GB2448879A

GB2448879A - Electrical test apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2448879A
Application number: GB0708329A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Lloyd; Richard Cuthbert
Original assignee: Global Design Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Global Design Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2007-04-30
Filing date: 2007-04-30
Publication date: 2008-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2027-04-30
Also published as: GB0708329D0; GB2448879B

Abstract

Electrical test apparatus comprising: a body portion comprising a display portion, a controller portion, and first and second connector portions, the connector portions each comprising a plurality of contact elements, wherein the apparatus comprises means for automatically performing a measurement of a voltage level of a contact element of at least one of said first and second connector portions, and means for determining a type of electrical test to be performed by the apparatus based on a result of said measurement. The invention has particular application in testing cables, particularly cables with multiple conductors (a described embodiment relates to 19 pin cable testing).

Description

ELECTRICAL TEST APPARATUS

The present invention relates to electrical test apparatus. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to electrical test apparatus for testing cables and/or electrical circuits.

It is known to use test apparatus to test the continuity, resistance or impedance of a circuit by applying an electrical signal to terminals of a circuit. Electrical test apparatus for such purposes typically comprises an output device such as a digital display, and a set of two or more probes suitable for connecting to terminals of the circuit to be tested.

The apparatus may be configured such that the output device provides a reading indicative of whether or not the circuit is continuous In addition, the output device may be configured to provide a reading indicative of a resistance and/or impedance of the circuit The problem exists that when an engineer wishes to perform a test operation on a circuit accessible only by means of an end of a connector, he must connect the probes to individual contacts of the connector manually. This process can be difficult and unreliable, especially where the connector is a male connector. This is because it is difficult to make a reliable contact to a pin of a male connector since there is no means to secure the probe to the pin. Furthermore, in connectors having a plurality of pins, difficulties are frequently encountered determining to which pin a probe should be applied. There is therefore a considerable risk that an error will be made in selection of the pin to which the probe should be connected. In the case of testing continuity of a length of cable, the problem is exacerbated by the need to apply a probe to each of opposite ends of the cable. Some industrial cables, such as those used in outdoor entertainment or architectural lighting installations, may have up to or in excess of 19 pins. Confusion as to which contact elements of respective ends of the cable are * connected to one another can easily arise during the course of testing. S..

In order to enable engineers to perform such tests in a reliable manner, it is known to provide a lead tester comprising a male connector and a corresponding female connector, the lead tester being configured to apply a signal to a contact of one of the connectors, and to determine whether a corresponding signal is detected on a corresponding contact of the other connector Thus, it is not necessary to manually apply probes to respective contact elements of a lead to be tested.

However, it is also required to perform a variety of tests on electrical equipment such as lighting units comprising one or more lights, and to test power sources in order to determine whether or not power is present In the case of a test of electrical equipment the test may involve measurement of an electrical resistance or impedance between electrical contacts of the equipment In the case of a power supply test the test may involve measurement of an electrical voltage between electrical contacts of the equipment.

In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided electrical test apparatus comprising, a body portion comprising a display portion, a controller portion, and first and second connector portions, the connector portions each comprising a plurality of contact elements, wherein the apparatus comprises means for automatically performing a measurement of a voltage level of a contact element of at least one of said first and second connector portions, and means for determining a type of electrical test to be performed by the apparatus based on a result of said measurement The apparatus has the advantage that a plurality of tests may be performed on an electrical cable or electrical equipment by simply connecting the apparatus to the cable or equipment to be tested The speed at which a plurality of tests can be performed is greatly increased since the cable or equipment is plugged directly into the apparatus This eliminates the need to manually apply test signals to contact elements of the equipment using probe sets, thereby obviating the associated problems of identifying manually the correct contacts to test, and the hazards of manually manipulating conducting probes in high voltage environments.

