Tester and adapter for quick connection device for electrical fixtures

Abstract

A socket testing device is insertable into an electrical socket with a central channel, an internal cavity, and a plurality of electrically conductive concentric ring-shaped contact terminals connected to electrical power supply wiring. The device comprises: a plug including a plug body, a plurality of electrically conductive and concentric ring-shaped contact terminals attached to the body, and a spindle insertable into the central channel of the electrical socket; and an electrical socket tester mechanically and electrically coupled to the plug. The electrical socket tester contains an electrical circuit board, and a plurality of lights electrically coupled to the plug, that along with the circuit board, are configured to indicate correct or incorrect wiring of the electrical socket.

Description

TESTER AND ADAPTER FOR QUICK CONNECTION DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL FIXTURESTechnical Field

[0001] The disclosure relates to electrical connectors and fixtures, and more particularly to a specialized socket tester and adapter for use with an electrical plug and socket combination enabling tool-less connection and mounting of electrical fixtures at electrical outlets, the connector and / or fixtures including electronic sensors, controls, and / or communication devices.Background

[0002] Techniques for installing electrical fixtures and appliances, such as lighting fixtures and fans on walls or ceilings usually require the assistance of a qualified electrician and the use of a variety of tools and specialized hardware. The procedure for installing or uninstalling such fixtures can also be relatively time-consuming, even when performed by an experienced installer, and can be hazardous. In addition to the need for hand-wiring the necessary electrical connections between the fixture and electrical power supply wiring, the installer must make separate mechanical connections for supporting or suspending the fixture in place.Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of the invention relates to a socket testing device insertable into an electrical socket with a central channel, an internal cavity, and a plurality of electrically conductive concentric ring-shaped contact terminals connected to electrical power supply wiring. The device comprises: a plug including a plug body, a plurality of electrically conductive and concentric ringshaped contact terminals attached to the body, and a spindle insertable into the central channel of the electrical socket; and an electrical socket tester mechanically and electrically coupled to the plug. The electrical socket tester contains an electrical circuit board, and a plurality of lights electrically coupled to the plug, that along with the circuit board, are configured to indicate correct or incorrect wiring of the electrical socket.

[0004] The incorrect wiring can be denoted by the plurality of lights to indicate an open ground line, an open neutral line, an open hot line, the hot line and the ground line are reversed, the hot line and the neutral line are reversed in the electrical socket. To visually indicate incorrect w iring.the plurality of lights can include a red LED and two orange LEDs. The device can include a momentary switch, that, when depressed, electrically couples the hot line to the ground line.

[0005] The device can also include a buzzer electrically coupled to the circuit which is configured to audibly indicate one of correct wire, incorrect wiring, or a both.

[0006] In some embodiments, a housing encases the plug and the electrical socket tester into an assembly with the plug disposed at a top-end and a threaded opening disposed at a bottom end.

[0007] The device can include a pole disposed between the plug and the electrical socket tester, and the pole includes at least three conductors disposed internal to it to electrically couple the plug to the electrical socket tester. In exemplary embodiments, the pole is adjustable in length.

[0008] The device can further comprise a two-position switch electrically coupled to the circuit board, wherein when the switch is in a first position, a first hot line (LI) is electrically coupled between the plug and the electrical socket tester and when the switch is in a second position (L2) is electrically coupled between the plug and the electrical socket tester.

[0009] Another aspect of the invention relates to an electrical adapter insertable into an electrical socket with a central channel, an internal cavity, and a plurality of electrically conductive concentric ring-shaped contact terminals connected to electrical power supply wiring. The device comprises: a plug including a plug body, a plurality of electrically conductive and concentric ringshaped contact terminals attached to the body, and a spindle insertable into the central channel of the electrical socket; and an electrical socket electrically coupled to the plug.

[0010] In some embodiments, the electrical socket is a NEMA-5-15R receptacle and the electrical adapter further comprises a plug guard to mechanically hold a NEMA-5-15P to the NEMA-5-15R receptacle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the electrical adapter further comprises alight electrically coupled between a hot line and a neutral line to indicate pow er is present.

