GB2473842A

GB2473842A - Modular electrical wall assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2473842A
Application number: GB0916835A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Trevor Herbert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-09-25
Filing date: 2009-09-25
Publication date: 2011-03-30
Anticipated expiration: 2029-09-25
Also published as: GB2473842A9; GB0916835D0; GB2473842B

Abstract

An electrical assembly and associated method of installing the assembly in a building, the electrical assembly comprises a mounting member 32 for attachment to the building, a connector 34 detachably mountable to the mounting member 32 for receiving a supply cable, and a face member detachably mountable to the mounting member 32. The face member 12 comprises at least one first electrical contact 20 and the connector 34 comprises at least one second electrical contact. The first and second electrical contacts cooperate with each other to provide an electrical connection between them when the face member 12 is attached to the mounting member 32. The face member 12 and connector 34 may each further include at least two additional electrical contacts. With the face member 12 detached from the mounting member 32, the connector 34 may include a cover member fitted after connecting the supply cable to the connector to enable decorative works (e.g. plastering, finishing) to be undertaken. Upon completion of the works, the cover member may be removed and the face member 12 attached to the mounting member 32 to electrically connect the first and second electrical contacts.

Description

An Electrical Assembly and Improvements in or Relating Thereto

Technical Field

The invention relates to an electrical assembly and improvements in or relating thereto.

Background

When constructing a new building or renovating an old building electrical fittings must be installed or may need to be renewed. Such electrical fittings may include a wall socket, a light switch, lighting controls such as a dimmer control, a light fitting, a ceiling rose, a television aerial socket, a telephone socket, or an audio outlet socket.

These electrical fittings are typically attached to a wall or ceiling with a mounting box which may be manufactured from galvanised steel of from a plastics material. Together the electrical fitting and the mounting box form an electrical assembly.

In the case of installing a new electrical fitting and mounting box, the process of installing typically includes fitting the mounting box into a wall or ceiling. In the case of renewing electrical fittings it may be possible to utilise the existing mounting box already located in the wall or ceiling. A qualified electrician then installs supply wires to the mounting box which are usually coiled up in the mounting box until after plastering and decorating of the wall or ceiling has been completed. When all finishings of the wall or ceiling are completed the qualified electrician must re-visit the building and coimect the supply wires to the electrical fitting before securing the electrical fitting to the mounting box with screws.

Typically the process of plastering and decorating leaves plaster, dust, paint or other debris in the mounting box or on the supply wires. The electrician must clean the mounting box and supply wires before finally connecting the supply wires and attaching the electrical fitting to the mounting box. Such cleaning of the mounting box and supply wires is time consuming for the qualified electrician to complete, and is wasteful of the qualified electrician's time, which increases the cost of installing the new electrical fittings. It will be appreciated that the requirement for the electrician to return to the building to connect the supply wires to the electrical fitting and test the installation is also wasteful of time and increases installation costs.

It would be desirable to provide a way for the qualified electrical to complete the task of installing without the requirement for a return visit following plastering and decorating.

It would also be desirable to reduce the amount of cleaning that may be required before connection of the electrical fitting to the mounting box.

It is broadly an object of the present invention to address one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages of the known arrangements for installing electrical fittings.

Summary

What is required is a way of permitting an electrical fitting to be readily installed, which may reduce or minimise at least some of the above-mentioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an electrical assembly comprising a mounting member for attachment to a building, a connector detachably mountable to the mounting member for receiving a supply cable, and a face member detachably mountable to the mounting member, the face member comprising at least one first electrical contact, the connector comprising at least one second electrical contact, wherein the first and second electrical contacts cooperate with each other to provide an electrical connection between them when the face member is attached to the mounting member.

Such an electrical assembly may provide the advantage that the connector can be located in the mounting member and connected to a supply cable by a qualified electrician who may then test the installation to ensure that it is installed correctly. Any plastering and decorating of the building can be completed and then the face member can be plugged into the connector by a non-qualified electrician later on. The electrical assembly may require to be cleaned by the non-qualified electrician, but since the supply cabling has already been installed into the connector, such cleaning may be is reduced. Such a way of installing an electrical assembly may be less expensive due to the more efficient use of the qualified electrician's time, and the reduced amount of cleaning required.

Preferably the at least one first and second contacts are operable to be urged together by at least one fastener used to attach the face member to the mounting member. Using such a fastener is a convenient way of urging the contacts together.

Preferably the at least one first electrical contact is a male part, and the at least one second electrical contact is a female part. Providing the second electrical contact as a female part may reduce the amount of cleaning that is required following plastering and decoration.

The electrical assembly may further include at least two first electrical contacts of the face member, and at least two second electrical contacts of the connector for cooperation with the at least two first contacts, wherein the at least two first electrical contacts are arranged substantially in the centre of the face member. The electrical assembly may further include at least two first electrical contacts of the face member, and at least two second electrical contacts of the connector for cooperation with the at least two first contacts, wherein the at least two first electrical contacts are arranged to be horizontally adjacent to one another when in use. Locating the electrical contacts in the centre and horizontally is useful when locating the first and second electrical contacts together because it may allow the user to see all electrical contacts which are required to cooperate with each other.