Furthermore, since a plurality of tests may be performed using a single testing : ** apparatus, an engineer is not required to carry a plurality of pieces of test apparatus I.. * In addition, the feature that the apparatus is configured automatically to determine a required test by measuring voltage levels on contacts of the device increases the speed at which testing of a variety of pieces of equipment may be performed. For example, a test or installation engineer need not inform the device of the test that is required to be performed on a cable or installation, eg by programming the device or selecting a test to be performed manually. Rather, the engineer simply connects the apparatus to the cable or installation, and observes the reading provided by the apparatus corresponding to the appropriate test for that cable or installation This feature greatly increases the speed with which testing of a plurality of items at an installation can be tested Furthermore it reduces a nsk that an engineer selects the wrong test and obtains erroneous results, or damages the equipment as a consequence of selecting the wrong test. In some embodiments, a level of training required to be given to a user of the device is lower than that for conventional test apparatus Preferably, the apparatus comprises means for performing a voltage test in the event that a voltage exceeding a predetermined voltage level is present on a contact element of the apparatus.

This feature has the advantage that a user is not required to manipulate controls of the apparatus in order to perform a test Rather, a user is simply required to connect the apparatus to a piece of equipment or other item to be tested; the apparatus itself determines automatically whether or not a voltage test is required to be performed The means for performing a voltage may test comprises means for measuring a value of a voltage between a predetermined pair of contact elements.

This feature has the advantage that the contact elements to be tested need not be selected by the user. Rather, the pair of contact elements between which a voltage evel is to be measured may be pre-set into the apparatus, for example during the course of manufacture of the apparatus.

Preferably the means for performing a voltage test comprises means for measuring a value of a voltage between each pair of a plurality of predetermined pairs of contact * ** elements * * * **. * * *** This feature has the advantage that measurements are performed between more than one pair of contact elements. *

* ** S S. * Preferably the apparatus comprises means for displaying a value of a voltage between a predetermined pair of contact elements on the display portion.

This feature has the advantage that a user is provided with actual values of voltage level between predetermined pairs of contact elements. The user can therefore obtain the voltage levels in a single operation, ie by connecting the apparatus to the equipment by means of a connector. The user is not required to connect test probes manually to the apparatus, measuring the voltage between pairs of contact elements pair by pair and noting the values in a log between measurements. Rather, the apparatus automatically measures voltage values between each of the pairs, stores the values in a memory, and provides a display of the values measured.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means for applying a first voltage to a first contact element of the first connector.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises means for measuring a voltage level on a contact of the second connector More preferably, the apparatus comprises means for performing a cable test in the event that a voltage corresponding to said first voltage is detected on a contact of the second connector This feature has the advantage that the apparatus can determine automatically when a cable test is required. When a cable is connected between the first and second connectors, an electrical connection will exist between at least one contact element of the first connector and at least one contact element of the second connector. If the apparatus determines that such an electrical connection exists, a cable test is then performed. A user is not required to operate a control of the apparatus, but rather to simply connect the cable to the first and second connectors. * I

Preferably the means for performing a cable test comprises means for determining an * identity of any corresponding one or more contact elements of the second connector to S. which a contact element of the first connector is connected by the cable S.....

I

More preferably, the means for performing a cable test further comprises means for applying a voltage to each contact element of the first connector and performing a determination of an identity of any corresponding one or more contact elements of the second connector at which the voltage applied to each contact element of the first connector is detected, thereby to determine the identity of any one or more contact elements of the second connector to which a contact element of the first connector is connected.

This feature has the advantage that the apparatus determines automatically to which contact elements of the second connector any one or more contact elements of the first connector are connected A user is thereby able to determine to which contacts of a cable connector at one end of the cable the contacts of the cable connector at the opposite end of the cable are connected Preferably the apparatus comprises means for outputting a result of the determination of the identity of any one or more contact elements of the second connector to which a contact element of the first connector is connected This feature has the advantage that a user is presented with a display of the result of the cable test Preferably the apparatus comprises means for applying a first voltage to a first contact element of the first connector and means for measuring substantially simultaneously a voltage level of a second contact element of the first connector different from the first contact element.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means for performing a load test when a voltage corresponding to the first voltage is detected on the second contact element of the first connector.

The means for performing a load test may comprise means for performing a determination whether a resistance or impedance between the first and second contact elements of the first connector exceeds a predetermined value.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means for outputting a result of the determination whether a resistance or impedance between the first and second contact elements exceeds the predetermined value.