[0012] In some embodiments, the electrical adapter further comprises a rod slidable within the spindle to releasably attach the plug to the electrical socket when the spindle is inserted into the central channel of the electrical socket.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical socket and an electrical socket with cover, according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the socket testing device, according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a top view of the socket testing device of FIG. 2, according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the socket testing device of FIG. 2, according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the socket testing device of FIG. 2, according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic of the socket testing device of FIG. 1 for a non-GFCI circuit; and

[0020] FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic of the socket testing device of FIG. 1 for a GFCI circuit.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an adapter, according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a top view of the adapter of FIG. 8, according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the adapter of FIG. 8, according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the adapter of FIG. 8, according to one aspect of the present invention; and

[0025] FIG. 12 is a side view of the adapter of FIG. 8 with an elongated body, according to one aspect of the present invention.Detailed Description of the Disclosure

[0026] As required, embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that the methods described below can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structure and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present subject matter in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the concepts.Non-Limiting Definitions

[0027] The terms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] The term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0029] The term “adapted to” describes the hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software that is capable of, able to accommodate, to make, or that is suitable to carry out a given function.

[0030] The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more.

[0031] The phrase “associated with, ” as well as derivatives thereof, can mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like.

[0032] The phrases “at least one of , , . . . and <N>” or “at least one of , B . . . . or combinations thereof' or “-~A>, , . . . and / or <N>” are defined by the Applicant in the broadest sense, superseding any other implied definitions hereinbefore or hereinafter unless expressly asserted by the Applicant to the contrary, to mean one or more elements selected from the group comprising A, B, . . . and N, that is to say, any combination of one or more of the elements A, B, . . . or N including any one element alone or in combination with one or more of the other elements which may also include, in combination, additional elements not listed.

[0033] The term “communicate,” as well as derivatives thereof, encompasses both direct and indirect communication.

[0034] The terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” , when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0035] The term “configured to”, describes the hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software that is adapted to, set up, arranged, built, composed, constructed, designed, or that has any combination of these characteristics to cany' out a given function.

[0036] The term “coupled’", is defined as “connected,’7although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically.

[0037] The term “ground' is a wire connected to earth ground and used as a safety feature in case the hot wire comes in contact with metal parts.

[0038] The “hot”, or “line” is the wire that provides the 110VAC up to 240V AC current source. In some circuits, there are two hot lines, typically denoted LI (line l)and L2 (line 2), for applications for a ceiling fan with a separate wall switch for the fan and the light.

[0039] The term “GFI” or “GFCI” is ground fault interrupter is an electrical device that can either be installed or built-in to electrical circuits to reduce electrical shocks.

[0040] The term “NFMA-5-15P” is a plug used for AC power plugs meeting the standard set by US National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) which is compatible with NEMA-5- 15R sockets.

[0041] The term “NFMA-5-15R” is a receptacle used for AC power sockets meeting the standard set by US National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) which is compatible with NEMA-5-15P plugs. It is important to note that the present invention is not limited to NEMA-5- 15P plugs and NEMA-5-15R receptacles, such as European Standard Plugs and Sockets including Type C, F and L.

[0042] The term “neutral” carries the return current from a single phase (110 volts up to 240 volts) loads.

[0043] The term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive '"or ” That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, "X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

[0044] The terms “substantial” and “substantially” means, when comparing various parts to one another, that the parts being compared are equal to or are so close enough in dimension that one skill in the art would consider the same. Substantial and substantially, as used herein, are not limited to a single dimension and specifically include a range of values for those parts being compared. The range of values, both above and below (e.g.,or greater / lesser or larger / smaller), includes a variance that one skilled in the art would know to be a reasonable tolerance for the parts mentioned.

[0045] Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities can be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed is not necessarily the order in which they are performed.General Overview

[0046] The disclosure herein relates to the inventor’s prior work, such as that set forth above in the documents identified in the Incorporated Reference Section at the end of this Description, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference.

[0047] A “quick connect device” for installing electrical fixtures comprises the combination of a plug and mating socket. The plug and mating socket of the device function to both establish an electrical connection between an electrical fixture and electrical supply wiring, and mechanically support the fixture on a surface or base, typically a wall, ceiling or floor surface. As used herein, the term “fixture” or “electrical fixture” means any fixture or appliance such as a lighting fixture, ceiling fan, television camera, security device, or any other device which is powered by electricity supplied by electrical wiring and which requires a mechanical connection to support or suspend the fixture. The plug is fixedly secured to an electrical fixture, while the socket is secured to either the surface (e.g., wall, ceiling or floor) on which the fixture is to be mounted, or to an electricaljunction box. The structure, function, and operation of the plug and mating socket have already been detailed in, for example, the patents and applications incorporated by reference herein.

