GB2490146A

GB2490146A - Wiring of electrical fittings

Info

Publication number: GB2490146A
Application number: GB201106644A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Avtarjeet Singh Dhanjal
Original assignee: 21 SIMPLE SOLUTIONS Ltd
Current assignee: 21 SIMPLE SOLUTIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2011-04-20
Filing date: 2011-04-20
Publication date: 2012-10-24
Anticipated expiration: 2031-04-20
Also published as: GB2490146B; GB201106644D0

Abstract

A modular connector comprises a connector 01 and a mini plug 02 which fit within a back box. The connector connects to two or more electrical cables 03, and may clip on to and pierce a continuous cable that forms part of electrical ring circuit, and may have a mini socket (02F, Fig 04) to engage with the mini plug. The mini plug has a plug (02M, Fig 04) on one end and a plurality of flexible auxiliary wires 22 with bullet-ends 23 on the other. The bullet ends are suitable to fit into terminal inlets/apertures 46 on the back of electrical sockets, switches and light fittings.

Description

A Modular Connector (Electrical) The present invention pertains to the domain of electrical connectors, particularly, to an electrical accessory to facilitate wiring of electrical fittings to electrical circuit/s or cables. The electrical fittings may include wall sockets, switches, lights and others such.

When buildings were fitted with electrical lights for the first time, the bayonet fitting of an electrical light bulb and bulb holder were an early example of a modular connector. Soon after, several companies started to make electrical devices, such as hair dryers, electric irons etc, which were plugged into electrical lighting sockets and lamp holders, before wall sockets were introduced. These were early versions of modular connectors that made it possible to connect and disconnect an electrical device as and when required.

Since then, many electrical connectors in the electrical, automotive and telephone industry have been developed. A modular connector has an advantage over many other types of connection methods due to its small size and ease of plugging and unplugging when required. Best examples have become part of our everyday life, such as the household electrical plugs and sockets.

Most connectors are divided into male and female counterparts; female part is normally shaped into sockets and invariably the one that provides power and male counterpart is normally called plug and invariably receives/draws power from the female sockets. This assignment is also determined on safety grounds, as a plug with live pins is more dangerous when not in use as opposed to female socket due to its shape is safer to handleltouch etc. Over the years, various types of electrical plugs and sockets having different shapes and sizes have been developed. Various industries also developed their own shapes and sizes of such assemblies according to their need.

Some of the known art in this domain has been discussed below. US Patent No 2,433,917 filed on July 15, 1944, by WJ McCartney is one of the earliest US patent for such a system. . This document discloses that electrical wires terminate into a box, providing a 2 pin female socket that can receive 2 male pins/prongs mounted on back of the socket.

Similarly, US Patent No 6,191,361 issued on February 20, 2001, discloses the design of a mounting box, but not for wiring system. The design discloses that power cables/wires terminate in the mounting box and a plurality of auxiliary wires are connected to back of the electrical sockets. Thus, this reference is different from the present invention as the reference does not provide any simplified terminating arrangement for incoming wires, nor does it provide any simple but flexible plug-in system to connect a socket.

Another reference, US Patent No. 7,572,977 issued on August 11, 2009, discloses a fixing arrangement for mounting boxes within timber studded partition walls. Therefore, this reference simply highlights an auxiliary wiring system for connecting electrical sockets to an electrical supply. Hence, this reference has only indirect relevance to the present invention and so has no bearing on the present invention.

Additionally, US Patent 6,730,844 by Reiker, discloses a simple connection system for power sockets. The system disclosed in US 6,730,844 would not be workable for connection systems in the UK for the following reasons: A. The teachings of this reference require the use of fixed length prongs on the back of the socket plate with the facility to cut through the insulation of conductor wires. To make a reliable connection the prongs will need to be very precise and accurately placed. It is further assumed that the edges of the mounting box to bed the mounting plate will always be absolutely flush with finished surface of the wall. Any discrepancy here can offset the mounting plate and will not make precise cuts into the insulation and will be not make secure connections.

B. The design of the Reiker invention offers no flexibility as provided in the present invention by using auxiliary wires. The present invention takes into account different construction methods, such as the methods used in the UK and elsewhere. Methods such as building the mounting boxes into the Thermalite block or brick walls, where finished plastering thickness can always vary. If the finished wall is only few millimeters thicker than the end of the mounting box, any of the inventions, referred in abovementioned prior art documents, would not make satisfactory connections.

