CA2397948A1 - Plug-in electrical accessories - Google Patents
Plug-in electrical accessories Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2397948A1 CA2397948A1 CA002397948A CA2397948A CA2397948A1 CA 2397948 A1 CA2397948 A1 CA 2397948A1 CA 002397948 A CA002397948 A CA 002397948A CA 2397948 A CA2397948 A CA 2397948A CA 2397948 A1 CA2397948 A1 CA 2397948A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- accessory
- accessories
- live
- suite according
- suite
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/02—Details
- H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
- H02G3/086—Assembled boxes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/02—Details
- H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
- H02G3/12—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes for flush mounting
- H02G3/128—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes for flush mounting in plinths, channels, raceways or similar
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/02—Details
- H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
- H02G3/14—Fastening of cover or lid to box
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
- Connection Or Junction Boxes (AREA)
Abstract
An electrical accessory box with a complete suite of plug-in wiring accessories (socket outlets/receptacles, lighting switches, etc.) for use on a conventional conduit system that allows the wiring system within a building to be fully wired, connected and tested at an early stage in the construction.
The devices would be fully interchangeable for differing national standards and easily replaced by non technical persons. The accessory range would cover all devices required within a building and be designed to comply with national and international standards.
The devices would be fully interchangeable for differing national standards and easily replaced by non technical persons. The accessory range would cover all devices required within a building and be designed to comply with national and international standards.
Description
Plug-in Electrical Accessories The Description Technical Field The invention is a new type of electrical wiring accessory that provides early completion of the wiring within a building to allow full testing of the system by using a plug-in accessory.
It also provides an adaptability that permits easy interchangability of outlets to suit differing national standards and outlet ypes.
Background Art The problem in the installation of electrical accessories in buildings has always been that conduits and cables are installed early in the construction programme and then tested and connected to the accessory at the end.
Should a failure of a cable occur. it will not be discovered until much later when it can often be difficult to access the conduit with all the other services and architectural finishes in place.
The replacement of cables is generally quite time consuming.
With the systems in use at present. the cables once installed are left loose or wound up in the I S accessory box where they are subject to damage. The accessory box is often filled with cement or plaster as the wall finishes are applied.
In order to test and commission the wiring system the cables have to be terminated which means the accessories and luminaires have to be installed. This makes the testing of the complete lighting circuit very difficult; either the lamps are removed or, in the case of fluorescent luminaires, the lamp circuits are disconnected or, as normally happens the light switches are in the "off' position. With the light switches off. the phase conductors to the luminaires, i.e. the switch lines, are not tested!
It also provides an adaptability that permits easy interchangability of outlets to suit differing national standards and outlet ypes.
Background Art The problem in the installation of electrical accessories in buildings has always been that conduits and cables are installed early in the construction programme and then tested and connected to the accessory at the end.
Should a failure of a cable occur. it will not be discovered until much later when it can often be difficult to access the conduit with all the other services and architectural finishes in place.
The replacement of cables is generally quite time consuming.
With the systems in use at present. the cables once installed are left loose or wound up in the I S accessory box where they are subject to damage. The accessory box is often filled with cement or plaster as the wall finishes are applied.
In order to test and commission the wiring system the cables have to be terminated which means the accessories and luminaires have to be installed. This makes the testing of the complete lighting circuit very difficult; either the lamps are removed or, in the case of fluorescent luminaires, the lamp circuits are disconnected or, as normally happens the light switches are in the "off' position. With the light switches off. the phase conductors to the luminaires, i.e. the switch lines, are not tested!
Due to the testing and commissioning of the wiring system, the accessories themselves are normally installed before the final painting of walls. This often leads to the accessory being 'painted' along with the walls, sometimes requiring the accessory to be replaced or at the very least needing extensive cleaning. Some contractors try to cover the accessory with a tape to avoid the paint damage, but this is time consuming and not very successful.
Once the building is in use. it will in time need repainting, and then the problem arises again.
