EP2732520A1 - Relocatable power tap with surge suppression or surge protection and a method for its manufacture - Google Patents

Relocatable power tap with surge suppression or surge protection and a method for its manufacture

Info

Publication number
EP2732520A1
EP2732520A1 EP11869321.7A EP11869321A EP2732520A1 EP 2732520 A1 EP2732520 A1 EP 2732520A1 EP 11869321 A EP11869321 A EP 11869321A EP 2732520 A1 EP2732520 A1 EP 2732520A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
metal oxide
power tap
electrical distribution
oxide varistor
distribution according
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP11869321.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2732520A4 (en
Inventor
Bruce Barton
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP2732520A1 publication Critical patent/EP2732520A1/en
Publication of EP2732520A4 publication Critical patent/EP2732520A4/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01C—RESISTORS
    • H01C7/00—Non-adjustable resistors formed as one or more layers or coatings; Non-adjustable resistors made from powdered conducting material or powdered semi-conducting material with or without insulating material
    • H01C7/10—Non-adjustable resistors formed as one or more layers or coatings; Non-adjustable resistors made from powdered conducting material or powdered semi-conducting material with or without insulating material voltage responsive, i.e. varistors
    • H01C7/12—Overvoltage protection resistors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01C—RESISTORS
    • H01C7/00—Non-adjustable resistors formed as one or more layers or coatings; Non-adjustable resistors made from powdered conducting material or powdered semi-conducting material with or without insulating material
    • H01C7/10—Non-adjustable resistors formed as one or more layers or coatings; Non-adjustable resistors made from powdered conducting material or powdered semi-conducting material with or without insulating material voltage responsive, i.e. varistors
    • H01C7/102—Varistor boundary, e.g. surface layers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01C—RESISTORS
    • H01C1/00—Details
    • H01C1/02—Housing; Enclosing; Embedding; Filling the housing or enclosure
    • H01C1/028—Housing; Enclosing; Embedding; Filling the housing or enclosure the resistive element being embedded in insulation with outer enclosing sheath

Definitions

  • the present invention relates, generally, to a relocatable power tap with surge suppression or surge protection for the distribution of electrical power, which provides increased safety, as compared to similar electrical devices currently known to the prior art, and a method for the manufacture of the relocatable power tap having built-in surge protection or surge protection of the present invention.
  • the present invention relates a relocatable power tap having surge protection or surge suppression for the distribution of electrical power, preferably formed as part of an electrical power strip, along with a method for its manufacture, having improved safety for minimizing, if not outright preventing, an electrical fire or similar occurrence that may otherwise result from overheating.
  • the present invention provides a relocatable power tap having surge suppression or surge protection thereby affording improved safety, as compared to similar conventional devices, in which the metal oxide varistors ("MOVs") of the surge protectors or surge suppressors are encased in cement or concrete, and which relocatable power tap is preferably formed as part of an electrical power strip.
  • the method for manufacturing the relocatable power tap having surge suppression or surge protection of the invention includes the step of encasing, or enveloping, the metal oxide varistors ("MOVs”) of the surge protector, or surge suppressor, in cement or concrete, or similar fire-resistant material.
  • Cement or concrete is a low-cost material that is readily available, fire resistant, and easy to work with, thereby making cement or concrete ideal for use in surge protectors for guarding against fires caused by overheating of MOVs.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a metal oxide varistor (MOV) encased in cement according to the method of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing multiple metal oxide varistors (MOVs) encased in cement according to the method of the present invention
  • FIG 3 is a perspective view of a metal oxide varistor (MOV) with a thermal fuse, the combination of which is encased in cement according to the present invention.
  • MOV metal oxide varistor
  • FIG 4 is a perspective view of a metal oxide varistor (MOV) covered in cement with the mold still present in accordance with the present invention.
  • MOV metal oxide varistor
  • FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of a module 10 to be used in a relocatable power tap in accordance with the present invention, in which a metal oxide varistor (“MOV”) 12 is encased in cement U 2011/043945
  • a module 10 may be formed by using a mold for encasing, or enveloping MOV 12 in cement, concrete or similar fire-resistant material, or by dipping the MOV in cement or similar hardening or curing material, and subsequently allowed to harden.
  • FIG. 2 provides a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 1, except that the module 10 for use in a relocatable power tap is shown as having a plurality of MOV devices, 12 ⁇ , 12*, 12c, encased within cement 14 with lead wires 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12/, leading from the three MOV devices illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 3 provides a further perspective view of the module 10 for use in a relocatable power tap of the present invention, in which thermal fuse 18 (or a plurality of thermal fuses) may be encased in cement 14, along with MOV device 12, or simply placed in contact with one or more MOV devices 12 which are encased in cement 14.
  • Lead wires 16a, 16b lead to, and from, MOV device 12, while lead wires 20a, 20b lead to, and from, thermal fuse 18.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative, preferred embodiment of the present invention for module 10 for use in relocatable power tap, wherein cement 14 may, for example, first be poured into a mold 22 after MOV device 12 is mounted to a circuit board. Mold 22 may either be removed from the final product or simply retained as an additional reinforcing means, which mold may be comprised of such materials as, e.g., Fiberglass, or reinforced with a reinforcing tape.