The following documents are also relevant to the present invention: 1. US Patent 7,160,147 BI of Jan 9,2007 by Stephan 2. US Patent 7,767,905 B2 of Aug 3,2010 by Meyer 3. GB 2445110 Dated 25.06.2008 Schneider Electric Limited 4. GB 2454320 Dated 06.05.2009 Schneider Electric Limited 5. US Patent 7,052,313 B2 of May 30, 2006 by Gorman 6. US Patent 4,842,551 of June 27, 1989 by Heimann 7. GB 2430087 Dated 14.03.2007 Schneider Electric Limited Inventions referred in documents 1-4 offer the provision of terminating the supply cables/wires using a modular (male/female) plug system outside the mounting box; these outside connections are probably suitable where system uses trunking for wiring in office buildings but become inaccessible in tradition construction where plastering covers to finish around the mounting boxes. The present invention, however, provides these connections within the mounting box, thus making these connections accessible at any time later (e.g. after plastering) if problem arises.

Inventions referred in documents 5-6 adopt a system where the power ring/circuit gets completed only by first going into either the socket itself or through a secondary plate (as shown in US 7,052,313 B). Invention referred in documents 1-7 the connection methods disclosed, all introduce additional intermediatory hardware/entities thus adding additional connections, on the way to completing electrical circuit/s. Such entities, are forbidden in the scientific discipline under a dictum knows as Occam's razor; which says "entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity" (entia non stint multiplicanda praeter necessitatem). Whereas the present invention takes the electrical supply cables directly to the central connector (i.e. called the modular connector in the claims) without introducing additional entities or connections, reducing chances of future problems that may arise at these links/connections. In one embodiment of the present invention the modular connector is simply clamped upon a continuous cable, without cutting it into pieces. Simplicity in electrical design is the golden rule.

The termination of supply cables/wires within the mounting boxes, the use of simplified plug-in system of connection on one end of the auxiliary wires and suitable bullet-ends on the other is the most suitable, reliable and flexible, method of connecting UK sockets (and similar connections around the world), and is provided by the present invention, and is not disclosed or suggested in any of the

abovementioned prior art documents.

Terms such as wire/s cable/s, socket/s plug/s are very generic terms, but for purpose of this invention, reference to wires, cables, sockets, plugs and others terms applicable particularly but not exclusively in context of electrical fittings used in domestic and commercial buildings, where normal 230 volts power supply is permitted in UK and some other countries may have different voltage as standard electrical supply, has been provided below.

Wire is a single or multiple strands woven into a single rope/string of metal conductor/s bare or covered with a protective layer of insulation material; Cable is a plurality of wires packed in a protective sheathing of a harder material to protect internal wires from damage when installed in an unprotected environment such as under timber floors, in studded partitions or in ceilings without need for any additional protection; Flexible Wire is normally manufactured using several fine conductor wires like a string/rope within an insulating cover to make it more flexible and the insulation material used is more flexible; Electrical Socket an electrical outlet, power point usually fitted in walls of a building with a configuration of a plurality of receiving apertures suitable to receive a standard power/electrical plug of a configuration that may vary from industry to industry and from country to country. This configuration of electrical plug/s and socket/s may also vary within a country from one particular situation to another; Consumer Unit also known as Distribution Box is a box normally located next to electricity meter in a building at entry point of power supply to buildings. Its function is what its name says to distribute power supply via various channels/circuits in to the building. It normally houses several fuses/Residual-current devices (RODs), one for each channel/circuit that starts from the box and ends in the box; Mounting Box is normally installed either within a wall or on the surface, may be made of metal, plastic, wood or of another material suitable to mount/host an electrical socket, switch or plurality of such fitting/s; Ring/Circuit a term used in context of wiring ring/circuit that starts from distribution box and ends in distribution box, completing the ring/circuit. Each building may have more than one circuits/channels for power and lighting. System is a regulatory requirement in UK and others. Many other countries use different systems, but in this documents, terms ring or circuit include all such wiring systems Spur is a wire/cable used to extend power supply from an electrical circuit to a point that is not included in planned power circuit or for some safety reasons; electrical engineer/electrician chose to add an additional fitting on the spur; First Fix (Rough phase) is a term used in building industry for installing first essentials such as cables for electric installations. This term is also used in other operations in the process of building such as plumbing and joinery work; Second Fix (Make-up phase) is used again in building industry when power sockets/switches/lights are installed; Modular Connector is a commonly used term for hardware that has male and female parts of a connector to extend electrical signals between two parts often connected to suitable wires/cables or to a fitting. In relation to present invention, a connector connects two ends of cable that forms part of electrical circuit/ring to complete the circuit. The Modular Connector may also have a plurality of female socket/s allowing one or more male plug/s to draw electrical power to connect to a fitting such as wall socket/switch or any other fitting; and Mini Plug & Mini Socket, these terms are used here for small specially designed plug and socket, suitable to reside within the limited space available with a mounting box. One of the functions of the Mini Plug and mini socket is to draw power from the socket to the plug then extending these electrical signals through a plurality of auxiliary wires. Since the Mini Plug and mini socket are to be used in a protected environment and will not made available independently to be used elsewhere, it will not have any fuse fitted to it. The number, shape, form and sizes of the apertures and prongs are for illustration only and may change to any other number, shape, form and sizes as necessary.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an electrical connector for connecting electrical fittings to a power circuit/wires, the modular connector comprising: a modular connector, wherein the modular connector is directly connected to the power circuit; and a mini plug, wherein the Mini Plug is electrically connectable to the modular connector; wherein the Mini Plug using plurality of wires with bullet-ends to connect into one or more terminal inlets in an electrical fitting.