With the growing diversiy of building tenant / owner nationalities in all countries there is sometimes a desire to have different accessory types (American, British, German, ......
pattern of accessory). Changing the accessory type on the existing systems is not easy, and will generally need an electrician to carry out the work.
The plug-in electrical accessory (the Invention) has been developed to overcome these problems.
Disclosure of Invention The invention is an accessory box with a plug-in accessory plate for use on a conventional conduit system that overcomes all the problems noted in the background to the Invention and noted below.
This device is a complete suite of electrical accessories that allows the wiring system within a building to be fully wired, connected and tested at an early stage in the construction.
As stated earlier, in order to test and commission the wiring system the cables have to be terminated which means the accessories and luminaires have to be installed.
This requires either the lamps to be removed or, in the case of fluorescent luminaires, the lamp circuits to be disconnected. What normally happens is the light switches are in put in the ''off' position which means the phase conductors to the luminaires, i.e. the switch lines, are not tested. This can sometimes be a considerable percentage of the circuit wiring. The invention overcomes this by allowing all the circuit conductors to be installed and terminated without connecting the luminaires or the accessories, thus full testing can be carried out.
All the finishes can be applied to the building and then the accessories plugged in, thus avoiding damage to the accessory by the finishes and visa versa.
The accessory comprises three basic parts a) the accessory box (Fig 3)which is installed with the conventional conduit system b) the accessory itself (Fig 6) which is a socket/outlet/receptacle, lighting switch, etc.
c) a temporary cover plate (Fig 8) which can be replaced with a maintenance cover plate.
The accessory box provides permanent termination of the wiring with plug-in facilities for the accessory.
The accessory, which could be socket outlet, lighting switch, ceiling rose, or whatever, plugs into the accessory box providing connection to the external circuit. Upon completion of the room finishes, the accessory is simply plugged into the accessory box and is ready for use without any further installation required.
I S If it is necessary to redecorate the room, it is a simple matter to unplug the accessory, fit the temporary cover plate, decorate, remove the cover plate and then plug the accessory back in.
It does not need an electrician.
If the decorating is to be done at night or the room has no windows then a maintenance cover plate (a plug-in lighting switch bypass) can be installed. This would be similar to the temporary cover plate and would inter-connect the wiring to keep the lighting on for as long as the device is in place. With 2-way and intermediate switching, removing one of the 2-way or intermediate switches would not affect the operation of the other, so there would be no need to by-pass the switch.
Once the building is in use. it will in time need repainting, and then the problem arises again.
With the growing diversiy of building tenant / owner nationalities in all countries there is sometimes a desire to have different accessory types (American, British, German, ......
pattern of accessory). Changing the accessory type on the existing systems is not easy, and will generally need an electrician to carry out the work.
The plug-in electrical accessory (the Invention) has been developed to overcome these problems.
Disclosure of Invention The invention is an accessory box with a plug-in accessory plate for use on a conventional conduit system that overcomes all the problems noted in the background to the Invention and noted below.
This device is a complete suite of electrical accessories that allows the wiring system within a building to be fully wired, connected and tested at an early stage in the construction.
As stated earlier, in order to test and commission the wiring system the cables have to be terminated which means the accessories and luminaires have to be installed.
This requires either the lamps to be removed or, in the case of fluorescent luminaires, the lamp circuits to be disconnected. What normally happens is the light switches are in put in the ''off' position which means the phase conductors to the luminaires, i.e. the switch lines, are not tested. This can sometimes be a considerable percentage of the circuit wiring. The invention overcomes this by allowing all the circuit conductors to be installed and terminated without connecting the luminaires or the accessories, thus full testing can be carried out.
All the finishes can be applied to the building and then the accessories plugged in, thus avoiding damage to the accessory by the finishes and visa versa.
The accessory comprises three basic parts a) the accessory box (Fig 3)which is installed with the conventional conduit system b) the accessory itself (Fig 6) which is a socket/outlet/receptacle, lighting switch, etc.
c) a temporary cover plate (Fig 8) which can be replaced with a maintenance cover plate.