Abstract

A relocatable power tap includes surge suppression or surge protection for affording improved safety, in which the metal oxide varistors ("MOVs") of the surge protectors or surge suppressors are encased, or enveloped, in cement or concrete, and which relocatable power tap is preferably formed as part of an electrical power strip. The method for manufacturing the relocatable power tap includes the step of encasing or enveloping the metal oxide varistors ("MOVs") of the surge protector, or surge suppressor, in cement or concrete, or similar fire-resistant material.

Description

RELOCATABLE POWER TAP WITH SURGE SUPPRESSION OR
SURGE PROTECTION AND A METHOD FOR ITS MANUFACTURE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field of (he Invention
The present invention relates, generally, to a relocatable power tap with surge suppression or surge protection for the distribution of electrical power, which provides increased safety, as compared to similar electrical devices currently known to the prior art, and a method for the manufacture of the relocatable power tap having built-in surge protection or surge protection of the present invention.
More particularly, the present invention relates a relocatable power tap having surge protection or surge suppression for the distribution of electrical power, preferably formed as part of an electrical power strip, along with a method for its manufacture, having improved safety for minimizing, if not outright preventing, an electrical fire or similar occurrence that may otherwise result from overheating.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore an object of the present invention to provide a relocatable power tap having surge protection or surge suppression for the distribution of electrical power formed as an electrical power. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a relocatable power tap for distribution of electrical power formed as an electrical power strip and having surge protection or surge suppression that is capable of meeting, if not exceeding, standardized industrial safety tests.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a method for the manufacture of a relocatable power tap having surge protection or surge suppression for the distribution of electrical power formed as part of an electrical power strip.
The foregoing and related objects are accomplished by the present invention, which provides a relocatable power tap having surge suppression or surge protection thereby affording improved safety, as compared to similar conventional devices, in which the metal oxide varistors ("MOVs") of the surge protectors or surge suppressors are encased in cement or concrete, and which relocatable power tap is preferably formed as part of an electrical power strip. The method for manufacturing the relocatable power tap having surge suppression or surge protection of the invention includes the step of encasing, or enveloping, the metal oxide varistors ("MOVs") of the surge protector, or surge suppressor, in cement or concrete, or similar fire-resistant material.
MOVs are known to the skilled artisan to have a significant tendency to overheat and catch fire during certain types of surges, thereby creating a safety hazard. Cement or concrete is a low-cost material that is readily available, fire resistant, and easy to work with, thereby making cement or concrete ideal for use in surge protectors for guarding against fires caused by overheating of MOVs.
It is anticipated that by enveloping the MOVs of surge protectors, or surge suppressors, in cement or concrete that the resulting article would readily meet, or exceed, industry safety standards, such as those set forth by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) 1449 - UL Standard for Safety for Surge Protective Devices (3d Edition.) Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when considered in combination with the accompanying drawing figures which illustrate certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should, however, be noted that the accompanying drawing figures are intended to illustrate only certain embodiments of the claimed invention and are not intended as a means for defining the limits and scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
In the drawing, wherein similar reference numerals and symbols denote similar features throughout the several views:
Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a metal oxide varistor (MOV) encased in cement according to the method of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing multiple metal oxide varistors (MOVs) encased in cement according to the method of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a metal oxide varistor (MOV) with a thermal fuse, the combination of which is encased in cement according to the present invention; and,
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a metal oxide varistor (MOV) covered in cement with the mold still present in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND DRAWING FIGURES
Turning now, in detail, to the accompanying drawing figures, FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of a module 10 to be used in a relocatable power tap in accordance with the present invention, in which a metal oxide varistor ("MOV") 12 is encased in cement U 2011/043945
-4-
14 or similar hardened material. Wires 16a, 16b, lead to, and from, MOV device 12 within cement 14. A module 10 may be formed by using a mold for encasing, or enveloping MOV 12 in cement, concrete or similar fire-resistant material, or by dipping the MOV in cement or similar hardening or curing material, and subsequently allowed to harden.
FIG. 2 provides a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 1, except that the module 10 for use in a relocatable power tap is shown as having a plurality of MOV devices, 12α, 12*, 12c, encased within cement 14 with lead wires 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12/, leading from the three MOV devices illustrated in FIG. 2.
FIG. 3 provides a further perspective view of the module 10 for use in a relocatable power tap of the present invention, in which thermal fuse 18 (or a plurality of thermal fuses) may be encased in cement 14, along with MOV device 12, or simply placed in contact with one or more MOV devices 12 which are encased in cement 14. Lead wires 16a, 16b lead to, and from, MOV device 12, while lead wires 20a, 20b lead to, and from, thermal fuse 18.
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative, preferred embodiment of the present invention for module 10 for use in relocatable power tap, wherein cement 14 may, for example, first be poured into a mold 22 after MOV device 12 is mounted to a circuit board. Mold 22 may either be removed from the final product or simply retained as an additional reinforcing means, which mold may be comprised of such materials as, e.g., Fiberglass, or reinforced with a reinforcing tape.
While only several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

Claims
1. A relocatable power tap for electrical distribution, comprising:
means for surge suppression or surge protection;
a metal oxide varistor; and,
a hardened, fire-resistant material enveloping said metal oxide varistor.
2. The relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 1, wherein said means for surge suppression or surge protection forms a part of an electrical power strip.
3. The relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 1, further comprising at least one additional said metal oxide varistor.
4. The relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 1, wherein said hardened, fire-resistant material enveloping said metal oxide varistor is cement or concrete.
5. The relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 1, further comprising reinforcing means for said fire-resistant material enveloping said metal oxide varistor.
6. The relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 5, wherein said reinforcing means is a mold encircling, or enveloping, said fire-resistant material enveloping said metal oxide varistor.
7. The relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 6, wherein said mold is reinforced with Fiberglass.
8. The relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 6, wherein said mold is reinforced with Fiberglass reinforcing tape.
9. The relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 1, further comprising at least one thermal fuse enveloped within said hardened, fire-resistant material enveloping along with said metal oxide varistor.
10. The relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 1, further comprising at least one thermal fuse enveloped in contact with at least one said metal oxide varistor.
1 1. A method for producing a relocatable power tap for electrical distribution, comprising the steps of:
providing a metal oxide varistor; and,
enveloping the metal oxide varistor in a hardened, fire-resistant material.
12. The method for producing a relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 1 1 , wherein the hardened, fire-resistant material enveloping the metal oxide varistor is cement or concrete.
13. The method for producing a relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 1 1, further comprising the step of:
reinforcing the fire-resistant material enveloping the metal oxide varistor.
14. The method for producing a relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 11 , further comprising the step of:
providing at least one thermal fuse enveloped within the hardened, fire-resistant material enveloped along with the metal oxide varistor.
15. The method for producing a relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 1 1, wherein said step of enveloping the metal oxide varistor in a hardened, fire-resistant material is performed via dipping the metal oxide varistor in cement or concrete.
16. The method for producing a relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 11 , wherein said step of enveloping the metal oxide varistor in a hardened, fire-resistant material includes the sub-steps of:
providing a mold;
pouring a liquefied fire-resistant material into the mold;
placing the metal oxide varistor into the mold; and,
allowing the liquefied fire-resistant material to solidify.
17. The method for producing a relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 16, further including the sub-step of:
placing a thermal fuse into the mold.
18. The method for producing a relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 16, further including the sub-step of:
retaining the mold about, and enveloping, the metal oxide varistor.
19. The method for producing a relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 18, further including the sub-step of:
reinforcing the mold about, and enveloping, the metal oxide varistor.
20. The method for producing a relocatable power tap for electrical distribution according to Claim 19, wherein said sub-step of reinforcing the mold about, and enveloping, the metal oxide varistor including reinforcement with Fiberglass.
EP11869321.7A 2011-07-14 2011-07-14 Relocatable power tap with surge suppression or surge protection and a method for its manufacture Withdrawn EP2732520A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2011/043945 WO2013009310A1 (en) 2011-07-14 2011-07-14 Relocatable power tap with surge suppression or surge protection and a method for its manufacture

