted to receive 24-volts. In certain embodiments, the power input wire  146  may be surrounded by an insulating material (not shown), such as a nonconductive plastic coating, for example, as desired. The power input wire  146  may be electrically connected to the input connector  106  using soldering, crimping, binding posts, screw terminals, or any other appropriate means, as determined by one skilled in the art. 
     The plurality of output connectors  108  are electrical connectors that may be integral with the housing  104  or removably or permanently disposed through one or more openings in the housing  104 , as desired, and are adapted to receive one or more interchangeable test leads  136  during use. A first end  148  of each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108  may be flush with the outer surface  140  of the housing  104  or may extend outwardly from the housing  104 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . A second end  150  of each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108 , in certain embodiments, may be disposed in the cavity  118  of the electrical testing device  100 . In certain embodiments, each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108  may include a female connector  144  adapted to receive a male connector. However, a person skilled in the art may select a connector having male, female, or other connector components, as desired. In a most particular embodiment, each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108  is a female banana socket adapted to receive a male banana plug. However, any connector type may be used such as quick connectors, pin connectors, molex connectors, spade connectors, and magnetic connectors, as non-limiting examples. Each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108  may be identical to one another or different, as determined by a person skilled in the art. 
     In certain embodiments, each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108  is in electrical communication with the power input wire  146  either directly or indirectly. In certain embodiments, a plurality of output wires  152  connect each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108  to the power input wire  146 , as shown in  FIG. 4  and in the schematic view shown in  FIG. 7 . Each output wire of the plurality of output wires  152  may be made from any desirable conductive material such as cooper or aluminum, as non-limiting examples, and may be a low-voltage wire according to certain embodiments. As a non-limiting example, each output wire of the plurality of output wires  152  may be adapted to receive 24-volts. Each output wire of the plurality of output wires  152  may be surrounded by an insulating material (not shown), such as a nonconductive plastic coating, for example, as desired. Each output wire of the plurality of output wires  152  may be electrically connected to each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108  using soldering, crimping, binding posts, screw terminals, or any other appropriate means, as determined by one skilled in the art. 
     The input connector  106  and each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108  may be in electrical communication with at least one activation mechanism  154 . The at least one activation mechanism  154  may be a toggle switch, a rocker switch, a push button, or any other appropriate activation mechanism  154 , as determined by a person of skill in the art, and may be integral with the housing  104  of the electrical testing device  100  or permanently or removably disposed therein. The at least one activation mechanism  154  may be activated manually, or remotely using an app, a wireless remote, or Bluetooth technology according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     In a most particular embodiment, each of the input connector  106  and each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108  is connected to a separate activation mechanism  154 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , such that the input connector  106  and each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108  may be activated and deactivated independent of one another. In certain embodiments, the power input wire  146  is in electrical communication with a power input activation mechanism  156  and each output wire of the plurality of output wires  152  is in electrical communication with a separate output activation mechanism  158 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The power input wire  146  and each output wire of the plurality of output wires  152  may be electrically connected to the power input activation mechanism  156  and each output activation mechanism  158 , respectively, by soldering, crimping, binding posts, screw terminals, or any other appropriate means, as determined by one skilled in the art. 
     In a most particular embodiment, the electrical testing device  100  includes a plurality of lights  160 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6 . In certain embodiments, each light of the plurality of lights  160  corresponds with one of the input connector  106  and each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108 , allowing a user to determine when an electrical current is present during use. A skilled artisan may use any suitable light, for example, an LED light. In certain embodiments, at least one LCD or other type of display screen (not shown) may be included that is capable of displaying additional information about the system  102  being tested such as voltage and amps, as non-limiting examples. In certain embodiments, an adjustable dial may be included that capable of acting as a control relay with a time delay. 
     In certain embodiments, the fuse  110  is partially or completely disposed in the cavity  118  of the housing  104 . The fuse  110  may be permanently or removably connected to the housing  104 . The fuse  110  is in electrical communication with the input connector  106  and each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108 . In a most particular embodiment, the fuse  110  is in electrical communication with the input connector  106  and each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108  using the power input wire  146 . As non-limiting examples, the fuse  110  may be a manual, rewireable, cartridge, striker, switch, or any other suitable fuse. In a most particular embodiment, the fuse  110  is a manual reset, pop-out fuse  110 . However, any suitable fuse  110  may be selected for use by a person of skill in the art. As shown in  FIG. 4 , according to certain embodiments, a manual reset element  162  of the fuse  110  may be disposed outside of the housing  104  of the electrical testing device  100  such that the fuse  110  may be reset as needed. In a most particular embodiment, the fuse  110  is one of a 3-amp fuse and a 5-amp fuse. However, any suitable fuse  110  may be selected by a skilled artisan. 