Preferably the means for performing a load test comprises means for performing a measurement of a value of a resistance or impedance between the first and second contact elements of the first connector.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises means for outputting a result of the determination of the value of resistance or impedance between the first and second contact elements Preferably the means for outputting a result of the determination comprises means for outputting the result to the display portion At least one connector of the apparatus may be configured to be connectable to a test lead set, the test lead set comprising at least one test lead.

Preferably, the apparatus is provided with means for detecting when the apparatus is connected to a test lead set.

This feature has the advantage that a user is not required to manually inform the apparatus that a test lead set has been connected to the apparatus Preferably the means for detecting when the apparatus is connected to the test lead set comprises means for detecting when an electrical flow path exists between a predetermined two or more test lead contacts of the apparatus.

The predetermined two or more test lead contacts of the apparatus are preferably distinct from the first and second connector portions.

Alternatively, the predetermined two or more contacts of the apparatus may be comprised by the first or second connector portions. Sq., *

The test lead set may comprise a plurality of test probes. * S. * * . S.. S

* The apparatus preferably comprises means for performing a determination whether or S..

not an electrical flow path is present between a pair of said test probes, the apparatus further comprising means for outputting a result of said determination.

S 5.555

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The means for outputting a result of said determination may comprise means for outputting the result to the display portion.

Preferably the means for performing the determination whether or not a flow path is present between said pair of test probes further comprises means for measuring a resistance or impedance level between said pair of probes.

The apparatus may comprise means for providing an audible indication in the event that a flowpath is present between the pair of probes For example, in a load test according to embodiments of the invention, if a measured load between contacts of a device being tested is greater than a critical value, the device being tested is considered to indicate a defective device in some embodiments a device being tested is considered defective if the measured impedance is below a critical value.

The apparatus maybe configured to perform a plurality of tests of a particular type, the particular test of a given type performed depending upon different conditions between contact elements of the apparatus For example, a load test for which the critical impedance of the load measured is 300 may be performed if a first set of two or more pins of the connector are connected to one another. A load test for which the critical impedance of the load measured is (say) 600 may be performed if a second set of two or more pins of the connector are connected to one another.

It will be appreciated that any suitable determination of a state of electrical connection of any one or more contact elements of the device may be used to determine a particular form of a given type of test A parameter of an electrical test may be programmable by a user.

The apparatus may be programmable by computing means connectable to the * apparatus I.. * 30

*....: This has the advantage that the apparatus can be programmed remotely, without a * requirement that the device have a keypad, or other mechanical switch components In some embodiments the apparatus is provided with one or more non-mechanical switches.

The computing means may be connectable by means of at least one selected from amongst a wired link and a wireless link.

The apparatus may be configured to provide an output of a result of a test to computing means.

Preferably the apparatus is configured to provide an output of a result of a test to computing means by means of at least one selected from amongst a wired link and a wireless link Preferably, the device is configured to transmit a result of a test in the form of a text message.

Preferably the device is configured to transmit the result of the test via a mobile telecommunications network Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which FIGURE 1 shows electrical test apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention, FIGURE 2 shows a series of screen displays following a cable continuity test; :..::1 FIGURE 3 shows a screen shot from apparatus according to the first embodiment corresponding to a result of a load test; * *, * * S FIGURE 4 shows a series of screen shots of apparatus according to a variation of the first embodiment corresponding to different results of load tests showing (a) a screen shot associated with a test result that all loads are correct, (b) a screen shot associated with a test result that only one load is correct; and (C) a screen shot associated with a test result that only one load is incorrect; FIGURE 5 shows a table showing a correspondence between pins of a connector and test groups associated with a load test; FIGURE 6 shows a screen shot corresponding to a result of a power supply test; and FIGURE 7 is a schematic illustration of a pair of test leads according to an embodiment of the invention According to a first embodiment of the invention an electrical test apparatus 10 (Figure 1) comprises a body portion 20 having a display portion 30 provided therein A male connector 40 is provided at one end of the body portion A corresponding female connector 50 is provided at an opposite end of the body portion. The apparatus is of a waterproof construction and has no mechanical switches operable by a user The device is hermetically sealed and consequently usable in outdoor weather conditions The absence of external mechanical switches reduces a weight and mechanical complexity of the apparatus Furthermore, the device is more reliable and less prone to damage and consequent failure in the absence of such switches In the first embodiment of the invention the connectors are of 19 pin standard type, such as SOCAPEXTM type, having 19 pins per connector However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention, other connectors may be provided such as D-type connectors, Litton Veam Multipin connectors, Neutick Speakcon and Powercon connectors, mains power connectors, or any other suitable connectors. Furthermore, some embodiments of the invention have multiple types of connector provided therein to increase a level of flexibility of use of the apparatus.

