AU2008205446A1

AU2008205446A1 - Mounting box for electrical wiring accessories and assemblies and installations including such mounting box

Info

Publication number: AU2008205446A1
Application number: AU2008205446A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Purdie Baker; Keith Wray Ball
Original assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Current assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Priority date: 2007-09-28
Filing date: 2008-08-14
Publication date: 2009-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 2028-08-14
Also published as: NZ570543A; GB0814345D0; AU2008205446B2; GB2453201A; GB2453201B; GB0718932D0

Description

Pool Secton 29 Regulation 3.2(2) AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application Number: Lodged: Invention Title: Mounting box for electrical wiring accessories and assemblies and installations including such mounting box The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: P111ABAU/1207 1 MOUNTING BOX FOR ELECTRICAL WIRING ACCESSORIES AND ASSEMBLIES AND INSTALLATIONS INCLUDING SUCH MOUNTING BOX 5 The invention relates to electrical wiring accessories, in particular to accessories accompanied by a plastic or metal flush wall mounting box for installation into walls with internal cavities such as dry-lining walls constructed of plasterboard or other materials. 10 Mounting boxes for fitting electrical accessories such as power outlet sockets/light switches and the like are well known. These boxes are fitted into either a solid brick or plastered wall, or a hollow plasterboard, or similar style wall. In the case of solid walls, the boxes are usually fixed by 15 means of screws into the wall through the rear wall of the box. In the case of plasterboard hollow walls, some form of flexible clip or bracket is used to grip the rear of the wall board, the box being inserted into the wall from the front. The accessory with its facia is then connected to wiring and fitted into the mounting box, covering the front of the box and being 20 secured, typically with a pair of standard screws. This approach to installation can be time consuming. For large commercial installations, there is nowadays the option to use pre-fabricated wiring with plugged connections, for example of the 25 WIELAND GESIS @ type. The advantage is that the final installation work can be performed more quickly and, to some extent, by less skilled personnel than conventional wiring installation. Testing of the connections can largely be performed at the factory.

2 Particularly when a building is being constructed or re-fitted, there is relatively easy access to the interiors cavities of walls, floors and ceilings. Nevertheless, the known accessory/mounting box designs all require a relatively labour-intensive process of fitting of the open mounting box, 5 connecting the accessory electrically and screwing the accessory into place over the box opening. While plastic quick-fit alternatives might be considered, experience with the clip-in type of mounting box mentioned above suggests that such solutions are not robust enough to provide the desirable high levels of ruggedness, security and safety. 10 With the introduction of plug and play electrical systems the philosophy of minimal installation time, and low skill level has been promoted and adopted. The skill level required for installation has been reduced with the use of cable and plug, and cable and socket assemblies. These 15 assemblies are connected between devices to form circuits and finally an electrical installation. It is accordingly an object of the invention to enable the provision of an electrical wiring accessory and mounting box, which is suitable for fitting to 20 a hollow wall and which provides a rugged and secure mounting while achieving a significant labour saving over known systems. The terms "front", "forward" and "rear" are used below as if the accessory is in place in a wall, facing towards a user, and should be interpreted figuratively when the assembly is not mounted, or is mounted in a floor or ceiling, for 25 example. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting box for mounting an electrical wiring accessory in an aperture in a panel, the mounting box comprising: 3 first and second retaining means for engaging a rear surface of the panel at first and second peripheral locations disposed on opposite sides of the aperture, wherein the first and second retaining means are deployable 5 retractably at the first and second peripheral locations and are resiliently biased towards the deployed position. This permits the mounting box to be fitted to a suitably sized aperture by firstly aligning the mounting box with the aperture such that the first and 10 second retaining means engage the front of the panel, then pushing the mounting box into the aperture such that the first and second retaining means are moved to the retracted position to allow the mounting box to pass through the aperture. Once the mounting box has passed through the aperture the first and second retaining means are biased back towards 15 the deployed position so as to prevent removal of the mounting box from the aperture. This idea offers a solution to the installation of a wiring accessory and mounting box assembly pre-assembled off-site, which may be factory 20 sealed and tested, without the need to disassemble it during installation, the box and accessory being able to be secured in said panel as a unit. The first and second retaining means may pivot between the retracted position and the deployed position. Alternatively, the first and second 25 retaining means may slide between the retracted position and the deployed position. Said first and second retaining means may be operable to prevent removal of said mounting box unless said electrical wiring accessory is removed 30 initially.

