AU2011205067B2 - An External Power Point Arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

A pre-wired electrical connection arrangement including: a power outlet having a first power input connector and a first power outlet connector; an intermediate connection support means having a second power input connector adapted to be connected to a pre-existing power outlet; the intermediate connection support means including and a second power outlet connector; and first cable means adapted to enable the second power outlet connector to be connected to the first power input connector. 16.126 /16.120 177.135 17.137 17.130 17.12617.140 17.134 117.134 17.138 17.136

Description

11123 1 AN EXTERNAL POWER POINT ARRANGEMENT Field of the invention [001] This invention relates to an external power point arrangement. [002] The invention is particularly suited for providing power to electrically powered equipment outside a building, and will be described in the context of an electrical water heater. Background of the invention [003] The installation of such equipment may require either a hard wired connection to a dedicated hot water electrical circuit, or the installation of an external power point, which also requires hard wiring of the power point into the electrical mains power circuit. Thus, when equipment such as a water heater is to be installed outside a building it is usually necessary to have both plumber and an electrician to do the installation, because licensing regulations require that the type of electrical installation involving connecting electrical wires requires a licensed electrician. While some plumbers may also be licensed electricians, many are not. Summary of the invention [004] According to an embodiment of the invention, a wall plate having a base and a cover, the base including a first cable slot, and the cover having a second cable slot, whereby the base and the cover can be fitted to a cable. [005] The base cable slot has a first location, and the cover has a second location, whereby a first overlap portion of the cover cable slot overlaps a second overlap portion of the base cable slot to provide a cable aperture, the cable aperture being adapted to permit a cable to pass therethrough. [006] The base cable slot can extend from a top edge of the base plate. [007] The cover cable slot can extend from a lower edge of the cover. [008] A cable grommet can be sealingly fitted to the cable aperture. [009] The base can include a release protrusion and the cover includes a corresponding release protrusion aperture.

[1123 2 [010] The invention also provides a pre-wired electrical connection arrangement including: a power outlet having a first power input connector and a first power outlet connector; an intermediate connection support means having a second power input connector adapted to be connected to a pre-existing power outlet; the intermediate connection support means including and a second power outlet connector; and first cable means adapted to enable the second power outlet connector to be connected to the first power input connector. [011] The second power inlet connector can be formed integrally with the support means. [012] The second power outlet connector can be directly attached to the support means. [013] The support means can be a fascia plate. [014] The invention also provides a support means for a pre-wired electrical connection arrangement, including: a support; a second power inlet; and a second power outlet. [015] The second power inlet can be formed integrally with the support. [016] A second cable can connect the second power inlet to the second power outlet. [017] The support can be a fascia plate. [018] The support can be a box. . [019] The invention also provides a power outlet for a pre-wired electrical connection arrangement, including: a housing; a first power outlet connector; a first power inlet connector. [020] The power outlet can include a third cable connecting the first power inlet to the first power outlet. [021] The first power inlet can be attached to the housing. [022] The power outlet can include a weatherproof cover covering the first power outlet. [023] The invention also provides a through-the wall power supply arrangement including at least one wall plate and one power cable, the power cable having a first connector adapted to connect to power point on one side of the wall, the cable being adapted to deliver power to an apparatus on the other side of the wall. [024] The invention also provides an external water heating arrangement including: an interior power transfer member including a support means; an exterior power outlet; cable means adapted to connect the interior power transfer member to the exterior power outlet; an external water heater water heater including fifth cable means terminating in a connector adapted to mate with the exterior power outlet. Brief description of the drawings [025] An embodiment or embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [026] Figure 1 shows a top schematic view of an electrical wall plate according to a first embodiment of the invention; [027] Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of a wall plate and cabling according to an embodiment of the invention; [028] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a combined wall plate and electrical connector according to an embodiment of the invention; I IL-1 14 [029] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a connector box and electrical connector according to an embodiment of the invention; [030] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of an exterior power point according to an embodiment of the invention; [031] Figure 6 is a schematic side view of an alternative exterior power point according to an embodiment of the invention; [032] Figure 7 is a schematic view of an arrangement for delivering power to an external power point according to an embodiment of the invention; [033] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a second arrangement for delivering power to an external power point according to an embodiment of the invention; [034] Figure 9 is a schematic view of a third arrangement for delivering power to an external power point according to an embodiment of the invention; [035] Figure 10 is a schematic view of a fourth arrangement for delivering power to an external power point according to an embodiment of the invention; [036] Figure 11 illustrates a water heater adapted for a hard wire connection; [037] Figure 12 illustrates a water heater having a plug-in connection; [038] Figure 13 shows a further modification of the internal fascia plate. [039] Figure 14 shows a further modification of the arrangement of Figure 1. [040] Figure 15 is a schematic representation of an internal connecting cable' [041] Figure 16 illustrates a pass-through plate according to a further embodiment of the invention. [042] Figure 17 is an exploded view of the plate of Figure 16. [043] Figure 18 is a schematic illustration of an arrangement using the plates of Figure 16. [044] Figure 19 is an illustration of a wall mounted external water heater adapted for use with a cable arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention. [045] Figure 20 illustrates a power cord suitable for use in the arrangement of Figure 18.