The device is configured such that electrical contacts of each of the connectors 40, 50 are monitored by the device in order to determine a required test operation to be performed.

The apparatus is configured to apply a test signal to each pin of the female connector and to monitor electrical contacts of the male connector in order to determine whether the signal applied to an electrical contact of the female connector may be detected on one of the electrical contacts of the male connector. If a corresponding voltage is detected at the male connector, the apparatus will determine that a cable continuity test is required, since it has determined that an electrical connection exists between the male and female connectors In this situation, it is clear that the apparatus has determined that ends of a cable have been connected between the male and female connectors of the apparatus.

If such a determination is made, the apparatus is configured systematically to apply the test signal to each of the electrical contacts of the female connector in turn, and to monitor each of the electrical contacts of the male connector to see if a corresponding signal can be detected.

Once each of the electrical contacts of the female connector has been tested, the apparatus provides a display on the display portion 30 of a result of the test Figure 2 shows a series of three screen shots 31, 32, 33 that might be displayed following a test of a cable having 19 core wires.

In this case, the apparatus has determined that electrical contacts 9 and 17 of the female connector are not connected to any of the electrical contacts of the male connector (in other words these contacts are OPEN') The apparatus has also determined that pin 1 of the female connector is connected to pins 2 and 5 of the male connector, and that pin 14 of the female connector is connected to pin 17 of the male connector. In other words, these respective pins are short circuited' to each other.

For all other electrical contacts of the female connector, (ie pins 2 to 8, 10 to 13, 15, 16, 18 and 19), the corresponding pins of the male and female connector having the same number have been determined to be connected to one another

S

The apparatus does not explicitly report this latter information on the screen, rather it is implied by the absence of any indication to the contrary

S *SS

The apparatus is arranged to display the results of the test in a sequential manner, with a delay of 2.Os between respective pages 31, 32, 33 of the display.

* S. .55 * It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the invention, a test sequence is applied to the male connector instead of the female connector In further alternative embodiments, a test sequence may be applied substantially simultaneously to two or more connectors of a test apparatus.

It will be appreciated that in further alternative embodiments, any other type of cable test may be performed on a cable and a result of the test displayed on the display in a

suitable manner.

If the apparatus is unable to detect any signal at the male connector when a signal has been applied to each of the contacts of the female connector, the apparatus is configured to determine that a cable test is not required The apparatus is configured to then deterermine whether an impedance is present between two or more contact elements of one or more predetermined groups of electrical contacts of the male connector.

If the apparatus detects an impedance between one or more contacts of a given test group, it will systematically test each group in turn to determine whether an impedance is present between respective contacts of each group.

In the case of the present embodiment, the apparatus is configured to test groups of contact elements labelled groups A, B, C, D, E and F. The groups are tested one after the other, beginning with group A, and ending with group F Once test group "F" has been tested, the test will stop In some embodiments of the invention, two or more test groups are tested substantially simultaneously In some embodiments, the apparatus continues to test the groups until it is determined that a different test is required In some embodiments of the invention, once group F has been tested, the apparatus performs a check to see if a different test is required It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the invention, a greater or smaller number of test groups may be used. * I. Is *

According to the present embodiment, the apparatus is configured to measure a resistance of a load between respective electrical contacts of a test group. The apparatus is arranged to provide a display on the display portion 30 corresponding to a result of the load test.

Figure 3 shows a typical display following a load test It can be seen that the apparatus has determined that channels 1 to 6 have respective loads of 241, 145Q, 67, 24 =, 2Q and 43 between terminals of each channel. Channels 1 to 6 correspond to test groups A, B, C, D, E and F, respectively.

In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus is configured to determine whether a load between respective electrical contacts of a test group is greater than 300 (ohms). This value corresponds to the maximum expected impedance of a cold tungsten filament of a typical lighting unit used in outdoor entertainment lighting units.