Preferably the face member comprises a face plate and a connector housing, the at least one first electrical contact provided on a surface of the connector housing.

Preferably one of the connector housing and the connector has a recess, for location of the other of the connector housing and the connector. Preferably at least one of the at least one first electrical contact and the at least one second electrical contact is within the recess. Such a recess provides the advantage that the face member may be more readily located on the connector.

In one embodiment the mounting member has a portion thereof having a free end that is detachably connectable to an earth electrical contact of the connector.

Preferably the connector is detachably mountable to the mounting member at least in part with the portion of the mounting member. The portion of the mounting member may be a convenient way to provide an earth connection for the mounting member, and attach the connector to the mounting member.

Preferably the connector is detachably mountable to the mounting member in a central region thereof. Such a location for mounting the connector is a useful location for the electrician so that it does not interfere with sides of the mounting member.

In one embodiment the connector is provided with at least one of a barbed tongue and a recess, and the mounting member is provided with the other of at least one of a barbed tongue and a recess, the barbed tongue and recess for cooperation with each other to provide said detachable mounting of the connector to the mountable member.

Preferably the connector comprises a first surface having the at least one second electrical contact, the mounting member having an opening over which the face member is located, the surface facing the opening when the connector is attached to the mounting member. Such an arrangement provides the advantage that the face member can be pushed towards the connector for cooperation of the first and second electrical contacts.

Preferably the connector comprises an adjacent second surface for receiving a supply cable. Preferably the first surface comprises at least one fastener for detachable securing of a supply cable to the connector in the second surface. Preferably the second surface is substantially perpendicular to the first surface. Such perpendicularly arranged surfaces provide a convenient way of attaching the supply cable to the connector.

The electrical assembly may further include at least one spacer member locatable bettveen the mounting member and the connector for spacing the connector from the mounting member. Such a spacer member is useful where the mounting member is a deep mounting member, or where the mounting member has been located too deeply in the building for cooperation of the first and second electrical contacts.

Preferably the electrical assembly further includes a cover member to cover the connector. Preferably the cover member includes a portion corresponding in shape to the male part, the cover member being detachably mountable to the connector with said male part. Such a cover member may be fitted to the connector after it has been attached to the mounting member and connected to the supply cable. The cover member can then be removed from the connector after plastering and decorating so that the face member can then be mounted to the mounting member. Such a cover may further reduce the amount of cleaning required prior to fitting the face member.

In another embodiment the connector is detachably mountable to the mounting member by at least one portion of the connector for receiving a fastener. The at least one portion is preferably lug having a hole for receiving the fastener. Such a way of mounting the connector to the mounting member may be useful if the electrical assembly is retrofitted to a pre-existing mounting member in a building.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an electrical assembly s comprising a face member having at least one first electrical contact, and a connector for receiving a supply cable and having at least one second electrical contact, wherein the first and second electrical contacts cooperate with each other to provide an electrical connection therebetween.

Such an electrical assembly can be retrofitted to a pre-existing mounting member in a building. The connector can be located in the mounting member and connected to a supply cable by a qualified electrician who may then test the installation to ensure that it is installed correctly. Any plastering and decorating of the building can be completed and then the face member can be plugged into the connector by a non-qualified electrician later on. The electrical assembly may require to be cleaned by the non-qualified electrician, but since the supply cabling has already been installed into the connector, such cleaning may be reduced. Such a way of installing an electrical assembly may be less expensive due to the more efficient use of the qualified electrician's time, and the reduced amount of cleaning required.

Preferably the face member and the connector are detachably mountable to a mounting member of a building, wherein the first and second electrical contacts cooperate with each other to provide the electrical connection between them when the face member is attached to the mounting member.

In one embodiment the connector has an earth electrical contact that is detachably connectable to a free end of a portion of a mounting member. Preferably the connector is detachably mountable to a mounting member at least in part with said portion. The portion of the mounting member may be a convenient way to provide an earth connection for the mounting member, and attach the connector to the mounting member.

Preferably the connector is detachably mountable to a mounting member in a central region thereof. Such a location for mounting the connector is a useful location for the electrician so that it does not interfere with sides of the mounting member.

In one embodiment the connector is provided with at least one of a barbed tongue and a recess, and a mounting member is provided with the other of at least one of a barbed tongue and a recess, the barbed tongue and recess for cooperation with each other to provide said detachable mounting of the connector to the mountable member.

The electrical assembly may further including at least one spacer member locatable between a mounting member of a building and the connector for spacing the connector from the mounting member. Such a spacer member is useful where the mounting member is a deep mounting member, or where the mounting member has been located too deeply in the building for cooperation of the first and second electrical contacts.

Preferably the electrical assembly further including a cover member to cover the connector. Preferably the cover member includes a portion corresponding in shape to the male part, the cover member detachably mountable to the connector with said male part. Such a cover member may be fitted to the connector after it has been attached to the mounting member and connected to the supply cable. The cover member can then be removed from the connector after plastering and decorating so that the face member can then be mounted to the mounting member. Such a cover may further reduce the amount of cleaning required prior to fitting the face member.

