Reverse Polarity Testing Device
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How ESHORE Works
Technical Information
Over the last eight years, during his many hours surveying vessels for electrical compliance Mark discovered that shore connections were not compliant to the Australian Standards 3004 and 3000.
Unlike the housing industry, there are many variables that can affect polarity. The sources of which can come from the extension lead used to connect as well as the actual shore connection. These variables can result in incorrect polarity which presents the electrical hazard.
To further explain, polarity in electrical terms refers to the active and neutral conductors within a AC circuit, Electrical polarity (Active and negative) is the direction of power supply in an electrical circuit. In an alternating current (AC) circuit the two poles alternate between negative and positive and the direction of the current (electron flow) reverses cyclically.
In the context of electrical installations, a polarity test is used to confirm the correct connection of the active and neutral conductors. Similarly, it’s important to confirm that switches are located in the active conductor, not the neutral conductor.
The purpose of a polarity test is to ensure that all single pole devices (fuses, switches and circuit breakers) are connected in the active conductor only. We cannot simply trust that it has been connected up the right way. Since ac installations consist of a Active and a Neutral conductor, it is extremely important that these conductors are connected the right way around, within all electrical devices and components. To ensure this, a polarity test is done when connecting to a new power supply from your boat, caravan cabin or any other transportable structure. This is a simple yet crucial test in order to prevent serious injuries and electrocutions. In the Australian Standards it requires the polarity test to be momentary only. This is the patented circuit arrangement Mark has developed.
This test will verify that polarity is correct. If polarity is not correctly terminated, there may be a risk of electric shock.
Reverse Polarity is when the conductors have been terminated incorrectly. While the circuit is still completed, this can create a dangerous situation.
Electrical outlets with reverse polarity can be dangerous to you and your devices, and can remain energized even when turned off. Devices plugged into an outlet with reversed polarity may appear to work as usual but are unsafe and can shock you.
Polarity Testing
To prevent reversal of polarity for external power sources the following functionalities as listed below, need to be in place to ensure the correct operation of safety devices, and protect the personnel from electrocution and damage to the electrical installation: -
- A circuit breaker operating in all live conductors of the supply, including neutral, and is fitted adjacent to the supply inlet on the vessel/caravan.
- A test device, connected on the supply side of the vessel or caravan's supply circuit breaker to check and visually indicate the polarity of the supply in relation to the system.
- An interlocking circuit to ensure the power cannot be connected unless the polarity is correct.
- An indication to show when the supply is energised.
- Appropriate switchgear to facilitate the reversal of polarity.
Contact us if you need more detailed information.
