Methods and apparatus for rendering electrical cables safe
OwnerMichael Yuratichinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A “safe grounding apparatus” (SGA) for safely grounding or neutralizing the electrical conductors for permanent magnet motor (PMM) powered artificial lift systems and methods of practicing the same are disclosed. The SGA of the present invention ameliorates some of the dangers associated with PMM's. Methods of shorting, grounding, testing and monitoring the electrical conductors of a permanent magnet motor in order to safely manipulate the conductors are also disclosed.
Claims16
A safe grounding apparatus for attachment to a motor lead end electrically coupled to a permanent magnet motor comprising:
- the motor lead end including a plurality of electrical conductors at least partially enclosed within a layer of insulation;
- an electrical connector assembly comprising a plurality of electrical connectors adapted to be selectively electrically coupled to the plurality of electrical conductors of the motor lead end;
- a bus bar adapted to be electrically coupled to the plurality of electrical connectors and adapted to electrically short the electrical conductors;
- and
- wherein the motor lead end is overwrapped with a metallic armor, the safe grounding apparatus further comprising a conductor adapted to electrically couple to the metallic armor and the bus bar.
A method for rendering a motor lead end coupled to a permanent magnet motor safe, the method comprising:
- providing a plurality of electrical connectors;
- electrically coupling the plurality of electrical connectors to a plurality of electrical conductors of a plurality of power cables of the motor lead end;
- electrically coupling the electrical conductors to at least one shorting conductor;
- electrically coupling the at least one shorting conductor to a bus bar;
- and
- monitoring at least one condition of at least one of the motor lead end and the permanent magnet motor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.