Patent Publication Number: US-2007096714-A1

Title: Electricians phase tester

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates to an electronic circuit to test correct phase orientation of a multi phase source.  
      Over the years electricians have used colored phase tape applied to feeder conductors before conductors are pulled into a raceway. This has been a problem as phase tape cannot be applied on the opposite end. On twisted multi paralled feeders on the opposite end do to rolled end of the conductors this end is located inside the spool and covered with loops on top of loops maybe hundered of wraps of many loops. Impossible to locate the ends of conductors. Only the pull side can be color coded.  
      Another drawback is tape applied to the wrong phase or conductor, human error of personnel is common so they must ohm meter test after a pull is made to check phasing. A continuity check.  
      One of the most formidable problems is the power turn on test A phase meter is connected to ABC on a hot feeder. This is a major safety hazard, it exposes the electrician to a potential shock hazard, as the connection is made hot If any phase is connected to ground or neutral a shock or explosion may be fatal. This has been done for many years and is a very common test in the field.  
      This method of testing is unsafe and time lost in labor, hence we need a new way. An accurate and safe way to test phase rotation of feeders and conductors. A reliable one time test for electricians. My invention is to provide a new way that will avoid these problems.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      It is therefore the objective of this invention to provide an improved way of testing phase rotation and orientation of multi phase power feeders.  
      It is a further objective of this invention to make a safe work environment for electricians in the field exposed to electrical shock hazards.  
      It is a further objective of this invention to save time and labor costs by testing all phases at one time and saving on phase tape applied many times, which eliminates human error.  
      The invention results from the realization that a simple circuit and LED&#39;s can make the work place safe and cost effective, to do a test and no other labor or work is required.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
      Other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of a preferred embodiment and accompanying drawings.  
       FIG. 1 , Page  8  is an overall view of the process and function of said invention.  
       FIG. 2 , Page  9  is schematic of sending and receiving circuits, phase test leads, connections.  
       FIG. 3 , Page  10  is tester boxes, sending box, receiving box and test leads. Also shown ABCN LED&#39;s on receiving box upper case cover.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      The first event in sequence of the process of phase test is to attach the sending leads—A black—B red—C blue—N white, to four conductors on any side of raceway or conduit These conductors are black at this time, then to color code each conductor to match the colors of the test lead&#39;s and apply colored phase tape to match.  
      The next step is to attach the receiving leads to the opposite feeder ends opposite end of the run of conduit or raceway. They will turn on only in the proper order A B first C N last, and only illuminate LED&#39;s in the correct match of the sending circuit box. At this time the phase color tape is placed on each conductor which now matches opposite end of the run of the feeder or conductor under test. Rotation and orientation is now finished and ready for termination to lugs or breakers of high voltage switch board. The test is completed.