According to another aspect, the modular connector couples between the ends of two or more cables within a mounting box, wherein the metal connectors are nested within the body of the Modular connector and are arranged in a sequence, wherein the sequence corresponds to the arrangement of wires in a flat sheathed cable. This ensures that that no individual wire needs to be crossed-over. Such arrangement is important for the continuous flow electric current without the possibility of any short circuits. The arrangement is also essential for providing simple and secure connections.

According to another aspect, the modular connector couples between the ends of two or more cables within a mounting box, thereby completing the power circuit; and the modular connector provides opportunity for testing of the power circuit before plastering covers the cables.

The modular connector can be fitted in a mounting box, or may simply reside in the empty space within the mounting box.

S

The modular connector can be fitted on a continuous cable not passing through a mounting box with or without a protective enclosure. Such an arrangement may be necessary in circumstances where auxiliary wires are used to extend electrical signals to a light or other fitting that doesn't need a mounting box.

According to another aspect of the invention, the modular connector can comprise one or more mini sockets, wherein the one or more mini sockets are connectable to the Mini Plug (02M).

The modular connector connected between the one or more cables allows completion of the power circuits for continuous flow of electric current whether or not the electrical fitting is connected or has been installed.

The one or more cables can be connected to the modular connector by securing bare ends of conductors with screws or a push-in method.

The one or more cables can be connected to modular connector by placing un-stripped wire ends into a plurality of metal connectors using a plurality of screws, the plurality of screws are arranged to penetrate through the wire insulations and forms a safe and secure connection.

The design of this invention allows manufacturing of the components in factory controlled precision of secure and stable connections at the interface between supply cables and Modular Connector; between modular connector and the mini plug; interface and between Mini Plug and the electrical sockets, using tight fit components; whereas single core conductors/wires connected directly to the fittings in traditional connection method (used presently in UK and many other countries) tend to get loose while installers try to manipulate the fittings during embedding process.

The advantages of having a modular connector are to allow power circuit/s to be completed and tested before plaster covers over cables. This permits any faulty piece of cables to be replaced at any stage. In addition, having secure and stable connections at each point may be an advantage in situations where continuous vibrations may cause loosening of connections (e.g. buildings close to railway tracks, airports and sites close to heavy machinery) as is with traditional method of wiring of sockets and switches. The modular connector enables hard cables to be connected such that a continuous circuit is established in domestic and commercial buildings.

The Mini Plug is able to plug-in and plug-out of the modular connector without any interruption to flow on power circuits provided by the one or more cables connected to the modular connector.

The modular connector can be arranged such that installers can connect a Mini Plug before bedding an electrical fitting during the second fix.

The Mini Plug and plurality of wires can be connected and secured in the one or more terminal inlets of the electrical fitting, before plugging the Mini Plug into the mini socket that forms part of the modular connector installed on a power circuit.

The plurality of wires can be connected and secured in one or more terminal inlets of the electrical fitting before plugging the Mini Plug directly into the mini socket.

