AU2014271198A1 - Electrical connector, system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an electrical connector that allows a load or a power socket to be converted into a controllable load or a controllable plug socket. The electrical connector has a first terminal, a first insulation displacement (IDC) connector and art access point. In one aspect, the access point is able to be replaced by a control module to allow a load or plug socket connected to the electrical connector to be controlled. Also described are a range of controller modules that allow control according to various protocols including C-BUS, Zigbee and Wi-Fi. Also described are electrical plug sockets using the electrical connector, and a method of converting a load into a controllable load.

Description

WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 1 ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR, SYSTEM AND METHOD PRIORITY [00011 The present application claims priority fom: Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013901849 titled "Batten Holder, Connector, System and Method" filed on 23 May 2013; and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013901850 tited "Electrical Connector, System and Method" filed on 23 May 2013 [0002J The entire content of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference. IN CORPORATION BY REFERENCE 10003} The following publications are referred to in the present application: [0004] Australian Patent No. 784652 entitled "Electrical Connector with Power Socket" filed on 22 May 2002 [00051 PCT/AU03/00365 entitled "Improved Dimnmer Circuit Arrangement"; [00061 PCTAIUO3/00366 entitled "Dimmer Circuit with improved Inductive Load"; [00071 PCT!AUO3/00364 entitled "Dimmer Circuit with improved Ripple Conrol"; 100081 PCT/AU2006/001883 entitled "Current Zero Crossing Detector in A Dimmer Circuit"; [00091 PCT/AU2006/001882 entitled "Load Detector For A Dimmer"; [00101 PCT/AU2006/001881 entitled "A Universal Dimmer"; 100111 PCT/AU2008/001398 entited "Improved Start-Up Detection in a Dimmer Circuit"; 10)121 PCT/AU2008/00 1399 entitled "inmer Circuit With Overurrent DetectIon"; WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 2 [00131 PCT/AU2008/001400 entitled "Overcurrent Protection in a Dimnmer Circuit" and j0014J Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2011904151 entitled "Dimmable Light Emitting Diode Load Driver with Bypass Current", 100151 Co-pending Australian Provisional Patent Application entitled "Batten Holder, Connector, System and Method [0 16] The entire content of each of these documents is hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD (0017J The present application relates to insulation displacement connectors and their use in building control systems, BACKGROUND [0018] Control of devices, particularly in a domestic, commercial or industrial building environment, is becoming more an more desirable and commonplace. More devices termed as "smart devices" are becoming available, which are able to he connected to a control network and controlled via the network either locally or remotely. 00191 Such devices include igting, fans heating and cooling devices and systems, entertainment systems and energy control systems [00201 Several control protocols and systems exist which allow various devices to be controlled in a building environment. Examples are C-BUS, BACNET and DALL Other control devices such as dimming circuits (or "dimmers") are also used in conjunction with these protocols to control electrical loads such as lighting products iniuding incandescent lights, light emitting diode (LED) lights and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), [00211 When such a control system is installed, a large proportion of the cost of installation is in rewiring the current wiring arrangement. SUMMARY [00221 According to one aspect, there is provided an electrical connector comprising: a first terminal; WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 3 a first insulation displacement connector for displacing insulation surrounding a first conductor of an electrical conductor and an access point disposed between the first terminal and the first insulation displacement connector, 100231 In one embodiment, the fistermina1 is an active terminal {0024] In one enbodinent, the access point comprises a first connection point electrically connected to the first terminal and a second connection point electrically connected to the first insulation displacement connector. 10025] In one embodiment, the electrical connector further comprises a removable conductive link connected between the first connection point and the second connection point. 10026] In one embodiment, the electrical connector further comprises a switch connected between the first connection point and the second connection point, 100271 i one embodiment, the electrical connector further comprises a switch controller for controlling the switch, 10028] In one embodiment, the switch and the switch controller are provided by a connector module. [00291 In one embodiment, the connector module is a C-BUS connector module, 100301 In one embodiment, the connector module is a dimmer circuit module 10031] in one embodiment, the connector module is a Zigbae connector module, {00321 In one embodiment, the connector module is a Wi-Fi connector module. 10033] In one embodiment, the electrical connector further comprises a neutral terminal for connection to a corresponding neutral line of the electrical conductor via a corresponding second insulation displacement connector. [0034) In one embodiment, the electrical connector further comprises an earth terminal for connection to a corresponding earth line of the electrical conductor via a corresponding third insulation displacement connector.

WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 4 [0035] In one embodiment, the electrical connector is a plug socket. 10036] In one embodiment, the electrical connector further comprises the electrical connector is a junction box. [0037] According to a second aspect, there is provided an electrical plug socket comprising: a fst terminal electrical connected to a first socket element for receiving a first plug clement; a first insulation displacement connector for displacing insulation surrounding a first conductor of an electrical conductor; and an access point disposed between the first terminal and the first insulation displacement connector. {00381 In one embodiment, the first terminal is an active terminal. [00391 In one embodiment, the electrical connector further comprises the access point comprises a first connection point electrically connected to the first terminal and a second connection point electrically comected to the first insulation displacement connector. 10040] In one embodiment, the electrical connector further comprises a removable conductive link connected between the first connection point and the second connection point. {0041] In one embodiment, the electrical connector further comprises a switch connected between the first connection point and the second connection point. {0042] In one emubodiment, the electrical connector further comprises a switch controller for controlling the switch [00431 In one embodiment, the switch and the switch controller are provided by a connector module. [0044] In one embodiment, the connector module is a C-BUS connector module. [0045] In one embodin ent; the connector module is dimmer circuit module. 100461 In one embodiment the connector module is a Zigbee connector module.

WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 5 [00471 In one embodiment the connector module is a Wi--i connector module. [00481 In one embodiment the electrical connector further comprises a neutral terminal for connection to a corresponding neutral line of the electrical conductor via a corresponding second insulation displacement connector 100491 In one embodiment, the electrical connector further comprises an earth terminal for connection to a corresponding earth line of the electrical conductor via a corresponding third insulation displacement connector 10050] According to a third aspect, there is provided an electrical arrangement comprising: an electrical connector comprising a first terminal, a first insulation displacement connector and an access point disposed between the first terminal and the fist insulation displacement connector; and an electrical conductor comprising at least a switching line in electrical contact with the fist electrical displacement connector, [00511 In one embodiment, the access point comprises a first connection point connected to the frst tenninal and a second connection point connected to the first insultion displacement element, [00521 in one embodiment, the electrical arrangement further complies a removable conductive link connected between the first connection point and the second connection point, [00531 in one embodiment, the electrical arrangement further comprises a switch connected between the first conneton point and the second connection point, [00541 In one embodiment the electrical arrangement further comprises a connector module comprising the switch and control circuitry for controlling the switch. [0055] In one embodiment, the connector module is a C-BUS connector module. f0056J In one embodiment, the connector module is a dimming circuit module. [00571 In one embodiment, the connector module is a Zigbee connector module. 100581 In one embodiment, the connector module is a Wi-F connector module.

WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 6 100591 In one embodiment, the electrical arrangement further comprises a neutral terminal for connection to a corresponding neutral line of the electrical conductor via a corresponding second insulation displacement connector. 100601 In one embodiment, the electrical arrangement further comprises an earth terminal for connection to a corresponding earth line of the electrical conductor via a corresponding third insulation displacement connector. 100611 According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of converting a load into a controllable load, the method comprising: placing a first conductor connected to the load into contact with a first insulation displacement connector of an electrical connector comprising a first terminal and an access point disposed between the first terminal and the first insulation displacement connector and applying force to the first insulation displacement connector to displace insulation surrounding the conductor to come into electrical contact with the first conductor. [0062 In one embodiment, the method further comprises connecting a switch to the access point to provide control signals to the load via the first conductor of the electrical conductor, [00631 In one embodiment, the access point comprises a first connection point connected to the first terminal and a second connection point connected to the first insulation displacement connector and the step of connecting the connector module comprises connecting a first terminal of the connector module to the first connection point and connecting a second terminal of the connector module to the second connection point, [00641 In one embodiment, the method further comprises connecting the connector modue to a control interface to allow a user to control the connector module, (00651 According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of providing a controllable power socket comprising a first terminal for connection to a controlable load, the method comprising: connecting a first insulation displacement connector to the first terminal via an access point; placing a first conductor connected to a power source into contact with the first insulation displacement connector; and WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 7 applying force to the insulation displacement connector to cause the insulation displacement connector to displace insulation surrounding the switching conductor. [0066] In one embodiment, the method further comprises connecting a connector module to the access point. [0067] In one embodiment, the access point comprises a first connection point connected to the first terminal and a second connection point connected to the first insulation displacement connector and the step of connecting the connector module comprises connecting a first terminal of the connector module to the first connection point and connecting a second thermal of the connector module to the second connection point, I0068{ In one embodiment, the method further comprises connecting the connector module to a control interface to allow a user to control the connector module. 100691 According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of retrofitting an existing wiring arrangement connecting a plurality of loads to a power source, the method comprising: carrying out the method according to the fifth aspect on at least one of the plurality of connected loads. 100701 According to a seventh aspect there is provided a building retrofitted urng the method according to the sixth aspect [0071] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a connector module for connection to an electrical connector according to the first aspect, the connector module comprising: functional circuitry for performing a function of the connector module; and at least one connector electrically connected to the functional circuit' for electical connection to the access point of the electrical connector 10072] In one embodiment, there are a first contractor and a second contactor, for electrical connection to the first connection point and the second connection point of the electrical connector, {0073] In one embodiment the connector module further comprises a third contactor for elctrical connection to a neutral terminal of the electrical connector.

WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 8 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [00741 Embodiments of the various aspects described herein will be detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0075] Figure 1 - shows an embodiment of the electrical connector described herein: [0076 Figure 2 -shows another embodiment of the electrical connector described herein; 100771 Figure 3 -shows an embodiment of the electrical connector of Figure 2 with a removable link; 10078] Figure 4- shows an embodiment of the electrical connector of Figure 2 wAih a switch; [091791 Figure 5-shows an embodiment of the electrical connector of Figure 4 with a switch controller; {0080] Figure 6 - shows an embodiment of the electrical connector of Figure 5 with the swbit and switch controller provided by a connector module; [00811 Figure 7 - shows the electrical connector of Figure I with two terminals; [0082] Figure 8 -shows the electrical connector of Figure I with three terminals; [0083] Figure 9 -shows the eletrie connector of Figure 1 connected to an electrical conductor; [00841 Figure 10 - shows the electrical connector of Figure 2 connected to an electrical conductor; [0085) Figure 11 -shows the electrical connector of Figure 6 connected to an electrical conductor; [0086] Figure 12- shows the electrical connector of Figure 7 connected to an electrical conductor [0087} Figure 13 shows the eetrical connector of Figure 8 connected to an eletrical conductor WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 9 [0088] Figure 14A - shows an embodiment of the eletrical connector of Figure I in which the access point is provided as a single connector; [00891 Figure 14B shows another embodiment of the electrical connector of Figure I in which the access point is provided as a single coinector using a current source; [00901 Figure l4C - shows another embodiment of the electrical connector of Figure I in which the access point is provided as a single connector using a summer; [00911 Figme 14D - shows another embodiment of the electrical connector of Figure i in which the access point is provided as a single connector usig an operational amplifier [00921 Figure 14E - shows another embodiment of the elkctrical connector of Figure 1 in which the access point is provided as a single connector using a multiplier; [00931 Figure 15A -shows an embodiment of the electrical connector connected to an electrical conductor; 100941 Figure 15B - shows an electrical wiring equivalent of the arrangement of Figure 15A; 100951 Figure 16A - shows another embodiment of the electrical connector of Figure 15A with a removable conductive link; [0096] Figure 168 -shows an eletrical wiring equivalent of the arrangement of Figure 6A [0097 Figure 17- shows an implementation of the eletrical connector as a socket connector arrangement: [00981 Figure 18 - shows the underside of the socket connector of Figure 17 with base in the open position; [00991 Figure 19 -shows the view of Figure 18 with conductors in contact with respective IDCs; [001001 Figure 20- shows the socket connector with base closed; [001011 Figure 21 - shows the conductive pieces forming the terminals, iDCs and links of the socket connector of Figure 17; WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 10 [001021 Figure 22A - shows anupright view of the electrical arrangement of Figure 20 with the socket connector conected to the electrical conductor; 100103 Figure 22B shows an electrical wiring diagram of the arrangement of Figure 22A; 100104] Figure 23A - shows the arrangement of Figure 22A with switch; [00105] Figure 23B - shows an electrical wiring diagram of the arrangement of Figure 23A; 1001061 Figure 24A - shows the arrangement of Figure 22A with a C-BUS connector module; 100107] Figure 24B - shows an electrical wirhig diagram of the arrangement of Figure 24A; [00108] Figure 25A - shows the arrangement of Figure 22A with a C-BUS Dimmer connector module; [001091 Figure 25B - shows an electrical wiring diagram of the arrangement of Figure 25A; 1001101 Figure 26A - shows the arrangement of Figure 22A with a radio-controlled connector module; 1001111 Figure 26B - shows an electrical wiring diagram of the arrangement of Figure 26A; [00112] Figure 27 - shows another embodiment of the electrical connector in the form of a junction box; [001131 Figure 28-shows the juncton box of Figure 27 vith the casing transparent to show the internal