GB2468655A - Dual wall socket with switched and unswitched outlets - Google Patents

Dual wall socket with switched and unswitched outlets Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2468655A
GB2468655A GB0904506A GB0904506A GB2468655A GB 2468655 A GB2468655 A GB 2468655A GB 0904506 A GB0904506 A GB 0904506A GB 0904506 A GB0904506 A GB 0904506A GB 2468655 A GB2468655 A GB 2468655A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
socket
sockets
electrical
socket apparatus
master switch
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Withdrawn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
GB0904506A
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GB0904506D0 (en
Inventor
Barry Sheehy
John Ellis
Danny Whybrow
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Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB0904506A priority Critical patent/GB2468655A/en
Publication of GB0904506D0 publication Critical patent/GB0904506D0/en
Publication of GB2468655A publication Critical patent/GB2468655A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
    • H01R13/703—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part
    • H01R13/7036—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part the switch being in series with coupling part, e.g. dead coupling, explosion proof coupling
    • H01R13/7038—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part the switch being in series with coupling part, e.g. dead coupling, explosion proof coupling making use of a remote controlled switch, e.g. relais, solid state switch activated by the engagement of the coupling parts
    • H02J13/0017—
    • H02J13/0055—
    • H02J13/0075—
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/6608—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in single component
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2103/00—Two poles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/76—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure with sockets, clips or analogous contacts and secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. to a wall
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
    • H01R25/006—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H02J13/00006—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment
    • H02J13/00012—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment using an auxiliary transmission line
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H02J13/00006—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment
    • H02J13/00022—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment using wireless data transmission
    • H02J13/00026—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment using wireless data transmission involving a local wireless network, e.g. Wi-Fi, ZigBee or Bluetooth
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H02J13/00032—Systems characterised by the controlled or operated power network elements or equipment, the power network elements or equipment not otherwise provided for
    • H02J13/0005—Systems characterised by the controlled or operated power network elements or equipment, the power network elements or equipment not otherwise provided for the elements or equipment being or involving power plugs or sockets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J9/00—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting
    • H02J9/005—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting using a power saving mode
    • Y—GENERAL 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
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B70/00—Technologies for an efficient end-user side electric power management and consumption
    • Y02B70/30—Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
    • Y—GENERAL 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
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02B90/20—Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector
    • Y—GENERAL 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
    • Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S20/00—Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof
    • Y04S20/20—End-user application control systems
    • Y04S20/242—Home appliances
    • Y—GENERAL 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
    • Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S40/00—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them
    • Y04S40/12—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them characterised by data transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated electrical equipment
    • Y04S40/126—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them characterised by data transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated electrical equipment using wireless data transmission

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Abstract

Wall socket apparatus 10 (Fig 2) for mounting to an electrical back box, comprises a front support 12, at least two electrical-plug sockets 14, 16, and a master switch 18 for remotely controlling at least one of the sockets 14, 16. The sockets 14, 16 may be connected to separate mains electrical circuits 36 or be connected to the same circuit 60 (Figs 4 & 7) and have wired or wireless signals allowing at least one socket to be switched by the master switch 18. The sockets 14, 16 in a network of such dual sockets 10 (Fig 2) may be connected to essential and non-essential electrical devices. Each socket 14, 16 may have its own local switch and distinguishable visual indicators 38 (Fig 2).

