Test Plugs
SecuControl Test Plugs are a modular arrangement of insulated contact pins that are used for insertion into the test block in order to safely and simultaneously open all secondary circuits in the test block, isolate the device to be tested, and connect test equipment to the device. The pins of the test plug consist of two brass sides that are separated by insulation plastic. When the pin is inserted, current circuits are shorted together, the test block contacts are opened and thereby the device side is separated from the system side (see 'How it Works' under each product’s Product Information section). The test plug provides the interface for secondary injection testing through pre-installed multi-contact banana jacks that connect directly to the test set. Once testing procedures are complete, the test plug is removed from the test block and all secondary circuits return to normal operation.
Test Plug Product Line |
Compatible Test Block Product Lines |
| STP | ITS and SAX |
| STL | FTL |
Test Plug Features
Automatic Short-Circuiting
When the test plug is inserted, current transformer circuits are automatically short-circuited via an internal shorting bar which connects designated current modules. Therefore, we offer these current shorting modules in two-pole and four-pole combinations in order to protect against operator error and dangerous voltages that can occur from open CTs.
Sequential Opening and Closing of Circuits
(only STP test plugs for ITS and SAX) The pins of the test plug are installed with precisely varying lengths which create a time-phased opening and closing of secondary circuits. Longer pins are used with trip modules (DC Signals) and shorter pins are used with current and voltage modules. This sequential opening of circuits ensures the proper isolation and restoration of the device being tested every time. For more information click the Automatic Operating Sequence diagram to the right and see ITS or SAX 'How it Works' in the Product Information sections.
Keyed Pins
Each contact pin of the test plug is keyed by precisely molding the isolation plastic of the pins to match the opening of its appropriate circuit. This keying system guarantees that only a matching test plug can be inserted into its designated test block.
Retrofit Friendly
SecuControl Test Plugs are also compatible with the FT-style dust covers. A recessed opening located on the front of the test plug allows the FT style dust cover to be in place while the test plug is inserted into the test block. For more information about our FT-specific retrofit capabilities see our ITS Retrofit Test Block and our FTL Fully-Insulated Test Block, Low Resistance.
Plug-Focused
Our approach to test interface technology is plug-focused. Within each product line of test blocks, the individual modules are physically identical and contain no customer-configured specifications (besides customized labeling). All of the test-specific characteristics are housed inside the plug or probe. Therefore, future upgrades can be incorporated into the plug while maintaining its compatibility with all your SecuControl Test Blocks.
The plug-focused approach allows your testing procedures and capabilities to advance in the future without having to adapt to a completely new system. That is why we say our test interface systems are built for the present with the future in mind. We understand that the technology you put in place today will be in service for a long time to come and will need to support advancing grid technologies while maintaining reliability and enabling standardization of your procedures.