GB2484851A

GB2484851A - Electrical mounting box

Info

Publication number: GB2484851A
Application number: GB201201151A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Wray Ball; Andrew Purdie Baker
Original assignee: Schneider Electric Ltd
Current assignee: Schneider Electric Ltd
Priority date: 2007-08-15
Filing date: 2008-08-06
Publication date: 2012-04-25
Anticipated expiration: 2028-08-06
Also published as: NZ570544A; AU2008205448B2; GB2451936B; AU2008205448A1; GB2484851B; GB2451936A; GB201201151D0; GB0814346D0

Abstract

A mounting box (10) for mounting an electrical wiring accessory (15) in an aperture (19) in a panel (14), the mounting box (10) comprising retaining means for engaging a rear surface of the panel (14) and at least one connector for making a plugged connection with wiring behind the panel (14), the at least one connector being located on a side wall of the mounting box (10).

Description

I

MOUNTING BOX FOR ELECTRICAL WIRING ACCESSORIES AND

ASSEMBLIES AND INSTALLATIONS INCLUDING SUCH MOUNTING

BOX

The invention relates to electrical wiring accessories, in particular to accessories accompanied by a plastic or metal flush wall mounting box for installation into walls with internal cavities such as dry-lining walls constructed of plasterboard or other materials.

Mounting boxes for fitting electrical accessories such as power outlet sockets/light switches and the like are well known. These boxes are fitted into either a solid brick or plastered wall, or a hollow plasterboard, or similar style wall. In the case of solid walls, the boxes are usually fixed by means of screws into the wall through the rear wall of the box. In the case of plasterboard hollow walls, some form of flexible clip or bracket is used to grip the rear of the wall board, the box being inserted into the wall from the front. The accessory with its facia is then connected to wiring and fitted into the mounting box, covering the front of the box and being secured, typically with a pair of standard screws. This approach to installation can be time consuming.

For large commercial installations, there is nowadays the option to use pre-fabricated wiring with plugged connections, for example of the WJELAND GES1S ® type. The advantage is that the final installation work can be performed more quickly and, to some extent, by less skilled personnel than conventional wiring installation. Testing of the connections can largely be performed at the factory.

Particularly when a building is being constructed or re-fitted, there is relatively easy access to the interiors cavities of walls, floors and ceilings.

Nevertheless, the known accessory/mounting box designs all require a relatively labour-intensive process of fitting of the open mounting box, connecting the accessory electrically and screwing the accessory into place over the box opening. While plastic quick-fit alternatives might be considered, experience with the clip-in type of mounting box mentioned above suggests that such solutions are not robust enough to provide the desirable high levels of ruggedness, security and safety.

With the introduction of plug and play electrical systems the philosophy of minimal installation time, and low skill level has been promoted and adopted. The skill level required for installation has been reduced with the use of cable and plug, and cable and socket assemblies. These assemblies are connected between devices to form circuits and finally an electrical installation.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to enable the provision of an electrical wiring accessory and mounting box, which is suitable for fitting to a hollow wall and which provides a rugged and secure mounting while achieving a significant labour saving over known systems. The terms "front", "forward" and "rear" are used below as if the accessory is in place in a wall, facing towards a user, and should be interpreted figuratively when the assembly is not mounted, or is mounted in a floor or ceiling, for

example.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting box for mounting an electrical wiring accessory in an aperture in a panel, the mounting box comprising: at least one set of retaining means for engaging a rear surface of the panel, wherein said at least one set of retaining means are deployable retractably; and at least one chamfered side wall.

This permits the mounting box to be fitted to a suitably dimensioned aperture by firstly positioning a side wall of the mounting box opposite the chamfered side wall against the panel and subsequently rotating the mounting box into the aperture. The retaining means being retracted to permit the rotation and then projecting to engage the rear surface of the panel so as to prevent retraction of the mounting box from the aperture.

The chamfered side wall prevents the mounting box fouling the panel as it passes through the aperture.

This idea offers a solution to the installation of a wiring accessory and mounting box assembly pre-assembled off-site, which may be factory sealed and tested, without the need to disassemble it during installation, the box and accessory being able to be secured in the panel as a unit.

The box having at least one chamfered side wall permits the assembly to be rotated into the aperture from, for example, a wiring connection point, without damaging the panel.