[0048] A "smart quick connect device” of the disclosure is generally defined as a connector with additional functionality in addition to the traditional capability of providing a connection. A smart quick-connect device may include a sensing unit for wirelessly communicating a sensed condition. Alternatively or in addition, a smart quick-connect device can include a sensing unit for wirelessly receiving a signal. The signal can be a command signal to control the smart quick-connect device and / or the associated electrical fixture. The command signal can be independent of or as a result of the sensed condition.Quick Connection Device with Electrical Socket

[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view 100 of an electrical socket and an electrical socket with a cover. Referring, generally to FIG. 1, is a “conventional” electrical socket 102 of a “conventional” quick connect device for installing electrical fixtures ordinarily receives a “conventional” plug. Alternatively and as shown in FIG. 1. a combination device 130 is configured and dimensioned to mate with the electrical socket 102. Combination device 130 includes a spindle assembly 142 as found in a “conventional” plug for releasably mechanically connecting combination device 130 to electrical socket 102 with spindle assembly 142 insertable into a central channel 124 of the electrical socket 102. Combination device 130 also includes a body 128 formed out of non-conductive material and has on a first side 147 concentric, male connector rings integrally molded into the body 146, with sufficient radial spacing therebetween to electrically insulate them from each other. The diameters and spacing of the male connector rings are such that they are alignable with and receivable within corresponding female recesses forming a plurality of electrically conductive concentric ring-shaped contact terminals 126 in the electrical socket 102. As detailed in the patent publications incorporated by reference, this alignment electrically connects the combination device 130 to the electrical socket 102.

[0050] A second side 135 of body 146 includes concentric, ring-shaped female recesses or slots 137. These slots are electrically coupled to the male connector rings on the first side 147 of body 146 and are configured to matingly receive male connector rings on the plug (not shown) attached to an electrical fixture to establish electrical connections to the fixture.

[0051] One or more push buttons 136, which are mechanically coupled to spindle assembly 142, provides a means of actuating a release on spindle assembly 142 using either a finger or a tool.

[0052] One or more sensors or other receiving / input or transmitting / output electronic or electrical devices 148, 150 (hereinafter ‘sensors’) have been associated with either plug 142 or electrical socket 102.

[0053] The above referenced plug and receptacle is now included in the NEMA Standard WD6. Further, the 2023 NEC, appearing in Article 100 as the SkyOutlet as WSCR (Weight Supporting Ceiling Receptacle) and Sky Plug as WSAF (Weight Supporting Attachment Fitting). More information is available online at <ansi.org>.Socket Testing Device

[0054] FIG. 2 is a perspective view 200 of the socket testing device 220. The socket testing device 220 is a single unit with a body as shown, made of non-conducting materials such as plastic. The socket testing device has a top-end 202 and a bottom-end 230. The top-end 202 includes a plug 204 that is mechanically and electrically compatible with the electrical socket 102 and the electrical socket of cover 130 of FIG. 1 to establish electrical connections therebetween. More specifically, shown is a spindle assembly 206, which insertable into a central channel 124 of the electrical socket 102 of FIG. 1. As shown, the top-end 202 of socket testing device 220 includes concentric, ring-shaped, male conductors 108, 110, 112, which are for ground, line power (LI), and neutral to electrically couple with electrical socket 102.

[0055] Disposed near that bottom-end are three lights in opaque covers 232, 234, 236 that can be made in different colors or clear.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a top view 300 of the socket testing device of FIG. 2. The concentric, ringshaped, male conductors 108, 110, 112 are shown. Also shown are details of spindle assembly 206. The spindle assembly 206 includes four distinct pliable fingers 362, 364. 366, 368 to aid in mechanically holding the socket testing device 220 when insertable into a central channel 124 of the electrical socket 102. The three concentric ring-shaped, male conductors 108, 110, 112 are clearly shown as well.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a bottom view 400 of the socket testing device of FIG. 2. Shown is an opening 240 with threads 242. In one example, the hole is compatible with % - 20 UNC (Unified Course Pitch) to rotatably couple with an extension pole (not shown). The Y - 20 UNC thread is commonly used for unipods and tripods.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view 500 of the socket testing device of FIG. 2. Shown is a circuit board 510. The circuit board is electrically connected to the three concentric ring-shaped, male conductors 108, 110, 112 at the top 202 of the socket testing device 102. The circuit board 510 is also electrically coupled 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522 to three lights 532, 534, 536. The lights can be LEDs and can be in the same color or different colors.

