Device locates transient power interruptions occurring in electrical equipment. Indicator operates on principle that circuit in normal use retains residual current in the line prior to an interruption

Bezant, K. R.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Jul y 1971	 Brief 71-10246 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
Keniiedr Space Center 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Portable Circuit-Interruption Indicator 
The portable circuit-interruption indicator shown 
in the figure can be used to locate transient power 
interruptions occurring in electrical equipment such 
as air conditioning units, heating and ventilation sys-
tems, compressors and generators. The prime ad-
vantage of this device is the portability achieved 
by the compact design, and its simple operation 
gives it universal appeal for a wide variety of cir-
cuit trouble-shooting problems.
The circuit interruption indicator operates on the 
principle that a circuit in normal use will retain 
a residual current in the line prior to an inter-
ruption. At the moment an interruption occurs (with-
in a period of 8 to 10 msec), a quick-response hold-
ing relay coil is de-energized, permitting the com-
pletion of an alarm circuit which provides a 
visual and audio signal. The resumption of normal 
current flow does not affect the warning signal, 
and the source of trouble creating the interruption 
can be quickly identified, even if no actual system 
fault exists. 
Note: 
Requests for further information may be directed 
to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Code AD-PAT 
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899 
Reference: B71-10246 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: K. R. Bezantof

Trans World Airlines

under contract to

Kennedy Space Center

(K SC- 10546) 
Category 01,02 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
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Portable circuit-interruption indicator

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