In another embodiment the connector includes at least one portion for attaching it to a mounting member with a fastener. The at least one portion is preferably lug having a hole for receiving the fastener. Such a way of mounting the connector to the mounting member may be useful if the electrical assembly is retrofitted to pre-existing mounting members in a building.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provide a building including an electrical assembly according to any preceding claim.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing an electrical assembly in a building, the electrical assembly including a mounting member, a connector for detachable mounting to the mounting member and for receiving a supply cable, and a face member for detachable mounting to the mounting member, the face member comprising at least one first electrical contact, the connector comprising at least one second electrical contact, the method including: attaching the mounting member to the building; attaching the cable to the connector; and attaching the face member to the mounting member so that the first and second electrical contacts cooperate with each other to provide an electrical connection between them.

Such a method of installing an electrical assembly may provide the advantage that the connector can be located in the mounting member and connected to a supply cable by a qualified electrician who may then test the installation to ensure that it is installed correctly. Any plastering and decorating of the building can be completed and then the face member can be plugged into the connector by a non-qualified electrician later on.

The electrical assembly may require to be cleaned by the non-qualified electrician, but since the supply cabling has already been installed into the connector, such cleaning may be reduced. Such a way of installing an electrical assembly may be less expensive due to the more efficient use of the qualified electrician's time, and the reduced amount of cleaning required.

Preferably the method further includes urging the at least one first and second contacts together using at least one fastener used to attach the face member to the mounting member. Using such a fastener is a convenient way of urging the contacts together.

In one embodiment the method further includes providing the mounting member with a portion thereof having a free end, and locating the portion in an earth electrical contact of the connector. The portion of the mounting member may be a convenient way to provide an earth connection for the mounting member, and attach the connector to the mounting member.

In one embodiment the method further includes providing the connector with at least one of a barbed tongue and a recess, and further providing the mounting member with the other of at least one of a barbed tongue and a recess, the method including attaching the mounting member to the connector with the barbed tongue and the recess.

In another embodiment the method further includes attaching the connector to the mounting member with a fastener. Such a way of mounting the connector to the mounting member may be useful if the electrical assembly is retrofitted to a pre -existing mounting member in a building.

Preferably the method further includes providing the connector with a first surface having the at least one second electrical contact, the method including attaching the connector in the mounting member so that the surface faces an opening of the mounting member, and locating the face member over the opening. Such an arrangement provides the advantage that the face member can be pushed towards the connector for cooperation of the first and second electrical contacts.

Preferably the method further includes providing the connector with an adjacent second surface which is substantially perpendicular to the first surface, the second surface having electrical contacts for receiving the supply cable, the method including attaching the supply cable in the electrical contacts of second surface prior to attaching the connector to the mounting member. Such perpendicularly arranged surfaces provide a convenient way of attaching the supply cable to the connector.

The method may further include providing at least one spacer member, the method including locating the at least one spacer member between the mounting member and the connector for spacing the connector from the mounting member. Such a spacer member is useful where the mounting member is a deep mounting member, or where the mounting member has been located too deeply in the building for cooperation of the first and second electrical contacts.

Preferably the method further includes using the fastener to secure the spacer member between the mounting member and the connector.

Preferably the method further includes using at least one cover member for covering the connector, the method including: fitting the cover member to the connector after connecting the supply cable to the connector; plastering or finishing the building in a region adjacent to the electrical assembly; removing the cover member; and attaching the face member to the mounting member so that the first and second electrical contacts cooperate with each other to provide an electrical connection between them.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting member for attachment to a building, and a connector detachably mountable to the mounting member for receiving a supply cable, the connector comprising at least one first electrical contact suitable for cooperation with at least one second electrical contact of a face member.

Such an arrangement provide an electrical connection between a face member and the connector when the face member is attached to the mounting member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments shown by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 shows a diagram of a front view of an electrical socket faceplate according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a diagram of a rear view of the electrical socket faceplate of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a connector housing shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a diagram of a side view of the electrical socket faceplate of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a mounting box arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a cross section of the electrical socket faceplate of Figure 1 together with the mounting box of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a cross section of a mounting box arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a temporary cover; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a rear of an electrical socket faceplate according to another embodiment; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a mounting box arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the arrangements of Figure 10.

Detailed Description

Figures 1 -4 show diagrams of an electrical socket faceplate, generally designated 10, together with associated components, according to an embodiment of the invention. In Figure 1 a front plate 12 of the electrical socket faceplate 10 is shown with a conventional double socket arrangement used in the United Kingdom. The two sockets are next to each other and are each suitable for UK three-pin plugs. The two sockets are operable by individual onloff switches shown between the double sockets. Two through holes 14 are also shown for attaching the electrical socket faceplate 10 to a mounting box 32 shown in Figure 5.

Figure 2 shows a diagram of a rear view of the electrical socket faceplate 10 of Figure 1.