In another aspect of the invention, the Mini Plug can be replaced with a plurality of individual wires with formed ends for extending power signals.

The modular connector may allow hard cables, those that are difficult to bend/manipulate, to end and/or terminate within a mounting box directly into the modular connector, to allow any future access.

There are various advantages associated with the aspects of the invention described above. For example! the modular connector provides a reliable method for connecting two ends of cable/s, enables continuation of electrical signals and completing the circuitlring. The modular connector may be a snap on unit with provision to penetrate through insulation/s of a continuous cable saving any need of cutting the cable to make connection/s. The modular connector also provides one or more connection possibilities either in the form of mini socket/s to receive mini plug/s to extend electrical signals using plurality of auxiliary wires. Alternatively, the modular connector may allow a plurality of individual auxiliary wires to extend electrical signals instead of using a mini plug.

The mini plug, with a plurality of auxiliary wires, may be installed by electrician/s during the second fix of building work. Plugging the Mini Plug to the modular connector may be the last job of an electrician in installation of electrical fittings. Plugging of the Mini Plug can be performed once other bullet ends of the wires are already connected and secured to respective apertures/inlets behind Sockets/Switches and light fittings. Plugging the Mini Plug to the modular connector may be safely performed by an electrician even while power is already switched on and electrical circuit may be live, since in most cases, these flexible wires are fitted into a suitable Mini Plug by manufacturers. Alternatively, Mini Plug may be designed to be safe to handle with bare hands without danger of getting an electric shock. The method of using auxiliary wires provides flexibility, in case the socket plate needs to be bedded little higher than edges of a mounting box.

The bullet ends mounted at loose ends of auxiliary wires may be designed to fit tight into inlets/apertures at the back of sockets to make secure and stable connections, where tightening of usual screws in the inlets become optional for additional safety.

The abovementioned features and advantages helps overcome one of the problems of the difficulty of manipulating single core metal conductors for wiring of electrical sockets switches and light fittings.

The modular connector allows the two end of cable a continuous connection to form Ring Main or any such configuration of wiring before any of the fittings such as electrical sockets are to be installed on the Ring. The modular connector also provides an opportunity for testing of the completed Ring Main at the point of the First Fix (known as Rough Phase in the US), before the electrical cables are covered over with plasterboards or wet plastering or any other such finishing method.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which: FIG. I a plan view depicting components of the present invention used with a UK double socket used here as an example; FIG. 2 Elevation view of the invention shown nested in the left corner of the mounting box; FIG. 3 depicts a view of a logical sequence of the metal connectors (IlL, 1 IE & uN) so that no individual wires needs tocross overwhen connecting; the metal connectors (ilL, lIE & uN) are nested within the plastic body of the Modular Connector (01); FIG. 4 depicts another angle of the preceding fig, the Mini Plug expressing along with three auxiliary wires and bullet-ends; FIG. 5 depicts clip-on version of the connector FIG. 06 depicts clip-on version in parts, with view of the cable.

FIG. 07 depicts a Connector having only one cable that ends/terminates in mounting box.

Detailed Description

Other arrangements and embodiments, advantages and features thereof, may become apparent

from the following detailed description.

The present invention helps complete the Electrical Ring Main at the point of First Fix (Roughing Phase as known in the US) of building construction. Using the modular connector (01), it is possible to connect and test at the point before the cables are covered over by plaster; plus to allow a simple and safe connection from modular connector to the Sockets, Switches and other fittings, with a simple plug-in system, using the Mini Plug (02).

Referring particularly to the drawings, the present invention a modular connector' comprises of two interconnecting components of hardware together namely, Modular Connector (01) and Mini Plug (02).

Fig. 1 of the present invention shows a plan view in situ placed inside a mounting box for a UK Double Electrical Socket (04) used here as an example. Two electrical cable ends (03) terminate into Modular Connector (01). Here, Modular Connector (01) acts as a coupler between two cable ends (03).

In addition, the Modular Connector (01) is connected to mini socket (02F), creating a provision for a Mini Plug (02M) to couple and to draw electrical power. Three flexible auxiliary wires (22E, 22N, 22L) are connected to the body of Mini Plug (02M) on one end and three bullet-ends on the other. Auxiliary wires (22E, 22N, 22L) are connected to inlets/apertures (46E, 46N, 46L) behind a double UK electrical socket (04) used as an illustration. Auxiliary wires (22L, 22E and 22N) may also connect in similar fashion to a switch (04A), a light fitting or a like.

