Wiring error detection method using a diode

Abstract

A wire testing device is described herein. The device tests a pair of wires connected with a diode at the remote end. The device first sends current in one direction and measures the voltage on each wire, determining a forward voltage drop. The device then reverses the current and measures the voltage on each wire, determining a reverse voltage drop. The device indicates an open circuit, a short circuit, crossed wires, or correct wiring depending on the forward voltage drop and the reverse voltage drop related to a threshold.

Description

[0001] 2024PF80262

[0002] 1

[0003] Wiring error detection method using a diode

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS

[0005] The present document relates to the field of electrical wiring, and more specifically to devices for testing electrical wiring.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An installer or electrical contractor is responsible for the electrical installation and wiring of a connected system. After installation is complete, they want to know that the system is properly installed, wired, has good connectivity, and is ready for full commissioning. However, installers of control systems are typically not trained as commissioners and have minimal knowledge of the systems they are installing. Additionally, for connected systems, the IT infrastructure may not be in place or accessible to the installer, and the power is typically off. They thus may need to wait until the entire system is installed before debugging of the system can occur. There is a need for a device and method to check for wiring errors immediately after installation and before commissioning to help save time and money compared to debugging during the commissioning process. The device provides a simple and low-cost electrical testing system for unpowered, polarity-specific wiring.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device including: a first test lead (106) configured to connect to a first end of a first wire (204); a second test lead (108) configured to connect to a first end of a second wire (206), the first wire and the second wire configured to connect by a diode (210) at a second end of the first wire and at a second end of the second wire; a first resistor (216) connecting the first test lead to an integrated circuit (104); a second resistor (218) connecting the second test lead to the integrated circuit; and the integrated circuit configured to: apply a first positive voltage on the first test lead and measure a first voltage level from the first test lead and a second voltage level from the second test lead, wherein the first voltage level and the second voltage level are measured relative to ground; determine a forward voltage drop as a difference between the first voltage level and the second voltage level; apply a second positive voltage on the second test lead 2024PF80262

[0010] 2 and measure a third voltage level from the first test lead and a fourth voltage level from the second test lead, wherein the first voltage level and the second voltage level are measured relative to the ground; determine a reverse voltage drop as a difference between the fourth voltage level and the third voltage level; compare the forward voltage drop and the reverse voltage drop; and generate an output indicating one of: an open circuit if the forward voltage drop is greater than a threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is greater than the threshold value, a short circuit if the forward voltage drop is less than the threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is less than the threshold value, a crossed wire circuit if the forward voltage drop is greater than the threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is less than the threshold value, and a correct circuit if the forward voltage drop is less than the threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is greater than the threshold value.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device further including a battery (112) connected to supply power to the integrated circuit.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device wherein the integrated circuit includes a first analog-to-digital converter, wherein the integrated circuit is configured to measure the first voltage level using the first analog-to-digital converter (234).

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device where the first test lead and the second test lead are connected to a connector.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device where the connector is keyed.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device where the integrated circuit is a microprocessor.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device further including a display device, wherein the integrated circuit is configured to generate the output using the display device.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device where the display device includes LED drivers.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device where the LED drivers are connected to LEDs (330,332,334,336), the LEDs indicate the open circuit, the short circuit, the crossed wire circuit, or the correct circuit.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device where the diode is installed in a luminary.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: inserting a diode (210) at a remote end of a pair of wires (202), the pair of the wires including 2024PF80262