The accessory box provides permanent termination of the wiring with plug-in facilities for the accessory.
The accessory, which could be socket outlet, lighting switch, ceiling rose, or whatever, plugs into the accessory box providing connection to the external circuit. Upon completion of the room finishes, the accessory is simply plugged into the accessory box and is ready for use without any further installation required.
I S If it is necessary to redecorate the room, it is a simple matter to unplug the accessory, fit the temporary cover plate, decorate, remove the cover plate and then plug the accessory back in.
It does not need an electrician.
If the decorating is to be done at night or the room has no windows then a maintenance cover plate (a plug-in lighting switch bypass) can be installed. This would be similar to the temporary cover plate and would inter-connect the wiring to keep the lighting on for as long as the device is in place. With 2-way and intermediate switching, removing one of the 2-way or intermediate switches would not affect the operation of the other, so there would be no need to by-pass the switch.
If for any reason the accessory type, i.e. American pattern accessories, are required to be changed for say German pattern, it is only necessary to unplug one device and replace it with the other.
The accessory range would cover all devices required within a building and would fully comply with national and international standards.
All devices would be rated at 250V to allow for any national voltage.
The Accessor~Box (Fig 3) The accessory box is a moulded plastic box ( 1 ) arranged to connect to a standard conduit system (2) using a male bushing into a conduit coupler (3).
The external sides of the box are flanged (4) to link another accessory box onto any of the four sides. This allows accessory boxes to be joined together to form mufti-ganged arrangements up to any number in a matrix form. The flanges ensure that the alignment and spacing of a group of accessories is accurate and consistent. Fig. 5 shows typical elevations of the accessory box.
These same flanges are used to provide fixation when the boxes are recessed into a block or concrete wall. They also act as 'wings' behind plasterboard in a dry partition to prevent the box pulling through. The box would have fixing holes (5) in the base, set to allow for minor re-alignment.
Conduit entries are provided on each side; two on the top and bottom side (6) and one on the other two sides (7). Each box when joined to others, can interconnect to it's adjacent box through the conduit entry holes or they can be blanked off as necessary. This allows wiring devices of different voltage grades to be installed adjacent to each other and maintain segregation of the wiring as required by the national and international regulations.
Inside and on each side of the box are the cable connection terminals (8).
There are twelve terminals for low current devices rated at 10 amps and below such as light switches and controls and eight terminals for power outlets (and higher rated light switches) rated up to 20 amps. The terminal could be a barrel screw terminal as shown or any other type.
Each of the terminals are connected to a live rail (9) which is encapsulated in a slot ( 10) that takes the leg of the accessory.
The accessory when inserted in the slot (10) will connect it (Fig 6) to the cable system by the live rail (12) in the accessory being in pressure contact with the live rail (9) in the accessory box. Fig. 7 shows the detail of the live rail connection between the accessory and the accessory box.
The fixing of the accessory to the accessory box is by sliding the legs (18) of the accessory into the live rail slots ( 10) of the box. When the accessory is pushed down on to the top of the box, a fixing clip (I l) will hold the accessory in place. The accessory is removed by lifting the edge of the accessory with the flat blade of a screwdriver in the slot provided and disengaging it from the fixing clip.
The Accessory (Fig 6) The arrangement shown in Fig 6 describes a typical socket outlet/receptacle for a British system. Variations on this would be used for the other types of outlet and also for direct cable connection to luminaires and appliances, etc.
The accessory comprises two main parts; the wiring device (13) and the cover plate ( 14). The wiring device would be a standard design for each type of accessory. The cover plate, made of either plastic or metal, would be stylised to suit the architectural design and finish of the accessory and would be factory fixed to the wiring device.
As a socket outlet, as shown in the drawings, the wiring device (13) is a plastic assembly incorporating a recess ( I S) for the spring clip ( 16) for the appliance plug (24) to connect to;
and the live conductors (17) which become the live rail (12) which are connected to the accessory leg ( I 8). The back of the leg is angled ( I 9) to provide additional support for the live rail when under pressure from the contact with the live rail in the accessory box.