4 The first and second retaining means may be configured such that, in the deployed state, the first and second retaining means each provide a clamping surface which is substantially parallel to the rear surface of the 5 panel. The first and second retaining means may be adjustable to allow for different panel thicknesses. The first and second retaining means may be slidably mounted within the mounting box such that the first and second 10 retaining means may slide between a first position towards the rear of the box and a second position towards the front of the box. Where the first and second retaining means are slidably mounted within the mounting box, the first and second retaining means may also include holding means for holding the first and second retaining means in a position between the 15 first and second positions. The mounting box may also include means for adjusting the position of the first and second retaining means. 20 The first and second retaining means may include a threaded bore which is adapted to receive a screw, or the like. The threaded bore may be adapted to engage with a screw of said electrical wiring accessory, said screw for connecting said electrical wiring accessory to said mounting box, such that, on turning said screw of said electrical wiring accessory the 25 threaded bore receives said screw and the first and second retaining means slide between the first position and the second position., This allows the adjustment of said first and second retaining means from outside the electrical accessory even when installed, without need to access behind the panel, by causing them to be pulled upwards and 30 engage the rear surface of the panel. Also, should the accessory be 5 attached to the mounting box subsequent to installation of the mounting box in the panel, then this arrangement enables said first and second retaining means to be adjusted to engage the panel at the same time as the electrical accessory is being attached to the mounting box. 5 Alternatively, the threaded bore may be adapted to engage with a separate screw which is externally operable from the mounting box. The first and second retaining means may comprise a housing member which includes the threaded bore. The housing member is slidably 10 mounted within the mounting box. The mounting box may include slot portions which are adapted to receive corresponding edge portions of the housing member therein. The housing member may house provide a pivot point for the retaining 15 means. The housing member may house resilient biasing means for biasing the retaining means towards the deployed position. 20 The resilient biasing means may include one or more spring members. The first and second retaining means may also include means for manually retracting the retaining means from the deployed position. This allows the mounting box to be removed from the aperture. The means for 25 manually retracting the retaining means may include one or more protrusions, such that the protrusion may be engaged by a tool. The mounting box may further comprise first and second flange portions for engaging a front surface of the panel. The first and second flange 6 portions being located at a distance ahead of the first and second retaining means, respectively, The mounting box may further comprise at least one connector for making 5 a plugged connection with wiring behind the panel. The connector may be located on an alternate side of the mounting box from the first and second retaining means. Alternatively, the connector may be located behind one of the first or second retaining means. The connector may be adapted for direct pluggable connection to the accessory, when the latter is mounted 10 on the front side of the box. Alternatively, the connector may be connectable to the accessory by short wiring. The at least one connector may be suitable for power connection, communication connection or both. When the connector is located on a top side of the mounting box, it is 15 necessary to rotate the mounting box into the aperture, as described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention. In this case the mounting box may have first and second side walls extending perpendicularly from said first and second flange portions respectively, at least the second side wall being chamfered to provide clearance for said 20 rotation. The first and second retaining means may be located on said first and second side walls respectively. Where said mounting box is rectangular in shape, said first and second side walls extend along the opposing longer sides of said mounting box. In one embodiment said first side wall is the top side wall and said second side wall is the bottom side 25 wall of said mounting box. The first and second flange portions may form parts of a continuous peripheral flange. Either flange portion may be interrupted, without detracting from its function. 30 7 There may be provided more than one first and second flange portion, spaced along a length of the mounting box. The mounting box may be provided as a single unit with a wiring 5 accessory. There may be provided more than one first and second retaining means, spaced along the length of the mounting box. 10 According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel, the wall panel comprising a suitably dimensioned aperture for receiving the electrical wiring assembly, the electrical wiring assembly comprising a mounting box as claimed in the first aspect of the invention with an 15 electrical wiring accessory at least partly pre-installed thereto, the method comprising the steps of: aligning the mounting box with the aperture such that the first and second retaining means engage the front of the panel; and pushing the electrical wiring assembly and mounting box into the 20 aperture such that the first and second retaining means are firstly moved to the retracted position to allow the mounting box to pass through the aperture and secondly biased back towards the deployed position to prevent removal of the assembly from the aperture. 25 The method may comprise the further step of adjusting the position of the first and second retaining means to engage the rear surface of the panel. The step of adjusting the position of the first and second retaining means to engage the rear surface of the panel may be carried out by screwing the 30 electrical assembly to the mounting box.

8 The method may comprise the further step of connecting wiring to the mounting box. The step of connecting wiring to the mounting box may include plugging a wiring connector into the mounting box. 5 Where the method comprises the further step of plugging a wiring connector into the mounting box, the step of aligning the mounting box with the aperture such that the first and second retaining means engage the front of the panel may also comprise the additional step of holding the 10 assembly at an angle such that the plugged connector is behind the panel and the first and second retaining means are in front of the panel. In this case, the step of pushing the electrical wiring assembly and mounting box into the aperture includes pivoting the assembly around a point adjacent the plugged connector. 15 The method may comprise the initial step of preparing the aperture in the wall panel. 20 25 30 9 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 5 Figure 1 shows a mounting box according to an embodiment of the invention, pre-assembled with an electrical wiring accessory; Figures 2a and 2b show the assembly of Figure 1 during an installation 10 step; Figure 3 shows the retaining means of Figure 1; and Figure 4 shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure 1, having two 15 connectors.

10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Referring to the main embodiment, it will ease understanding to consider Figures 1 to 3 together, while specific features will be mentioned with 5 reference to particular drawings as appropriate. The drawings show a mounting box 10 comprising a curved mounting box surface 13, a flange 47 and connectors 17 for connection to wiring behind the panel 14 to which it is being fitted. The mounting box is shown having an electrical accessory 15 mounted thereto (The mounting box and electrical wiring 10 accessory may have been supplied as a single pre-assembled unit). Also shown is a wall panel 14, such as plasterboard, with aperture 19, into which the mounting box 10 and accessory 15 unit is being installed. The flange 47 runs around the mouth of the mounting box, to prevent the 15 box falling backwards through the aperture. The panel 14 will typically be one side of a double-sided cavity wall where the electrical cables run. It is often not possible to gain access to the other side of the panel except thorough the aperture itself. Wires within the walls of a building may be coupled to the accessory by means of rear socket block or connector 17 20 projecting from the mounting box. This coupling of the wires needs to be done before installation of the mounting box 10 into the panel 14. From the front at least, the accessory 15 in this case is substantially a standard switched mains outlet socket (UK 13 amp standard, single or 25 dual type), but other accessories including different types of outlets, isolators, light switches and so on can all be envisaged as part of the same system. The terms "front", "forward" and "rear" are used as if the accessory is in place in a wall, facing towards a user, and should be interpreted figuratively when the assembly is not mounted, or is mounted 30 in a floor or ceiling, for example.

11 The mounting box 10 assembly comprises first and second retaining means 31. The first and second retaining means 31 are adapted to engage a rear surface of the panel 14 at first and second peripheral 5 locations disposed on opposite sides of the aperture 19. The first and second retaining means 31 are deployable retractably at the first and second peripheral locations and are biased towards the deployed position. The first and second retaining means 31 are adapted to pivot between the 10 deployed position (as illustrated in Figure 1) and the retracted position. As best seen in Figure 1, when deployed, the first and second retaining means 31 each provide a clamping surface 33 which is substantially parallel to the rear surface of the panel 14. 15 In the embodiment described here, the first and second retaining means 31 are housed in a housing member 35 (as seen in Figure 3). The housing member 35 provides a pivot point for the retaining means 31. The housing member 35 also houses a resilient biasing means (not shown) for biasing the retaining means 31 towards the deployed position. The 20 resilient biasing means may include one or more spring members, or the like. The first and second retaining means 31 are also adjustable to allow for different panel thicknesses. The first and second retaining means 31 are 25 slidably mounted within the mounting box 10 such that they may slide between a first position towards the rear of the box 10 and a second position towards the front of the box 10. In the embodiment described here, the mounting box 10 includes slot portions 37 which are adapted to receive corresponding edge portions 39 of the housing member 35 (as 30 illustrated in Figure 3). The housing member 35 and the slot portions 37 12 may also be arranged to provide a holding means for holding the first and second retaining means 31 in a position between the first and second positions. This could, for example, be done by causing a interference fit between the housing member 35 and the slot portions 37. 5 With reference to Figures 1 and 3, the first and second retaining means 31 also include means for adjusting the position thereof to allow for different panel thicknesses. In the embodiment described here, the housing member 35 each include a threaded bore 41 which is adapted to receive a 10 screw, or the like. With reference to Figure 2a, the threaded bore 41 may be adapted to receive and engage with the screw 43 of the electrical accessory 15. Therefore, when this screw 43 is turned, the threaded bore 41 receives the screw 43 of the electrical accessory 15 and the retaining means 31 are pulled upwards from the first position towards the second 15 position. This allows the first and second retaining means 31 to be pulled upwards to engage the rear surface of the panel 14 and secure the mounting box 10 thereto. Using the screw 43 of the electrical accessory 15 to simultaneously adjust the position of the retaining means 31 and clamp the mounting box 10 to the panel 14 ensures that the position of the 20 retaining means 31 can be adjusted according to panel thickness from outside of the accessory without the need to separate the accessory 15 and mounting box 10, or the need to access behind the panel 14. Also, should the accessory 15 be attached after installation of the mounting box 10 in the panel 14, then such a design reduces the time required to fit the 25 mounting box 10 and also avoids the need for a separate mechanism to clamp the mounting box 10 to the panel 14. In this case the electrical accessory 15 and mounting box 10 may come at least partly pre-assembled and the screwing of screw 43 completes the 30 assembly and adjusts the position of the retaining means 31 for clamping.

13 However, it should be appreciated that the mounting box 10 may include, as an alternative, a separate screwing mechanism for adjust the position of the retaining means 31, for example, a separate screw which is externally operable from the mounting box 10. 5 With reference to Figure 3, the retaining means 31 also includes a protrusion 45 which may be used to manually retract the retaining means 31 from the deployed position to the retracted position. The protrusion 45 may be accessed by removing the electrical accessory 15 and operated 10 with a tool, or finger. This allows the mounting box 10 to be removed from the aperture 19. With reference to Figure 1, the mounting box 10 includes first and second flange portions 47 for engaging the front surface of the panel 14. The first 15 and second flange portions 47 are located at a distance ahead of the first and second retaining means 31, respectively. In order to mount the mounting box 10 and electrical accessory 15 to the wall panel 14, the mounting box 10 is initially aligned with the aperture 19 20 such that the first and second retaining means 31 engage the front face of the panel 14. The assembly is then pushed into the aperture 19 such that the first and second retaining means 31 are firstly moved to the retracted position to allow the mounting box 10 to pass through the aperture 19. Once the first and second retaining means 31 have cleared the thickness 25 of the panel 14 the biasing means forces the first and second retaining means 31 back to the deployed position. This prevents the mounting box 10 and electrical accessory 15 being removed from the aperture 19.