[0021] 3 a first wire (204) and a second wire (206), where the pair of the wires is unpowered, where the diode does not convert energy to light; connecting a testing device (102) to each of the pair of the wires, where the testing device includes an integrated circuit (104), a first analog- to-digital converter (234), a second analog-to-digital converter (238) and a display driver; electrifying the first wire by the testing device; reading, with the first analog-to-digital converter, a first voltage level on the first wire relative to ground; reading, with the second analog-to-digital converter, a second voltage level on the second wire relative to the ground; determining a forward voltage drop as a difference between the first voltage level and the second voltage level; electrifying the second wire by the testing device; reading, with the first analog-to-digital converter, a third voltage level on the first wire relative to the ground; reading, with the second analog-to-digital converter, a fourth voltage level on the second wire relative to the ground; determining a reverse voltage drop as a difference between the fourth voltage level and the third voltage level; comparing the forward voltage drop with the reverse voltage drop; if the forward voltage drop is greater than a threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is greater than the threshold value, displaying an indication of an open circuit on the display driver; if the forward voltage drop is less than the threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is less than the threshold value, displaying an indication of a short circuit on the display driver; if the forward voltage drop is greater than the threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is less than the threshold value, displaying an indication of crossed wires on the display driver; and if the forward voltage drop is less than the threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is greater than the threshold value, displaying an indication of proper wiring on the display driver.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method where the display driver includes LED drivers.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method where the LED drivers are connected to LEDs (330,332,334,336).

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method where the diode is installed in a luminary.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most 2024PF80262

[0027] 4 significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level block diagram of the commissioning test device 102.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows the electrical blocks for the commissioning test device 102.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a possible flowchart of actions for the commissioning test device 102 as it tests the wire pair 202.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the electrical blocks for the commissioning test device 102.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0033] In a typical commissioning process of a lighting plant, the site, floor plan, and lighting specifications are finalized. Next, the electrical contractor and wire installers wire the system specified in the plans. A few days later, commissioners start commissioning the lighting configuration. Often, electrical issues are found with the wiring. When these issues are identified, the electrical contractor and wire installers must return to the job site to correct the wiring system. This adds time and money to the project. The test method and device proposed herein may be used by the electrical contractor and wire installers to identify and debug the wiring system before commissioning. This increases the likelihood that the lighting commissioners will not find an issue with the wiring, and will complete the commissioning quicker.

[0034] Described herein is a device and method to check for wiring errors immediately after installation and prior to commissioning to help save time and money compared to debugging during the commissioning process. The commissioning test device 102 provides an easy-to-use and low-cost electrical testing system for unpowered, polarityspecific wiring.

[0035] A diode 210 is placed on the control device or the end of a wire pair 202 to be tested. In some embodiments, the diode 210 is incorporated in a luminaire, the diode 210 set by a switch on the luminaire. The switch allows the luminaire wiring to connect to the diode 210 in a test mode or to pass power normally when not in the test mode. In other embodiments, the diode 210 is connected between the first wire 204 and the second wire 206 of the wire pair 202 being tested.

[0036] This method works as a system when a diode 210 of known characteristics is located on the opposite end of the wire pair 202 being tested. Diodes allow current to flow in 2024PF80262

[0037] 5 one direction but not in the opposite direction. This fact is the basis for the function of the test method. The diode 210 can be integrated into a luminaire, a switchpack (e.g. a device that provides operating voltages to occupancy sensors and daylighting controllers in a slighting system), or other wired control device between the control wire pair 202. The diode 210 can be activated with a mechanical switch or temporarily inserted in the case where only the wires 204, 206 are tested.

[0038] Alternatively, a relay could connect the diode 210 to the control wire pair 202 when the switchpack is unpowered, then remove it from the system when the switchpack is powered up. The incorporation of a diode 210 is extremely powerful because it allows the detection and identification of open circuits, short circuits, and cross-wiring.

[0039] In some embodiments, an electrical connector / interface is installed to facilitate the connection to the first lead 212 and second lead 214 to the luminaire or opposite wire end. A universally standard and low-cost electrical connector or receptacle can be incorporated into the luminaire. The connector may be keyed so the testing device only inserts in one direction. In applications where bare wires are tested, a simple dongle can be offered that attaches to bare wires. Other dongles can be designed to interface with different manufacturers or receptacle types if needed.