The mounting box may further comprise at least one connector for making a plugged connection with wiring behind the panel. The connector may be located on an opposite side wall from a chamfered side wall. In use, the connector receives a wiring plug from behind the panel. This means that the assembly is required to be rotated from this pivot point into the aperture. The chamfered side wall is opposite this connector which prevents the mounting box fouling the panel as it passes through the aperture. Said connector may be adapted for direct pluggable connection to the accessory, when the latter is mounted on the front side of the box.

Alternatively, the connector may be connectable to the accessory by short wiring. Said at least one connector may be suitable for power connection, communication connection or both.

The retaining means may comprise first and second retaining means for engaging a rear surface of the panel at first and second peripheral locations disposed on opposite sides of the aperture.

In a first main embodiment both first and second means may be deployable retractably. In this embodiment said first and second retaining means are located on opposite side walls of said mounting box, neither of these side walls being said chamfered side wall.

In said first main embodiment the first and second retaining means may pivot between the retracted position and the deployed position.

Alternatively, the first and second retaining means may slide between the retracted position and the deployed position.

In said first main embodiment the first and second retaining means may be configured such that, in the deployed state, the first and second retaining means each provide a clamping surface which is substantially parallel to the rear surface of the panel.

The first and second retaining means, in said first main embodiment, may be adjustable to allow for different panel thicknesses. The first and second retaining means may be slidably mounted within the mounting box such that the first and second retaining means may slide between a first position towards the rear of the box and a second position towards the front of the box. Where the first and second retaining means are slidably mounted within the mounting box, the first and second retaining means may also include holding means for holding the first and second retaining means in a position between the first and second positions.

The mounting box may also include means for adjusting the position of the first and second retaining means.

In said first main embodiment, the first and second retaining means may include a threaded bore which is adapted to receive a screw, or the like.

The threaded bore may be adapted to engage with a screw of said electrical wiring accessory, said screw for connecting said electrical wiring accessory to said mounting box, such that, on turning said screw of said electrical wiring accessory the threaded bore receives said screw and the first and second retaining means slide between the first position and the second position. This allows the adjustment of said first and second retaining means from outside the electrical accessory even when installed, without need to access behind the panel, by causing them to be pulled upwards and engage the rear surface of the panel. Also, should the accessory be attached to the mounting box subsequent to installation of the mounting box in the panel, then this arrangement enables said first and second retaining means to be adjusted to engage the panel at the same time as the electrical accessory is being attached to the mounting box. Alternatively, the threaded bore may be adapted to engage with a separate screw which is externally operable from the mounting box.

The first and second retaining means may comprise a housing member which includes the threaded bore. The housing member may be slidably mounted within the mounting box. The mounting box may include slot portions which are adapted to receive corresponding edge portions of the housing member therein.

The housing member may house provide a pivot point for the retaining means.

The housing member may house resilient biasing means for biasing the retaining means towards the deployed position.

The resilient biasing means may include one or more spring members.

The first and second retaining means may also include means for manually retracting the retaining means from the deployed position. This allows the mounting box to be removed from the aperture. The means for manually retracting the retaining means may include one or more protrusions, such that the protrusion may be engaged by a tool.

The mounting box may further comprise first and second flange portions for engaging a front surface of the panel. The first and second flange portions being located at a distance ahead of the first and second retaining means, respectively, In a second main embodiment said first retaining means may be deployable fixedly to engage a rear surface of the panel at said first peripheral location and the second retaining means may be deployable retractably to engage a rear surface of the panel at said second peripheral location. ln this embodiment said first and second retaining means are located on opposite side walls of said mounting box, one of these side walls being said chamfered side wall. Preferably, said second retaining means is located on said chamfered side wall.

In said second main embodiment the mounting box may further comprise first and second flange portions for engaging a front surface of the panel at said first and second peripheral locations, said first flange portion being located at a distance ahead of the first retaining means, said second flange portion being located at a distance ahead of the second retaining means.

The mounting box may have first and second side walls extending perpendicularly from said first and second flange portions respectively, at least the second side wall being chamfered to provide clearance for said rotation. Said first and second retaining means may be located on said first and second side walls respectively. Where said mounting box is rectangular in shape, said first and second side walls extend along the opposing longer sides of said mounting box. In one embodiment said first side wall is the top side wall and said second side wall is the bottom side wall of said mounting box.

The first and second flange portions may form parts of a continuous peripheral flange. Either flange portion may be interrupted, without detracting from its function.