Description

Socket Apparatus The present invention relates to socket apparatus and to a method of using such apparatus.
Many electrical devices and appliances need not be left powered on during an entire day.
Stand-by functions have become common place, but it is well known that leaving an electrical device or appliance in stand-by mode still draws a current, albeit being reduced. Even leaving an electrical device or appliance plugged in but with a main switch of the device or appliance switched off can still result in a small current being drawn. This is common in particular with computer printers. This all results in unnecessary power consumption, rising utility bills, and increased environmental damage.
The aforementioned electrical devices and appliances can be considered as non-essential', since their temporary deactivation or deenergisation has no knock-on effect or impact. Such devices and appliances can include a television, a radio, a kettle, a toaster, a gaming console, and a computer.
Other devices and appliances can be considered as essential', since their deactivation or deenergisation, even for a short period, can be detrimental. Such devices and appliances can include a fridge, a freezer, an alarm, a recording device, and a boiler.
The present invention seeks to provide a solution whereby non-essential' electrical devices can be easily and quickly fully deenergised and thus electrically isolated. When considering the solution, it is also important that utilisation of the available space is optimised. Controllers which plug in and effectively piggyback' off existing sockets are not suitable, since they project or protrude a significant distance, causing obstruction and hindrance.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided socket apparatus for mounting to an electrical back box, the apparatus comprising a front support which is fastenable to an electrical back box, at least two electrical-plug sockets on the support element, and a master switch element which is spaced from the front support for remotely controlling at least one of the sockets.
Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 23, inclusive.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling a supply of electricity to non-essential electrical devices without disrupting a supply of electricity to essential electrical devices using socket apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a plurality of first and second sockets which are fastenable to electrical back-boxes on an electrical circuit; b) plugging a non-essential electrical device into one of the first sockets; c) plugging an essential electrical device into one of the second sockets; and d) providing a master switch element for simultaneously remotely controlling only the first sockets.
Preferable and/or optional features of the second aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 26 to 30, inclusive.
The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a first embodiment of socket apparatus, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and forming part of an electrical circuit; Figure 2 shows a front of a twin switched socket forming part of the socket apparatus; Figure 3 shows a rear of the twin switched socket; Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic view of a second embodiment of socket apparatus, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and forming part of an electrical circuit; Figure 5 shows a rear of a twin switched socket forming part of the second embodiment of the socket apparatus; Figure 6 shows a front of a local switching device of the second embodiment of the twin switched socket; Figure 7 shows a diagrammatic view of a third embodiment of socket apparatus, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and forming part of an electrical circuit; Figure 8 shows a rear of a twin switched socket forming part of the third embodiment of the socket apparatus; and Figure 9 shows a front of a local switching device of the third embodiment of the twin switched socket.
Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, there is shown a first embodiment of socket apparatus 10 which comprises a, typically wall-abuttable, front support housing 12, two switched electrical-plug sockets 14, 16 provided in and supported by the front support housing 12, and a master switch unit 18 which is remote from the front support housing 12. In this case, a plurality of the front support housings 12 with the two switched sockets 14, 16 are provided, but as few as one front support housing with two switched sockets may be utilised.
The front support housing 12 is formed in any standard manner and from any standard material, such as moulded plastics or metal. A removable front plate may be included in some cases for decorative purposes. The front support housing 12 is fastenable in normal fashion to a two gang electrical-socket back box, typically by using bolts. The back box may be surface mountable or recessed.
In this embodiment, each switched socket 14, 16 is electrically independent of the other, and thus includes at least its own dedicated Live and Neutral terminals 20, 22. Although not essential, each switched socket 14, 16 is spaced from the other and only mechanically interconnected by the front support housing 12.
The master switch unit 18 is preferably a double pole single throw switch 24 provided in or on a switch housing 26 mountable to a wall directly on a back box, which includes a wall-surface mounting box or a recessed box. The master switch unit 18 is also preferably mounted at a convenient location, such as at an entrance or exit, or at the bottom or top of a flight of stairs.
The apparatus 10 of the first embodiment also includes a contactor 28 which is electrically connected to a consumer unit 30 of the building. The master switch unit 18 is electrically connected to the contactor 28 by mains electricity wiring 32, typically embedded within walling. The contactor 28 also supplies electricity at mains voltage and current via two separate, again typically embedded, ring mains 34, 36 to the two switched sockets 14, 16 on each front support housing 12. In this case, a first one of the ring mains 34 is designated as essential' for equipment such as a fridge, a freezer, an alarm, a recording device, and/or a hot water / heating boiler which should, ideally, not be switched off except in emergencies. The second ring main 36 is designated as non-essential' for equipment such as a television, a radio, a kettle, a toaster, a gaming console, a computer and/or computer peripherals and accessories, which can be switched off at more or less any time without detrimental impact.
To identify which ring main 34, 36 feeds which switch socket 14, 16, each switched socket 14, 16 includes a unique indicator 38. The indicator 38 of the non-essential switched socket 14, 16 in this case includes three indicator elements 40, 42, 44, being a legend adjacent to a switch 46 of the socket 16 stating Non-Essential', a first colour applied to the switch 46, in this case being green, and a character also applied to the switch 46, in this case being N'. Fewer or more indicators are feasible.
The indicator 38 of the essential switched socket 14 also includes three indicator elements 48, 50, 52, being a legend adjacent to the switch 54 stating Essential', a second colour applied to the switch 54, in this case being red, and a character applied to the switch 54, in this case being E'. Again, fewer or more indicators are feasible.
The master switch unit 18 also preferably includes the same indicator or indicators as the non-essential switched socket 16 so as to provide an easy visual association for the user.
Alternatively or additionally, other indicators or indicator elements can be considered, such as different legends, colours and characters.
In use, the essential and non-essential switched sockets 14, 16 are easily distinguishable, prompting a user to plug non-essential electrical equipment into one or more of the non-essential switched sockets 16, and essential electrical equipment into one or more of the essential switched sockets 14. The local switches 46, 54 on the front support housing 12 allow each socket 14, 16 to be controlled independently by a user. However, the master switch unit 18 via the contactor 28 allows the second ring main 36 to be switched off, thereby halting an electricity supply to all of the non-essential switched sockets 16 on each front support housing 12. Consequently, all electrical equipment plugged into the non-essential switched sockets 16 is immediately deenergised and electrically isolated from the first ring main 34.
The first ring main 34 cannot be switched off by the master switch unit 18, and therefore an electricity supply from the consumer unit 30 via the contactor 28 to the first ring main 34 and the essential equipment remains uninterrupted.
Although the front support housing 12 supports two switched sockets 14, 16, it may support more than two switched sockets. In this case, two or more essential and/or non-essential switched sockets 14, 16 may be provided.
Alternatively, it is feasible that the front support housing 12 may only support non-essential switched sockets 16. In this case, the second non-essential ring main 36 may supply electricity to a combination of units, one or more of which have the essential and non-essential switched sockets 14, 16 and one or more of which may have only the non-essential switched sockets 16.
Referring now to Figures 4 to 6, a second embodiment of the socket apparatus 10 will now be described. Like references refer to like parts, and further detailed description is omitted.
The socket apparatus 10 of this embodiment again comprises the front support housing 12, the two essential' and non-essential' switched sockets 14, 16, and the master switch unit 18. However, as can be appreciated from Figure 4, the contactor is dispensed with in favour of a step-down transformer 56, and a low-voltage, being 12 volt for example, signal circuit 58 is provided in place of the second non-essential ring main.
The consumer unit 30 provides a supply of electricity directly to the single common ring main 60. The essential and the non-essential switched sockets 14, 16 are therefore both supplied with mains voltage electricity by the single ring main 60. Consequently, unlike in the first embodiment, only one Live terminal 62 and one Neutral terminal 64 for the incoming ring main 60 need be provided to supply mains electricity to both switched sockets 14, 16.
A local on-board switching device 66 controllable by the master switch unit 18 via the low-voltage signal circuit 58 is provided at a rear of the front support housing 12. In this case, the switching device 66 includes a PCB 68 mounted behind one or both switched sockets 14, 16 and a fused relay 70 on the PCB 68 is utilised to interrupt the mains electricity supply to the non-essential switched socket 14, 16.
In use, the relay 70 of the local on-board switching device 66 is normally energised thus allowing mains electricity to be supplied by the consumer unit 30 to the or each non-essential switched socket 16 on the ring main circuit 60. Once the master switch unit 18 is operated, the relay 70 is deenergised causing the mains electricity supply to only the non-essential switched socket 16 to be interrupted. The mains electricity supply to the or each essential switched socket 14 remains unaffected. Consequently, the electrical devices attached to the non-essential switched sockets 16 can be electrically isolated and thus deenergised.
Referring to Figures 7 to 9, a third embodiment of the socket apparatus 10 will now be described. The third embodiment is similar in some respects to that of the second embodiment. As before, like references refer to like parts, and further detailed
description is omitted.
In this embodiment, instead of the low-voltage signal circuit, a wireless connection is utilised between the master switch unit 18 and the or each non-essential switched socket 16. To this end, the transformer of the second embodiment is dispensed with, since the master switch unit 18 is mains powered directly or indirectly from the consumer unit 30.
The master switch unit 18 includes a wireless transmitter 72, which may utilise radio frequency, microwave frequency, Bluetooth RTM, or any other suitable wireless data transmission protocol.
The PCB 68 of the local on-board switching device 66 is again utilised and, as well as the fused relay 70 or another suitable switching element, a wireless receiver 74 is provided for operating the switching element 70.
In use, the switching element 70 of the local on-board switching device 66 is normally energised thus allowing mains electricity to be supplied by the consumer unit 30 to the or each non-essential switched socket 16 on the ring main circuit. Once the master switch unit 18 is operated, a control signal is outputted by the wireless transmitter 72 and received by the wireless receiver 74 of the local on-board switching device 66. The local switching element 70 is deenergised or switched, causing the mains electricity supply to only the non-essential switched socket 16 to be interrupted. The mains electricity supply to the or each essential switched socket 14 remains unaffected, as in the second embodiment. Consequently, the electrical devices attached to the non-essential switched sockets 16 can be electrically isolated and thus deenergised.
The socket apparatus 10 described in the above embodiments can conveniently be provided as a kit of parts for retro fitting to an existing consumer unit.
One or more of the sockets need not necessarily be locally switchable, and thus one or more of the local switches may be dispensed with. II may be feasible that the non-essential sockets are only switchable via the master switch unit.
Furthermore, the master switch unit, although preferably permanently mounted directly to a wall or other surface, may be freestanding.
It is thus possible to provide a dedicated circuit for non-essential electrical devices and appliances such that, by use of a single, typically wall-mountable, master switch at a convenient location, the entire group of devices or appliances can be electrically isolated and reenergised as necessity dictates. This significantly reduces wasted energy and thus environmental impact. The socket apparatus is simple to install in a new build or retro-fit to an existing building. The apparatus comprises a small number of parts, enabling cost-effective manufacture, and a plurality of indicators ensures a user is unlikely to make a mistake when plugging in an electrical device or appliance.
The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (30)