14 The first and second retaining means 31 are then adjusted, as described above, to clamp the mounting box 10 and electrical accessory 15 to the panel 14. 5 With reference to Figure 4, the mounting box 10 may comprise a connector 17 for making a plugged connection with wiring behind the panel 14. In the embodiment described here, the connector 17 is located on the top side of the mounting box 10. However, it should be appreciated that the connector 17 may be located on any side of the mounting box 10, 10 including the same side as the retaining means 31. In the case where the connector 17 is located on the same side as the retaining means, it would be positioned behind the retaining means 31. The connector 17 is adapted to plug directly to either/or both of the electrical accessory 15 and the wiring behind the panel 14. Alternatively, the connector 17 may be 15 connected to the electrical accessory 15 by short wiring. The connector 17 is suitable for providing both a power connection, communication connection, or both. Note that Figures 2a and 2b are illustrated without any connectors in place. 20 Figures 2a and 2b show how the novel accessory mounting box 10 can be fitted onto wall panel 14, even when the accessory 15 and box 10 are pre assembled. When the connector 17 is located on a top side of the mounting box 10, it 25 is necessary to rotate the mounting box 10 into the aperture 19. The mounting box 10 is held at an angle such that the plugged connector is behind the panel 14 and the first and second retaining means 31 are in front of the panel 14. The mounting box 10 is then pivoted about a point adjacent the connector 17 until mounting box enters the cavity. In this 30 case the mounting box 10 may have first and second side walls 51a, 51b 15 extending perpendicularly from said first and second flange portions 47 respectively. The second side wall 51 b has a chamfered portion 53 to provide clearance for said rotation. The chamfered portion 53 prevents the mounting box 10 from fouling the panel 14 as it passes therethrough. 5 The first and second retaining means 31 operate in the same manner as described above. With reference to Figure 4, it should be appreciated that the mounting box 10 may also include a plurality of connectors 17. In the embodiment 10 illustrated in Figure 4, two connectors are located on the top side of the mounting box 10. In this case the mounting box 10 is mounted to the panel 14 in a similar manner as described above, by plugging the connectors 17 to wiring behind the panel 14 and pivoting the box 10 through the aperture 19. 15 The first and second flange portions 47 form part of a continuous peripheral flange. Although, either flange portion 47 may be interrupted, without detracting from its function. 20 In all of the examples shown, the novel mounting box provides additional flexibility for pre-assembly and rapid installation, while retaining the familiarity, security and compatibility of conventional mounting systems. The concept of providing the mounting box with a pluggable connector for pre-assembled wiring adds flexibility also, and can be extended to include 25 pluggable connections between the mounting box and the accessory itself, using suitably modified accessories. The requirement for cutting wires, stripping insulation and making screw terminal connections can be completely eliminated if desired. Furthermore, providing a mounting box with retaining means which are biased towards a deployed position further 30 increases the ease in which the mounting box may be mounted to the 16 panel, as a fitter is not required to manually move the retaining means into the deployed position when mounting the mounting box. Also, providing adjustable retaining means, particularly adjustable retaining means that are operable with the mounting screw of the electrical accessory, greatly 5 increases the ease in which the mounting box and electrical accessory assembly is attached to the panel. Further modifications are of course possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects, and the examples illustrated and 10 described above are not to be taken as limiting on the scope of protection sought. The exact form of the mounting box and accessories can vary according to the application, national standards and so forth. The accessory 15 may be entirely integrated with the front cover plate, as shown, or the assembly may come in three parts, with the cover plate 15 separate from the working parts of the accessory. The accessory may in other instances comprise only a cover plate, where a mounting box and connections are provided to allow for some future requirement. Although the mounting box has been illustrated and described above as 20 comprising flange portions which abut against the front face of the wall panel to clamp the mounting box thereto, it should be appreciated that the mounting box does not need to include these flange portions. The electrical accessory itself, once mounted to the mounting box, may provide a flange portion to provide engagement with the front face of the wall 25 panel. Although one and two connectors 17 have been described and illustrated above, it should be appreciated that any number of connector blocks is possible. 30

Claims

1. A mounting box for mounting an electrical wiring accessory in an aperture in a panel, the mounting box comprising: 5 first and second retaining means for engaging a rear surface of the panel at first and second peripheral locations disposed on opposite sides of the aperture, wherein the first and second retaining means are deployable retractably at the first and second peripheral locations and are resiliently 10 biased towards the deployed position.

2. A mounting box according to claim 1, wherein the first and second retaining means pivot between the retracted position and the deployed position. 15

3. A mounting box according to claim 1, wherein the first and second retaining means slide between the retracted position and the deployed position. 20

4. A mounting box according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second retaining means are operable to prevent removal of the mounting box unless the electrical wiring accessory is removed initially.

5. A mounting box according to any preceding claim, wherein, in the 25 deployed state, the first and second retaining means are configured to each provide a clamping surface which is substantially parallel to the rear surface of the panel. 18

6. A mounting box according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second retaining means may be adjustable to allow for different panel thicknesses. 5

7. A mounting box according to claim 6, wherein the first and second retaining means are slidably mounted within the mounting box such that the first and second retaining means slide between a first position towards the rear of the box and a second position towards the front of the box. 10

8. A mounting box according to claim 7, wherein the first and second retaining means include holding means for holding the first and second retaining means in a position between the first and second positions.

9. A mounting box according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the 15 mounting box further comprises means for adjusting the position of the first and second retaining means.

10. A mounting box according to claim 9, wherein the first and second retaining means include a threaded bore which is adapted to receive a 20 screw.

11. A mounting box according to claim 10, wherein the threaded bore is adapted to engage with a screw of the electrical wiring accessory, the screw for connecting the electrical wiring accessory to the mounting box, 25 such that, on turning the screw of the electrical wiring accessory, the threaded bore receives the screw and the first and second retaining means slide between the first position and the second position. 19

12. A mounting box according to claim 10, wherein the threaded bore is adapted to engage with a separate screw which is externally operable from the mounting box. 5

13. A mounting box according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first and second retaining means comprises a housing member which includes the threaded bore.

14. A mounting box according to claim 13, wherein the housing 10 member is slidably mounted within the mounting box.

15. A mounting box according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the mounting box includes slot portions which are adapted to receive corresponding edge portions of the housing member therein. 15

16. A mounting box according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the housing member provides a pivot point for the retaining means.

17. A mounting box according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the 20 housing member houses resilient biasing means for biasing the retaining means towards the deployed position.

18. A mounting box according to claim 17, wherein the resilient biasing means includes one or more spring members. 25

19. A mounting box according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second retaining means include means for manually retracting the retaining means from the deployed position. 20

20. A mounting box according to claim 19, wherein the means for manually retracting the retaining means includes one or more protrusions, such that the protrusion may be engaged by a tool. 5

21. A mounting box according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting box further comprises first and second flange portions for engaging a front surface of the panel.

22. A mounting box according to claim 21, wherein the first and second 10 flange portions are located at a distance ahead of the first and second retaining means, respectively.

23. A mounting box according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting box further comprises at least one connector for making a 15 plugged connection with wiring behind the panel.

24. A mounting box according to claim 23, wherein the connector may be located on an alternate side of the mounting box from the first and second retaining means. 20

25. A mounting box according to claim 23, wherein the connector may be located behind one of the first or second retaining means.

26. A mounting box according to any of claims 23 to 25, wherein the 25 connector is adapted for direct pluggable connection to the accessory, when the latter is mounted on the front side of the box.

27. A mounting box according to any of claims 23 to 25, wherein the connector is connectable to the accessory by wiring. 30 21

28. A mounting box according to any of claims 23 to 27, wherein the connector is suitable for power connection, communication connection or both. 5

29. A mounting box according to any of claims 21 to 28, wherein the mounting box has first and second side walls extending perpendicularly from the first and second flange portions respectively, at least the second side wall being chamfered. 10

30. A mounting box according to claim 29, wherein the first and second retaining means are located on the first and second side walls respectively.

31. A mounting box according to any of claims 21 to 30, wherein the 15 first and second flange portions form parts of a continuous peripheral flange.

32. A mounting box according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting box comprises more than one first and second retaining means, 20 spaced along the length of the mounting box.

33. A mounting box according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting box further comprises an electrical accessory. 25

34. A method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel, the wall panel comprising a suitably dimensioned aperture for receiving the electrical wiring assembly, the electrical wiring assembly comprising a mounting box as claimed in any of claims 1 to 32 with an electrical wiring accessory at least partly pre-installed thereto, the method comprising the 30 steps of: 22 aligning the mounting box with the aperture such that the first and second retaining means engage the front of the panel; and pushing the electrical wiring assembly and mounting box into the aperture such that the first and second retaining means are firstly moved 5 to the retracted position to allow the mounting box to pass through the aperture and secondly biased back towards the deployed position to prevent removal of the assembly from the aperture.

35. A method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel 10 according to claim 34, wherein the method comprises the further step of adjusting the position of the first and second retaining means to engage the rear surface of the panel.

36. A method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel 15 according to claim 35, wherein the step of adjusting the position of the first and second retaining means to engage the rear surface of the panel is carried out by screwing the electrical assembly to the mounting box.

37. A method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel 20 according to any of claims 34 to 36, wherein the method comprises the further step of connecting wiring to the mounting box.

38. A method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel according to claim 37, wherein the step of connecting wiring to the 25 mounting box includes plugging a wiring connector into the mounting box.

39. A method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel according to claim 38, wherein the step of aligning the mounting box with the aperture such that the first and second retaining means engage the 30 front of the panel comprises the additional step of holding the assembly at 23 an angle such that the plugged connector is behind the panel and the first and second retaining means are in front of the panel.

40. A method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel 5 according to any of claims 34 to 39, wherein the method comprises the initial step of preparing the aperture in the wall panel.

41. A mounting box for mounting an electrical wiring accessory in an aperture in a panel as hereinbefore described with reference to the 10 accompanying drawings.

42. A method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 15 20 25 30