When the accessory is a switch or other such device that interconnects parts of the fixed building wiring system, the wiring device will interconnect the appropriate live rails in the legs to make the necessary interconnections.
The two live rails are arranged to have a slight interference fit when the accessory is inserted into the accessory box. Pressure is maintained, to ensure a positive contact between the two, by the inherent tension in the accessory leg due to the shape of the leg. The leading edge of the live rails (9 & 12) are shaped (21) to allow easy entry of the accessory leg (18) into the live rail slot ( 10) in the accessory box. The top section of the live rail is encapsulated in plastic (20) to prevent access to the accessory live rail (12) once the rail is in contact with the accessory box live rail (9). The earthing/grounding rail will be longer than the live rails to ensure positive earth connection before any live connections are made.
For a power outlet, the plug-in facility will provide connections allowing it to be used for but not limited to a) a single phase socket outlet (live, neutral and earth), switched or unswitched b) a two phase socket outlet (live l,live 2, neutral and earth), switched or unswitched c) a three phase socket outlet (Red, Yellow and Blue phases, neutral and earth), switched or unswitched d) a 20 amp double pole switch (live and neutral supply; live and neutral load; and earth) e) a fused connection unit (live and neutral supply; live and neutral load;
and earth), switched or unswitched.
f) isolators and isolating switches up to 20 amp rating The connections are always in the same location irrespective of the type of accessory to enable complete interchangability (provided the circuit connections are available in the box).
For a lighting device, the plug-in facility will provide connections allowing it to be used for but not limited to a) 1 way lighting switches b) 2-way lighting switches c) Intermediate lighting switches d) Lighting controls including dimmers and infra-red controls, etc.
e) Ceiling roses f) Connection boxes to luminaires g) Switch by-passes for maintenance purposes The connections are always in the same location irrespective of the type of accessory to enable complete interchangability (provided the circuit connections are available in the box).
For other devices, the plug-in facility can be provided in different configurations, allowing it to be used for a wide number of other connections including but not limited to a) HVAC controls b) Audio outlets c) Telephone outlets d) Data outlets e) TV and Radio outlets f) Clocks; both mains and central g) Others The accessory incorporates the switch, socket outlet, etc. connected internally to the plug-in legs which mate with the accessory box. Once plugged in the device is connected to the supply.
The Temporary Cover Plate (Fig 8) Although the Temporary Cover Plate does not form part of the invention the description hereunder is added for completeness of the system.
The temporary cover is a flat clip-on plastic cover that fits level with the top of the accessory box. This firstly protects the cabling inside and provides a surface level with the surrounding finishes to allow plastering and decoration to proceed without having the accessory fitted.
The temporary cover (22) is a flat plastic cover that fits into the recess at the top of the accessory box. This also has legs (23) to align with the live rail slots (10) in the accessory box. These do not carry a live rail.
The Maintenance Cover Plate Fig (8) For maintenance purposes and redecoration, a maintenance cover plate, similar to the temporary cover plate, complete with live rails would be used as a lighting switch bypass.
The live rails would be interconnected to simulate a closed switch.
Schedule of Element Numbers 1 Accessory Box 14 Cover plate 2 Conduit system 15 Spring clip recess 3 Conduit coupler 16 Spring clip 4 Accessory box flanges 17 Live conductors 5 Accessory box fixing holes 18 Accessory leg 6 Conduit entry hole 19 Angled support for the leg 7 Conduit entry hole 20 Encapsulation of accessory leg 8 Cable connection terminals 21 Shaped end of live rails 9 Accessory box live rail 22 Temporary Cover Live rail slot 23 Legs of temporary Cover 11 Accessory fixing clip on the 24 13 Amp plug accessory box 12 Accessory live rail 25 Wall 13 Wiring device 26 Plaster Brief Description of Drawings The drawings have been produced to show the principle elements of the invention, sufficient 10 to enable a manufacturer to develop the system to a production product. The system covers a large variation in types of electrical accessories, therefore, the drawings have only been produced to show one type. The principles of the invention do, however, apply equally to the other variations.