[0040] A low-cost hand-held electrical testing device is described below to report the status of the above configurations. The commissioning test device 102 is a simple handheld testing device to complete the testing sequence. The device will provide a DC current in one direction and then switch to providing DC current in the opposite direction. Indicator lights 118,120,122,124, sounds or other features can be used to notify the user of errors in the wire pair 202. The voltage would be low enough for safe handling and configured to the diode 210 specifications. This commissioning test device 102 will allow remote verification of continuity and polarity of wire pair 202.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level block diagram of the commissioning test device 102. The commissioning test device 102 may be powered by a battery 112, ac wall power, solar, capacitor, kinetic energy, or other power sources. The power drives an integrated circuit 104 that controls the commissioning test device 102. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit 104 is a microprocessor, an ASIC, discrete components (see FIG. 4), an analog processor, or similar devices. The integrated circuit 104 may monitor a switch 126 for an indication that the testing sequence is to start. The 126 could be connected to a general- purpose input-output (GPIO) on the integrated circuit 104. In other embodiments, the device operates continuously. In other embodiments, the testing sequence starts based on a timer, or 2024PF80262

[0042] 6 when the movement of the commissioning test device 102 is sensed or when a change is detected on the first test lead 106 or the second test lead 108. In still other embodiments, the test sequence could be initiated based on the integrated circuit 104 receiving a wireless signal, perhaps over a Bluetooth, Zigbee, WiFi, cellular network, or a wired network.

[0043] The integrated circuit 104 interfaces with the test environment through two leads, a first lead 212 and a second lead 214. These leads provide an interface to the wire pair 202. The leads connect to the wire pair 202 through a connector, alligator clips, plier style clips, center spring clips, telecom clips, hybrid clips, solder, crimping, or similar. The first lead 212 and second lead 214 could be solder runs on a printed circuit board, traces within the integrated circuit 104, aluminum wire, copper wire, or any combination of these.

[0044] The output of the integrated circuit 104 could be through a set of indicator lights, including a correct wiring indicator light 118, a short circuit indicator light 120, an open wire indicator light 122, and a crossed wire indicator light 124. These LEDs could be driven by four GPIOs on the integrated circuit 104. These LEDs could be replaced with incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, LCD lights, or similar. In other embodiments, the output of the integrated circuit 104 could be to a computer display, a smartphone screen, a smartwatch, an iPad, or a similar device. In still other embodiments, a speaker connected to the integrated circuit 104 could create a sound pattern indicating the status of the wire pair 202.

[0045] In FIG. 2, the commissioning test device 102 is seen testing a wire pair 202. The commissioning test device 102 checks the continuity and polarity of an unknown wire pair 202 using a tester and a diode 210. One implementation of the commissioning test device 102 uses a microcontroller that has GPIOs and analog-to-digital converters (ADC). The GPIO outputs 232, 236 provide a first drive signal 224 and a second drive signal 228 that are connected to positive and negative leads (first lead 212, second lead 214) of the tester through series current limiting resistors 216, 220. The ADC inputs provide a first sense signal 226 and a second sense signal 230 from the first lead 212 and the second lead 214 to the commissioning test device 102 through series current limiting resistors 216, 218, 220, 222. In some embodiments, there is a GPIO input is connected to a switch 126. In some embodiments, there are GPIO outputs are connected to indicator lights 118, 120, 122, 124.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows the electrical blocks for the commissioning test device 102. In this embodiment, the integrated circuit 104 has at least two GPIO interfaces, including a first GPIO output 232 and a second GPIO output 236. The first GPIO output 232 drives a first drive signal 224 current across a first resistor 216. The first resistor 216 could be a discrete 2024PF80262

[0047] 7 resistor in some embodiments, a resistance is a wire, or it could be a resistance built into the integrated circuit 104. The first resistor 216 could then connect to the first lead 212. In addition, the first lead 212 is connected to the second resistor 218 (which could be a resistor, an internal resistance of the first ADC 234 or the integrated circuit 104, or wire resistance, or similar. In some embodiments, first resistor 216 and / or second resistor 218 could be eliminated). The second resistor 218 is connected to the first ADC 234, where the first sense signal 226 is read. The digital value seen by the first ADC 234 is sent to the integrated circuit 104. The first ADC 234 could be integrated within the integrated circuit 104 or a separate component. The first lead 212 is connected to the wire pair 202 through a connection to the first wire 204. At the far end of the first wire 204, the first wire 204 is connected to the diode 210.