  1. Claims 1. Socket apparatus for mounting to an electrical back box, the apparatus comprising a front support which is fastenable to an electrical back box, at least two electrical-plug sockets on the support element, and a master switch element which is spaced from the front support for remotely controlling at least one of the sockets.
  2. 2. Socket apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said socket is connectable to a separate electrical circuit.
  3. 3. Socket apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the master switch element is provided on only one of the separate electrical circuits.
  4. 4. Socket apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein both electrical circuits carry mains voltage electricity.
  5. 5. Socket apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each said socket includes dedicated live and neutral terminals.
  6. 6. Socket apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a contactor which is electrically intermediate the said remotely controllable socket and the master switch element.
  7. 7. Socket apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said socket is electrically connected to a common electrical circuit.
  8. 8. Socket apparatus as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a switching circuit on which the master switch element and the remotely controllable socket are provided.
  9. 9. Socket apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the common electrical circuit is a mains voltage circuit, and the switching circuit is a non-mains voltage circuit.
  10. 10. Socket apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a step-down transformer for stepping down a voltage of electricity supplied to the master switch element from a mains electricity supply.
  11. 11. Socket apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the common electrical circuit is a mains voltage circuit, and the switching circuit is wireless.
  12. 12. Socket apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the master switch element includes a wireless transmitter, and the remotely controllable socket includes a wireless receiver.
  13. 13. Socket apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the master switch element is mains powered.
  14. 14. Socket apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the said remotely controllable socket includes a local switching device which is controllable by the master switch element to locally control the remotely controllable socket.
  15. 15. Socket apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switches of the said two sockets have different indicators.
  16. 16. Socket apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the indicators are different colours.
  17. 17. Socket apparatus as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the indicators are characters.
  18. 18. Socket apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the characters are letters.
  19. 19. Socket apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the master switch element includes an indicator which relates to the remotely controllable socket.
  20. 20. Socket apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the master switch element and the remotely controllable socket have matching indicators.
  21. 21. Socket apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each socket has a dedicated switch on the front support for independently locally controlling each said socket.
  22. 22. Socket apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the master switch element is fastenable to an electrical back box.
  23. 23. Socket apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in the form of a kit of parts.
  24. 24. Socket apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures ito 3, Figures 4 to 6, or Figures 7 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.
  25. 25. A method of controlling a supply of electricity to non-essential electrical devices without disrupting a supply of electricity to essential electrical devices using socket apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of a) providing a plurality of first and second switched sockets which are fastenable to electrical back-boxes on an electrical circuit; b) plugging a non-essential electrical device into one of the first switched sockets; c) plugging an essential electrical device into one of the second switched sockets; and d) providing a master switch element for simultaneously remotely controlling only the first switched sockets.
  26. 26. A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein, in step b), the non-essential device is one from amongst a range of at least a television, a radio, a kettle, a toaster, a gaming console, and a computer.
  27. 27. A method as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26, wherein, in step c), the essential device is one from amongst a range of at least a fridge, a freezer, an alarm, a recording device, and a boiler.
  28. 28. A method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the first switched sockets are separate and spaced from each other.
  29. 29. A method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the second switched sockets are separate and spaced from each other.
  30. 30. A method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein at least one of the first and second switched sockets are mechanically interconnected.
GB0904506A 2009-03-17 2009-03-17 Dual wall socket with switched and unswitched outlets Withdrawn GB2468655A (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0904506A GB2468655A (en) 2009-03-17 2009-03-17 Dual wall socket with switched and unswitched outlets