Fig 1 shows the general arrangement of the invention with the two principle parts, viz. the accessory box and the accessory. The elevation indicates how the parts, including a plug, would fit together.
Fig 2 shows a section of the complete assembly Fig 3 shows the detail of the accessory box based upon an accessory with a rating above 10 Amps, such as a socket outlet/receptacle.
Fig 4 shows a section through the accessory box to show the arrangements for the 4 no. 20 Amp terminals.
Fig 5 provides elevations of the accessory box indicating the arrangement of the flanges and the conduit entries.
Fig 6 describes the accessory in detail based upon a British style l3Amp socket outlet/receptacle.
Fig 7 shows the detail of the live rail.
Fig 8 shows the temporary cover plate. The maintenance cover plate is similar.
Best Mode for Carrvin~ Out the Invention The existing methods of plastic injection moulding and production of electrical wiring accessories would apply to the production of this invention.
Industrial Applicability The domestic accessory market with the inventions adaptability for redecoration. Due to it's plug in facility it would also be easy to change the accessory to suit a change in interior decoration style or colour.
5 The commercial market where there is a need to have the facility to interchange the accessories to have more than one nationaliy type of socket outlet to suit different equipment with moulded plugs.
The contractor market where a) the ability to install the accessory box, terminate the wiring and test the cables at a 10 very early stage in the installation would be a tremendous advantage.
b) installing the accessory plates at the end of the project, when time is always critical, takes a matter of seconds per unit instead of 15-30 minutes for a conventional accessory.
c) the accessory itself need not be installed until after the final decoration and perhaps not until immediately before hand-over of the building. This avoids damage to the accessory and reduces pilferage.
d) changes made by the client during construction to the style and type of accessory required becomes only a problem of procurement - not installation.
The accessory range would cover all devices required within a building and would fully comply with national and international standards.
All devices would be rated at 250V to allow for any national voltage.
The Accessor~Box (Fig 3) The accessory box is a moulded plastic box ( 1 ) arranged to connect to a standard conduit system (2) using a male bushing into a conduit coupler (3).
The external sides of the box are flanged (4) to link another accessory box onto any of the four sides. This allows accessory boxes to be joined together to form mufti-ganged arrangements up to any number in a matrix form. The flanges ensure that the alignment and spacing of a group of accessories is accurate and consistent. Fig. 5 shows typical elevations of the accessory box.
These same flanges are used to provide fixation when the boxes are recessed into a block or concrete wall. They also act as 'wings' behind plasterboard in a dry partition to prevent the box pulling through. The box would have fixing holes (5) in the base, set to allow for minor re-alignment.
Conduit entries are provided on each side; two on the top and bottom side (6) and one on the other two sides (7). Each box when joined to others, can interconnect to it's adjacent box through the conduit entry holes or they can be blanked off as necessary. This allows wiring devices of different voltage grades to be installed adjacent to each other and maintain segregation of the wiring as required by the national and international regulations.
Inside and on each side of the box are the cable connection terminals (8).
There are twelve terminals for low current devices rated at 10 amps and below such as light switches and controls and eight terminals for power outlets (and higher rated light switches) rated up to 20 amps. The terminal could be a barrel screw terminal as shown or any other type.
Each of the terminals are connected to a live rail (9) which is encapsulated in a slot ( 10) that takes the leg of the accessory.
The accessory when inserted in the slot (10) will connect it (Fig 6) to the cable system by the live rail (12) in the accessory being in pressure contact with the live rail (9) in the accessory box. Fig. 7 shows the detail of the live rail connection between the accessory and the accessory box.
The fixing of the accessory to the accessory box is by sliding the legs (18) of the accessory into the live rail slots ( 10) of the box. When the accessory is pushed down on to the top of the box, a fixing clip (I l) will hold the accessory in place. The accessory is removed by lifting the edge of the accessory with the flat blade of a screwdriver in the slot provided and disengaging it from the fixing clip.