[0048] Similarly, The second GPIO output 236 drives a second drive signal 228 current across a third resistor 220. The third resistor 220 could be a discrete resistor in some embodiments, a resistance is a wire, or it could be a resistance built into the integrated circuit 104. The third resistor 220 could then connect to the second lead 214. In addition, the second lead 214 is connected to the fourth resistor 222 (which could be a resistor, an internal resistance of the second ADC 238 or the integrated circuit 104, or wire resistance, or similar. In some embodiments, third resistor 220 and / or fourth resistor 222 could be eliminated). The fourth resistor 222 is connected to the second ADC 238, where the second sense signal 230 is read. The digital value seen by the second ADC 238 is sent to the integrated circuit 104. The second ADC 238 could be integrated within the integrated circuit 104 or a separate component. The second lead 214 is connected to the wire pair 202 through a connection to the second wire 206. At the far end of the second wire 206, the second wire 206 is connected to the diode 210.

[0049] In FIG. 2, the question marks and the broken lines indicate that the test circuit is seeking to determine the exact configuration of the wire pair 202.

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates a possible flowchart of actions for the commissioning test device 102 as it tests the wire pair 202. In this embodiment, the integrated circuit 104 waits for a debounced button press 302 on the switch 126. Once the integrated circuit 104 senses that the switch 126 is pressed, in step 304 the integrated circuit 104 drives the wire pair 202 in the positive direction, with the first lead 212 positive, by asserting the first GPIO output 232 which causes the first drive signal 224 to go high. The integrated circuit 104 also drives the second lead 214 negative by clearing the second GPIO output 236, causing the second drive signal 228 to go low. After a brief delay to allow the first ADC 234 to settle and 2024PF80262

[0051] 8 complete its conversion, the first sense signal 226 is read in step 306 with the first ADC 234, and the value is saved by the integrated circuit 104.

[0052] In step 308 the integrated circuit 104 continues to drive the wire pair 202 in the positive direction, with the first lead 212 positive, by asserting the first GPIO output 232 which keeps the first drive signal 224 high. The integrated circuit 104 also drives the second lead 214 negative with the second GPIO output 236 clear, causing the second drive signal 228 to be low. After a brief delay to allow the second ADC 238 to settle and complete its conversion, the second sense signal 230 is read 310 with the second ADC 238, and the value is saved by the integrated circuit 104.

[0053] The calculate forward voltage 312 step calculates the forward voltage drop by subtracting the second sense signal 230 from the read sense in step 306. The forward voltage drop is stored in the integrated circuit 104 for use in the following comparisons.

[0054] Next, in the drive negative 314 step, the integrated circuit 104 drives the wire pair 202 in the negative direction, with the first lead 212 negative, by clearing the first GPIO output 232 which causes the first drive signal 224 to go low. The integrated circuit 104 also drives the second lead 214 positive by asserting the second GPIO output 236, causing the second drive signal 228 to go high. After a brief delay to allow the first ADC 234 to settle and complete its conversion, the first sense signal 226 is read 316 with the first ADC 234, and the value is saved by the integrated circuit 104.

[0055] In step 318 the integrated circuit 104 continues to drive the wire pair 202 in the negative direction, with the first lead 212 negative, by clearing the first GPIO output 232 which keeps the first drive signal 224 low. The integrated circuit 104 also drives the second lead 214 positive with the second GPIO output 236 asserted, causing the second drive signal 228 to be high. After a brief delay to allow the second ADC 238 to settle and complete its conversion, the second sense signal 230 is read at step 320 with the second ADC 238, and the value is saved by the integrated circuit 104.

