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Design And Construction Of An AC Continuity Tester

Electrical Electronics Engineering | Industrial Physics | Physics

The design and construction of an AC continuity tester involves the integration of various electronic components to create a device capable of verifying the presence of an uninterrupted electrical path in an alternating current (AC) circuit. This tester typically includes components such as a power source, a signal generator to produce the AC signal, a detection circuit, and an indicator. The signal generator generates a known AC voltage, which is applied to the circuit under test. The detection circuit senses the presence of the AC voltage in the circuit and triggers the indicator, such as an LED or buzzer, to signal continuity. Key considerations in designing such a tester include selecting appropriate voltage and frequency ranges, ensuring safety measures to protect the user and the circuit under test, and optimizing the sensitivity and reliability of the detection circuit. Through meticulous design and construction, an AC continuity tester can serve as a valuable tool for technicians and electricians in diagnosing faults and ensuring the integrity of AC circuits, thereby enhancing electrical safety and efficiency.

ABSTRACT

This work is on continuity tester designed for frontline test and repair jobs. The circuit provides a simple test for localizing faults in multicore cables. Open circuits are more likely at connector ends. By identifying the faulty end, the AC continuity tester allows you to open and repair the correct cable end. This action avoids the risk of damaging a good connector by opening it up. This approach is also useful for testing an installed cable with ends at different locations.

The schematic illustrates a circuit for a continuity tester that injects an AC signal on one cable wire and then looks for the absence of capacitive coupling on the other wires. One end of a bad cable typically shows good AC continuity, while the other end typically has one or more connector pins with no AC continuity. Because a short in the cable appears as a good connection, the operator can easily confirm that the tester is operating correctly by simply shorting its test leads together.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWELDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT
PROBLEM STATEMENT
AIM OF THE PROJECT
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT
APPLICATION OF THE PROJECT
SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
METHODOLOGY
PROJECT ORGANISATION

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY
PURPOSE CONTINUITY TESTING
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY
REVIEW OF ELECTRICITY

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM
TOOLS REQUIRED
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
SYSTEM OPERATION
DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS USED

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 TEST AND RESULT ANALYSIS

CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE AND TESTING ANALYSIS
CASING AND PACKAGING
ASSEMBLING OF SECTIONS
TESTING OF SYSTEM OPERATION

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION
RECOMMENDATION
REFERENCES

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

A continuity tester is an item of electrical test equipment used to determine if an electrical path can be established between two points;^{[Dean, Tamara, 2010]} that is if an electrical circuit can be made. The circuit under test is completely de-energized prior to connecting the apparatus.[Dean, Tamara, 2010]

The tester consists of an indicator in series with a source of electrical power – normally a battery, terminating in two test leads. If a complete circuit is established between the test-leads, the indicator is activated.[Dean, Tamara, 2010]

The indicator may be an electric light or a buzzer. This led to the term “buzzing out a circuit” (which means to test for continuity) Audible continuity buzzers or beepers are built into some models of multimeter, and the continuity setting is normally shared with the ohmmeter setting.

A popular design has the tester combined with a standard flashlight. A phone connector or jack plug in the rear of the unit permits a set of test leads to be plugged in effecting a quick conversion between the two applications.

For situations where continuity testing must be done on high resistance circuits, or where delicate conductors and sensitive components that might be damaged by excessive current are present, a low voltage, low current device must be used. These typically use an op-amp and watch batteries to drive an LED as an indicator. These testers can be exquisitely sensitive; for example they will indicate if the test points are taken by both hands.

There are times when a simple continuity test fails to reveal the problem. For example, vibration-induced problems in automobile wiring can be extremely difficult to detect because a short or open is not maintained long enough for a standard tester to respond.

In these applications a latching continuity tester is used. A more complex device, it detects intermittent opens and shorts as well as steady-state conditions. These devices contain a fast acting electronic switch forming a gated astable oscillator which detects and locks (latches) the indicator on an intermittent condition with a duration of less than a millisecond.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

It is very difficult to identify a broken conductor in a circuit. A continuity tester is useful in determining the damaged components or broken conductors in a circuit. It can also help in determining if the soldering is good, if the resistance is too high for flow of current or if the electrical wire is broken between two points.

1.3 AIM OF THE STUDY

The main aim of this work is to build a portable device used to determine the presence of electrical path that can be established in between two points of an electrical circuit.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

In electronics a continuity tester is a very crucial tool. It helps you to troubleshoot your circuit and find faults in it. The basic idea is that the device consists of two probes which when come on contact make a buzzing sound. While troubleshooting a circuit the probes are touched to the two contacts which needs to be tested, if they are connected the continuity sensor makes a buzzing sound.

1.5 APPLICATION OF THE PROJECT

This device typically used to construct and test electric circuits. By this device we checked the polarity of any electrical and electronics circuit which is essential for designing any required important system. This tester also helps to check the continuity of the wire of our house wearing system.

1.6 BENEFITS OF THE STUDY

it will also save time.
Fewer human resources are required.
Reliability: It is more reliable and quicker way when running boring repetitive standardized tests which cannot be skipped.
It not only checks for continuity but also for shorts.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

A continuity tester consists of a battery in a housing, with a test probe connected to one end of the battery housing and a test wire with an alligator clip connected to the other end. It is used with the current turned off to determine whether a particular electrical component is carrying electricity and to pinpoint the cause of a problem.

1.8 METHODOLOGY

To achieve the aim and objectives of this work, the following are the steps involved:

Study of the previous work on the project so as to improve it efficiency.
Draw a block diagram.

Test for continuity of components and devices,

Design of the device was carried out.
Studying of various component used in circuit.
Construction of the circuit was carried out. The construction of this project includes the placing of components on Vero boards, soldering and connection of components,

Finally, the whole device was cased and final test was carried out.

1.9 PROJECT ORGANISATION

The work is organized as follows: chapter one discuses the introductory part of the work, chapter two presents the literature review of the study, chapter three describes the methods applied, chapter four discusses the results of the work, chapter five summarizes the research outcomes and the recommendations.