The Accessory (Fig 6) The arrangement shown in Fig 6 describes a typical socket outlet/receptacle for a British system. Variations on this would be used for the other types of outlet and also for direct cable connection to luminaires and appliances, etc.
The accessory comprises two main parts; the wiring device (13) and the cover plate ( 14). The wiring device would be a standard design for each type of accessory. The cover plate, made of either plastic or metal, would be stylised to suit the architectural design and finish of the accessory and would be factory fixed to the wiring device.
As a socket outlet, as shown in the drawings, the wiring device (13) is a plastic assembly incorporating a recess ( I S) for the spring clip ( 16) for the appliance plug (24) to connect to;
and the live conductors (17) which become the live rail (12) which are connected to the accessory leg ( I 8). The back of the leg is angled ( I 9) to provide additional support for the live rail when under pressure from the contact with the live rail in the accessory box.
When the accessory is a switch or other such device that interconnects parts of the fixed building wiring system, the wiring device will interconnect the appropriate live rails in the legs to make the necessary interconnections.
The two live rails are arranged to have a slight interference fit when the accessory is inserted into the accessory box. Pressure is maintained, to ensure a positive contact between the two, by the inherent tension in the accessory leg due to the shape of the leg. The leading edge of the live rails (9 & 12) are shaped (21) to allow easy entry of the accessory leg (18) into the live rail slot ( 10) in the accessory box. The top section of the live rail is encapsulated in plastic (20) to prevent access to the accessory live rail (12) once the rail is in contact with the accessory box live rail (9). The earthing/grounding rail will be longer than the live rails to ensure positive earth connection before any live connections are made.
For a power outlet, the plug-in facility will provide connections allowing it to be used for but not limited to a) a single phase socket outlet (live, neutral and earth), switched or unswitched b) a two phase socket outlet (live l,live 2, neutral and earth), switched or unswitched c) a three phase socket outlet (Red, Yellow and Blue phases, neutral and earth), switched or unswitched d) a 20 amp double pole switch (live and neutral supply; live and neutral load; and earth) e) a fused connection unit (live and neutral supply; live and neutral load;
and earth), switched or unswitched.
f) isolators and isolating switches up to 20 amp rating The connections are always in the same location irrespective of the type of accessory to enable complete interchangability (provided the circuit connections are available in the box).
For a lighting device, the plug-in facility will provide connections allowing it to be used for but not limited to a) 1 way lighting switches b) 2-way lighting switches c) Intermediate lighting switches d) Lighting controls including dimmers and infra-red controls, etc.
e) Ceiling roses f) Connection boxes to luminaires g) Switch by-passes for maintenance purposes The connections are always in the same location irrespective of the type of accessory to enable complete interchangability (provided the circuit connections are available in the box).
For other devices, the plug-in facility can be provided in different configurations, allowing it to be used for a wide number of other connections including but not limited to a) HVAC controls b) Audio outlets c) Telephone outlets d) Data outlets e) TV and Radio outlets f) Clocks; both mains and central g) Others The accessory incorporates the switch, socket outlet, etc. connected internally to the plug-in legs which mate with the accessory box. Once plugged in the device is connected to the supply.
The Temporary Cover Plate (Fig 8) Although the Temporary Cover Plate does not form part of the invention the description hereunder is added for completeness of the system.
The temporary cover is a flat clip-on plastic cover that fits level with the top of the accessory box. This firstly protects the cabling inside and provides a surface level with the surrounding finishes to allow plastering and decoration to proceed without having the accessory fitted.
The temporary cover (22) is a flat plastic cover that fits into the recess at the top of the accessory box. This also has legs (23) to align with the live rail slots (10) in the accessory box. These do not carry a live rail.
The Maintenance Cover Plate Fig (8) For maintenance purposes and redecoration, a maintenance cover plate, similar to the temporary cover plate, complete with live rails would be used as a lighting switch bypass.