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2732520A1 true EP2732520A1 (en) 2014-05-21
EP2732520A4 EP2732520A4 (en) 2015-03-25

Family

ID=47506350

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11869321.7A Withdrawn EP2732520A4 (en) 2011-07-14 2011-07-14 Relocatable power tap with surge suppression or surge protection and a method for its manufacture

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2732520A4 (en)
CN (1) CN103931069A (en)
AU (1) AU2011372793A1 (en)
BR (1) BR112014000704A2 (en)
CA (1) CA2841935A1 (en)
MX (1) MX2014000493A (en)
NZ (1) NZ621283A (en)
WO (1) WO2013009310A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0281969A2 (en) * 1987-03-10 1988-09-14 Asea Brown Boveri Aktiengesellschaft Receptacle with additional module
US4827370A (en) * 1986-12-23 1989-05-02 Hydro-Quebec Enclosure for electric device, in particular for surge arrester, including a molded, electrically insulating envelope
US6188557B1 (en) * 1998-11-23 2001-02-13 Tii Industries, Inc. Surge suppressor
US20080030296A1 (en) * 2004-09-15 2008-02-07 Epcos Ag Varistor Comprising an Insulating Layer Produced From a Loading Base Glass

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6184464B1 (en) * 1998-04-27 2001-02-06 Square D Company Protective containment apparatus for potted electronic circuits
US6018453A (en) * 1998-06-18 2000-01-25 Cooper Industries, Inc. Surge arrester protection system and method
US20050286184A1 (en) * 2004-06-22 2005-12-29 Steve Campolo Electrical power outlet strip
CN101001015B (en) * 2006-01-13 2010-05-12 致伸科技股份有限公司 Anti-surge protection circuit and power socket including the circuit
US20080117555A1 (en) * 2006-11-17 2008-05-22 AC Data Systems of Idaho, Inc. Anti-arcing system for power surge protectors

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4827370A (en) * 1986-12-23 1989-05-02 Hydro-Quebec Enclosure for electric device, in particular for surge arrester, including a molded, electrically insulating envelope
EP0281969A2 (en) * 1987-03-10 1988-09-14 Asea Brown Boveri Aktiengesellschaft Receptacle with additional module
US6188557B1 (en) * 1998-11-23 2001-02-13 Tii Industries, Inc. Surge suppressor
US20080030296A1 (en) * 2004-09-15 2008-02-07 Epcos Ag Varistor Comprising an Insulating Layer Produced From a Loading Base Glass

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO2013009310A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2841935A1 (en) 2013-01-17
NZ621283A (en) 2015-11-27
WO2013009310A1 (en) 2013-01-17
EP2732520A4 (en) 2015-03-25
BR112014000704A2 (en) 2017-02-14
MX2014000493A (en) 2014-05-14
AU2011372793A1 (en) 2014-03-06
CN103931069A (en) 2014-07-16

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