Electrical terminal test point and methods of use

摘要

Described herein are embodiments of an electrical terminal test point that can be temporarily attached to an electrical terminal (e.g., terminal block) in order to provide an interface between the test leads/jumpers of a test device and the electrical contact points of the electrical terminal. In one aspect, embodiments of the electrical terminal test point provide a shield for the electrical contact points of the electrical terminal (whether or not being used for testing) from inadvertent contact and prevents test leads/jumpers of test device from accidentally falling off or being knocked off of their contact points. Electrical terminal test point can be installed and removed without affecting the electrical connections made by electrical terminal (e.g., without removing terminal screws of electrical terminal).

主权项

1. An electrical terminal test point for an electrical terminal having a contact point, wherein the electrical terminal is positioned in electrical continuity with at least one lead through the contact point, the electrical terminal test point comprising:
a conducting mechanism configured for selective electrical connection to the contact point, wherein the electrical connection between the conducting mechanism and the contact point is selectively established and removed from the contact point without disrupting electrical continuity between the at least one lead and the electrical terminal through the contact point; and an attachment mechanism separate from the conducting mechanism and the electrical terminal, the attachment mechanism configured to secure the electrical terminal test point to the electrical terminal, wherein the attachment mechanism is non-conductive, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to attach to the at least one lead associated with the contact point, wherein, when the attachment mechanism secures the electrical terminal test point to the electrical terminal, the attachment mechanism is configured to establish and maintain the electrical connection between the conducting mechanism and the contact point, and wherein the attachment mechanism comprises:
a first portion configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the at least one lead associated with the contact point when the electrical connection is established between the contact point and the conducting mechanism; anda second portion attached to and extending substantially perpendicular to the first portion of the attachment mechanism,wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to move substantially perpendicular to and rotate about the at least one lead, such that the second portion of the attachment mechanism is capable of attaching to the at least one lead.