[0056] The calculate reverse voltage 322 step calculates the reverse voltage drop by subtracting the second sense signal 230 from the read sense step 316. The reverse voltage drop is stored in the integrated circuit 104 for use in the following comparisons.

[0057] In step 324, the forward voltage and reverse voltage are compared, by the integrated circuit 104, to a threshold. In some embodiments, the threshold is the same for both comparisons. In other embodiments, the thresholds could be different. If the forward voltage is small (less than the threshold) and the reverse voltage is large (greater than the 2024PF80262

[0058] 9 threshold), then the wire pair 202 is wired correctly. Continue to the set correct LED 330 step, and assert the GPIO associated with the correct wiring indicator light 118.

[0059] In step 326, the forward voltage and reverse voltage are compared, by the integrated circuit 104, to a threshold. In some embodiments, the threshold is the same for both comparisons. In other embodiments, the thresholds could be different. If the forward voltage is large (greater than the threshold) and the reverse voltage is small (less than the threshold), then the wire pair 202 is cross wired. Continue to the set cross-wired LED 332 step, and assert the GPIO associated with the crossed wire indicator light 124.

[0060] In step 328, the forward voltage and reverse voltage are compared, by the integrated circuit 104, to a threshold. In some embodiments, the threshold is the same for both comparisons. In other embodiments, the thresholds could be different. If the forward voltage is large (greater than the threshold) and the reverse voltage is large (greater than the threshold), then there is an open wire in the wire pair 202. Continue to the set open LED 334 step, and assert the GPIO associated with the open wire indicator light 122.

[0061] Otherwise, the forward voltage is small (less than the threshold) and the reverse voltage is small (less than the threshold), and there is a short in the wire pair 202. Continue to the set shorted LED 336 step, and assert the GPIO associated with the short circuit indicator light 120.

[0062] The integrated circuit 104 then waits for release 338 of the switch 126, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the LED remains lit for a predetermined period of time. In other embodiments, the integrated circuit 104 waits until the 126 is pressed a second time.

[0063] Once the wait is completed, the reset LEDs 340 step turns off the LEDs by clearing the LED GPIOs., and the process returns to the wait for the button press 302 step.

[0064] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of one of many alternative embodiments. This embodiment eliminates the first ADC 234 and the second ADC 238, and could be used to also eliminate the integrated circuit 104. This embodiment checks the continuity and polarity of an unknown wire pair 202 using a tester and a diode 210. This embodiment of the commissioning test device 102 uses a comparator 414 and a single current limiting resistor 416. The comparator 414 compares the voltage on the first lead 410 to a threshold that could be half of the power 428.

[0065] In this embodiment, the power 424 goes through a double pole switch 422, which in the first instance, sends the positive drive 418 power through the current limiting resistor 416. The resistor 416 is electrically connected to the first lead 410 and to the 2024PF80262

[0066] 10 comparator 414. The first lead 410 is connected to the wire pair 202 through a connection to the first wire 204. At the far end of the first wire 204, the first wire 204 is connected to the diode 210. The diode 210 is connected to the second wire 206, which is connected to the second lead 412. The second lead 412 is connected to the double pole switch 422. In this drawing, the double pole switch 422 completes the circuit to ground 426. The question marks and the broken lines indicate that the test circuit is seeking to determine the exact configuration of the wire pair 202.

[0067] When the double pole switch 422 is in the other state, the current runs in the opposite direction, then the positive current is running from the negative drive 420 through the second lead 412 and returning from the wire pair 202 through the first lead 410. From the first lead 410, the current runs to the comparator 414 and to the current limiting resistor 416, and then through the double pole switch 422 to ground 426.