There may be provided more than one each of said first and second flange portions, spaced along a length of the mounting box.

In said second main embodiment there may be provided more than one each of the first and or second retaining means, spaced along the length of the mounting box.

In said second main embodiment said first retaining means may comprise one or more projections.

A plurality of sets of first retaining means may be provided in said second main embodiment, each set for use with different panel thicknesses, each set comprising one or more retaining means. Said retaining means may be removable such that superfluous projections can be removed once said panel thickness is determined. Alternatively, one set of adjustable first retaining means may be provided. Said adjustable first retaining means may, for example, be slidable between different fixed positions, or removable and reattachable in different fixed positions.

In said second main embodiment said first retaining means may have a chamfered profile. This is so as to maintain grip of said rear surface of the panel as said mounting box as it is rotated into place. Said first retaining means may further have a ridged profile in order to increase the grip of said rear surface of said panel when installed.

In said second main embodiment said second retaining means may comprise one or more resilient biasing means, biased to act against the rear surface of said panel once said mounting box is fitted. Said one or more resilient biasing means may comprise one or more springs configured to be moved clear by the panel during fitting.

In said second main embodiment said second retaining means may be adjustable to allow for different panel thicknesses. They may be adjustable by being slidable or removable and reattachable in different positions or other methods. Said second retaining means may include a threaded bore adapted to receive a screw such that its position can be adjusted by turning said screw from outside said accessory. In this way, the position of said second retaining means may be adjusted to engage with the rear surface of said panel when in place in said aperture without removal of said accessory. Said screw may be one of the screws which attach the mounting box to the accessory. Alternatively a plurality of sets of second retaining means may be provided, each set for use with different panel thicknesses, each set comprising one or more retaining means. Said retaining means may be removable such that superfluous projections can be removed once said panel thickness is determined.

In either embodiment said mounting box may be provided as a single unit with a wiring accessory. Said retaining means may be operable to prevent removal of said mounting box unless said electrical wiring accessory is removed initially.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel, the wall panel comprising a suitably dimensioned aperture for receiving the electrical wiring assembly, the electrical wiring assembly comprising a mounting box as claimed in the first aspect of the invention with an electrical wiring accessory pre-installed thereto, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a portion of a side wall opposite the at least one chamfered side wall against the aperture while holding the assembly at an angle such that the at least one chamfered side wall is outside the front surface of the panel; and pivoting said assembly around a point adjacent the portion of the side wall which is against the panel, such that the mounting box enters the aperture; wherein, on entering the aperture at least one of said at least one retaining means is caused to retract to allow entry into said aperture and subsequently to deploy to prevent removal of the assembly from the aperture.

In one embodiment said method includes the initial step of connecting a connector, said connector being located on said mounting box, to wiring behind the panel. Said connector may be located on a side wall opposite said at least one chamfered side wall.

Said method may include the latter step of turning at least one screw from the outside of said accessory so as to adjust at least one of said at least one set of retaining means so that they engage with the rear surface of said panel.

Said method may comprise the initial step of preparing said aperture in said wall.

Said method may comprise the initial step of determining the thickness of the panel and adjusting or selecting said retaining means as appropriate.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting box mounting an electrical wiring accessory in an aperture in a panel, the mounting box comprising: retaining means for engaging a rear surface of the panel; and at least one connector for making a plugged connection with wiring behind the panel, the at least one connector being located on a side wall of the mounting box.

The mounting box may also comprise at least one chamfered side wall.

The at least one chamfered side wall being located on an opposite wall from the at least one connector.

The first retaining means may be deployable fixedly to engage a rear surface of the panel and the second retaining means may be deployable retractably to engage a rear surface of the panel. Alternatively, both first and second means may be deployable retractably. Where the retaining means is deployable retractably, the retaining means may be resiliently biased towards the deployed position.

The first and second retaining means may be adjustable to allow for different panel thicknesses. The first and second retaining means may be slidably mounted within the mounting box such that the first and second retaining means may slide between a first position towards the rear of the box and a second position towards the front of the box. Where the first and second retaining means are slidably mounted within the mounting box, the first and second retaining means may also include holding means for holding the first and second retaining means in a position between the first and second positions.

The mounting means may also include means for adjusting the position of the first and second retaining means.

The mounting box of the third embodiment may additionally include any of the other features described in relation to said first embodiment.