In Figure 2 like features to the arrangements of Figure 1 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 2 the electrical socket faceplate 10 is shown to comprise the front plate 12 and a connector housing 16 on a rear surface of it and attached thereto with screws (not shown). The connector housing 16 is shown to have three electrical contacts 18, 20, 22 protruding from it. The middle electrical contact 20 is for providing an earth connection. The adjacent electrical contact 22 is for providing a live electrical connection. The adjacent electrical contact 18 is for providing a neutral electrical connection. The three electrical contacts 18, 20, 22 are coupled electrically to the double sockets shown in Figure 1 with electrical tracks as shown with reference to Figure 3. In Figure 2, the electrical contacts 18, 20, 22 are evenly spaced apart from each other and are substantially in the middle of a rear of the electrical socket faceplate 10. The electrical contacts 18, 20, 22 are also arranged to be horizontally in line with each other when the electrical socket faceplate 10 is in its normal orientation in use.

An electrical track 15 for an earth connection is provided on a rear surface of the front plate 12. It will be appreciated that the connector housing 16 encloses pins of a plug Jo (not shown) that is inserted into either of the double sockets shown in Figure 1. The electrical track 15 cooperates with the through holes 14 to connect screws (not shown) which may be used for attaching the electrical socket faceplate 10 to a mounting box 30 shown in Figure 5. In Figure 2 the electrical track 15 also connects and central earth pins of a plug fitted into either of the double sockets to the central electrical contact 20.

The front plate 12 is manufactured from a plastics material. The connector housing 16 is also manufactured from a plastics material which may be a different plastics material to the front plate 12. In Figure 2 the through holes 14 are also shown which pass through the front plate 12 only. It will be appreciated that the front plate 12 is a known item such that the connector housing 16, electrical track 15, and pins 18, 20, 22 can be used with other known front plates 12, such as chrome front plates or brushed steel front plates.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the connector housing 16 shown in Figure 2. In Figure 3 like features to the arrangements of Figure 2 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 3 a front surface of the connector housing 16 is shown with live and neutral electrical tracks which are substantially between the connector housing 16 and the front plate 12. The earth connector track 15 is not between the connector housing 16 and the front plate 12 so that it runs around the periphery of the connector housing 16 and is arranged on a rear surface of the front plate 12. Live tracks 24 are shown for connecting a live pin of a plug (not shown) to respective switches 26, which are connected to the live electrical contact 22. Neutral tracks 28 are shown for connecting a neutral pin of a plug (not shown) to the neutral electrical contact 18. It will be appreciated that the electrical tracks 15, 24, 28 are strips of metal for conducting electricity from the mains supply to plugs fitted into the sockets shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a diagram of a side view of the electrical socket faceplate 10 of Figure 1. In Figure 4 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -3 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 4 the front plate 12 is shown with the earth electrical track 15 mounted on a rear surface of it. The connector housing 16 is also shown mounted on the rear of the front plate 12. It will be appreciated that the live tracks 24 and the neutral electrical tracks 28 cannot be seen because they are between the front plate 12 and the connector housing 16. Also shown is the live electrical contact 22 protruding from the rear surface of the connector housing 16.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a mounting box arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, generally designated 30. The mounting box arrangement comprises a mounting box 32 and an electrical connector 34 connected to the mounting box 32 on an inside surface. The mounting box 32 is manufactured from galvanised steel and may have knockout apertures (not shown) for an electrical supply wire. The mounting box 32 may also have mounting holes (not shown) for attaching it to a wall.

The mounting box 32 also has lugs 31 for accepting screws (not shown) which pass through respective holes 14 of the front plate 12 to secure the electrical socket faceplate 10 to the mounting box 32.

The electrical connector 34 has three slots 36, 38, 40 for respective contacts 22, 20, 18 of the socket faceplate 10 shown in Figure 2. In Figure 5 an electrical supply cable (not shown) having an earth cable, a live cable, and a neutral cable is connected to the electrical connector 34 by inserting the individual cables into respective electrical contact holes (shown at 45 in Figure 6) in the electrical connector 34, The cables are secured in the electrical contact holes via respective screws 42, 44, 46. Each electrical contact hole is in electrical communication with its associated slot 36, 38, 40, and each slot has a metal spring clip for making electrical contact with its associated electrical contact 18, 20, 22. Also shown is a finger 48 of the mounting box 32 which is a strip of the mounting box 32 that has been cut and folded away from it so that the finger 48 remains attached to the mounting box 32 at one end of the finger 48 so that it remains in electrical contact with the mounting box 32. The electrical connector 34 is attached to the mounting box 32 by sliding it over the finger 48 which is inserted in an electrical contact hole (shown at 52 in Figure 6). A screw 49 is then used to secure the connector 34 to the finger 48 which also assists with securing the connector 34 to the mounting box 32. The finger 48 is an advantageous feature because it also provides an earth connection for the mounting box 32 in a convenient way, and without the requirement for a separate wire to connect the earth cable of the electrical supply wire to the mounting box 32.