[0059] FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic 600 of the socket testing device of FIG. 1 for a non- GFCI circuit. Shown are the three electrical connectors hot 602, neutral 604 and ground 606, which are electrically connected to the three concentric ring-shaped, male conductors 108, 110, 112 at the top 202 of the socket testing device 102. Current ii and i2 flowing is shown. The resisters RYI. RY2, RYR can be sized at 68 KOhms. The LEDs LYI. LY2, and LR can be any color. In this example LYI, and LY2 are yellow, whereas LR is red.

[0060] FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic 700 of the socket testing device of FIG. 1 for a GFCI circuit. The values of Rl, R2, and R3 in this example are 47 KOhms. R4 is 18 KOhms. The momentary7switch 710 is insulated rated from 1 10 volts to 240 volts.

[0061] Although the examples are for testing line (LI), neural, and ground, some of the sockets 102 include both LI and L2 to allow for individually controlling ceiling fans and lights as separate circuits. In order to test both LI and L2 separately, a two-position switch may be added to either circuit above to apply either LI or L2 as selected by the switch to line / hot.

[0062] The typical state diagram for outlet testersAdapter

[0063] Turning now to FIG. 8 is a top perspective view 800 of an adapter 820. As with FIG. 2, the top-end 802 is designed to electrically and mechanically couple with socket 102. More specifically, the adapter 820 is a single unit with a body as shown, made of non-conducting materials such as plastic. The adapter has a top-end 824 and a bottom-end 830. The top-end 802 includes a plug 804 that is mechanically and electrically compatible with the electrical socket 102and cover 137 of FIG. 1 to establish electrical connections therebetween. More specifically, shown is a spindle assembly 806, which insertable into a central channel 124 of the electrical socket 102 of FIG. 1. As shown, the top-end 802 of adapter 820 are concentric, ring-shaped, male conductors 808, 810, 812, which are for ground, line power (LI), and neutral to electrically couple with electrical socket 102.

[0064] FIG. 9 is a top view7900 of the adapter of FIG. 8. The concentric, ring-shaped, male conductors 808, 810, 812 are shown. Also shown are details of spindle assembly 806. The spindle assembly 806 includes two distinct pliable fingers 862, 864 to aid in mechanically holding the adapter 820 when insertable into a central channel 124 of the electrical socket 102. The three concentric ring-shaped, male conductors 808, 810, 812 are clearly shown as well.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a bottom view 1000 of the adapter of FIG. 8. On the bottom 830 of adapter 820 is a receptacle 1040, such as a compatible NEMA-5-15R receptacle. The receptacle has three openings for neutral 1042, line 1044, and ground 1046 as shown. It is important to note that the present invention is not limited to NEMA-5-15P plugs and NEMA-5-15R receptacles, such as European Standard Plugs and Sockets including Type C, F and L.

[0066] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the adapter of FIG. 8.

[0067] FIG. 12 is a side view of the adapter of FIG. 8 with an elongated body. In this embodiment, the top-end 1202 with spindle assembly 1206 is identical to the description for the top-end 802 of FIG. 8. More specifically, the top-end 802 includes a plug 804 that is mechanically and electrically compatible with the electrical socket 102 and cover 137 of FIG. 1 to establish electrical connections therebetween.

[0068] In this embodiment, an elongated body 1210 such as a pole is shown. The elongated body allows the adapter to be inserted into the socket in many applications w ithout using a ladder. The pole can be a telescoping pole with adjustable length or a fixed-length pole between 2 feet and 5 feet in length. However, any length of elongated body 1210 is possible.Three conductors, such solid or stranded copper wire connects the concentric ring-shaped, male conductors 808, 810, 812 to a receptacle 1232. such as a compatible NEMA-5-15R receptacle. In this example, a conventional 120V outlet tester 1250 with or without GFCI can be inserted 1240 in the receptacle 1232.Incorporated References