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GB2468655A true GB2468655A (en) 2010-09-22

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2478024A (en) * 2010-02-17 2011-08-24 Stewart John Robert Jackson Electrical supply apparatus
GB2484516A (en) * 2010-10-14 2012-04-18 John Raymond Milligan Electrical socket outlet with dual live supplies
GB2564512A (en) * 2018-03-29 2019-01-16 Rf Solutions Ltd Radio power switching
DE102020124302A1 (en) 2020-09-17 2022-03-17 Schneider Electric Industries Sas double socket

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2738434B1 (en) * 1977-08-26 1979-01-11 Hillmann Josef August Arrangement for remote control of electrical devices connected via sockets
US4215276A (en) * 1978-03-20 1980-07-29 Janeway William F Remote control of electrical power distribution system and method
US20030006905A1 (en) * 2001-07-09 2003-01-09 Jay Shieh Blue tooth power switch apparatus
US20050012401A1 (en) * 2003-07-17 2005-01-20 Goodrich Patrick D. Switched outlet module and method therefor
WO2005089029A1 (en) * 2004-03-02 2005-09-22 Pex, Franciscus, Antonius, Maria Remotely controllable switch for incorporating in a wall socket
WO2006072884A1 (en) * 2005-01-06 2006-07-13 Michael Von Seidel Electrical socket unit
US20070184703A1 (en) * 2002-04-04 2007-08-09 Kim Kyung T Low voltage electricity distribution circuit

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2738434B1 (en) * 1977-08-26 1979-01-11 Hillmann Josef August Arrangement for remote control of electrical devices connected via sockets
US4215276A (en) * 1978-03-20 1980-07-29 Janeway William F Remote control of electrical power distribution system and method
US20030006905A1 (en) * 2001-07-09 2003-01-09 Jay Shieh Blue tooth power switch apparatus
US20070184703A1 (en) * 2002-04-04 2007-08-09 Kim Kyung T Low voltage electricity distribution circuit
US20050012401A1 (en) * 2003-07-17 2005-01-20 Goodrich Patrick D. Switched outlet module and method therefor
WO2005089029A1 (en) * 2004-03-02 2005-09-22 Pex, Franciscus, Antonius, Maria Remotely controllable switch for incorporating in a wall socket
WO2006072884A1 (en) * 2005-01-06 2006-07-13 Michael Von Seidel Electrical socket unit

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2478024A (en) * 2010-02-17 2011-08-24 Stewart John Robert Jackson Electrical supply apparatus
GB2484516A (en) * 2010-10-14 2012-04-18 John Raymond Milligan Electrical socket outlet with dual live supplies
GB2564512A (en) * 2018-03-29 2019-01-16 Rf Solutions Ltd Radio power switching
GB2564512B (en) * 2018-03-29 2019-08-07 Rf Solutions Ltd Radio power switching
DE102020124302A1 (en) 2020-09-17 2022-03-17 Schneider Electric Industries Sas double socket

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