The live rails would be interconnected to simulate a closed switch.
Schedule of Element Numbers 1 Accessory Box 14 Cover plate 2 Conduit system 15 Spring clip recess 3 Conduit coupler 16 Spring clip 4 Accessory box flanges 17 Live conductors 5 Accessory box fixing holes 18 Accessory leg 6 Conduit entry hole 19 Angled support for the leg 7 Conduit entry hole 20 Encapsulation of accessory leg 8 Cable connection terminals 21 Shaped end of live rails 9 Accessory box live rail 22 Temporary Cover Live rail slot 23 Legs of temporary Cover 11 Accessory fixing clip on the 24 13 Amp plug accessory box 12 Accessory live rail 25 Wall 13 Wiring device 26 Plaster Brief Description of Drawings The drawings have been produced to show the principle elements of the invention, sufficient 10 to enable a manufacturer to develop the system to a production product. The system covers a large variation in types of electrical accessories, therefore, the drawings have only been produced to show one type. The principles of the invention do, however, apply equally to the other variations.
Fig 1 shows the general arrangement of the invention with the two principle parts, viz. the accessory box and the accessory. The elevation indicates how the parts, including a plug, would fit together.
Fig 2 shows a section of the complete assembly Fig 3 shows the detail of the accessory box based upon an accessory with a rating above 10 Amps, such as a socket outlet/receptacle.
Fig 4 shows a section through the accessory box to show the arrangements for the 4 no. 20 Amp terminals.
Fig 5 provides elevations of the accessory box indicating the arrangement of the flanges and the conduit entries.
Fig 6 describes the accessory in detail based upon a British style l3Amp socket outlet/receptacle.
Fig 7 shows the detail of the live rail.
Fig 8 shows the temporary cover plate. The maintenance cover plate is similar.
Best Mode for Carrvin~ Out the Invention The existing methods of plastic injection moulding and production of electrical wiring accessories would apply to the production of this invention.
Industrial Applicability The domestic accessory market with the inventions adaptability for redecoration. Due to it's plug in facility it would also be easy to change the accessory to suit a change in interior decoration style or colour.
5 The commercial market where there is a need to have the facility to interchange the accessories to have more than one nationaliy type of socket outlet to suit different equipment with moulded plugs.
The contractor market where a) the ability to install the accessory box, terminate the wiring and test the cables at a 10 very early stage in the installation would be a tremendous advantage.
b) installing the accessory plates at the end of the project, when time is always critical, takes a matter of seconds per unit instead of 15-30 minutes for a conventional accessory.
c) the accessory itself need not be installed until after the final decoration and perhaps not until immediately before hand-over of the building. This avoids damage to the accessory and reduces pilferage.
d) changes made by the client during construction to the style and type of accessory required becomes only a problem of procurement - not installation.
Plug-in Electrical Accessories The Drawings The following drawings describe, together with the foregoing text, the detail of the invention.
Fig 1 The General Arrangement of the Invention.
Fig 2 Section of the Complete Assembly Fig 3 The Detail of the Accessory Box.
Fig 4 Section through the Accessory.
Fig 5 Elevations of the Accessory Box.
Fig 6 The Accessory.
Fig 7 Detail of the Live Rail.
Fig 8 The Temporary Cover Plate.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
Fig 1 The General Arrangement of the Invention.
Fig 2 Section of the Complete Assembly Fig 3 The Detail of the Accessory Box.
Fig 4 Section through the Accessory.
Fig 5 Elevations of the Accessory Box.
Fig 6 The Accessory.
Fig 7 Detail of the Live Rail.
Fig 8 The Temporary Cover Plate.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
Claims (18)
1. A suite for connection fixed electrical conduit systems and electrical systems commonly in use in buildings, comprising a) accessory boxes each of which have a plurality of cable terminals in the box to which general electrical wiring is terminated, with connections to live rails that then make contact to live rails of accessories, wherein the live rails in the accessory boxes are arranged with a standardised internal layout of connections so as to permit the inter-changeability of wiring accessories, b) wiring accessories which have live rails that plug is and connect to live rails is the accessory boxes, the wiring accessories including maintenance covers which have live rails (i) that make contact with live rails of the accessory boxes and (ii) which are permanently interconnected to short out to other live rails within the maintenance cover thus simulating a closed electrical switch between the live rails.
2. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein the connections in the accessories being in the form of plug-in legs.
3. A suits according to Claim 1 wherein accessories have live rails, and each live rail and the corresponding live rail in the accessory box is under pressure from the accessory live rail due to the profile of the accessory leg.
4. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein the live rails of the accessory boxes, accessories and maintenance covers are arranged to prevent inadvertent human touching of electrically lives elements whilst the accessory or the maintenance cover is not plugged into, or, is being inserted into an accessory box.
5. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein accessories being in the form of single and multi-phase socket outlets.
6. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein accessories being in the form of switches.
7. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein accessories being in the form of isolators or isolating switches.
8. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein accessories being in the form of lighting controls.
9. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein accessories being in the form of connection boxes.
10. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein accessories being in the form of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning controls.
11. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein accessories being in the form or audio outlets.
12. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein accessories being in the form of telephone outlets.
13. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein accessories being in the form of data outlets.
14. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein accessories being in the form of television and radio outlets.
15. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein accessories being in the form of clock outlets.
16. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein accessories comply with differing international
17. A suite according to Claim 1 wherein an accessory box has flanges on four sides which allow like boxes to be joined together to form multi-ganged arrangements in a matrix form, maintaining the orientation and spacing of the boxes.
18. A suite as claimed in Claim 17 wherein adjacent boxes interconnect through the conduit entry holes.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2000/000190 WO2001054243A1 (en) | 2000-01-24 | 2000-01-24 | Plug-in electrical accessories |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2397948A1 true CA2397948A1 (en) | 2001-07-26 |
Family
ID=9883242
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002397948A Abandoned CA2397948A1 (en) | 2000-01-24 | 2000-01-24 | Plug-in electrical accessories |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1250739A1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1291534C (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2116100A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2397948A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2001054243A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2840741B1 (en) * | 2002-06-06 | 2004-11-05 | Alombard Sa | LUMINAIRE CONNECTION SUPPORT PLATE |
| JP4915970B2 (en) * | 2010-03-03 | 2012-04-11 | パナソニック株式会社 | Electric vehicle charging station |
| CN102570360B (en) * | 2012-01-06 | 2014-12-24 | 张金明 | Bending fixation springing type concealed junction box |
| EP3059820B1 (en) * | 2015-02-20 | 2018-05-30 | ABB Schweiz AG | Mounting box assembly |
| CN104953323A (en) * | 2015-06-27 | 2015-09-30 | 余姚市润球电器厂 | Socket capable of being plugged in any direction |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3171909A (en) * | 1962-07-18 | 1965-03-02 | Basic Products Corp | By-pass meter socket |
| AT382267B (en) * | 1984-05-23 | 1987-02-10 | Mpe Legrand Gmbh | Flush-mounted box |
| FR2698493B1 (en) * | 1992-11-23 | 1995-03-03 | Arnould App Electr | Electrical connector. |
| AU7550096A (en) * | 1995-08-24 | 1997-03-19 | Lindy Lawrence May | Modular electrical system |
-
2000
- 2000-01-24 AU AU21161/00A patent/AU2116100A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-01-24 EP EP00901198A patent/EP1250739A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-01-24 CN CN00818613.8A patent/CN1291534C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-01-24 WO PCT/GB2000/000190 patent/WO2001054243A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-01-24 CA CA002397948A patent/CA2397948A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2116100A (en) | 2001-07-31 |
| CN1425213A (en) | 2003-06-18 |
| CN1291534C (en) | 2006-12-20 |
| WO2001054243A1 (en) | 2001-07-26 |
| EP1250739A1 (en) | 2002-10-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |