CA2989788C - Rooftop power pedestal with protective apparatus for electrical outlets - Google Patents

Rooftop power pedestal with protective apparatus for electrical outlets Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2989788C
CA2989788C CA2989788A CA2989788A CA2989788C CA 2989788 C CA2989788 C CA 2989788C CA 2989788 A CA2989788 A CA 2989788A CA 2989788 A CA2989788 A CA 2989788A CA 2989788 C CA2989788 C CA 2989788C
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
tunnel body
base
electrical outlet
power pedestal
electrical
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.)
Active
Application number
CA2989788A
Other languages
French (fr)
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CA2989788A1 (en
Inventor
Hans Broere
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
AC Dandy Products Ltd
Original Assignee
AC Dandy Products Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by AC Dandy Products Ltd filed Critical AC Dandy Products Ltd
Priority to CA2989788A priority Critical patent/CA2989788C/en
Publication of CA2989788A1 publication Critical patent/CA2989788A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2989788C publication Critical patent/CA2989788C/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02BBOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B1/00Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
    • H02B1/26Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
    • H02B1/50Pedestal- or pad-mounted casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02GINSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02Details
    • H02G3/04Protective tubing or conduits, e.g. cable ladders or cable troughs
    • H02G3/0493Service poles
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02GINSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02Details
    • H02G3/08Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
    • H02G3/18Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes providing line outlets
    • H02G3/185Floor outlets and access cups
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02GINSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G9/00Installations of electric cables or lines in or on the ground or water
    • H02G9/10Installations of electric cables or lines in or on the ground or water in cable chambers, e.g. in manhole or in handhole
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02TCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/70Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02TCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/7072Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors

Abstract

A rooftop power pedestal includes a base for mounting to roof decking or to fit a roofing component, a 3-sided tunnel body which mounts to the base, an electrical outlet mounted to or within an upper section of the tunnel body; and a cap mounted to a top of the tunnel body. A lower portion of the tunnel body will be covered with roofing insulation and/or waterproof membrane. The electrical outlet may be installed on a downward sloping surface and recessed into the tunnel body.

Description

ROOFTOP POWER PEDESTAL WITH PROTECTIVE APPARATUS FOR
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Field of the Invention [0001] The invention relates to rooftop power pedestals with a protective apparatus for protecting electrical outlets from a wide range of weather conditions.
Background
[0002] Conventional outdoor receptacles are typically protected by flip covers that are positioned over individual receptacles or outlets, or by outlet covers with hinged doors that lift to provide access to the outlets. Such flip covers may include gaskets for weather sealing, typically either on the covers themselves, or around the perimeter of the base frame against which the flip cover will rest. Other outdoor fixtures such as water faucets, speakers, lights, switches, or control panels may also require protection from weather conditions, collision or impact, or to provide security or restricted access.
[0003] Prior art protective devices for outdoor electrical outlets or receptacles suffer from a number of limitations. For example, in temperatures at or below freezing, the flip covers are often sealed by ice against the frame such that the flip covers cannot be lifted to access the outlet. Even if the flip covers can be lifted to plug into an outlet, ice and snow may accumulate while the flip cover is lifted, exposing a significant area of the electrical outlet to accumulation of ice and snow. This may prevent the flip cover from closing completely, as the ice and snow may prevent clean contact between the flip cover and the base frame.

Furthermore, the flip cover itself may be frozen in the open position, making it difficult or impossible to close.
[0004] In addition, over time, the weather sealing gasket on or around the flip cover may deteriorate, and no longer keep out moisture from the electrical outlet, possibly allowing moisture to seep into the electrical outlet and potentially causing an electrical safety problem.
While use of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor) receptacles may help avoid serious electrical shocks, the electrical outlet may nevertheless become damaged from the moisture.
[0005] A power outlet may be mounted in a power pedestal, which are often used to provide outlets or receptacles for accessing electricity outdoors, and are commonly used in applications such as outdoor parking lots to recharge electric vehicles or to power a block heater, for example.
[0006] A covered receptacle is described in co-owned Canadian Patent No.
2868890, which comprises an angled hood having angled top surface, side panels and an angled bottom surface which has an opening in which a power outlet or receptacle can be mounted.
However, the angled hood projects away from the power pedestal it is mounted to, and may be subject to damage as a result.
[0007] Rooftops of commercial buildings are typically flat roofs comprising structural decking covered by a layer of insulation and a waterproof membrane. The insulation may be a very thick layer, several inches to a 1 foot in thickness in some cases, particularly in areas which experience cold or heat extremes.
Summary Of The Invention
[0008] In one aspect, the protective apparatus comprises a rooftop power pedestal comprising:
(a) a base having a mounting flange defining a central cable pass-through and a vertical tab, the mounting flange adapted to mount to a roof decking to fit a roofing component;
(b) a 3-sided tunnel body adapted to mate with the base vertical tab, and having a lower section and an upper section;
(c) an electrical outlet mounted to or within the upper section of the tunnel body; and (d) a cap mounted to a top of the tunnel body.
In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an optional front cover plate adapted to attach to the lower section of the tunnel body.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of installing a rooftop power pedestal, comprising the steps of:
(a) mounting a base to a structural roof component, and passing an electrical cable through a central pass-through defined by the base;
(b) mounting a 3-sided tunnel body to the base, the tunnel body having a lower section and an upper section;
(c) mounting an electrical outlet mounted to or within the upper section of the tunnel body and connecting to the electrical cable; and (d) installing an insulating material and/or a sealing material in and around the tunnel body.
[0010] In one embodiment, the electrical outlet is provided within a protective apparatus mounted within the tunnel body, and which angles the electrical outlet downwards, such that it is protected from the elements.
Brief Description of the Drawings .. [0011] The following drawings form part of the specification and are included to further demonstrate certain embodiments or various aspects of the invention. In some instances, embodiments of the invention can be best understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in combination with the detailed description presented herein. The description and accompanying drawings may highlight a certain specific example, or a certain aspect of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that portions of the example or aspect may be used in combination with other examples or aspects of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a rooftop power pedestal.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of a base.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the embodiment of Figure 1.
Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention [0016] Generally, the invention comprises a rooftop power pedestal (10) comprising a base (12) having a mounting flange (14) defining a central cable pass-through (16) and a vertical tab (18), and a 3-sided tunnel body (20) adapted to mate with the base (12), and having a .. lower section (22) and an upper section (24).

[0017] The mounting flange (14) is adapted to mount to a roof decking and may be sized to specifically fit a roofing component such as a gum ring or a roof box (not shown). An electrical outlet (26) is mounted to or within the upper section of the tunnel body (20). A cap (28) closes the top of the tunnel body.
[0018] Preferably, the pedestal (10) includes a front cover plate (30) adapted to attach to the lower section of the tunnel body.
[0019] The tunnel body (20) is preferably adapted to meet or exceed electrical code requirements for receptacles for maintenance of equipment installed on rooftops, such as those found in Rule 26-704 of the Canadian Electrical Code, 23rd edition, CSA
C22.1-15. In one embodiment, the tunnel body is sufficiently long to place the electrical outlet (26) at least 750 mm above the level of the finished roof.
[0020] In one embodiment, the electrical outlet (26) is mounted in a hooded enclosure or cover, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14/519,301 or Canadian Patent No. 2868890. As shown in the Figures, the electrical outlet is mounted in a downward sloping surface (32) and is at least partially recessed into the tunnel body, to protect the outlet from mechanical damage and from the elements.
[0021] In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of installing a rooftop power pedestal. The base (12) is mounted to a structural roof component (not shown), and any cables are passed through a central opening defined by the base (12). The 3-sided tunnel body is affixed to the base using screws or other suitable fasteners. The electrical outlet is then mounted in or to the upper portion of the tunnel body and connected. The tunnel body is tall enough that the outlet is positioned at a desired height above the finished roof.
[0022] Once installed, the roof insulating material and/or sealing membrane may be installed around the base and in and around the lower portion of the tunnel body to finish the roof and to seal the base and lower portion. As a result, the base and lower portion is protected from water ingress, and vapor condensation. In one embodiment, the finished roof may be up to about 9 or 12 inches above the base. Optionally, the cover plate (30) may be installed to cover the lower portion of the three-sided tunnel body, up to about the level of the finished roof.
[0023] Preferably all seams between the different surfaces are sealed or installed with gaskets so as to provide a substantially air-tight or water-tight enclosure.
[0024] The pedestal itself may be made from any suitably rigid metal, plastic or polymer.
The pedestal may incorporate other electrical equipment such as circuit breakers, switches, or the like.
Definitions and Interpretation [0025] The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but it is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0026] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or steps plus function elements in the claims appended to this specification are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.
[0027] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment referred to in other portions of the specification. Further, when a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect or connect such aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. In other words, any element or feature may be combined with any other element or feature in different embodiments, unless there is an obvious or inherent incompatibility between the two, or it is specifically excluded.
[0028] It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology, such as "solely," "only," and the like, in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a "negative" limitation. The terms "preferably,"
"preferred," "prefer,"

"optionally," "may," and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the invention.
[0029] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and/or" means any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated. The phrase "one or more" is readily understood by one of skill in the art, particularly when read in context of its usage.
[0030] As will also be understood by one skilled in the art, all language such as "up to", "at least", "greater than", "less than", "more than", "or more", and the like, include the number recited and such terms refer to ranges that can be subsequently broken down into sub-ranges as discussed above, in the same manner, all ratios recited herein also include all sub-ratios falling within the broader ratio.
[0031] The term "about" can refer to a variation of 5%, + 10%, 20%, or 25% of the value specified. For example, "about 50" percent can in some embodiments carry a variation from 45 to 55 percent. For integer ranges, the term "about" can include one or two integers greater than and/or less than a recited integer at each end of the range.
Unless indicated otherwise herein, the term "about" is intended to include values and ranges proximate to the recited range that are equivalent in terms of the functionality of the composition, or the embodiment.

Claims (8)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A rooftop power pedestal comprising:
(a) a base having a mounting flange defining a central cable pass-through and a vertical tab, the mounting flange adapted to mount to a roof decking to fit a roofing component;
(b) a 3-sided tunnel body adapted to mate with the base vertical tab, and having a lower section and an upper section;
(c) an electrical outlet mounted to or within the upper section of the tunnel body; and (d) a cap mounted to a top of the tunnel body.
2. The rooftop power pedestal of claim 1 further comprising a front cover plate adapted to attach to the lower section of the tunnel body.
3. The rooftop power pedestal of claim 1 wherein the electrical outlet is mounted to a downward sloping surface, at least partially recessed into the upper portion of the tunnel body.
4. The rooftop power pedestal of claim 1 wherein the electrical outlet is at least 750 mm above the lower portion of the tunnel body, level with a finished roof.
5. A method of installing a rooftop power pedestal, comprising the steps of:
(a) mounting a base to a structural roof component, and passing an electrical cable through a central pass-through defined by the base;
(b) mounting a 3-sided tunnel body to the base, the tunnel body having a lower section and an upper section;

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-10 (c) mounting an electrical outlet mounted to or within the upper section of the tunnel body and connecting to the electrical cable; and (d) installing an insulating material and/or a sealing material in and around the tunnel body to create a finished roof.
6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of installing a front cover plate to close the lower portion of the tunnel body.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein the electrical outlet is at least 750 mm above the level of the finished roof.
8. The method of claim 5 wherein the electrical outlet is mounted to a downward sloping surface, at least partially recessed into the upper portion of the tunnel body.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-10
CA2989788A 2017-12-21 2017-12-21 Rooftop power pedestal with protective apparatus for electrical outlets Active CA2989788C (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2989788A CA2989788C (en) 2017-12-21 2017-12-21 Rooftop power pedestal with protective apparatus for electrical outlets

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2989788A CA2989788C (en) 2017-12-21 2017-12-21 Rooftop power pedestal with protective apparatus for electrical outlets

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2989788A1 CA2989788A1 (en) 2019-06-21
CA2989788C true CA2989788C (en) 2023-05-09

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2989788A Active CA2989788C (en) 2017-12-21 2017-12-21 Rooftop power pedestal with protective apparatus for electrical outlets

Country Status (1)

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CA2989788A1 (en) 2019-06-21

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