Also shown in Figure 5 are two slots 51 in the rear surface of the mounting box 32.

Each slot 51 is for accepting a barbed tongue 54 of the connector 34 (shown in Figure 6). The slot 51 and barbed tongue 54 arrangement can be used to provide a secure fastening between the connector 34 and the mounting box 32. It will be appreciated that in use the user connects the electrical supply cables to the connector 34 with the screws 42, 44, 46. The user then locates the barbed tongues 54 of the connector 34 in the slots 51 of the mounting box 32. The user then slides the connector 34 over the finger 48 and tightens the screw 49 to attach the connector 34 to the mounting box.

Figure 6 shows a cross section of the electrical socket faceplate 10 of Figure 1 together with the mounting box 32 of Figure 5. In Figure 6 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -5 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 6 the arrangements of the electrical connector 34 are shown whereby the finger 48 of the mounting box 32 is shown to be located into the electrical contact hole 52, which is then secured in place with the screw 49. Also shown is the electrical contact hole 45 for an earth cable which is secured in position in the electrical contact hole 45 by the screw 44. Also shown is the slot 38 for accepting the earth electrical contact 20 which is electrically coupled to the electrical contact hole 45.

In Figure 6 the electrical socket faceplate 10 is shown in position as the earth electrical contact 20 enters the middle slot 38. In use, the operator locates the electrical contacts 18, 20, 22 in the respective slots 36, 38, 40 and then pushes the electrical socket faceplate 10 into the mounting box 32. This action provides electrical contact between the electrical contacts 18, 20, 22 and the electrical power cables located in their respective electrical contact holes. The electrical socket faceplate 10 is then secured to the mounting box 32 using screws (not shown) located in the through holes 14 of the front face 12 and into the lugs 31 of the mounting box 32. The screws are operable to urge the electrical contacts 18, 20, 22 into their respective slots 36, 38, 40 upon tightening the screws.

In Figures 5 and 6 the advantageous arrangement of the electrical connector 34 is shown which is substantially cuboid in shape such that the three slots 36, 38, 40 are provided on one surface of it. Preferably the surface with the three slots 36, 38, 40 faces an opening of the mounting box 34 so that the electrical socket faceplate 10 can be pushed towards it so that the electrical contacts 18, 20, 22 can be located in the electrical connector 34. The electrical contact holes for the electricity supply cables are shown to be provided on an adjacent surface of the electrical connector 34 which is perpendicular to the surface having the slots 36, 38, 40. This is advantageous because it allows the electricity supply cables to be connected to the connector 34 in a very convenient maimer. Furthermore, the screws for securing the cable into the electrical contact holes are provided on the same surface having the slots 36, 38, 40 so that the user can operate the screws easily via the opening of the mounting box 32.

Figure 7 shows a cross section of a mounting box arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention, generally designated 60. In Figure 7 like features to the arrangements of Figures 5 and 6 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 7 the mounting box arrangement 60 comprises a mounting box 62 and a connector 64. The mounting box 62 is deeper than the mounting box 32 shown in Figures 5 and 6, which may be used as an alternative. In Figure 7 the connector 64 is substantially the same as the connector 34, but includes one or more spacers 66, 68 between the connector 64 and a rear surface of the mounting box 62. The spacers 66, 68 provide an adjustable mounting for the connector 64 so that the connector 64 can be mounted at a selected distance from the rear of the mounting box 62. It will be appreciated that there may be one or two or more spacers to provide an adjustable mounting for the connector 64. The connector 64 and the spacers 66, 68 are aftached to the mounting box 62 via lugs 92 of the connector 64, which have holes for self tapping screws 94 as per the arrangements of Figure 10 and 11. With the arrangement of Figure 7 the mounting box 62 is provided with an earth connection whereby a wire is connected (not shown) between the mounting box 62 and the earth electrical contact hole 52 and secured in position with the screw 49.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a temporary cover, generally designated 70, for use with the connector 34, 64 of Figures 5 and 6 or Figure 7. In Figure 8 the temporary cover 70 comprises a planar part 72 having three pins 74, 76, 78 extending from it. The temporary cover 70 is made of a plastics material. In use, the three pins 74, 76, 78 can be located into the respective slots 36, 38, 40 to protect the connector 34, 64 from plaster, paint or other debris from entering it via the slots 36, 38, 40. This provides the advantage that a reduced amount of cleaning of the mounting box 32, 62 may be required after plastering and finishing has been completed and before fitting the electrical socket faceplate 10. The cover 70 may alternatively be termed a cover member.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a rear of an electrical socket faceplate according to another embodiment, generally designated 80. In Figure 9 like features to the arrangements of Figure 2 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 9 the connector housing 16 on a rear surface of front face plate 12 has a recess 82 which has the three electrical contacts 18, 20, 22 protruding from the recess 82. The recess 82 is shaped to fit around the connector 34 shown in Figure 5. The three electrical contacts 18, 20, 22 are located towards a side of the recess 82. Such a recess 82 is a useful feature because it permits the electrical socket faceplate 80 to be located to the connector 34 prior to pushing it further towards the connector so that the electrical contacts cooperate with each other. Furthermore, providing the three electrical contacts 18, 20, 22 towards a side of the recess means that the connector 34 can only be located in the recess 82 in one orientation. This may reduce the possibility that connector 34 is wrongly inserted into the recess 82, which reduces the possibility of reversed the polarity for the electrical fitting. This provides additional safety for the electrical fitting.

In an alternative arrangement a groove is provided in one of the recess 82 and the connector 34, and a channel is provided in the other of the recess 82 and the connector 34. The groove and the channel are for cooperation with each other so that the connector 34 can be located in the recess 82 in one orientation only.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a mounting box arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, generally designated 90. In Figure 10 like features to the arrangements of Figure 5 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 10 the connector 34 is shown to have lugs 92 on either side of it. Each lug 92 has a hole to receive a self tapping screw 94 to secure the connector 34 to the mounting box 32. Such an arrangement is a useful feature because it allows the connector 34 to be readily attached and detached from the mounting box 32 as required. Such an arrangement may be used instead of or in additional to the finger 48 of Figure 5 to secure the connector 34 to the mounting box 32. In Figure 10, the mounting box 32 may be provided with an earth connection via a wire (not shown) between the mounting box 32 and the connector 34 if the finger 48 is not used.

Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the arrangements of Figure 10. Figure 10 like features to the arrangements of Figure 10 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 11 it can be seen that in the embodiment with the finger 48, an electrical contact hole 52 is slid over the finger 48 before the self tapping screws 94 are used to secure the connector 34 to the mounting box 32.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments described may be incorporated into a new building or retrofitted to an existing building. In the case of using the mounting box 32 of Figures 5, 6 and 10 it is fitted to a wall so that it is flush with the wall, and preferably slightly recessed within the wall. A qualified electrician then fits the electricity supply cabling to the connector 34. The connector 34 is then attached to the mounting box 32 by locating the barbed tongues 54 in the slots 51 and pushing the connector 34 towards the mounting box 32 as shown in Figure 5 and 6. The connector 34 is then slid over the finger 48 so that the finger is in the electrical contact hole 52, and the screw 49 is tightened to fasten the finger 48 within the electrical contact hole 52. Alternatively, the connector 34 is attached to the mounting box 32 by using self tapping screws (not shown) located through holes 94 in lugs 92 of the connector 34 as shown in Figure 10.

The qualified electrician may then test the wiring of the mounting box 32 and the connector 34, and may issue a safety certificate relating to the new electrical installation if required. The temporary cover 70 is then pushed into the connector 34 so that the three pins 74, 76, 78 are located into the respective slots 36, 38, 40. The wall may then be plastered and finished with wall paper or paint. The temporary cover 70 is then removed and the electrical contacts 18, 20, 22 are fitted into their associated slots 36, 38, 40 of the connector 32 by, for example, a non-qualified electrician. The electrical socket faceplate 10 is then secured to the mounting box 32 with screws (not shown) via through holes 14 and lugs 31. This way of fitting an electrical socket faceplate 10 is advantageous because the qualified electrician does not need to visit the building twice to perform the electrical safety check, and the final task of fitting the electrical socket faceplate 10 can be performed by a non-qualified electrician. This saves time and cost for an overall electrical installation. It will be appreciated that the embodiments described have a minimised number of parts required for operation, and that the parts are easily handlable, which is a useful feature when installing electrical fittings.

In the case of using the mounting box 62 of Figure 7 it is fitted to a wall so that it is flush with the wall, and preferably slightly recessed within the wall. Alternatively, the mounting box 62 may already be installed within the building. A qualified electrician then fits the electricity supply cabling to the connector 64. The connector 64 is then attached to the mounting box 62 with self tapping screws (not shown) and spacers 66, 68 as required to provide the necessary cooperation between the slots 36, 38, 40 and the electrical contacts 18, 20, 22. An earth wire is then coupled between the electrical contact hole 52 and the mounting box 62 and secured in place with the screw 49. The qualified electrician may then test the wiring of the mounting box 62 and the connector 64, and may issue a safety certificate relating to the new electrical installation if required. The temporary cover 70 is then pushed into the connector 64 so that the three pins 74, 76, 78 are located into the respective slots 36, 38, 40. The wall may then be plastered and finished with wall paper or paint. The temporary cover 70 is then removed and the electrical contacts 18, 20, 22 are fitted into their associated slots 36, 38, 40 of the connector 62 by, for example, a non-qualified electrician. The electrical socket faceplate 10 is then secured to the mounting box 62 with screws (not shown) via through holes 14 and lugs 31. This way of fitting an electrical socket faceplate 10 is advantageous because the qualified electrician does not need to visit the building twice to perform the electrical safety check, and the final task of fitting the electrical socket faceplate 10 can be performed by a non-qualified electrician. This saves time and cost for an overall electrical installation. The connector 64 has the further advantage of being retrofittable to old mounting box already fitted to buildings. It will be appreciated that the embodiment described has a minimised number of parts required to operation, and that the parts are easily handlable, which is a useful feature when installing electrical parts.