In various embodiments of present invention, the modular connector (01) may use a number of connection methods. Some of these methods include, but are not limited to: traditional method of bare-end conductors held with screws, establishing connection/s using penetrating metal screws through insulation/s of the individual wires/cables; a bare-end push-in connection system where no screws are required, but the conductors are held with a spring action; and, in the case of new wiring in addition to above methods, a clamp-on embodiment of the modular connector, comprising a number of pins penetrating through insulation/s of wires/cables (03) without any need to cut the cable/s (03) into smaller sections may be used.

Fig 2 is a side elevation view of electrical socket (04) with metal box (05). Modular Connector (01) is placed in the lower corner of metal box (05). Also, a plurality of flexible auxiliary wires (22E, 22N, 22L) connecting Modular Connector (01) via a Mini Plug (02M) on one end and suitable bullet endings (23) on other end of each wire (22), are shown inserted in to inlets/apertures (46L, 46N, 46E) of electrical socket (04) in this example.

Fig. 3 depicts the modular connector (01) wherein the metal connectors (ilL, 1 1E & uN) are nested within the plastic body of the Modular connector (01) and are arranged in a logical sequence.

The logical sequence can be the same as the sequence of wires in a flat sheathed cable, so that no individual wire needs to be crossed-over. Such arrangement is important for the continuous flow electric current without the possibility of any short circuits. The logical arrangement is also essential for providing simple and secure connections. Material used for making the metal connectors (IlL, lIE & uN) is a metal nested within a plastic body. In this the mini socket (02F) is located on the top of the modular connector (01) Fig. 3 also depicts a view of the Mini Plug (02M) with three auxiliary wires (22) and bullet-ends (23), a logical arrangement of three metal connectors (1 1L, liE & 1 IN), with a provision of receiving three wires (32L, 32E & 32N), are be held with the help of a plurality of screws (13L, 13E & 13N) to form a through connection between the two ends of cable (03), as illustrated.

Fig. 4 depicts the Modular Connector (01) shows mini socket (02F) located on the right side of the modular connector, wherein three apertures (18L, 18E & 18N)to receive three respective prongs (21N, 21E & 21N) from Mini Plug (02M). Mini Plug (02M) can easily couple and de-couple with mini socket (02F)to draw electrical signals from Modular Connector (01).

Figs. 5 & 6 depict the clip-on / clamp-on version of the modular connector, which is also made of two interconnecting parts (OIc) and (02c). Part one (OIc) is shaped like a saddle to receive 3 unsheathed wires/conductors (32N, 32E & 32N). The Fig. 6 depicts a continuous cable (03), part of sheathing insulation of the cable (03) removed, where second part clamp-on connector (02c) fit.

This Fig. also depicts part two (02c), that is like a clip/clamp that is made to clip on to the saddle (01c) with 3 conductors (32N, 32E & 32N) running through. This clip-on part (02c) has a plurality of locking clips to fit to saddle part (0 Ic) holding 3 conductors (32L, 32E & 32L) in place. This part has 3 screws (I3L, 13E & 13N) on the top part aligned with 3 conductors. The screws i3L and 13N are designed to connect by penetrating through the insulations of the Live (32L) and Neutral (32N) wires respectively and screw i3E directly on the Earth wire (32E). These screws also connect the 3 auxiliary wire-end (22L, 22E & 22N) to the 3 conductors (32N, 32E & 32N) to make electrical connections to draw electrical signals to the electrical fittings, as these auxiliary wires (22L, 22E & 22N) may be connected to.

The Modular connector (01) may be connected to un-stripped wire ends using a plurality of pins of suitable shape (not shown in any figures). The plurality of pins can be arranged to penetrate through the wire insulations using a cramping tool or any other method of driving the pins to form secure connections.

In this clip-on version of the modular connector the installer has the option to tighten the 3 screws (13L, 13E & 13W) to connect with 3 conductors (32W, 32E & 32N) as the last job before irnbedding a socket, switch or such other fittings in place on the mounting box.

As shown in Fig. 7, Modular Connector (01) may also be used in a situation where only one cable (03) may end/terminate in metal box (05).This may be the case when an electrical socket is connected at the end of a spur extension or in a switch where only one cable may terminate.

ln another embodiment of the modular connector (01), the earthing wires part of cables (03) may be connected directly at an earthing point in the Mounting Box, where such a point is provided, using a suitable connecting method; and the Mini Plug (02M) may have only two terminals live and neutral to extend electrical current to socket/s (04).

The modular connector (01) may have the plurality of auxiliary wires permanently connected/ embedded to respective terminals within the modular connector (01), and the auxiliary wires may have a female plug on other end to extend electrical signals safely to an electrical socket (04) or switch (04a) or another such fitting that is designed to receive such a connection.

Alternatively, in place of Mini Plug (02M), a plurality of individual wires with suitable endings may be used for coupling and drawing power from socket (02F). In addition, Modular Connector (01) may be modified to receive more than one Mini Plug (02M). Further, provision may be created within Modular Connector (01) to connect/end/terminate more than two ends of the cable (03) as a need may arise in certain situations, such as creating a spur to power another electrical socket off the main ring/circuit.

Some of the advantages of the present invention include, but are not limited to: providing additional safety and convenience to electricians and other network installers; power circuit or channel may be completed, switched-on and tested whether any of electrical fitting on the way have been installed or not; an electrical fitting may be connected or disconnected at any time without disturbing the power circuit; if an electrical fitting needs replacement at anytime later, it may be safely done while power is still on, as each power socket is simply plugged into the power circuit; may speed up work of installations by electricians and save time; save on the cable, as the prior systems require electricians to leave tail cables that are sometimes several inches long; no need to leave tails; create safer and longer lasting connections even in environments where the buildings are under continuous impact of vibrations such as near the railway tracks, airports and industrial sites with heavy machinery.

ln addition, the present invention saves on the material and labour required for establishing electrical connections. In case new construction and of total rewiring, clip-on version of modular connector allows the installation of continuous cable without cutting but it continues in one long piece back to the consumer unit where it started and the clip-on modular connector makes a connection where needed. As a result, waste of material (generally copper wire) is almost zero. For electricians, once the modular connector/s are installed during the first fix, the rest of the installation process is simplified by use of the plug in system. Also, maintenance of electrical installations is also reduced to a minimum, since most connections are simplified and made to fit tight leaving very little chance of any connection becoming loose. The advantages clearly show that the present invention is environmental friendly as it saves on material and on installation and later maintenance.

Lastly, it should also be noted whilst the present invention sets out particular combinations of features described herein, the scope of the invention is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features herein disclosed. In particular, features of any embodiment or arrangement described herein may be combined with features of any other embodiments that are herein disclosed.

Further it should also be noted whilst the location, shape, and the shape of the apertures in the mini socket, and the corresponding prongs of the mini plug are shown here for illustration only, and may change to any suitable combinations of these features of both parts of the hardware.

Claims

Claims A modular connector for connecting an electrical fitting to electrical cables! circuits, the modular connector comprising: a modular connector (01), wherein the modular connector (01) is directly connected to the power circuit!s has built-in mini socket!s (02F) to receive mini plug!s (02M); and a Mini Plug (02), wherein a plug (02M) is electrically connectable to the modular connector (01); wherein the plug (02M) is connected to a plurality of wires (22) with bullet-ends (23) for connecting into one or more terminal inlets (46) in an electrical fitting.
2. The modular connector in accordance with claim 1 wherein: the power circuit is provided by one or more cables (03), wherein the one or more cables (03) are connected to the modular connector (01) within a mounting box.
3. The modular connector in accordance with claim I or 2 wherein: the modular connector (01) couples between the ends of two or more cables (03), thereby completing the power circuit and wherein the modular connector (01) allows testing of the power circuit before plastering covers the cables (03).
4. The modular connector in accordance with claim 3, the modular connector (01) couples between the ends of two or more cables, wherein the metal connectors (11 L, 11 E & 11 N) nested within the plastic body of the Modular connector (01) are arranged in a logical sequence, as the wires in a flat sheathed cable are arranged, so that no individual wire needs to be crossed-over, such providing simple and secure connections.
5. The modular connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein: another embodiment of the connector (01) may clip on to a continuous electric cable (03) or on to a plurality of wires, (whether wires are sheathed or not) using plurality of penetrating screws (13) or a plurality of suitable pins to make connections through the insulation!s and draw electrical signals.
6. The modular connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the modular connector (01) may be fitted or simply resides within the cavity of a mounting box (05).
7. The modular connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the modular connector (01) is fitted on a continuous cable, wherein the continuous cable does not pass through a mounting box (05) and may have a protective enclosure.
8. The modular connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the modular connector (01) comprises one or more mini sockets (02F), wherein the one or more mini sockets (02F) are connectable to the Mini Plug (02M).
9. The modular connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, the modular connector (01) comprising one or more mini sockets (02 F); wherein: the shape, form and numberof apertures (18) and corresponding prongs (21) arefor illustration onlyand maychange to any other shape!s, form!s and numbers as necessary.
10. The modular connector in accordance with any one of claims ito 5 further comprising:: one or more mini sockets, wherein the one or more mini sockets (02F) are electrically coupled to the modular connector (01) and are connectable to the Mini Plug (02M).
11. The modular connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the electrical fitting is an electrical socket (04) or an electrical switch or an electrical light or other such.
12. The modular connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the electrical fitting is directly connectable to the plurality of wires (22) or a female plug terminating the plurality of wires (22).
13. The modular connector in accordance with any one of claims 2 to 10 wherein: the modular connector (01) connected between the one or more cables (03) allows completion of the power circuits for continuous flow of electric current whether or not the electrical fitting is connected or has been installed.
14. The modular connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the one or more cables (03) are connected to the modular connector (01) by securing bare ends of conductors with screws (13) or a push-in method held in place with a spring action.
15. The modular connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the one or more cables (03) are connected to modular connector (01) by placing un-stripped wire ends into a plurality of metal connectors (ilL, I IE & I IN) using a plurality of screws (13L, 13E & 13N), the plurality of screws (13L, 13E & 13N) are arranged to penetrate through wire insulations to form safe and secure connection.
16. The modular connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the one or more cables (03) are connected to the modular connector (01) by placing un-stripped wire ends into a plurality of metal connectors (IlL, lIE & 11 N) using a plurality of pins, , wherein the plurality of pins are arranged to penetrate through wire insulations.
17. The modular connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the Mini Plug (02M) is able to plug-in and plug-out of the modular connector (01) without any interruption to flow on power circuits provided by the one or more cables (03) connected to the modular connector (01).
18. The modular connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the modular connector (01) is arranged such that installers can connect a single Mini Plug (02M) before bedding the electrical fitting.
19. A method of connecting the electrical connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the Mini Plug (02M) is installed during the second fix.
20. A method of connecting the modular connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the Mini Plug (02M) and plurality of wires (22) are connected and secured in the one or more terminal inlets (46) of the electrical fitting, before plugging the Mini Plug (02M) into the mini socket (02F) that forms part of the modular connector installed on a power circuit.
21. A method of connecting the modular connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the plurality of wires (22) are connected and secured in one or more terminal inlets (46) of the electrical fitting before plugging the Mini Plug (02M) directly into the mini socket (02F).
22. The modular connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: replacing the Mini Plug (02M) with a plurality of individual wires with formed ends for extending power signals.
2$. A method of manufacturing the electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method uses tight fit components to provide secure and stable connections at each interface between the supply cables and the Modular Connector (01), between the modular connector and the Mini Plug (02M); and between the Mini Plug and the electrical sockets.