According to an fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel, the wall panel comprising a suitably dimensioned aperture for receiving the electrical wiring assembly, the electrical wiring assembly comprising a mounting box as claimed in the third aspect of the invention with an electrical wiring accessory pre-installed thereto, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the side wall of mounting box having the at least one connector against the aperture while holding the assembly at an angle such that an opposite side wall is outside the front surface of the panel; connecting wiring located behind said panel to said at least one connector; and pivoting the assembly around a point adjacent the at least one connector, such that the mounting box enters the aperture; wherein, on entering the aperture at least one of said at least one retaining means is caused to retract to allow entry into said aperture and subsequently to deploy to prevent removal of the assembly from the aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a mounting box according to an embodiment of the invention, pre-assembled with an electrical wiring accessory; Figure 2 shows the assembly of figure 1 ready to be installed in an aperture of a wall; Figure 3 shows the assembly of Figure 1 during an installation step; Figures 4a and 4b show the assembly of Figure 1 installed in a wall; Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment to that of Figure 1 with different spring structure; Figure 6 shows a variation on the embodiment of Figure 5, having two connectors; Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment with different retaining means; Figures 8a and 8b shows the assembly of Figure 7 during an installation step; Figure 9 shows the retaining means of Figure 7; and Figure 10 shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure 7, having two connectors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the main embodiment, it will ease understanding to consider Figures 1 to 4 together, while specific features will be mentioned with reference to particular drawings as appropriate. The drawings show a mounting box 10 comprising depth stops 11, a curved mounting box surface 12, a fixing spring 13, a flange 16 and connectors 17 for connection to wiring behind the panel 14 to which it is being fitted. The mounting box is shown having an electrical accessory 15 mounted thereto (The mounting box and electrical wiring accessory may have been supplied as a single pre-assembled unit). Also shown is a wall panel 14, such as plasterboard, with aperture 19, into which the mounting box 10 and accessory 15 unit is being installed.

The flange 16 runs around the mouth of the mounting box, to prevent the box falling backwards through the aperture. The panel 14 will typically be one side of a double-sided cavity wall where the electrical cables run. It is often not possible to gain access to the other side of the panel except thorough the aperture itself. Wires within the walls of a building may be coupled to the accessory by means of rear socket block or connector 17 projecting from the mounting box. This coupling of the wires needs to be done before installation of the mounting box 10 into the wall 14.

From the front at least, the accessory 15 in this case is substantially a standard switched mains outlet socket (UK 13 amp standard, single or dual type), but other accessories including different types of outlets, isolators, light switches and so on can all be envisaged as part of the same system. The terms "front", "forward" and "rear" are used as if the accessory is in place in a wall, facing towards a user, and should be interpreted figuratively when the assembly is not mounted, or is mounted in a floor or ceiling, for example.

Figures 3 and 4 show how the novel accessory mounting box 10 can be fitted onto wall panel 14, even when the accessory 15 and box 10 are pre-assembled. Once the wiring is connected as described above, the box is introduced into the aperture 19 in the wall panel 14 at an angle and such that the depth stops 11 are behind the panel 14 while flange 16 remains in frontof the panel 14.

The mounting box 10 is then pivoted about a point adjacent its top edge until mounting box behind the flange enters the cavity. The bottom of the mounting box is curved to prevent it fouling the panel 14 as it is pivoted into position. The mounting box is then pushed in from the front until the spring clip 13 retracts to pass the aperture 19 edge and then projects to engage the inside surface of wall panel 14 to retain the assembly.

Obviously, the assembly may be arranged with the depth stops at the bottom and spring at the top, or the depth stops and spring being on opposing sides, with the assembly being tilted accordingly during installation.

The fixing spring 13 retains the mounting box once in position and supplies a constant force to the back surface of the wall. This ensures the mounting box remains fixed and cannot be removed without entering the assembly and the using of a tool. As in conventional electrical installations the wiring accessory may be removed from the mounting box via its fixing screws for inspection, testing or maintenance. It will be apparent that any number of these springs 13 can be provided.

Sets of depth stops 11 may be provided, each set a different distance away from said wiring accessory, to allow for different wall thicknesses.

Thedepthstopsll inthisexampleare3setslla,llb,llcof2 detachable stops that are designed to suit 3 different thickness of wall.

The depth stops 11 not required (those stops that would interfere with installation) are detached as required with tools such as a pair of pliers, or side-cutters etc. It will be apparent that any number or sets of these depth stops 11 can be provided.