[0068] The comparator 414, in both states of the double pole switch 422, compares the voltage to a threshold that could be half of the power 428. The output of the comparator 414 is sent to the integrated circuit 104 or to further flip-flops, logic gates, and timers to determine which indictor light 118, 120, 122, 124 to illuminate. In some embodiments, the comparator 414 is a comparator op amp.

[0069] The method to use the embodiment in FIG. 4 involves the step of applying some positive voltage to the positive drive 418 and applying a reference voltage to negative drive 420 (perhaps ground 426). The comparator 414 senses whether the first voltage level at first lead 410 is above or below the threshold, perhaps by comparing the voltage at first lead 410 to half of the power 428. The next step involves applying some positive voltage to negative drive 420 and applying a reference voltage to the positive drive 418 (perhaps ground 426). The comparator 414 senses whether the second voltage level at first lead 410 is above or below the threshold (perhaps half of the power 428).

[0070] If the wire pair 202 is open, then no current flows through the resistor 416 in either step, and the comparator 414 readings will read that the first voltage is above the threshold and the second voltage is below the threshold (half of the power 428, in some embodiments). If the wire pair 202 is shorted, then the current flows through the resistor 416 in both steps, and the comparator 414 will read that the first voltage is below the threshold and the second voltage is above the threshold. If the wire pair 202 is good, then the current only flows through the resistor 416 in the first step (forward voltage), and the comparator 414 reads the first voltage below the threshold and the second voltage is below the threshold. If the wire pair 202 is crossed, then the current only flows through the resistor 416 in the second 2024PF80262

[0071] 11 step (reversed voltage), and the comparator 414 reads that the first voltage is above the threshold and the second voltage is above the threshold.

[0072] In some embodiments, the ground 426 could be changed to a negative voltage, and half of the power 428 could be zero.

[0073] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The claimed inventions are not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0074] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed inventions, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0075] In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality.

[0076] A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims.

[0077] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to obtain an advantage.

[0078] A computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0079] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0080] Listing of Drawing Elements