In the event that the resistance between respective contacts of a test group exceeds 300, the apparatus is configured to determine that the test group corresponds to a lighting unit that is defective.

The apparatus is arranged to provide a display on the display portion 30 corresponding to a result of the load test. If each of the test groups corresponds to a load of approximately 300 or less, the display provides a reading informing a user that the loads connected to the apparatus correspond to serviceable fighting units The corresponding display is shown in Figure 4(a) An internal sounder is programmed to bleep twice at a mark of 0.5s and a space of 0 3s in the event that all of the loads correspond to serviceable equipment.

In the event that one or more test groups have a resistance greater than 300 between corresponding contacts of the test group, the apparatus is configured to provide a display indicating to the user the identity of one or more of the test groups that are determined to correspond to unserviceable equipment Figure 4(b) shows an example :. 25 of a display where only test group A (corresponding to channel 1 of the apparatus) was found to be connected to a serviceable lighting unit. In other words, only test group A exhibits a resistance that is not greater than 300. The letter "L" is displayed below the number of each channel found to display a load that is not greater than 300 A bar is displayed below the number of each channel that is found not to be connected to a serviceable lighting unit.

S.....

S

A corresponding display in the event that all but test group 4 are found to be connected to serviceable lighting units is shown in figure 4(c) If any of the loads are not present the sounder will bleep once at a mark of 0 5s indicating to the operator that there is a problem with a channel.

According to the first embodiment, a third test, known as an "in circuit" voltage test, is initiated if the apparatus detects that a voltage level on a contact element of the male connector exceeds the test voltage used in the continuity test. Thus, in the event that a voltage greater than the test voltage is detected at one of the contacts of the male connector, the apparatus proceeds to measure a voltage level between respective pins of each of one or more predetermined in circuit voltage test groups' (ICVTGs). The one or more ICVTGs are pre-programnied into the device. According to the present embodiment the ICVTGs are pre-programmed during the course of manufacture of the device In some embodiments of the invention the ICVTGs are user-programmable.

The apparatus subsequently provides a display of each voltage level detected between respective contacts of each ICVTG, together with the identity of the channel associated with the respective ICVTG.

Figure 5 shows a table showing the function of pins 1 to 12 of a connector to which the male connector 40 of the apparatus 20 has been connected, together with an identity of a test group with which each electrical contact is associated. Contacts 1 and 2 comprise test group "A", the function of contacts 1 and 2 being, respectively, to carry the live and neutral power feeds of channel 1' ("CHi") of a power source.

Contacts 3 and 4 are associated with test group "B" and carry, respectively, the live and neutral connections for channel 2'.

An example of a display arising from an in-circuit voltage test is presented in Figure 6.

:.:: The display shown in Figure 6 indicates that channel 1' carries a voltage of 235V In other words, a voltage of 235V exists between respective contacts of channel 1, I e. pins 1 and 2, which correspond to ICVTG A

S S..

The display further indicates that channel 2 carries a voltage of 215V (i.e. a voltage of 215V is present between pins 3 and 4), whilst channels 3 and 4 carry a voltage of OV, : channel 5 carries a voltage of 123V and channel 6 carries a voltage of 145V.

S

Once an in-circuit voltage test has been performed, the apparatus re-checks the voltages carried by respective channels at intervals of 0.5s. If the apparatus determines that a voltage exceeding the test voltage is no longer present on any of the channels, the apparatus will proceed to check whether another type of test is required to be performed, such as a cable test or a load test.

This check is performed by monitoring voltage levels at each contact of the male connector. Depending upon the result of the check, a required test is performed as discussed above.