The depth stops may be provided with ridges 25 each having a chamfered profile. The chamfered profile ensures that the panel 14 is gripped between the depth stops 11 and flange 16 during pivoting of the assembly into place, as well as when actually installed. The ribbing helps increase this grip.

The position of the spring 13 may also be adjustable to suit the thickness of the wall. This adjustment (in the embodiment described) can be made without entering the assembly, for instance by adjusting mechanism 18 in or out, thus moving the spring in or out accordingly. A simple gauge may be supplied with the mounting box to allow the installer to measure the thickness of the wall, and therefore to determine which depth stops are not required and the correct position of the spring. It can also be envisaged that the spring be made adjustable by a screw and thread mechanism as disclosed in relation to the further alternative mounting box assembly 30 described below.

Figure 5 shows an alternative mounting box 20 assembly having a different retractable spring arrangement 21. The spring arrangement 21 in this case show a pair of resiliently deformable spring members 21, which deform as the mounting box 20 is pushed into the wall as described above, their resilience causing them to retain their shape once said mounting box 20 is installed and engage the rear surface of the panel 14.

Each spring member 21, in this embodiment is provided in three parts 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, to allow for adjustment for panel thickness, each part corresponding to a set of depth stops 11 a, 11 b, 11 c. Should the panel be of the second or third thicknesses provided for, one or two of the three parts 21a, 21b, 2lcof each spring member 21 can be removed and discarded as with the depth stops 11. It will be apparent that any number of these spring members 21 can be provided in any number of parts.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the invention with two connector blocks I 7a, 1 7b instead of one. Any number of connector blocks is possible.

Obviously, this applies equally to the connector block of Figures 1 to 4.

Figure 7 shows a further alternative mounting box 30 assembly having different retaining means. The mounting box 30 assembly comprises first and second retaining means 31. The first and second retaining means 31 are adapted to engage a rear surface of the panel at first and second peripheral locations disposed on opposite sides of the aperture 19. The first and second retaining means 31 are deployable retractably at the first and second peripheral locations and are biased towards the deployed position.

The first and second retaining means 31 are adapted to pivot between the deployed position (as illustrated in Figure 7) and the retracted position. As best seen in Figure 7, when deployed, the first and second retaining means 31 each provide a clamping surface 33 which is substantially parallel to the rear surface of the panel 14.

In the embodiment described here, the first and second retaining means 31 are housed in a housing member 35. The housing member 35 provides a pivot point for the retaining means 31. The housing member 35 also houses a resilient biasing means (not shown) for biasing the retaining means 31 towards the deployed position. The resilient biasing means may include one or more spring members, or the like.

The first and second retaining means 31 are also adjustable to allow for different panel thicknesses. The first and second retaining means 31 are slidably mounted within the mounting box 30 such that they may slide between a first position towards the rear of the box 30 and a second position towards the front of the box 30. In the embodiment described here, the mounting box 30 includes slot portions 37 which are adapted to receive corresponding edge portions 39 of the housing member 35 (as illustrated in Figure 9). The housing member 35 and the slot portions 37 may also be arranged to provide a holding means for holding the first and second retaining means 31 in a position between the first and second positions. This could, for example, be done by causing a interference fit between the housing member 35 and the slot portions 37.

With reference to Figures 7 and 9, the first and second retaining means 31 also include means for adjusting the position thereof to allow for different panel thicknesses. In the embodiment described here, the housing member 35 each include a threaded bore 41 which is adapted to receive a screw, or the like. With reference to Figure 8a, the threaded bore 41 may be adapted to receive and engage with the screw 43 of the electrical accessory 15. Therefore, when the electrical accessory 15 is being screwed to the mounting box 30, the threaded bore 41 receives the screw 43 of the electrical accessory 15 and the retaining means 31 are pulled upwards from the first position towards the second position. This allows the first and second retaining means 31 to be pulled upwards to engage the rear surface of the panel 14 and secure the mounting box 30 thereto.

Using the screw 43 of the electrical accessory 15 to simultaneously adjust the position of the retaining means 31 and clamp the mounting box 30 to the panel 14 reduces the time required to fit the mounting box 30 and avoids the need for a separate mechanism to clamp the mounting box 30 to the panel 14 ensures that the position of the retaining means 31 can be adjusted according to panel thickness from outside of the accessory 15 and mounting box 10, or the need to access behind the panel 14. Also, should the accessory 15 be attached after installation of the mounting box in the panel 14, then such a design reduces the time required to fit the mounting box 10 and also avoids the need for a separate mechanism to clamp the mounting box 10 to the panel 14.. In this case the electrical accessory 15 and mounting box 30 may come at least partly pre-assembled and the screwing of screw 43 completes the assembly and adjusts the position of the retaining means 31 for clamping. However, it should be appreciated that the mounting box 30 may include, as an alternative, a separate screwing mechanism for adjust the position of the retaining means 31, for example, a separate screw which is externally operable from the mounting box 30.

With reference to Figure 9, the retaining means 31 also includes a protrusion 45 which may be used to manually retract the retaining means 31 from the deployed position to the retracted position. The protrusion 45 may be accessed by removing the electrical accessory 15 and operated with a tool, or finger. This allows the mounting box 30 to be removed from the aperture 19.

With reference to Figure 7, the mounting box 30 includes first and second flange portions 47 for engaging the front surface of the panel 14. The first and second flange portions 47 are located at a distance ahead of the first and second retaining means 31, respectively.

In order to mount the mounting box 30 and electrical accessory 15 to the S wall panel 14, the mounting box 30 is initially aligned with the aperture 19 such that the first and second retaining means 31 engage the front face of the panel 14. The assembly is then pushed into the aperture 19 such that the first and second retaining means 31 are firstly moved to the retracted position to allow the mounting box 30 to pass through the aperture 19.

Once the first and second retaining means 31 have cleared the thickness of the panel 14 the biasing means forces the first and second retaining means 31 back to the deployed position. This prevents the mounting box and electrical accessory 15 being removed from the aperture 19.

The first and second retaining means 31 are then adjusted, as described above, to clamp the mounting box 30 and electrical accessory 15 to the panel 14.

With reference to Figure 10, the mounting box 30 may comprise a connector 17 for making a plugged connection with wiring behind the panel 14. In the embodiment described here, the connector 17 is located on the top side of the mounting box 30. However, it should be appreciated that the connector 17 may be located on any side of the mounting box 30, including the same side as the retaining means 31. In the case where the connector 17 is located on the same side as the retaining means, it would be positioned behind the retaining means 31. The connector 17 is adapted to plug directly to either/or both of the electrical accessory 15 and the wiring behind the panel 14. Alternatively, the connector 17 may be connected to the electrical accessory 15 by short wiring. The connector 17 is suitable for providing both a power connection, communication connection, or both. Note that Figures 8a and 8b are illustrated without any connectors in place.

With reference to Figure 10, when the connector 17 is located on a top side of the mounting box 30, it is necessary to rotate the mounting box 30 into the aperture 19, as described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention. In this case the mounting box 30 may have first and second side walls 51 a, 51 b extending perpendicularly from said first and second flange portions 47 respectively. The second side wall 51 b has a chamfered portion 53 to provide clearance for said rotation. The chamfered portion 53 prevents the mounting box 30 from fouling the panel 14 as it passes therethrough. The first and second retaining means 31 operate in the same manner as described above.

With reference to Figure 10, it should be appreciated that the mounting box 30 may also include a plurality of connectors 17. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, two connectors are located on the top side of the mounting box 30. In this case the mounting box 30 is mounted to the panel 14 in a similar manner as described above, by plugging the connectors 17 to wiring behind the panel 14 and pivoting the box 30 through the aperture 19.

The first and second flange portions 47 form part of a continuous peripheral flange. Although, either flange portion 47 may be interrupted, without detracting from its function.

In all of the examples shown, the novel mounting box provides additional flexibility for pre-assembly and rapid installation, while retaining the familiarity, security and compatibility of conventional mounting systems.

The concept of providing the mounting box with a pluggable connector for pre-assembled wiring adds flexibility also, and can be extended to include pluggable connections between the mounting box and the accessory itself, using suitably modified accessories. The requirement for cutting wires, stripping insulation and making screw terminal connections can be completely eliminated if desired. Furthermore, providing a mounting box with retaining means which are biased towards a deployed position further increases the ease in which the mounting box may be mounted to the panel, as a fitter is not required to manually move the retaining means into the deployed position when mounting the mounting box. Also, providing adjustable retaining means, particularly adjustable retaining means that are operable with the mounting screw of the electrical accessory, greatly increases the ease in which the mounting box and electrical accessory assembly is attached to the panel.