It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the screws (not shown) to secure the electrical socket faceplate 10 to either mounting box 32, 62 may be an advantageous way of pulling the electrical Contacts 18, 20, 22 into the slots 36, 38, 40. Together one or more of the electrical socket faceplate 10, the connector 34 and the mounting box 32, 62 may be termed an electrical assembly. The mounting box 32, 62 may alternatively be termed a mounting member. The electrical socket faceplate 10 may alternatively be termed a face member.

It will be appreciated that the face member may alternatively be a light switch, a lighting control such as a dimmer control, a light fitting for a light bulb, a ceiling rose having a light fitting for a light bulb, a ceiling rose having a cable attached to a light fitting for a bulb, a television aerial socket, a telephone socket, or an audio outlet socket.

These face members may be mains powered or non mains powered. Such a face member is a part which is facing into a room and which has a switch, a control, a recess for a plug or a light bulb, or an aperture for a supply cable to connect to a light fitting for a light bulb.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electrical assembly comprising a mounting member for attachment to a building, a connector detachably mountable to the mounting member for receiving a supply cable, and a face member detachably mountable to the mounting member, the face member comprising at least one first electrical contact, the connector comprising at least one second electrical contact, wherein the first and second electrical contacts cooperate with each other to provide an electrical connection between them when the face member is attached to the mounting member.
2. An electrical assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first and second contacts are operable to be urged together by at least one fastener used to attach the face member to the mounting member.
3. An electrical assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one first electrical contact is a male part, and the at least one second electrical contact is a female part.
4. An electrical assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, and further including at least two first electrical contacts of the face member, and at least two second electrical contacts of the connector for cooperation with the at least two first contacts, wherein the at least two first electrical contacts are arranged substantially in the centre of the face member.
5. An electrical assembly according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3, and further including at least two first electrical contacts of the face member, and at least two second electrical contacts of the connector for cooperation with the at least two first contacts, wherein the at least two first electrical contacts are arranged to be horizontally adjacent to one another when in use.
6. An electrical assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the face member comprises a face plate and a coimector housing, the at least one first electrical contact provided on a surface of the connector housing.
7. An electrical assembly according to claim 6, wherein one of the connector housing and the connector has a recess, for location of the other of the connector housing and the connector.
8. An electrical assembly according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the at least one first electrical contact and the at least one second electrical contact is within the recess.
9. An electrical assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting member has a portion thereof having a free end that is detachably connectable to an earth electrical contact of the connector.
10. An electrical assembly according to claim 9, wherein the connector is detachably mountable to the mounting member at least in part with the portion of the mounting member.
11. An electrical assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the connector is detachably mountable to the mounting member in a central region thereof.
12. An electrical assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector is provided with at least one of a barbed tongue and a recess, and the mounting member is provided with the other of at least one of a barbed tongue and a recess, the barbed tongue and recess for cooperation with each other to provide said detachable mounting of the connector to the mountable member.
13. An electrical assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector comprises a first surface having the at least one second electrical contact, the mounting member having an opening over which the face member is located, the surface facing the opening when the connector is attached to the mounting member.
14. An electrical assembly according to claim 13, wherein the connector comprises an adjacent second surface for receiving a supply cable.
15. An electrical assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first surface comprises at least one fastener for detachable securing of a supply cable to the connector in the second surface.
16. An electrical assembly according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the second surface is substantially perpendicular to the first surface.
17. An electrical assembly according to any preceding claim, and further including at least one spacer member locatable between the mounting member and the connector for spacing the connector from the mounting member.
18. An electrical assembly according to any preceding claim, and further including a cover member to cover the connector.
19. An electrical assembly according to claim 18 when appended to claim 3, wherein the cover member includes a portion corresponding in shape to the male part, the cover member being detachably mountable to the connector with said male part.
20. An electrical assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector is detachably mountable to the mounting member by at least one portion of the connector for receiving a fastener.
21. An electrical assembly according to claim 20, wherein the at least one portion is lug having a hole for receiving the fastener.
22. An electrical assembly comprising a face member having at least one first electrical contact, and a connector for receiving a supply cable and having at least one second electrical contact, wherein the first and second electrical contacts cooperate with each other to provide an electrical connection therebetween.
23. An electrical assembly according to claim 22, wherein the face member and the connector are detachably mountable to a mounting member of a building.
24. An electrical assembly according to claim 23, wherein the first and second electrical contacts cooperate with each other to provide the electrical connection between them when the face member is attached to the mounting member.
25. An electrical assembly according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the at least one first and second contacts are operable to be urged together by at least one fastener used to attach the face member to the mounting member.
26. An electrical assembly according to any of claims 22 -25, wherein the at least one first electrical contact is a male part, and the at least one second electrical contact is a female part.