     In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrical testing kit  200  is used to test and troubleshoot a system  102 , as shown in  FIGS. 8-11 . The electrical testing kit  200  includes an electrical testing device  202  according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of interchangeable test leads  204 , and a plurality of interchangeable test lead attachments  206 . Each test lead of the plurality of interchangeable test leads  204  is adapted for use in combination with the electrical testing device  202  or separately and independently of the electrical testing device  202 . In certain embodiments, a case (not shown) may be included with the electrical testing kit  200  to house all of the components when not in use. 
     Each test lead of the plurality of interchangeable test leads  204  is adapted to facilitate testing of various electrical components of the system  102  being tested. In certain embodiments, each test lead of the plurality of interchangeable test leads  204  includes an electrically conductive wire (not shown) made from any desirable conductive material such as cooper or aluminum, as non-limiting examples, and an insulating material  208  surrounding the wire. The insulating material  208  may be a nonconductive plastic coating, as a non-limiting example, or any other suitable nonconductive material. Each test lead of the plurality of interchangeable test leads  204  includes a first lead electrical connector  210  disposed at a first end  212 , and a second lead electrical connector  214  disposed at a second end  216 . As a non-limiting example, an 18 AWG wire may be used. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the first lead electrical connector  210  and the second lead electrical connector  214  may include a male connector  218  adapted to be received by a female connector. However, a person skilled in the art may select a first lead electrical connector  210  and a second lead electrical connector  214  having male, female, or other connectors, as desired. In a most particular embodiment, each of first lead electrical connector  210  and the second lead electrical connector  214  is a male banana plug adapted to be received by a female banana socket. However, any connector type may be used such as quick connectors, pin connectors, molex connectors, spade connectors, or magnetic connectors as non-limiting examples. 
     Each test lead of the plurality of interchangeable test leads  204  may be separately identified using a specific color, size, or other unique identifier, as desired by a person skilled in the art. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, each test lead of the plurality of interchangeable test leads  204  may be identical. In yet another embodiment, a power input test lead  220  may be identified using a specific color, size, or other unique identifier, as desired by a person skilled in the art. In certain embodiments, the power input test lead  220  may be permanently affixed to the electrical testing device  202 . Each test lead of the plurality of interchangeable test leads  204  may be extendable in length. Alternatively, each test lead of the plurality of interchangeable test leads  204  may be uniform in length or have varying lengths, according to various embodiments. In certain embodiments, one or more lead extensions (not shown) may be provided. In certain embodiments, one or more test leads of the plurality of interchangeable test leads  204  may be fixed to the electrical testing device  202 . 
     Each test lead attachment of the plurality of interchangeable test lead attachments  206  is adapted to form an electrical connection between the system  102  being tested and at least one of a test lead of the plurality of interchangeable test leads  204  and the electrical testing device  202 . In certain embodiments, each test lead attachment of the plurality of interchangeable test lead attachments  206  includes an electrically conductive surface  222  made from any desirable conductive material such as cooper or aluminum, as non-limiting examples, and an insulating material  224  surrounding the electrically conductive surface  222 . The insulating material  224  may be a nonconductive plastic coating, as a non-limiting example, or any other suitable nonconductive material, as desired. Each test lead attachment of the plurality of interchangeable test lead attachments  206  includes a lead attachment electrical connector  226  in electrical communication with the electrically conductive surface  222 . Each test lead attachment of the plurality of interchangeable test lead attachments  206  included in the electrical testing kit  200  may be identical, or the electrical testing kit  200  may include a variety of different interchangeable test lead attachments  206 . As non-limiting examples, the plurality of interchangeable test lead attachments  206  may include one or more magnetic tips  228 , alligator clamps  230 , probe tips  232 , insulation piercing tips  234 , spring style loaded hinge clamps, and any other suitable interchangeable test lead attachments  206 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10A -D. Each interchangeable test lead attachment of the plurality of interchangeable test lead attachments  206  may be the same color or may be a different color, as desired. 