Further modifications are of course possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects, and the examples illustrated and described above are not to be taken as limiting on the scope of protection sought. The exact form of the mounting box and accessories can vary according to the application, national standards and so forth. The accessory 15 may be entirely integrated with the front cover plate, as shown, or the assembly may come in three parts, with the cover plate separate from the working parts of the accessory. The accessory may in other instances comprise only a cover plate, where a mounting box and connections are provided to allow for some future requirement.

Although the mounting box has been illustrated and described above as comprising flange portions which abut against the front face of the wall panel to clamp the mounting box thereto, it should be appreciated that the mounting box does not need to include these flange portions. The electrical accessory itself, once mounted to the mounting box, may provide a flange portion to provide engagement with the front face of the wall panel.

It should also be appreciated that the retaining means may not necessarily be resiliently biased towards the deployed position. With reference to Figure 7, the mounting box may comprise retaining means for engaging the rear surface of the panel, wherein the retaining means are deployable retractably; and at least one chamfered side wall. In this case the retaining means would be operable manually to firstly allow the mounting box to pass through the aperture and secondly to be deployed to prevent the mounting box from being removed from the aperture. In this case the chamfered side wall allows the mounting box to be pivoted, or rotated, into the aperture without fouling the panel 14.

It should also be appreciated that the retaining means may not necessarily be deployable retractably. In this case the mounting box may comprise retaining means for engaging a rear surface of the panel and a connector for making a plugged connection with wiring behind the panel, the connector being located on a side wall of the mounting box. In this case, with the connector being located on the side wall of the mounting box, the mounting box is pivoted, or rotated, into the aperture without fouling the panel 14.

Claims

Claims 1. A mounting box for mounting an electrical wiring accessory in an aperture in a panel, the mounting box comprising: retaining means for engaging a rear surface of the panel; and at least one connector for making a plugged connection with wiring behind the panel, the at least one connector being located on a side wall of the mounting box.
2. A mounting box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting box also comprises at least one chamfered side wall.
3. A mounting box as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one chamfered side wall is located on an opposite wall from the at least one connector.
4. A mounting box as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retaining means comprise first and second retaining means for engaging a rear surface of the panel at first and second peripheral locations disposed on opposite sides of the aperture.
5. A mounting box as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first retaining means are deployable fixedly to engage a rear surface of the panel and the second retaining means are deployable retractably to engage a rear surface of the panel.
6. A mounting box as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first and second retaining means are deployable retractably to engage a rear surface of the panel.
7. A mounting box as claimed in claim 6, wherein the retaining means are resiliently biased towards the deployed position.
8. A mounting box as claimed in any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first and second retaining means are adjustable to allow for different panel thicknesses.
9. A mounting box as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and second retaining means are slidably mounted within the mounting box such that the first and second retaining means may slide between a first position towards the rear of the box and a second position towards the front of the box.
10. A mounting box as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first and second retaining means include holding means for holding the first and second retaining means in a position between the first and second positions.
11. A mounting box as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the mounting means includes means for adjusting the position of the first and second retaining means.
12. A method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel, the wall panel comprising a suitably dimensioned aperture for receiving the electrical wiring assembly, the electrical wiring assembly comprising a mounting box as claimed any of claims I to II with an electrical wiring accessory pre-installed thereto, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the side wall of mounting box having the at least one connector against the aperture while holding the assembly at an angle such that an opposite side wall is outside the front surface of the panel; connecting wiring located behind said panel to said at least one connector; and pivoting the assembly around a point adjacent the at least one connector, such that the mounting box enters the aperture; wherein, on entering the aperture at least one of said at least one retaining means is caused to retract to allow entry into said aperture and subsequently to deploy to prevent removal of the assembly from the aperture.
13. A method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel as claimed in claim 12 including the latter step of turning at least one screw from the outside of said accessory so as to adjust at least one of said at least one set of retaining means so that they engage with the rear surface of said panel.
14. A method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, comprising the initial step of preparing said aperture in said wall.
15. A method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel as claimed in any of claims 12 to claim 14, comprising the initial step of determining the thickness of the panel and adjusting or selecting said retaining means as appropriate.
16. A mounting box for mounting an electrical wiring accessory in an aperture in a panel as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
17. A method of installing an electrical wiring assembly in a wall panel as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.