Timing device

A timing device (4) in combination with an electrical cable, said device locatable between two ends (10, 14) of the cable and including cable input means and cable output means, said device (4) further including at least first electrical connection means (66) for allowing electrical connection with a first cable part (6) associated with the cable input means in use and at least second electrical connection means (68) for allowing electrical connection with a second cable part (8) associated with the cable output means in use, said device (4) further including movement means arranged to allow relative movement of the at least first and/or second electrical connection means (66, 68) or an electrical switch means (64) associated with the same between a first position, wherein electrical charge can flow therebetween, and a second position, wherein the flow of electrical charge is prevented, the relative movement taking place over a pre-determined time period following actuation or on actuation of said movement means, characterized in that the movement means are arranged such that the amount of movement and/or speed of movement of the movement means defines the pre-determined time period of the timing means for which electrical current can flow through the device (4).

A method of using a timing device (4) in combination with an electrical cable, said device locatable between two ends (10, 14) of the cable and including cable input means and cable output means, said device further including at least first electrical connection means (66) for allowing electrical connection with a first cable part (6) associated with the cable input means in use and at least second electrical connection means (68) for allowing electrical connection with a second cable part (8) associated with the cable output means in use, said method including the step of actuating movement means associated with the device to allow relative movement of the at least first and/or second electrical connection means or an electrical switch means associated with the same between a first position, wherein electrical charge can flow therebetween, and a second position, wherein the flow of electrical charge is prevented, the relative movement taking place over a predetermined time period following actuation or on actuation of said movement means, characterized in that the movement means are arranged such that the amount of movement and/or speed of movement of the movement means defines the pre-determined time period of the timing means for which electrical current can flow through the device (4).