connections; [00114] Figure 29 - shows the conductive pieces of the junction box of Figure 28; [001151 Figure 30A - shows an exploded view of the connections ofthe junction box of Figure 28; 001161 Figure 30-B shows an electrical wiring diagram of the arrangement of Figure 30A [00117] Figure 31 - shows the junction box with a switch module; [00118] Figure 32 - shows the junction box with a C-BUS connector module; WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 1 1 [001191 Figure 33A- shows a plan view of a connector module in the form of a current sensor and reporter for ue with any of the electrical connectors described herein; 1001201 Figure 33B - shows a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 33A; [001211 Figure 34A - shows a plan view of a connector module as a Zigbee radio controlled single channel relay module for use with any of the electrical connectors described herein; 1001221 Figure 34B - shows a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 34A; [001231 Figure 35A - shows a plan view of a connector module in the form of a dimmer module with singe channel relay and MOSFE.T for dimming for use with any of the electrical connectors described herein; 100124 Figure 35- shows a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 35A; [001251 Figure 36A - shows a plan view of a connector module in the form of a single channel relay for use with any of the electrical connectors described herein; 1001261 Figure 36B - shows a perspective view of the connector modu of Figure 36A; [001271 gure 37A- shows a plan view of a connetotr module in the form of a removable link; 1001281 Figure 37B- shows a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 3M; [001291 Figure 38 shows an alternative method of providing a plurality of controlled power sockets; and [00130] Figure 39 - shows an example plan of a dwelling to which the various aspects described herein may be applied. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [001311 In one aspect described herein, there is provided an electrical connector that alows a load or a power socket to be converted into a controlable load or a controllable power socket. Figure 1 shows a broad aspect of the electrical connector 100 according to one aspect. Shown is the eletrial connector 100 comprising a first terminal I 10, a first insulation displacement connector (iTDC) 120 and an access point 130. In this embodiment; the first terInal is connected to the access point 130 via first conducive link 141 and the first insulation displacement connector 120 is connected to the access WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 12 point i 130 by second conductive lnk 142 It will be understood that the first and second conductive links can be any electrically conductive arrangement including a wire or a metal piece. In some embodiments, first terminal 110, first conductive link 141 and access point 130 will be provided by a single conductive piece and in some embodiments, first IDC 120, second conductive link 142 and access point 130 will be provided by a single conductive piece and in other embodiments, all parts are provided by a single conductive piece. [001321 Thus in a broad aspect, there is provided an electrical connector comprising a frst terminal a first insulation displacement connector for displacing insulation surrounding a first conductor of an electrical conductor, and an access point disposed between the first terminal and the first insulation displacement connector. 1001331 As will be undertood by the person skilId in the art, an insulation displacement connector (IDC) is a connector that provides electrical contact with an electrical conductor surrounded by an insulator, by cutting into or otherwise displacing a portion of the insulation surrounding the electrical conductor to thereby come into physical contact with the insulated electrical conductor, thereby providing an electrical connection to the electric conductor via the insulation displacement connector An example of an application of an IDC is described in Australian Patent No. 784652 entitled "Electrical Connector with Power Socket" previously incorporated by reference in its entirety. 1001341 in one embodiment, the first terminal 110 is an active terminal, In another embodiment, the first terminal 110 is a neutral terminal. [001351 In one embodiment, the access point 130 comprises a first connection point 131 and a second connection point 132. Figure 2 shows one embodiment of eActrical connector 100 in which first tenninal 110 is connected to the first connection point 131 via first conductive link 141 and the insulation displacement connector 120 is connected to the second connection point 132 via second conductive link 142. [001361 In one embodiment as shown in Figure 3 a removable conductive link 150 is provided to effectively short circuit the access point 130 to directly connect first IDC 120 to first terminal 110. Since the conductive lk 150 is removable, it allows the access point 130 to become useable as will be described in more detail below. The provision of the removable conductive link 150 allows in one embodiment, flexibility for the user or installer of the electcal connector 100 as to what function is required for the electrical connector 100, When the removable conductive link 150 is removed, the electrical connector 100 appears as short in Figure 2.

WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 13 1001371 Figure 4 shows a particular application of one embodiment described herein, In this embodiment removable conductive link 150 is removed and replaced with a switch 160. This thereby provides a switchable electrical connection between first IDC 120 and first termindal 10,he uses of which will be described in more detail fThther below. [00138] Switch 160 may be any suitable switch as required for the purpose, as wil be understood by the person skilled in the art, In one embodiment, switch 160 is a mechanical switch, In another embodiment, switch 160 is a relay. In another embodiment, switch 160 is a semiconductor switch such as a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR), thyristor, triac, transistor, bipolarjunction transistor (BJT), Field Effect Transistor (FET), Junction Gate Field Effect Transistor (ET), Metal Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MES ET), MetaIl Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET), Insulated Gate Bipollar Transistor (IGBT), Organic Field Effect Transistor (OFET) or any other suitable switching device. ft will ilso be appreciated that switch 160 in some embodiments, is provided by multiple switching elements to provide the desired switching function. j001391 In a further aspect described herein, the operation of switch 160 is contoled by switch controller 170 as shown in Figure 5. Switch conroler 170 is provided by any suitable controling circuit to control the operation of switch 160 to perform the desired function, For example, switch controller 170 in one embodiment is a dimmer circuit to control power provided to the load, such as for dimmer lights or controlling the speed of a fan. Examples of dimmer circuits are described in PCT/AUO3(00365 entitled "Improved Dimmer Circuit Arrangement": PCT1JAU03/00366 entitled "Dimmer Circuit with Improved Inductive Load": PCT/AU03/00364 entitled "Dimmer Circuit with Improved Ripple Control"; PCT/A U2006/Ol883 enticed "Current Zero Crossing Detector in A Dimmer Circuit"; PCT/AU2006/001882 entitled 'Toad Detector For A Dimmer": PCT!AU2006/00I881 entitled "A Universal Dimmer" ; PCT/AU2008/001398 entitled "Improved Start-Up Detection in a Dimmer Circuit"; PCT/AJ20000l 399 entitled "Dimmer Circuit With Overcurrent Detecton"; PCT/AU200S/001400 entitled "Overcurrent Protection in a Dimmer Circuit", and Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2011904151 entitled "Dimmable Light Emitting Diode Load Driver with Bypass Current", al previously incorporated by reference in their entirety, 1001 401 In other embodiments, switch controler 170 is a controller for implementing a building automation control protocol such as that provided by the Applicant of the present application under the trade nane "CBUS", which controls switch 60 to control connected loads but can also provide control data by switching switch 160 to generate control pulses on the conductive wire connected to the load. 1001411 i some embodiments as shown in Figure 6, switch 160 and switch controllr 170 are provided as an integrated connector module 180 which incorporates switch 160 and switch control WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 14 170. In this embodiment, connector module 180 connects to the first connection point 131 and second connection point 132 of access point 130 with respective terminals. [001421 In one embodiment, connector module 180 is a dimming circuit. In another embodiment, connector module 180 is a C-BUS controller. in another embodiment, connector module 1,0 is a Zigbee controller In another embodiment, connector module 180 is a Wi-Fi controller [001431 In other embodiments still, connector module 180 does not perform a controlling nation but rather provides a sensing function to sense data related to the load or surrounding wiring or circuitry such as described further below with reference to Figures 33A and 33B. 1001441 Thus it will be appreciated that electrical connector 100 can be used to provide a controllable connection between a load and its power source or a connection from which data can be accessed. 1001 451 in further embodiments, electrical connector 100 has two terminals, being first terminal 110 and second terminal I P as shown in Figure 7. In this embodiment, first terminal 110 i connected to first insulation displacement connector (IDC) 120 via access point 130 via conductive lnks 141 and 142 as previously described, and second terminal 111 is connected to second insulation displacement connector (lOC) 121 via third conductive link 143. In one embodiment, first terminal 110 is an active terminal and second terminal I I is a neutral terminal. In another embodiment, first terminal 1 10 is a neutral terminal and second terminal I 1 is an active terminal. [001461 In a further embodiment, electrical connector 100 has three terminals, being first terminal 110. second tenninal 111 and third terminal 1.12 as shown in Figure 8. in this embodiment, first terminal 110 is connected to first insulation displacement connector (IDC) 120 via access point 130 via first and second conductive links 141 and 142; second terminal i t1 is connected to second insulation displacement connector (IDC) 121 via third conductive link 143 as previously described, and third terminal 112 is connected to third insulation displacement connector (IDC) 122 via fourth conductive link 144. In one embodiment first terminal 110 is an active terminal: second tenninal ill is an earth terminal and third terminal 112is a neutral terminal. In another embodiment, first terminal I 10 is a neutralerminal; second terminal Ill is an earth terminal and third terminal 112 is an active terminal. The third and fourth conductive links can be either conducve wire or pieces. 1001471 it will be appreciated that any of the above combinations of Figures 7 and S can have the further combinations of a removable link, a swich, a switch with switch controller or a connector module connected via access point 130 as previously described WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 15 [O{1481 Figure 9 shows an electrical arrangement in which the electrical connector of Figure I is electrically connected to an electrical conductor 300 composing first conductor 310 surrounded by insulation 340. In this embodiment, the insulation displacement connector 120 has penetrated or otherwise displaced the insulation 340 surrounding first conductor 310 of electrical conductor 300 to thereby provide an electrical connection between fist terminal 110 and first conductor 310. 1001491 Figure 10 shows the electrical connector of Figure 2 electrically connected to first conductor 310 of electrical conductor 300 with access point 130 provided by first connection point 131 and second connection point 132 and Figure 11 shows the electrical connector of Figure 6 connected to first conductor 310 of electrical conductor 300 with connector module 180 comprising switch 1 60 and switch controller 170. It will be appreciated that the other embodiments separately shown in Figures 4 and 5 can also be applied as shown in Figure I I. 100150] Figure 12 shows the electrical connector 100 of Figure 7 with fst terminal 110 and second terminal Ill connected to an electrical conductor 300 comprising in this embodiment, two conductors, being first conductor 310 and second conductor 320. In this embodiment, first terminal 110 is connected via first IDC 120 and first and second conductive links 141 and 142 to first conductor 310 and second terminal Ill is connected to second conductor 311 via second IDC 121 . In this view, it will be appreciated that electrical conductor 300 is viewed as a cross section along its length to illustrate how the first and second IDCs connect to the first and second conductors respectively. fn one embodimentfirst terminal 110 is an active terminal and first conductor 310 is an active conductor and second terminal Ill is a neutral terminal and second conductor 311 is a neutral conductor. In another embodiment, first terminal 11.0 is a neutral terminal and first conductor 310 is a neutral conductor and second terminal 1 11 is an active terminal and second conductor 311, is an active conductor. 1001511 Figure 13 shows the electrical connector of Fgure 8 with three terminals 110, 111 and 112 connected to respective first, conductor 310, second conductor 311 and third conductor 312 via respective first, second and third IDCs 120, 121 and 121 In one embodiment, first terminal 110 is an active terminal and first conductor 310 is an active conductor and second terminal I l is an earth terminal and second conductor 311 is an earth conductor and third terminal 112 is a neutral terninal and third conductor 3 12 is a neutral conductor.n another embodiment first terminal 110 is a neutral terminal and first conductor 310 is a neutral conductor and second terminal Ill is an earth terminal and second conductor 3 11 is an earth conductor and third teninal 112 is an active terminal and third conductor312 is an active conductor. The third and fourth conductive links can be either conductive wire or pieces Again, it wil be appreciated that any of the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 6 can be applied to the two and three conductor electrical conductor 300 as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 16 [00152] In another aspect, the access point 130 is provided by a single connection point Vrious arrangenents are possible to obtain the benefit of the aspects described herein. Figure 14A shows electrical connector 100 with first terminal 110 and first IDC 120. with access point 130 provided by a single connection to a connecting conductor 147. Various arrangements can be used to modulate or otherwise affect the signal passing from first IDC 120 to terminal 110, In one embodiment as shown in Figure 14A, connecting conductor 147 is connected in series with an external switch 134 which can be controlled to turn on and off thereby changing the resistance of the path and thereby changing the flow of curent from first IDC 120 to first terminal 110. Again, extemal switch 134 can be any suitable switch as described above with reference to swich 160 and can be controled by any suiable means as discussed above to provide control data, Connecting conductor 147 can be connected to access point 130 by any suiable means including welding or soldering, or connected by means of an actual mechanical connector. [001531 Figure 14B shows another arrangement in which a current source 135 is provided to connecting conductor 147 to inject current into the path between first IDC 120 and first terminal I 10 in such a way as to provide control data. [001541 Figure 14C shows another embodiment in which access point 130 is provided as an input of a summer 136 to add signal from connecting conductor 147 to the current flowing between first IDC 120 and terminal 110 to provide control data, 1001551 Figure 14D shows another embodiment in which access point 130 is provided as an input terminal of an operational amplifer 137 to add signal from connecting conductor 147 to the current flowing between first IDC 120 and terminal 110 to provide control data. 1001561 Figure 14E shows another embodiment in which access point 130 is provided as an input terminal of a tnultiplier 138 to add signal from connecting conductor 147 to the current flowing between first IDC 120 and terminal 110 to provide control data. [0015 I wit l be understood that each of the arrangements described with reference to Figures 14A to 14E can alo be used in an arrangement of two or three conductors as described with reference to Figures 12 and 13, [00153] Figure 15A shows an example of a specific embodiment of electrical connector 100 as shown in Figure 13. Shown there are first, second and third insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) 120, 121 and 122 in electrical contact wih corresponding insulated first, second and third conductors 310,311 and 312, having displaced a portion of the insulation surrounding the conductors in electrical conductor 300. These three conductors and respective insulation constitute electrical conductor 300.

WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 17 Also shown are first, second and third terminals 1 10, 111 and 112 Third terminal 112 is connected to third 1DC via fourth conductive link 144 and second terminal I ll is connected to second DC 121 via third conductive link 143 (better viewed in Figure 1 6A) First IDC 120 is connected to second conductive link 142 which terminates in second connection point 132. First terminal 110 is connected to first conductive link 141 which terminates in first connection point 13 1 First and second connection points 131 and 132 together forn access point 130, 1001591 Figure 151B shows an electrical wiring connection representation of the arrangement of Figure 15A, with first, second and third terminals 110, 111 and 1 12 connected to respective first, second and third conductors 310, 311 and 312 respectively, through first second and third IDs 120, 121 and 122. Firs terminal 110 is connected to first connection point 131 via first conductivelink 141 and second connection point 132 is connected to first lDC 120 via second conductive link 142. First and second connection points 131 and 132 form access point 130. (00160] Figure 16A shows a similar arrangement of Figure 15B from a different angle The arrangement in Figure 16A alo shows first and second connection points 131 and 132 with screw terminals, which provide a means of connecting removable conductive link 150, or other connector module 180 as previously described. [00161j it will be noted that in the arrangements shown in Figures 15A and 16A, third 1DG 122, fourth conductive link 144 and third terminal 112 are provided as a single conductive piece, being a conductive material (e.g. copper) shaped to provide the lDC fumction at the bottom and the terminal function at the top. Similarly, second conductor 121. third conductive link 143 and second terminal 1I1 are provided as a single piece. First terminal 110 and first conducive link 14 1 are provided as a single piece and first IDC 120 and second conductive 1ik 142 are provided as a single piece. [00162] It wil also be noted that in this embodiment, first terminal 110 is an Active terminal, second terminal 11l is an Earth terminal and third terminal 112 is a Neutral terminal. [001631 Figure 1B shows the equivalent electrical wiring connection diagram of the arrangement of Figure 16dAwith removable conductive link 150. [00164] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of electrical connector 100 configured as a socket outlet. in this embodiment, electrical connector 100 as the socket outlet has a casing 101 and a base 102. The casing 101 comprises three sockets elements 103, 104 and 10$each for receiving a respective plug element (not shown). An aperture 106 is provided to allow access to the access point 130 within the casing 101 Extension 107 provides a cover for electrical conductor 300 (not shown) when in place.

WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 18 (00165 Figure i8 shows the electrical connector 100 of Figure 17 in an inverted position, and with base 102 in an open position, As can be seen in this view, base 102 is hingedly connected to casing 101 via hinge 109 to allow opening and closing of the base 102, Ribs 102a are disposed on the inside of base 20 1, the function of which will be described below with reference to Figure 20. Inside casing 101 is shown first, second and third DCs 120, 121 and 122. In use, electrical conductor 300 is prepared by removing an outer insulation 301 from a part of the electrical conductor 300 to expose first, second and third conductors 310, 311 and 312. It wil be appreciated that these conductors are also shown with their respective insulation surrounding the actual conductors as previously described, 101661 The exposed portion of electrical conductor 300 and first, second and third conductors are thea aligned over the respective IDCs and lowered into place so that the insulation of each of the first, second and third conductors are received between prongs of the respective IDCs as shown in Figure 19, Base 102 is then closed over the arrangement of Figure 19 and pressed down into a filly closed position to contact casing 101 This closing action causes ribs I 02a referred to in Figurc 19 to cone into contact wah the insulated first second and third conductors 120, 121 and 122 on either side of respective IDCs and applies downward pressure to the conductors to cause them to be wedged between the prongs of the IDCs to cause the IDCs to displace the insulation surrounding the conductors and come into electrical contact with the first, second and third conductors 120, 1 and 122 thereby providing an electrical connection. Furthermore, by remaining in the closed position the conductors are retained in the connected position. 1001671 Figure 21 shows the arrangement and shape of the conductive pieces forming the teminails, links and lDCs in this particular embodiment IDC 120 shown in the rear of Figure 21 extends into second conducive link 142 to form second connection point 132 First connection point 131 is provided by the end of first conductive link 141 which extends into first terminal 110. Second TDC 121 extends into third conductive link 143 which then extends into second terminal 1. Third IDC 122 extends into fourth conductive link 144 which extends into third terminal 112 In this ethodiment, third terminal 112 is a neutral terminal and so has a fifth conductive link 145 which connects to a third connection point 133 which allows a neutral connection external to the electrical connector/socket 100, It wil be understood that any other suitable arrangement and shape ofthe conductive pieces can be used in other embodiments. [00168) Figure 22A shows electrical connectodsocket 100 in completed form with casing 101 transparent to show the internal components and closed base 102. Electrical conductor 300 can be seen extending through the openings provided by extension 107 on either side. Figure 22B shows a corresponding electrical wiring connection diagram for the arrangement of Figure 22A with access point 13,.

WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 19 [001691 Figure 23A shows the electrical connector/socket 100 of Figure 22A with wiring that is for connection to switch 160 connected to access point 130 (provided by first connectin point 131 and second connection point 132), Figure 23B shows a corresponding electrical wiring connection diagram for the arrangement of Figure 23A for connection with switch 160 Switch 160 could be a normal switch installed in a doorway in a room and can be connected by these wires to the connector mode 1 00. [001701 Figure 24A shows electrical connector/socket 1 00 connected to connector module 180 In this embodinet connector modue 180 is a C-BUS connector module, Figure 243 shows the corresponding ldctrical wiring diagram showing C-BUS connector module connected to socket 100 with its switched active terminal connected to first connection point 131, its active terminal connected to second connection point 132 and its neutral terminal connected to the neutral line via third connection point 133.It wil be appreciated that in some embodiments the connection of the neutral terminal to the neutral line is optional. [001711 Figure 25A shows electric connectorsocket 100 connected to connector module 180. In this embodiment, connector module 180 is a CBUS Dimmer connector module Figure 25B shows the corresponding electric wiring diagram showing C-BUS Dimmer connector module connected to socket 100 with its switched active terminal connected to first connection point 131, is active terminal connected to second connection point 132 and its neutral terminal connected to thc neutrl ine via third connection point 133. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the connection of the neutral terminal to the neutral line is optional. [001721 Figure 26A shows electrical connector/socket 100 connected to connector module 180. hi this embodiment, connector module I8 is a radio-controlled connector module. Figure 26B shows the corresponding electric wiring diagram showing the radio-controlled connector module connected to socket 100 with its swiched active terminal connected to first connection point 131. its active terminal connected to second connection point 132 and its neutral terminal connected to the neutral line via third connection point 133. It wil be appreciated that the connection of the neutral terminal to the neutraline is optionaL [00173] In another embodiment, the various aspects described herein can be applied to the IDC socket connector described in Australian Patent No. 784652 entitled "Electrical Connector with Power Socket" previously incorporated by reference in its entirety, by incorporating an access point between the active terminal and the IDC disposed to connect to the active conductor of the electrical conductor described therein.

WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 20 1001741 Thus there is broadly provided an electrical plug socket comprising a first terminal electrically connected to a first socket element for receiving a first plug elcment, a first insulation displacement connector for displacing insulation surrounding a first conductor of an electrical conductor, and an access point disposed between the first terminal and the first insulation displacement connector. [001r5J Figure 27 shows another embodiment of electrical connector 100, in this embodiment in the form of a junction box Junction box 100 has a casing 101 and a base 102, Also shown is extension 107 for reNeiving electrical conductor 300 and aperture 106 for providing access to access point 130 as previously described In this embodiment, the top surface 108 of casing 101 does not have any plug receiving socket elements as ain the socket embodiment but is simply a closed surface. 100176] Figure 28 shows electricaI connector/junction box 100 with casing 101 transparent, to show the electrical connections and wiring inside and showing the use of screw terminals in this embodiment to secure connection to the various conductors as will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 30A. 1001 77J Figure 29 shows the arrangement and shape of the various meta/ckonductive parts used in this embodiment. As shown in tis view, irst IDC 120 is connected to second connection point 132 via conductive link 142, First connection point 131 is connected to first terminal i 110 via frst conductive link 114L Second IDC 121 is connected to second terminal I 1 via conductive link 143 and third IDC 122 is connected to third termin 112 via fourth conductive link 144. Again, in this embodiment, the IDC, conductive link, connection point and terminal are all formed by the same conductive piece. [001781 Figure 30A shows how the various connections are made within electrical connector/junction box 100. Electrical conductor 300 is prepared by removing a part of the surrounding insulation to expose the insulated first, second and third conductors 310, 311 and 3 12 respectively. First, second and third IDCs 120, 121 and 122 respectively engage with first second and third conductors 310, 311 and 312 to form an electrical connection as previously described. Respective second, third and fourth conductive links 142, 143 and 144 provide an electrical connection to second and third connection points 132 and 133, which in this embodiment, are covered by fist and third screw terminals 400 and 402 respectively. First connection point 131 is then connected to first terminal 10 via first conductive link 141 which is terminated by second screw terminal 401 at first connection point 131 and by fourth screw terminal 403 at fnrst terminal 110, Second and third terminals 111 and 112 ar covered by respective fifth and sixth screw terminals 404 and 405. Third screw terminal 402 covers third connection point 133 to provide for external connection to third terminal 112 which in this embodiment is a neutralerminal via ffth conductive link 145 WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 21 1001791 Electrical conductor 300 is then cut to terminate it. Second electrical conductor 300' is then connected to the first, second and third terminals 110, Ii and 112 to provide the junction connection. As can be seen in Figure 30A, the main insulation surrounding second eectrical conductor 300' is removed to expose the individual insulated first, second and third conductors 310', 3 and 312' The insulation surrounding each of first second and third conductors 310' 31 1 and 31T of second electrical conductor 300'is Uso removed to expose first, second and third conductors 310' 311' and 312' of second electrical conductor 300. The exposed portions are then connected to respective first, second and third terminals 110, 111 and 112 via respective screw terminals 403, 404 and 405. 100180] It will be understood that in this embodiment, the JDCs are connected to first, second and third conductors 310, 311 and 312 as was done with the electrical connector /socket connector 100 as described previously with reference to Figures 18 19 and 20 in which the base 201 is closed over the aligned arrangement. In another embodiment, first, second and third conductors 310, 3 I I and 3 12 are simply pushed into IDCs 120, 121 and 122 manually to form the elctrical connection, and casing 101 placed over the top of the arrangement to engage with base 02 [001811 The arrangement of Figure 30A is shown as an electrical wiring reptesentation in Figure 30B. 100182] Figure 31 shows electrical connector 100 as a junction box with wires for connection to switch 160 provided as the connector module. Also seen in this view are lectrical conductor 300 and second electrical conductor 300' to which junction box connects ectrical connector 300. First, second and third conductors 310' 31 1 and 312' of second electical conductor 300' are also visible. 1001831 Figure 32 shows electrical connector 100 as junction bo, with a C-BUS connector module as the connector module 180, Any of the other connector modules previously discussed cold also be connected to electrical connectorjunction box 100, including any of those described with reference to Figures 33A, 33B. 34A, 34B 35A 35B, 36A, 36B, A and 37B. [00184 Figure 33A shows a plan view of a connector module 180 in the form of a monkior module. The monitor module 180 includes a current transformer toroid 185. to sense current being drawn by the load to which electoral connector 100 is connected. Supporting circuitry allows the sensed data to be stared and/or reported to a remote receiver. i another embodiment monitor module 180 raises an alert of the current drawn exceeds a preset threshold, indicating a fault in the load or surrounding wiring or circuitry In this embodiment, the various components are mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 181. Also seenn Nthis view are contactors 183 and 184 which make electrical contact with the first and second connection points 131 and 132 respectively, of access point 130, In WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 22 some embodiments, contactor 182 also makes electrical contact with third access point 133 if connecting to a neutral line as previously described. 1001851 I wil be appreciated that there are many ways of connecting the terminal (or contractors) of the connector module 180 to the respective connection points 131, 132 or 1 33. In one embodiment, the connection is made using screw terminals as previously described with reference to Figure 30 for example. In another embodiment, the connection is made by friction fit terminals. In another embodiment, the connection is made by spring terminals. In another embodiment, the connection is made by soldering or welding. In another embodiment, the connection is made by plug and socket connections. Any other suitable connection means may be used as will be understood by the person skilled in the art. 1001861 Figure 33B is a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 33A 1001871 Figure 34A shows a plan view of connector module 180 in the form of a single channel relay module controlled by a controller operating under the communication protocol known as Zigbee (Zighee controller). In this embodiment, the components are mounted to PCB 181, including an antenna 186 which provides for radio control from a remote location as well as other data reception and transmission. 1001881 Figure 34B is a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 34A [00189J Figure 3A shows a plan view of a connector module 180 in the form of a dimmer module, including a single channel relay module and a Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) for the dirmming function. 1001901 Figure 35 is a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 35A 1001911 Figure 36A shows a plan view of a connector module in the form of a single channel relay, with Fingure 36B being a perspective view, and Figure 37A and 37B show a plan view and perspective view respectively of the connector module in the formn of a removable conductive link 150, with contactors 151 and 152 for contacting with first and second connection points 131 and 132 to form a short circuit in the access point 130 as previously described. [001921 As described above, the various aspects allows the conversion of a power socket into a controllable power socket by providing the access point 130 between the first terminal I 10 and the first IDC 120. In an arrangement in which multiple power sockets are connected via the same electrical conductor 300, each power socket can be converted as described above, each with its own WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 23 connector modul or controler connected to the respective access points. Figure 38 shows another possible application of converting a plurality of power sockets into controllable sockets. In this alternative, the first power socket is provided as an electrical connector 100 with access point 130 provided by first connection point 131 and second connection point 132 between first terminal 10 and IDC 120 , and a connector module 180 (for example a radio controlled dimmer module) as previously described Then second power socket 100' is provided, however, instead of requiring its own connector module 180, its first terminal 110' is connected directly to first connection point 131 of the first power socket arrangement 100 by wire 146- In this way, the control signals provided to the first power socket 100 are shared by the second power socket 100' and any further power sockets so connected. In this way, multiple power sockets and their loads can he controlled by effectively slaving them to one socket 100 [001931 Figure 39 illustrates an example of applying the various aspects described herein to a domestic dwelling with multiple rooms or spaces 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512 and 513. Each of these rooms or spaces has one or more electrical loads 600 turned on and off by a user switch 650, usually in the same or nearby room or space. For example in room 509, the load is a light 600 turned on and off by user switch 650 In room 503, being a bathroom, the load can be a light and/or a fan, controlled by user switch 650 in that room. In room or space 513, there are 4 loads, being four lights 600, 600', 600" and 600"% being controlled by user switch 650 at the entrance to that space. [001941 If the owners of dwelling 500 decided that they wanted to introduce a home automation system such as the C us automation system, or use other automatkn devices and protocols it has in the past, been necessary to rewire the entire dwelling to connect all loads 600 and user switches 650 to a central control box. This rewiring is very labour intensive and expensive, and currently poses a significant barrier to a home, dwelling or building owner to install such a system. [001951 According to one aspect, he various aspects described herein can be used to advantage to significantly simplify the retro-fit and installation of a home or building automation system. In one example, it is possible to convert room 509 simply by applying an electrical connector 100 as described previously For example, for the load 600 in room 509, being a light, an installer would simply cut the electrical conductor 300 presently connecting the light the mans power reconnect the pieces using electrical connector 100 in the form of junction box as shown in Figure 32 for example, and connect or attach the desired connector module 180 according to the type of automation system required. The connector module 180 would then be connected to the relevant user switch 650 using either the existing wiring, new wiring or tirelessly, thus providing a controllable load without having to rewire the entire house WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 24 [00196 In another example, in room or space 513 where there are four loads 600 600'. 600"'a and 600"', these can be similady connected, each with its own connector module attached to respective electrical connectors 100, or the slave wirin described with reference to Figure 38 can be used to allow all four loads to be controlled by user switch 650, i another example, in room or space 503, which is a bathroom, the load is a fan, which can be similarly connected to allow variable fan speed, [001971 In another example, new power sockets are similarly able to be provided in one or more rooms or spaces using electrical conector 100 as a power socket, as described with reference to Figures 17 to 26B to provide a controllable power outlet for controllable loads such as lamps fans, refrigerators, audio systems, computers, video and television systems and security systems 1001981 A further advantage of the various aspects described is that the type of system can be easily changed or upgraded as technology changes, simply by replacing the connector module to a new connector module of the desired type, A further advantage still is that the system is flexible in that it allows one or several rooms or spaces to be upgraded to an automation system without the entire house or dweling being upgraded. A further advantage still is that when a new dwelling or building is built, the builders or electricians can add the electrical connectors as previously described and simply connect the removable conductive link 150 as the connector module 180 to allow the subsequent owner or user of the dwelling to either not install an automation system, or to install a desired automation system in one or more rooms or spaces in the future, at a far lower cost than having to rewire the entire building or dwelling [00199] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words"omprise and "include" ard variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other lnteger or group of lingers. j002001 The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. 1002011 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted hereina It will be appreciated that the invention is not lmied to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modificatns and substitutons without departng from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (30)

1. 4. An electrical connector as chimed in claim 3 further comprising a removable conductive link connected between the first connection point and the second comection point, 5, An electrical connector as claimed in claim 3 further comprising a switch connected between the first connection point and the second connection point.
2. 6. An electrical connector as claimed in claim 5 further comprising a switch controller for controlling the switch.
3. 7. An electrical connector as claimed in claim 6 wherein the switch and the switch controller are provided by a connector modul, S. An electrical connector as climed in claim 7 wherein the connector module is a C-BUS connector module.
4. 9. An electrical connector as claimed in claim 7 wherein the connector module is a dimmer circuit module.
5. 10. An electrical connector as claimed in caim 7 wherein the connector module is a Zighee connector module. 11, An electrical connector as claimed in claim 7 wherein the connector module is a Wi-i connector module, WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 26 12 An eletrical connector as claimed in any one of claims 2 to II further comprising a neutral terminal for connection to a corresponding neutral line of the electrical conductor via a corresponding second insulation displacement connector. 13, An electrical connector as claimed in claim 12 further comprising an earth terminal for connection to a corresponding earth line of the electrical conductor via a corresponding third insulation displacement connector. 14, An electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims I to 13 wherein the electrical connector is a pig socket.
6. 15. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of daims 1 to 12 wherein the electrical connector is a junction box.
7. 16. An elctrical plug socket comprising: a first terminal electricaly connected to a first socket element for receiving a first plug element; a first insulation displacement connector for displacing insulation surrounding a first conductor of an electrical conductor; and an access point disposed between the first terminal and the first insulation displacement connector.
8. 17. An electrical plug sacket as claimed in claim 16 wherein the first terminal ist an active terminal. 18, An electrical plug socket as claimed in any one of claims 16 or 17 wherein the access point comprises a first connection point etricaly connected to the first terninal and a second connection point eetrically conieted to the first insulation displacement connector,
9. 19. An electrical plug socket as claimed in claim 18 further comprising a removable conductive link connected between the first connection point and the second connection point. 20 An electrical plug socket as claimed in claim 18 further comprising a switch connected between the first connection point and the second connection point.
10. 21. An electrical plug socket as claimed in claim 20 further comprising a swich controller for controlling the switch. WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 27
11. 22. An electrical plug socket as claimed in claim 21 wherein the switch and the switch controller are provided by a connector module.
12. 23. An electrical plug socket as claimed in claim 22 wherein the connector module is a C-BUS connector module.
13. 24. An electrical plug socket as claimed in clain 22 wherein the connector module is a dimmer circuit module
14. 25. An electrical plug socket as claimed in claim 22 wherein the connector module is a Zigbee connector module.
15. 26. An electrical plug socket as claimed in claim 22wherein the connector module is a Wi-Fl connector module. 27, An electrical plug socket as claimed in any one of caims 17 to 26 further comprising a neutral terminal for connection to a corresponding neutral line of the electrical conductor via a corresponding second insulation displacement connector.
16. 28. An electrical plg socket as claimed in claim 27 further comprising an earth terminal for connection to a corresponding earth line of the electrical conductor via a corresponding third insulation displacement connector 29, An electrical arrangement comprising an electrical connector comprising a first terminal, a first insulation displaement connector and an access point disposed between the firt terminal and the 5 st insulation displacement connector; and an eletrical conductor comprising at least a switching line in electrical contact with the first elctrical displacement connector.
17. 30. An elctrical arrangement as claimed in claim 29 wherein the access point comprises a first connection point connected to the first terminal and a second connection point connected to the first insulation displacement cement.
18. 31. An electrical arrangement as claimed in claim 30 further comprising a remoabl conductive link connected between the first connection point and the second connection point. WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 28 3 1. An electrical arrangement as claimed in claim 30 further comprising a removable conductive link connected between the first connection point and the second connection point 32, An electrical arrangement as claimed in claim 30 further comprising a switch connected between the first connection point and the second connection point;
19. 33. An electrical arrangement as claimed in claim 30 comprising a connector module comprising the switch and control circuitry for controlling the switch. 34, An electrical arrangement as claimed in claim 33 wherein the connector module is a C-BUS connector module,
20. 35. An electrical arrangement as claimed in claim 33 wherein the connector module is a dimming circuit module. 36, An electrical arrangement as claimed in claim 33 wherein the connector module is a Zigbee connector module. 37, An electrical arrangement as claimed in claim 33 wherein the connector module is a Wi-Fi connector module. 38 An electrical arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 37 further comprising a neutral terminal for connection to a corresponding neutral line of the electrical conductor via a corresponding second insulation displacement connector.
21. 39. An electrical arrangement as claimed in claim 38 further comprising an earth terminal for connection to a corresponding earth line of the electrical conductor via a corresponding third insulation displacement connector. 40 A method of convertig a load into a controllable load, the method comprising: placing a first conductor connected to the load into contact at insulation displacement connector of an electrical connector comprising a frst terminal and an access point disposed between the frst terminal and the first insulation displacement connector; and applying force to the first insulation dispacement connector to displace insulation sounding the conductor to come into elOtrical contact with the first conductor, WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 29
22. 41. A method as claimed in claim 40 further comprising connecting a switch to the access point to provide control signals to te load via the first conductor of the electrical conductor.
23. 42. A method as claimed in claim 41 wherein the access point comprises a first connection point connected to the first seminal and a second connection point connected to the first insulation displacement connector and the step of connecting the connector module comprises connecting a first terminal of the connector module to the first connection point and connecting a second terminal of the connector module to the second connection point,
24. 43. A method as chimed in claim 42 further comparing connecting the connector module to a control interface to allow a user to control the connector module,
25. 44. A method of providing a controllable power socket comprising a first terminal for connection to a controllable load, the method comprising: connecting a first insulation displacement connector to the first terminal via an access point; placing a first conductor connected to a power source into contact with the first insulation displacement connector; and applying force to the insulation displacement connector to cause the insulation displacement connector to displace insulation surrounding the switching conductor.
26. 45- A method as claimed in claim 44 further comprising connecting a connector module to the access point
27. 46. A method as claimed claim 4 wherein the access point comprises a first connection point connected to the first terminal and a second connection point connected to the first insulation displacement connector and the step of connecting the connector module comprises connecting a first terminal of the connector module to the first connection point and connecting a second terminal of the connector module to the second connection point.
28. 47. A method as claimed in claim 46 further comprising connecting the connector module to a control interface to allow a user to control the connector module. 48, A method of rerofitdng an existing wiring arrangement connecting a pluaty of loads to a power source, the method comprising: carrying out the method of any one of claims 40 to 47 on at least one of the plurality of connected loads. WO 2014/186834 PCT/AU2014/000545 30
29. 50. A connector module for connection to an electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims I to 15 or an electrical plug socket as claimed in claims 16 to 28, the connector module comprising: functionalcircuitry for performing a function of the connector module; and at least one connector electrically connected to the functional circuitry for electrical connection to the access point of the electrical connector or electrical plug socket. 51 A connector module as claimed in claim 50 wherein there are a first contactor and a second contactor, for elctrical connection to the first connection point and the second connection point of the electrical connector.
30. 52. A connector module as climed in claim 51 comprising a third contactor for electrical connection to a neutral terminal of the electrical connector.