Apparatus according to the first embodiment is provided with a test lead set 210. The test lead set 210 (Figure 7) has a pair of test probes 215, 216 connected to a female SOCAPEXTM-type connector 220. The test lead set 210 is connectable to the male connector 40 of the apparatus 10 In alternative embodiments the test lead set has a male SOCAPEXTM-type connector connectable to the female connector 50 of the apparatus 10. In still further alternative embodiments, the test lead set has a differenttype of connector, for connection to a connector of the apparatus The probes 215, 216 are connected to respective contacts of the test lead set connector 220 The apparatus 10 is configured to detect whether or not a test lead set 210 has been connected to the apparatus According to the present embodiment, a pair of test lead set detection contacts are provided. These contacts are electrically connected to one another only when a test lead set 210 is connected to the male connector 40 According to the first embodiment the pair of test lead set detection contacts are separate from the male connector 40 and are only used to detect the presence or absence of a test lead set 210 When a test lead set 210 is connected to the male connector 40 the test lead set detection contacts are electrically connected to one another The apparatus 10 is configured to detect when an electrical connection exists between these contacts. When * such an electrical contact is detected, the apparatus 10 enters probe test' mode (PTM) I.. * 30

In alternative embodiments of the invention a pair of contacts of the male connector 40 are used to determine whether or not a test lead set 210 is connected to the apparatus 10. According to some embodiments of the invention, the pair of contacts of the male connector 40 that are used for this purpose are contacts that are not used for the purpose of the load test or the in-circuit voltage test.

In the PTM, the apparatus is configured automatically to determine a type of probe test that is required to be performed.

If the apparatus determines that a voltage has been applied between the probes, the apparatus is configured to display on the display portion 30 the voltage level between the probes.

Alternatively, if the apparatus determines that no voltage exists between the probes, the apparatus is configured to measure a load between the two probes and to display a result of the measurement. In other words, the apparatus is configured to measure a level of electrical resistance between the probes and to provide a display of the result The result is displayed in units of ohms It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the apparatus may be arranged to perform an electrical test other than an electrical resistance test. For example the apparatus may be configured to perform an electrical impedance test. In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus is configured to display a result of a test in the form of a pass' or fail' result. According to embodiments of the invention, the apparatus is arranged to perform a resistance test and, if the resistance is found to exceed 300, to display a bar -or the word FAIL' on the display portion 30 If the resistance is found to be less than or equal to 300, a letter L' or the word PASS' is displayed, indicating that a load corresponding to serviceable equipment is present, ie equipment with a resistance of 300 or less It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the invention, the device is configured to perform tests instead of or in addition to the tests performed by apparatus according to the first embodiment. * *. * S S

In some embodiments of the invention the apparatus is programmable by a user In order to program the apparatus, the apparatus is connected to a programming device such as a computer The apparatus may be connected by means of one of the first and/or second connectors. Alternatively or in addition the apparatus may be connected by means of a separate connector In some embodiments the apparatus is configured to communicate with an external computing device by means of an IEEE1394 connection In some embodiments the apparatus is configured to communicate with an external computing device by means of a short range wireless communications link such as a BluetoothTM communications link. In some embodiments of the invention the apparatus is configured to communicate with an external computing device by means of a mobile telecommunications network such as a GSM network or any other suitable network.

The apparatus may be configured to detect when it is connected to a computer, for example it may be configured to detect when a predetermined pair of contact elements of the first and/or second connector are connected to one another. Alternatively it may be configured to detect when a predetermined voltage is applied to a predetermined one or more contact elements of the apparatus. In some embodiments the apparatus is configured to detect a wireless communications signal When it is determined by the apparatus that a computer has been connected the apparatus may enter a programming mode The programming mode may enable pretermined data stored in the apparatus to be changed, such as the particular contact elements of one or more connectors of the apparatus belonging to a particular test group The programming mode may enable a user to change a critical impedance level stored in the device used for the purpose of load testing the apparatus may be configured to perform a test and to transmit a result of a test via a wireless network or a wired network. In some embodiments of the invention the apparatus is configured to transmit a message via a mobile telecommunications network short message system (SMS) In other words, in some embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to send a text message to a user's mobile telephone handset, or to a remote communications device. * *

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means * including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other *** moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. * *

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith S. * * * *.* * **SS * I. * . S **. . S.. * I

S

**SS.. * *

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. Electrical test apparatus comprising a body portion

comprising a display portion, a controller portion, and first and second connector portions, the connector portions each comprising a plurality of contact elements, wherein the apparatus comprises means for automatically performing a measurement of a voltage level of a contact element of at least one of said first and second connector portions, and means for determining a type of electrical test to be performed by the apparatus based on a result of said measurement 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising means for performing a voltage test in the event that a voltage exceeding a predetermined voltage level is present on a contact element of the apparatus.