27. An electrical assembly according to any of claims 22 26, and further including at least two first electrical contacts of the face member, and at least two second electrical contacts of the connector for cooperation with the at least two first contacts, wherein the at least two first electrical contacts are arranged substantially in the centre of the face member.
28. An electrical assembly according to any of claims 22 -26, and further including at least two first electrical contacts of the face member, and at least two second electrical contacts of the connector for cooperation with the at least two first contacts, wherein the at least two first electrical contacts are arranged to be horizontally adjacent to one another when in use.
29. An electrical assembly according to any of claims 22 -28, wherein the face member comprises a face plate and a connector housing, the at least one first electrical contact provided on a surface of the connector housing.
30. An electrical assembly according to claim 29, wherein one of the connector housing and the connector has a recess, for location of the other of the connector housing and the connector.
31. An electrical assembly according to claim 30, wherein at least one of the at least one first electrical contact and the at least one second electrical contact is within the recess.
32. An electrical assembly according to any of claim 22 -31, wherein the connector has an earth electrical contact that is detachably connectable to a portion of a mounting member having a free end.
33. An electrical assembly according to claim 32, wherein the connector is detachably mountable to a mounting member at least in part with said portion.
34. An electrical assembly according to any of claims 22 -33, wherein the connector is detachably mountable to a mounting member in a central region thereof.
35. An electrical assembly according to any of claims 22 -34, wherein the connector is provided with at least one of a barbed tongue and a recess, and a mounting member is provided with the other of at least one of a barbed tongue and a recess, the barbed tongue and recess for cooperation with each other to provide said detachable mounting of the connector to the mountable member.
36. An electrical assembly according to any of claims 22 -35, wherein the connector comprises a first surface having the at least one second electrical contact, the mounting member having an opening over which the face member is located, the surface facing the opening when the connector is attached to the mounting member.
37. An electrical assembly according to claim 36, wherein the connector comprises an adjacent second surface for receiving a supply cable.
38. An electrical assembly according to claim 37, wherein the first surface comprises at least one fastener for detachable securing of a supply cable to the connector in the second surface.
39. An electrical assembly according to claim 37 or 38 wherein the second surface is substantially perpendicular to the first surface.
40. An electrical assembly according to any of claims 22 -39, and further including at least one spacer member locatable between a mounting member of a building and the connector for spacing the connector from the mounting member.
41. An electrical assembly according to any of claims 22 -40, and further including a cover member to cover the connector.
42. An electrical assembly according to claim 41 when appended to claim 26, wherein the cover member includes a portion corresponding in shape to the male part, the cover member being detachably mountable to the connector with said male part.
43. An electrical assembly according to any of claims 22 -42, wherein the connector is detachably mountable to the mounting member by at least one portion of the connector for receiving a fastener.
44. An electrical assembly according to claim 43, wherein the at least one portion is lug having a hole for receiving the fastener.
45. An electrical assembly as substantially described herein with reference to Figures 1 -6, or 7, or 9 -11 of the accompanying drawings.
46. A building including an electrical assembly according to any preceding claim.
47. A method of installing an electrical assembly in a building, the electrical assembly including a mounting member, a connector for detachable mounting to the mounting member and for receiving a supply cable, and a face member for detachable mounting to the mounting member, the face member comprising at least one first electrical contact, the connector comprising at least one second electrical contact, the method including: attaching the mounting member to the building; attaching the cable to the connector; and attaching the face member to the mounting member so that the first and second electrical contacts cooperate with each other to provide an electrical connection between them.
48. A method according to claim 47 and further including urging the at least one first and second contacts together using at least one fastener used to attach the face member to the mounting member.
49. A method according to claim 47 or 48 and further including providing the mounting member with a portion thereof having a free end, and locating the portion in an earth electrical contact of the connector.
50. A method according to any of claims 47, 48 or 49 and further including providing the connector with at least one of a barbed tongue and a recess, and further providing the mounting member with the other of at least one of a barbed tongue and a recess, the method including attaching the mounting member to the connector with the barbed tongue and the recess.
51. A method according to any of claims 47, 48 or 49 and further including attaching the connector to the mounting member with a fastener.
52. A method according to any of claims 47 -51, and further including providing the connector with a first surface having the at least one second electrical contact, the method including attaching the connector in the mounting member so that the surface faces an opening of the mounting member, and locating the face member over the opening.
53. A method according to claim 52, and further including providing the connector with an adjacent second surface which is substantially perpendicular to the first surface, the second surface having electrical contacts for receiving the supply cable, the method including attaching the supply cable in the electrical contacts of second surface prior to attaching the connector to the mounting member.
54. A method according to claim any of claims 47 -53, and further including providing at least one spacer member, the method including locating the at least one spacer member between the mounting member and the connector for spacing the connector from the mounting member.
55. A method according to claim 54 when appended to claim 51, and further including using the fastener to secure the spacer member between the mounting member and the connector.
56. A method according to any of claims 47 -55, and further including using at least one cover member for covering the connector, the method including: fitting the cover member to the connector after connecting the supply cable to the connector; plastering or finishing the building in a region adjacent to the electrical assembly; removing the cover member; and attaching the face member to the mounting member so that the first and second electrical contacts cooperate with each other to provide an electrical connection between them.