[046] Figure 21 illustrates the heater connector of the cable of Figure 20. [047] Figure 22 is a listing of reference numbers used in the drawings. . [048] The reference numbering scheme used in this specification is that the digits in front of the stop refer to the drawing, and the digits after the stop indicate the specific feature. Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments [049] The invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [050] Note that, in this specification, the location or arrangement of mating plugs and sockets is generally interchangeable, but specific arrangements may be dictated by safety regulations. Accordingly, the term "connector" may be used herein as an alternative for either a plug or a socket, and "mating connectors" will be used to refer to a compatible plug-socket set. [051] An internal fascia plate according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 illustrates a wall plate 1.002 having a cable clamp 1.004 adapted to permit an electrical cable to pass therethrough and to clamp the cable. Four screw holes 1.006 are provided for fastening the plate to a wall. [052] Figure 2 shows a side view of a wall plate 2.002 with a cable 2.010, 2.012. The interior portion 2.10 of the cable is connected to an electrical connector such as plug 2.008. The second portion of the cable 2.012 is intended for insertion into a wall cavity, and terminates in a second electrical connector such as connector 2.014. The cable and fascia plate can be pre-assembled in the factory, so no wiring is required to be done in the field. [053] Figure 3 is a modified version of the arrangement of Figure 2 in which the connector 3.014 and plate 3.002 are formed as a single unit. This arrangement relies on a cable extending from the external power point through the wall cavity, as described below. The connector 3.014 can be attached to the face plate 3.002 by screws, rivets, or by adhesive, or the plate 3.002 and the connector 3.014 can be moulded as a single piece. The electrical connections between the connector 3.014 and the cable 3.010 can be carried out during the factory assembly process. Having one of the cavity connectors built-in to its support element reduces assembly steps as only one cable connection needs to be made.

[054] Figure 4 shows a further modification of the plate of Figure 3 in which the plate 4.002 is part of a connector box 4.016. The connector 4.014 can be contained wholly within the box 4.016 so the connection will be within the box. [055] Figure 5 shows an external power point 5.052 according to an embodiment of the invention. A weather-tight cover 5.066 can be attached to the power point, for example via a spring biased hinge 5.070. A cable 5.060 connects the plug contacts of the power point 5.052 to an electrical connector 5.058. The cable 5.060 is long enough to enable connection with a connector such as either 2.014, or 3.014. [056] Figure 6 shows a modified version of the power point of Figure 6 in which the connector 6.058 is formed integrally with the housing of the power point 6.052. Also shown in Figure 6 is an optional housing skirt 6.072 shown in dashed outline extending beyond the connector 6.058. Again, in this case, the connecting cable from the internal fascia must be sufficiently long to enable electrical connection to be established. [057] Figure 7 illustrates an arrangement having an interior plate 7.002 such as that shown in Figure 2 attached to an internal wall 7.080, and an external power point 7.052 such as that shown in Figure 5 attached to an external wall 7.084. A hole 7.082 in internal wall 7.080 permits the cable 7.012 and connector 7.014 to pass through to the wall cavity. Similarly, hole 7.086 permits the cable 7.060 and connector 7.058 to pass through exterior wall 7.084. [058] Where possible, the hole 7.082 in the internal wall 7.080 should be aligned with the hole 7.086 in the external wall 7.084. [059] Preferably either cable 7.012 or 7.060 is longer than the width of the cavity, or the distance between holes 7.082 and hole 7.086 so the connectors 7.014 and 7.058 to be readily connected. Preferably, the connecting cables is sufficiently long to permit the connection to be made outside the wall cavity, and the excess cable can be inserted into the cavity after the connection is made. [060] The connector 7.008 can be plugged into an internal power point. [061] This means that there is no hard wired electrical connection required to deliver power to the external power point 7.052.

11123 7 [062] Figure 8 shows an arrangement similar to that of Figure 7 with the external power point being replaced by a power point as shown in Figure 8. In this case, the cable 8.012 from the internal plate 8.002 must be of sufficient length to enable the connection to be made with the connector 8.058 of the external power point 8.052 before the either external power point is attached to the external wall or the internal plate is attached to the internal wall. [063] Figure 9 shows an arrangement similar to that of Figure 7 with the internal plate arrangement 7.002 being replaced by a plate arrangement 9.002 having the connector 9.014 attached to the plate 9.002 as shown in Figure 3. In this case, the cable 9.060 of the external power point 9.052 needs to be of sufficient length to enable the connection to be established. [064] Figure 10 shows an arrangement similar to that of Figure 9 with the internal plate being replaced by a connector box 10.16 as shown in Figure 4. In this arrangement, the connection can be made within the box 10.0 16 inside the interior wall 10.080. [065] Figure 11 illustrates a water heater adapted for a hard wire connection. The heater 11.112 has a connection box 11.114 and an unterminated power cable 11.116 with three exposed wires shown for purposes of illustration at 11.118. Such a cable must be connected by an electrician or a plumber with additional qualifications permitting the performance of such electrical connections. [066] Figure 12 illustrates a water heater 12.112 with connection box 12.114, cable 12.116, and a plug-in connection in the form of power plug 12.007. The heater is adapted to be installed on the exterior of a building, and can be connected to an exterior power point such as those illustrated in Figures 7 to 10. [067] Figure 13 shows a further modification of the internal fascia plate 13.002 having a socket 13.013 to which a cable 13.012 and connector 13.014 are connected. The socket 13.013 can be an IEC compliant plug. A further cable Figure 15) having a compatible plug to connect with the socket 13.013 at one end, and a plug to connect with an internal plug can be provided to deliver power to the connector 13.013. [068] Figure 14 shows a further modification of the arrangement of Figure 13, in which the connector 14.014 is mounted back-to-back with the connector .1123 8 14.013. The connectors 14.013 and 14.014 can be manufactures as a single unit with the electrical connections pre-assembled during the process of manufacturing the back-to-back connector. [069] Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of an interior connecting cable for connecting the interior power transfer member of Figures 13 and 14 to an interior power point. Cable 15.010 is terminated at one end by connector 15.015, which is adapted to meat with connector 13.013/14.013. The other end of cable 15.010 is terminated by connector 15.008, which is adapted to connect to an internal power point. [070] Figures 16 to 21 illustrate aspects of an alternative arrangement for delivering power to an external heater. The figures show a wall plate 16.120 having a base 16.126, and a cover or fascia 16.122, the base including a first cable slot, and the cover having a second cable slot, whereby the base and the cover can be fitted to a cable. The base cable slot has a first location, and the cover has a second location, whereby a first overlap portion of the cover cable slot overlaps a second overlap portion of the base cable slot to provide a cable aperture, the cable aperture being adapted to permit a cable to pass therethrough. The base cable slot can extend from a top edge of the base plate. The cover cable slot can extend from a lower edge of the cover. [071] A cable grommet can be sealingly fitted to the cable aperture. [072] The base can include a release protrusion and the cover includes a corresponding release protrusion aperture. [073] Figure 16 shows a wall plate 16.120 having a cable grommet 16.124 adapted to sealingly engage a cable. The grommet can have, for example a slit communicating with a central aperture, the aperture being adapted to sealingly receive a cable, and the sides of the slit being resiliently and compressively in contact when inserted in a grommet aperture in the base plate. A raised disc shaped portion 16.137 of the base can project through a corresponding aperture 17.134 in the fascia plate 16.124. In this embodiment, the disc is located in a cable slot of the fascia plate. This disc can facilitate the disengagement of the fascia and the base of the wall plate. Screws 16.128 can be provided along both sides to attach the base to the wall. The fascia 16.122 can be a snap fit on the base 16.126.

[074] Figure 17 is an exploded view of the wall plate of figure 16. The fascia plate 17.122 is a snap fit on the base plate 17.126. Snap fit recesses such as 17.138 are provided on the sides of the base plate to engage corresponding snap fit lugs (not shown) on the fascia plate. [075] The base plate has a cable slot 17.136 which also retains the grommet 17.122. Thus, once the cable has been threaded through the cable apertures in the inner and outer walls, the base can be slid over the cable and the grommet can sealingly engage the cable. The base can then be fastened to the wall by the screws through screw recesses such as 17.140. The release disc 17.137 is adapted to project through the release disc aperture 17.134 in the fascia plate 17.122. [076] The fascia plate 17.122 has a cable slot 17.130 so the fascia plate can be fitted over the base plate 17.126 A grommet aperture 17.132 is adapted to receive the grommet. Release disc aperture 17.134 permits the user to apply pressure to the release disc 17.137, for example when the fascia plate is removed from the base prior to fitting the base to the wall. [077] The base includes a raised ridge 17.135 adapted to fill the remainder of the cover cable slot when the cover is fitted to the base. [078] Figure 18 illustrates a cavity wall having an inner wall 18.080 and an outer wall 18.084. A cable aperture is drilled through each wall to permit the cable and at least the smaller cross sectioned connector to pass through the holes. After the cable has been passed through the holes, the base plate such as 17.126 and its grommet 17.124 are engaged with the cable via the slot 17.136, and the base plate is attached to the wall. The fascia plate 17.122 then engages the cable via slot 17.130 and the fascia plate is then snap-fitted to the base plate. Similar wall plates can be used for the inner and outer walls. The external water heater 18.112 is attached to the external wall, and cable 18.011 connects the water heater to an internal power point or wall socket 18.042 via plug 18.008. [079] Figure 19 illustrates an external water heater 19.112 having a connector 19.019 in its base to which a cable can be connected. The location of the connector in the base assists in preventing water ingress into the connector. [080] Figure 20 illustrates a cable 20.011 suitable for use in an embodiment of the invention. The cable 20.011 has a length sufficient to permit it to be connected II ILi 1U to the water heater 19.112 and the internal power point or wall socket 18.042. The cable has a first power point connector such as socket 20.008 and a second heater connector 20.009. [081] Figure 21 schematically illustrates the connector 21.009 having three mutually insulated connector elements such as 21.022. [082] Figure 22 lists the reference numbers used in the drawings. [083] While the invention has been described in the context of an internal power point and an external water heater, the invention can also be applied in other situations, for example, in the case where there is a power point in one room, but no available power point in a suitable location in an adjacent room. [084] In this specification, reference to a document, disclosure, or other publication or use is not an admission that the document, disclosure, publication or use forms part of the common general knowledge of the skilled worker in the field of this invention at the priority date of this specification, unless otherwise stated. [085] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of'. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear. [086] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. [087] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims (17)

1. A pre-wired electrical connection arrangement including: a power outlet having a first power input connector and a first power outlet connector; an intermediate connection support means having a second power input connector adapted to be connected to a pre-existing power outlet; the intermediate connection support means including a second power outlet connector; and first cable means adapted to enable the second power outlet connector to be connected to the first power input connector.

2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second power inlet connector is formed integrally with the support means.

3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second power outlet connector is directly attached to the support means.

4. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support means is a fascia plate.

5. A support means for a pre-wired electrical connection arrangement as claimed in any of claims I to 4, including: a support; a second power input; and a second power outlet.

6. Support means as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second power inlet connector is formed integrally with the support.

7. Support means as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, including second cable means connecting the second power input to the second power outlet.

8. Support means as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the support is a fascia plate.

9. Support means as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the support includes a box.

10. A power outlet for a pre-wired electrical connection arrangement as claimed in any of claims I to 4, including: a housing; a first power outlet connector; a first power input connector. .1123 12

11. A power outlet as claimed in claim 10, including third cable means connecting the first power input to the first power outlet.

12. A power outlet as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first power input is attached to the housing.

13. A power outlet as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first power outlet is weatherproof.

14. An external water heating arrangement including: an interior power transfer member including a support means as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8; a power outlet as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13; forth cable means adapted to connect the interior power transfer member to the exterior power outlet; an external water heater including fifth cable means terminating in a connector adapted to mate with the exterior power outlet.

15. A pre wired electrical connection arrangement as claimed in any of the preceding claims that includes a through-the wall power supply arrangement including at least one wall plate and one power cable, the power cable having a first connector adapted to connect to power point on one side of the wall, the cable being adapted to deliver power to an apparatus on the other side of the wall.

16. An interior power transfer member substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. A power outlet substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.