3 Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the means for performing a voltage test comprises means for measuring a value of a voltage between a predetermined pair of contact elements 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the means for performing a voltage test comprises means for measuring a value of a voltage between each pair of a plurality of predetermined pairs of contact elements.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 further comprising means for displaying a value of a voltage between a predetermined pair of contact elements on the display portion ***s * **S.

: 6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising means for * applying a first voltage to a first contact element of the first connector ** 30 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 comprising means for measuring a voltage level ***..

* : on a contact of the second connector.

*I**.. * *

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 comprising means for performing a cable test in the event that a voltage corresponding to said first voltage is detected on a contact of the second connector.

9 Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the means for performing a cable test comprises means for determining an identity of any corresponding one or more contact elements of the second connector to which a contact element of the first connector is connected by a cable.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the means for performing a cable test further comprises means for applying a voltage to each contact element of the first connector and performing a determination of an identity of any corresponding one or more contact elements of the second connector at which the voltage applied to each contact element of the first connector is detected, thereby to determine the identity of any one or more contact elements of the second connector to which a contact element of the first connector is connected.

11 Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 comprising means for outputting a result of the determination of the identity of any one or more contact elements of the second connector to which a contact element of the first connector is connected 12 Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 comprising means for applying a first voltage to a first contact element of the first connector and means for measuring substantially simultaneously a voltage level of a second contact element of the first connector different from the first contact element 13 Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprising means for performing a load test when a voltage corresponding to the first voltage is detected on the second contact element. *.S. * * ****

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the means for performing a load test comprises means for performing a determination whether a resistance or impedance 30 between the first and second contact elements exceeds a predetermined value.

S.....

* 15 Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 comprising means for outputting a result of the *SSS.S * * determination whether a resistance or impedance between the first and second contact elements exceeds the predetermined value 16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the means for performing a load test comprises means for performing a measurement of a value of a resistance or impedance between the first and second contact elements 17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 comprising means for outputting a result of the determination of the value of resistance or impedance between the first and second contact elements 18 Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the means for outputting a result of the determination comprises means for outputting the result to the display portion 19. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one connector of the apparatus is configured to be connectable to a test lead set, the test lead set comprising at least one test lead Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the apparatus is provided with means for detecting when the apparatus is connected to a test lead set 21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein the means for detecting when the apparatus is connected to the test lead set comprises means for detecting when an electrical flow path exists between a predetermined two or more test lead contacts of the apparatus.

22 Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the predetermined two or more test lead contacts of the apparatus are distinct from the first and second connector portions **S. * *

: 23 Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the predetermined two or more test * lead contacts of the apparatus are comprised by the first or second connector portions. * 30

24. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23 wherein the test lead set ** *s..

* comprises a plurality of test probes.

****** * * 25. Apparatus as claimed in claim 24 comprising means for performing a determination whether or not an electrical flow path is present between a pair of said test probes, the apparatus further comprising means for outputting a result of said determination.

26 Apparatus as claimed in claim 25 wherein the means for outputting a result of said determination comprises means for outputting the result to the display portion.

27 Apparatus as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26 wherein the means for performing the determination whether or not a flow path is present between said pair of probes further comprises means for measuring a resistance or impedance level between said pair of probes.

28. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27 comprising means for providing an audible indication in the event that a flowpath is present between the pair of probes.

29 Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a parameter of an electrical test is programmable by a user.

30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 29 wherein the apparatus is programmable by computing means connectable to the apparatus.

31 Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 wherein the computing means is connectable by means of at least one selected from amongst a wired link and a wireless link 32. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the apparatus is configured to provide an output of a result of a test to computing means * * *.S.

: 33. Apparatus as claimed in claim 32 configured to provide an output of a result of a * test to computing means by means of at least one selected from amongst a wired link 30 and a wireless link.

S S....

* 34. Apparatus as claimed in claim 32 or 33 wherein the device is configured to S....

* transmit a result of a test in the form of a text message.

35 Apparatus as claimed in claim 34 wherein the device is configured to transmit the result of the test via a mobile telecommunications network.

36. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore descilbed with reference to the accompanying figures. S. * I.. *o. * S S... * S. S. * S.. S

S S..

S SS555 * S *

*SSS*5 * S