Combined test instrument probe and voltage detector
A voltage detector is combined with a test instrument probe to provide an indication of the presence of a.c. voltage when the test instrument probe approaches or comes in contact with a source of a.c. voltage.
1. A test instrument probe, comprising:
a probe body housing a conductive member, wherein at least a portion of said conductive member defines an electrically conductive probe tip; and
a voltage detector being mounted on the probe body, said voltage detector having means for detecting a voltage, and a voltage indicator responsive to said detected voltage,
wherein said means for detecting a voltage is a sensing element coupled to a detector circuit, said sensing element electrically insulated from said conductive member.
2. A test instrument probe in accordance with claim 1 wherein said sensing element is disposed adjacent said electrically conductive probe tip and insulated therefrom.
3. A combined test instrument probe and voltage detector, comprising:
an elongated probe body having a longitudinal axis;
a conductive member disposed along said longitudinal axis, wherein at least a portion of said conductive member extends from said probe body to define an electrically conductive probe tip; and
a voltage detector disposed in juxtaposition with said conductive member, said voltage detector including means for detecting a voltage, and a voltage indicator responsive to said detected voltage,
wherein said means for detecting a voltage is a sensing element coupled to a detector circuit, said sensing element electrically insulated from said conductive member.
4. A combined test instrument probe and voltage detector in accordance with claim 3 wherein said sensing element is disposed adjacent said electrically conductive probe tip and insulated therefrom.
5. A combined test instrument probe and voltage detector in accordance with claim 4 wherein said means for detecting a voltage is an electrically conductive contacting tip coupled to a detector circuit.