     According to certain embodiments, each lead attachment electrical connector  226  may include a female connector  238  adapted to receive a male connector. However, a person skilled in the art may select a lead attachment electrical connector  226  having male, female, or other connectors, as desired. In a most particular embodiment, each lead attachment electrical connector  226  is a female banana socket adapted to receive a male banana plug. However, any connector type may be used such as quick connectors, pin connectors, molex connectors, spade connectors, and magnetic connectors, as non-limiting examples. 
     One embodiment of an interchangeable test lead  204 , shown in  FIG. 9 , includes male connectors  218  at first and second ends  210 ,  216 . A first lead electrical connector  210  of the interchangeable test lead  204  can attach to the input connector  106  or one output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108 . A hybrid interchangeable test lead attachment  236  including an alligator clamp and at least one insulation piercing needle, can attach to the second lead electrical connector  214 . The hybrid interchangeable test lead attachment  236  can be attached to various points and components of the system  102  being tested. 
     Other ways of configuring the interchangeable test leads  204  include mixing and matching various combinations of the same or different interchangeable test lead attachments  206 . An example is shown in  FIG. 11 , where an insulation piercing tip  234  is attached to a first end  212  of an interchangeable test lead  204  and a magnetic tip  228  is attached to a second end  216  the interchangeable test lead  204 . Interchangeable test leads  204  can therefore be configured or adapted to complement attachment to the input connector  106 , each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108 , as well as various points and components of the system  102  being tested. 
     A method  400  of testing the system  102  using the electrical testing kit  200  is shown in  FIG. 12 . The method  400  of testing the system  102  includes a first step  402  of providing the electrical testing kit  200  according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In a second step  404 , a user identifies the system  102  for testing. In a third step  406 , the user evaluates the system  102  for testing. The method further includes the additional steps  408 ,  410  of selecting a testing combination including at least three of the electrical testing device  100 ,  202 , at least one test lead of the plurality of interchangeable test leads  204 , and at least one interchangeable test lead attachment of the plurality of interchangeable test lead attachments  206 , and connecting the selected testing combination to the system  102 . A final step  412  is testing the system  102  using the selected testing combination. 
     The method  400  for testing the system  102  using the electrical testing kit  200  may further include repeating steps  406 ,  408 ,  410 ,  412  in order to test each component of the system  102 . Various components may require using different testing combinations due to different terminals involved, accessibility of the terminals, and other variables. Useful testing combinations include, but are not limited to, the electrical testing device  100 ,  202  used in combination with a test lead  204  and a test lead attachment  206 , and a test lead  204  used in combination with two test lead attachments  206 . According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the user may place the electrical testing device  100 ,  202  in a secure location using the hook  128  or the at least one magnet  132 , as desired. 
     Advantageously, the electrical testing device  100 ,  202 , the electrical testing kit  200 , and the method  400  of testing a system  102  can be used in a multitude of settings and can be customized based on the system  102 , or even the specific components of the system  102 , being tested. Specifically, the variety of interchangeable test leads  204  that work with and independent of the electrical testing device  100 ,  202 , and the variety of interchangeable test lead attachments  206  allow a user to assemble an electrical testing device  100 ,  202  that is specific to individual systems  102 , as needed. Additionally, the separate activation mechanisms  154  that correspond with each of the input connector  106  and each output connector of the plurality of output connectors  108  allow a user to activate and deactivate each one individually. Additionally, multi-systems  102 , a plurality of systems  102 , and a plurality of components that are part of one system  102  may be tested simultaneously, as desired. 
     It should be appreciated that the various components of the electrical testing device  100 ,  202  prevent damage and short circuiting of the system  102  being tested. As non-limiting examples, the ergonomic design of the housing  104 , the hook  128 , the at least one magnet  132 , the fuse  110 , the interchangeable test leads  204 , and the interchangeable test lead attachments  206  allow a user to set up a testing area, as well as the electrical testing device  100 ,  202 , in an optimal way. In certain embodiments, the manual reset, pop-out fuse  110  prevents damage when there is a direct electrical short in the system  102  being tested. 
     It should also be appreciated that various components of the electrical testing kit  200  may be replaceable, such as the plurality of interchangeable test leads  204  and the plurality of interchangeable test lead attachments  206 . Alternatively, the electrical testing device  100 ,  202  and the electrical testing kit  200  may work with universal test leads  204 , alligator clamps  230 , magnetic tips  228 , probe tips  232 , insulation piercing tips  234 , hybrid interchangeable test lead attachments  236 , and other test lead attachments not provided. In certain embodiments, the electrical testing kit may be adapted for use in the automotive industry. 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.