24. An apparatus constructed and arranged to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A Modular Connector -an electrical accessory, designed to serve two functions: a. To connect one or more wires (03) or sets of wires, those may form part of an Electrical Mains Ring or other such electrical wiring, and to allow the Mains Ring to be completed and tested before an electrical accessory/fitting is installed.b. To extend electrical signals from the connector (01) to an electrical fitting/accessary (04) such as a socket, switch or others, by using a plurality of auxiliary wires/conductors (22) to reach and connect to its input points (46).Additionaly, to allow function b to be performed in a flexible manner, where the connection/s between the electrical mains (03) and the accessory/ies (04) may be turned on and off as and when needed.2. According to claim 1, function a' may be performed by the Modular Connector (01), wherein it is directly connected to the electrical cables of the power circuit/s using a variety of connection methods, such as: 1 5 a. plurality of conductors (03) held and connected to the linear connector/s (11) by a traditional method -using screws (13) on bare ends conductors (03), b. plurality of conductors (03) held and connected to the linear connector/s (11), where "V" bare-end conductors are held by spring action built-in the linear connector/s c. plurality of un-striped/insulated conductor ends held and connected to the linear connector/s (11), using penetrating screws or pins, d. in another variation of the Modular Connector (01), it may clips on to the un-sheathed "V part of the main cable (03) and then connects to the conductors using penetrating screws through conductor insulation/s.3. According to claim 1, function b may be performed: On one end plurality of flexible auxiliary wires connect to the Modular Connector -a. using a mini socket/s (02F) and corresponding mini plug/s (02M), b. in another variation of the Modular Connector, these auxiliary wires/conductors may permanently be connected to the Modular Connector as shown in FIG 05, as this version of the Modular Connector (01) have the facility using penetrating screws (13) to connect on and off the electrical signals as needed.On the other end of the plurality of flexible auxiliary wires/conductors (22) connect to the electrical accessory/ies (04) using -a. plurality of wires (22) fitted with bullet-ends (23) made to fit tight to terminals/inlets (46) in an electrical fitting/s (04).b. In one variation of the Modular Connector the plurality of auxiliary wires (22), may be fitted with a female plug that may slide frictionally over to suitable male prongs, where such facility is provided within a fitting.4. The Modular Connector in accordance with claim 2 wherein: the power circuit is provided by one or more cables (03), wherein the one or more cables (03) are connected to the Modular Connector (01) within a mounting box.5. The Modular Connector in accordance with claim 1 or 2 wherein: the Modular Connector (01) couples between the ends of two or more cables (03), thereby completing the power circuit and allows testing of the power circuit before plastering covers the cables (03).6. The Modular Connector in accordance with claim 2, the Modular Connector (01) couples between the ends of two or more cables, wherein the metal connectors (11 L, 11 E & 11 N) nested within the plastic body of the Modular Connector (01) are arranged in a logical sequence! as the wires in a flat sheathed cable are arranged, so that no individual wire needs to be crossed-over, such providing simple and secure connections.7. The Modular Connector in accordance with claim 2, wherein: another embodiment of the connector (01) may clip on to a continuous electric cable (03) or on to a plurality of wires, (whether wires are sheathed or not) using plurality of penetrating screws (13) or a plurality of (055 suitable pins to make connections through the insulation/s and draw electrical signals.0 8. The Modular Connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the Modular Connector (01) may be fitted or simply resides within the cavity of a mounting box r (05).9. The Modular Connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the Modular Connector (01) is fitted on a continuous cable, wherein the continuous cable may not pass through a mounting box (05) but may have a protective enclosure.10. The Modular Connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the Modular Connector (01) comprises one or more mini sockets (02F), wherein the one or more mini sockets (02F) are connectable to the Mini Plug (02M).11. The Modular Connector in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising:: one or more mini sockets, wherein the one or more mini sockets (02F) are electrically coupled to the Modular Connector (01) and are connectable to the Mini Plug (02M).12. The Modular Connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the electrical fitting is an electrical socket (04) or an electrical switch or an electrical light or other such.13. The Modular Connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the electrical fitting is directly connectable to the plurality of wires (22) or a female plug terminating the plurality of wires (22).14. The Modular Connector in accordance with any one of claims 2 to 10 wherein: the Modular Connector (01) connected between the one or more cables (03) allows completion of the power circuits for continuous flow of electric current whether or not the electrical fitting is connected or has been installed.15. The Modular Connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the Mini Plug (02M) is able to plug-in and plug-out of the Modular Connector (01) without any interruption to flow of electrical signals.16. The Modular Connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the Modular Connector (01) is arranged such that installers can connect the Mini Plug (02M) before bedding the electrical fitting.1 7. A method of connecting the electrical connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: the Mini Plug (02M) is instaUed during the second fix what is known as Make up Phase in the US..1 8. A method of connecting the Modular Connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the Mini Plug (02M) and plurality of auxiliary wires (22) are connected and secured in the one or more terminal inlets (46) of an electrical fitting, before plugging the Mini Plug (02M) into the mini socket (02F) that forms part of the Modular Connector installed on a power circuit.19. The Modular Connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein: a C plurality of auxiliary wires permanently connected to the body for extending electrical signals.(as expressed in Fig 5-6) 20. A method of manufacturing the electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method uses tight fit components to provide secure and stable connections at each interface between the supply cables and the Modular Connector (01), between the Modular Connector and the Mini Plug (02M); and between the Mini Plug and the electrical sockets.21. An apparatus constructed and arranged to operate substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.