[0081] 102 commissioning test device

[0082] 104 integrated circuit

[0083] 106 first test lead

[0084] 108 second test lead

[0085] 110 button switch

[0086] 112 battery

[0087] 118 correct wiring indicator light

[0088] 120 short circuit indicator light

[0089] 122 open wire indicator light 2024PF80262

[0090] 12

[0091] 124 crossed wire indicator light

[0092] 126 switch

[0093] 202 wire pair

[0094] 204 first wire

[0095] 206 second wire

[0096] 210 diode

[0097] 212 first lead

[0098] 214 second lead

[0099] 216 first resistor

[0100] 218 second resistor

[0101] 220 third resistor

[0102] 222 fourth resistor

[0103] 224 first drive signal

[0104] 226 first sense signal

[0105] 228 second drive signal

[0106] 230 second sense signal

[0107] 232 first GPIO output

[0108] 234 first ADC

[0109] 236 second GPIO output

[0110] 238 second ADC

[0111] 302 button press

[0112] 304 drive positive

[0113] 306 read sense

[0114] 308 drive negative

[0115] 310 read sense

[0116] 312 calculate forward voltage

[0117] 314 drive negative

[0118] 316 read sense

[0119] 318 drive positive

[0120] 320 read sense

[0121] 322 calculate reverse voltage

[0122] 324 check voltages

[0123] 326 check voltages

[0124] 328 check voltages 2024PF80262

[0125] 13

[0126] 330 set correct LED

[0127] 332 set cross-wired LED

[0128] 334 set open LED

[0129] 336 set shorted LED 338 wait for release

[0130] 340 reset LEDs

[0131] 410 first lead

[0132] 412 second lead

[0133] 414 comparator 416 resistor

[0134] 418 positive drive

[0135] 420 negative drive

[0136] 422 double pole switch

[0137] 424 power 426 ground

[0138] 428 half of the power

Claims

2024PF8026214CLAIMS1. A device comprising: a first test lead (106) configured to connect to a first end of a first wire (204); a second test lead (108) configured to connect to a first end of a second wire (206), the first wire and the second wire configured to connect by a diode (210) at a second end of the first wire and at a second end of the second wire; a first resistor (216) connecting the first test lead to an integrated circuit (104); a second resistor (218) connecting the second test lead to the integrated circuit; and the integrated circuit configured to: apply a first positive voltage on the first test lead and measure a first voltage level from the first test lead and a second voltage level from the second test lead, wherein the first voltage level and the second voltage level are measured relative to ground; determine a forward voltage drop as a difference between the first voltage level and the second voltage level; apply a second positive voltage on the second test lead and measure a third voltage level from the first test lead and a fourth voltage level from the second test lead, wherein the first voltage level and the second voltage level are measured relative to the ground; determine a reverse voltage drop as a difference between the fourth voltage level and the third voltage level; compare the forward voltage drop and the reverse voltage drop; and generate an output indicating one of: an open circuit if the forward voltage drop is greater than a threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is greater than the threshold value, a short circuit if the forward voltage drop is less than the threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is less than the threshold value,2024PF8026215 a crossed wire circuit if the forward voltage drop is greater than the threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is less than the threshold value, and a correct circuit if the forward voltage drop is less than the threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is greater than the threshold value.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a battery (112) connected to supply power to the integrated circuit.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the integrated circuit comprises a first analog- to-digital converter, wherein the integrated circuit is configured to measure the first voltage level using the first analog-to-digital converter (234).

4. The device of claim 1 where the first test lead and the second test lead are connected to a connector.

5. The device of claim 4 where the connector is keyed.

6. The device of claim 1 where the integrated circuit is a microprocessor.

7. The device of claim 1 further comprising a display device, wherein the integrated circuit is configured to generate the output using the display device.

8. The device of claim 7 where the display device includes LED drivers.

9. The device of claim 8 where the LED drivers are connected to LEDs(330,332,334,336), the LEDs indicate the open circuit, the short circuit, the crossed wire circuit, or the correct circuit.

10. The device of claim 1 where the diode is installed in a luminary.

11. A method comprising:2024PF8026216 inserting a diode (210) at a remote end of a pair of wires (202), the pair of the wires including a first wire (204) and a second wire (206), where the pair of the wires is unpowered, where the diode does not convert energy to light; connecting a testing device (102) to each of the pair of the wires, where the testing device comprises an integrated circuit (104), a first analog-to-digital converter (234), a second analog-to-digital converter (238) and a display driver; electrifying the first wire by the testing device; reading, with the first analog-to-digital converter, a first voltage level on the first wire relative to ground; reading, with the second analog-to-digital converter, a second voltage level on the second wire relative to the ground; determining a forward voltage drop as a difference between the first voltage level and the second voltage level; electrifying the second wire by the testing device; reading, with the first analog-to-digital converter, a third voltage level on the first wire relative to the ground; reading, with the second analog-to-digital converter, a fourth voltage level on the second wire relative to the ground; determining a reverse voltage drop as a difference between the fourth voltage level and the third voltage level; comparing the forward voltage drop with the reverse voltage drop; if the forward voltage drop is greater than a threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is greater than the threshold value, displaying an indication of an open circuit on the display driver; if the forward voltage drop is less than the threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is less than the threshold value, displaying an indication of a short circuit on the display driver; if the forward voltage drop is greater than the threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is less than the threshold value, displaying an indication of crossed wires on the display driver; and if the forward voltage drop is less than the threshold value and the reverse voltage drop is greater than the threshold value, displaying an indication of proper wiring on the display driver.2024PF802621712. The method of claim 11 where the display driver includes LED drivers.

13. The method of claim 12 where the LED drivers are connected to LEDs (330,332,334,336).

14. The method of claim 11 where the diode is installed in a luminary.

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