[0069] The following patent, patent publications, and other references listed in the Information Disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety:• US Patent Application No. 62 / 486,132 filed April 17, 2017;• PCT International Patent Application No. PCT / US18 / 27956 filed April 17, 2018 (published as WO 2018 / 195068 Al);• US Patent Application No. 62 / 467,176 filed March 5. 2017;• PCT International Patent Application No. PCT / US2016 / 032170 filed May 12, 2016 (published as WO 2016 / 183354 Al);• U.S. Patent No. 7,462,066 filed March 20. 2007; 7, 192,303 filed December 2, 2004;• U.S. Patent No. 6,962,498 filed December 12, 2001 ;• US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0280673 filed December 2, 2005;• US Provisional Application 62 / 160,585 filed May 12, 2015;• US Provisional Application 62 / 308,718, filed March 15, 2016;• US Provisional Application 62 / 467,176 filed March 5, 2017;• US Provisional Application 62,470,170 filed March 10, 2017;• US Provisional Application 62 / 515,464, filed June 5, 2017;• US Provisional Application No. 62 / 807,889 filed February 20, 2019 (published as WO 2020 / 172390A1);• US Provisional Application 62 / 543,912 filed October 8. 2017;• US Provisional Application 63 / 019954, filed May 4, 2020; and• PCT International Patent Application No. PCT / US2018 / 20987 filed March 5. 2018 (published as US2020018469).Non-Limiting Examples

[0070] All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. For example, although use of socket testing device 220 and adapter 820 has been described mostly in reference to electrical socket 102, socket testing device 220 and adapter 820 can be used with the electrical socket of combination device 130. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. There are many different features to the present disclosure and it is contemplated that these features may be used together or separately. Thus, thedisclosure should not be limited to any particular combination of features or to a particular application of the disclosure. Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure might occur to those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Accordingly, all expedient modifications readily attainable by one versed in the art from the disclosure set forth herein that are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure are to be included as further embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] The description in the present application should not be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included in the claim scope. The scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims. Moreover, none of the claims invokes 35 USC § 112(f) with respect to any of the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact words ‘‘means for"’ or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim, followed by a participle phrase identifying a function.

[0072] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. How ever, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that can cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be constructed as a critical, required, sacrosanct, or an essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0073] After reading the disclosure, skilled artisans will appreciate that certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, can also be provided separately or in any sub-combination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range.

[0074] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.

[0075] What is claimed is:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A socket testing device insertable into an electrical socket with a central channel, an internal cavity, and a plurality of electrically conductive concentric ring-shaped contact terminals connected to electrical power supply winng, the device comprising: a plug including a plug body, a plurality of electrically conductive and concentric ring-shaped contact terminals attached to the body, and a spindle insertable into the central channel of the electrical socket, and an electrical socket tester mechanically and electrically coupled to the plug, the electrical socket tester containing an electrical circuit board, and a plurality of lights electrically coupled to the plug, that along with the circuit board, are configured to indicate correct or incorrect wiring of the electrical socket.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the incorrect wiring is denoted by the plurality of lights to indicate an open ground line, an open neutral line, an open hot line, hot line and ground line is reversed, hot line and neutral line is reversed in the electrical socket.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of lights includes a red LED and two orange LEDs.

4. The device of claim 3, further comprising: a momentary switch, that, when depressed, electrically couples the hot line to the ground line.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a buzzer electrically coupled to the circuit which is configured to indicate one of correct wire, incorrect wiring, or a both.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a housing to encase the plug and the electrical socket tester into an assembly with the plug disposed at a top-end and a threaded opening disposed at a bottom end.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a pole disposed between the plug and the electrical socket tester, and the pole includes at least three conductors disposed internal to it to electrically couple the plug to the electrical socket tester.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the pole is adjustable in length.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a two-position switch electrically coupled to the circuit board, wherein when the switch is in a first position, a first hot line (LI) is electrically coupled between the plug and the electrical socket tester and when the switch is in a second position (L2) is electrically coupled between the plug and the electrical socket tester.

10. An electrical adapter insertable into an electrical socket with a central channel, an internal cavity, and a plurality of electrically conductive concentric ring-shaped contact terminals connected to electrical power supply wiring, the device comprising: a plug including a plug body, a plurality of electrically conductive and concentric ring-shaped contact terminals attached to the body, and a spindle insertable into the central channel of the electrical socket, and an electrical socket electrically coupled to the plug.

11. The electrical adapter of claim 10, wherein the electrical socket is a NEMA-5-15R receptacle.

12. The electrical adapter of claim 10, further comprising a light electrically coupled between a hot line and a neutral line to indicate power is present.

13. The electrical adapter of claim 10, further comprising a rod slidable within the spindle to releasably attach the plug to the electrical socket when the spindle is inserted into the central channel of the electrical socket.

14. The electrical adapter of claim 11, further comprising a plug guard to mechanically hold aNEMA-5-15P to the NEMA-5-15R receptacle.

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