GB2498019A

GB2498019A - Electrical distribution board

Info

Publication number: GB2498019A
Application number: GB201215975A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James David Allen; Andrew Purdie Baker
Original assignee: Schneider Electric Ltd
Current assignee: Schneider Electric Ltd
Priority date: 2011-09-12
Filing date: 2012-09-07
Publication date: 2013-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2032-09-07
Also published as: GB201115674D0; GB201215975D0; GB2498019B

Abstract

An outgoing conductor module 10 connects to an electrical distribution board 12 which has one or more incoming terminals and one or more longitudinal bus conductors 14 connected to the incoming terminals and one or more lateral tabs 16 for distributing electrical power from the longitudinal bus conductors to the outgoing conductor module. The outgoing conductor module comprises one or more outgoing conductor terminals, such as stabs 18, and one or more connectors 20 for connecting the one or more outgoing conductor terminals to the one or more lateral tabs. The outgoing conductor module is arranged such that, when it is mounted to the electrical distribution board, the longitudinal axis of the one or more outgoing conductor terminals is in a plane displaced with the longitudinal axis of the one or more lateral tabs.

Description

Improvements in or relating to Electrical Distribution Boards The present invention relates to an outgoing conductor module for an electrical distribution board assembly.

An electrical distribution board distributes electrical power from one or more incoming power supply terminals to a number of outgoing power supply terminals.

Typically, the electrical distribution board comprises one or more bus conductors which run the length of the board. The bus conductors carry the incoming electrical power to one or more outgoing "stab" conductors which are, in turn, connected to one or more circuit breakers of the outgoing circuit.

The electrical distribution board may additionally include isolation switches positioned between the bus conductors and the stab conductors. Schneider Electric in particular supplies "Isobar" brand of boards with this feature. The purpose of the isolation switches is to allow unused stab conductors to be electrically isolated from the bus conductor.

The isolation switches are located within an insulated housing block which at least partially shrouds the stab conductors, the isolation switches and the bus conductors.

The housing block, stab conductors, isolation switches and bus conductors are mounted upon a mounting plate to which are latched the circuit breakers. The mounting plate is secured inside a standard cabinet, or the like.

Although the above-described electrical distribution board is effective at safely distributing power from the incoming power supply terminals to the outgoing power supply terminals) it is limited in that, when the board is secured inside the cabinet, there is little space provided between the board and the cabinet This makes it difficult for workers to carryout electrical wiring, and the like, inside the cabinet.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an outgoing conductor module for an electrical distribution board having one or more incoming terminals) one or more longitudinal bus conductors connected to the at least one incoming terminal and one or more lateral tabs for distributing electrical power from the one or more longitudinal bus conductors to the outgoing conductor module, the outgoing conductor module comprising: one or more outgoing conductor terminals; and one or more connectors for connecting the one or more outgoing conductor terminals to the one or more lateral tabs, wherein the outgoing conductor module is arranged such that, when it is mounted to the electrical distribution board, the longitudinal axis of the one or more outgoing conductor terminals is non-coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the one or more lateral tabs.

In this arrangement the longitudinal axis of the one or more lateral tabs is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the one or more outgoing conductor terminals. That is, the longitudinal axis of the one or more lateral tabs and the longitudinal axis of the one or more outgoing conductor terminals are mutually spaced apart from one another.

The longitudinal axis of the one or more lateral tabs may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the one or more outgoing conductor terminals. In this arrangement the longitudinal axis of the one or more lateral tabs and the longitudinal axis of the one or more outgoing conductor terminals are considered to be "spaced parallel" from one another.

Each bus conductor may have a longitudinal axis and the one or more lateral tabs may be arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the one or more lateral tabs is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of each bus conductor.

The outgoing conductor module may further comprise a main housing. The main housing may be electrically insulating. The one or more outgoing conductor termina's may protrude from the main housing. The one or more connectors may be fixed within the main housing. The one or more connectors may at least partially protrude from the underside of the main housing.

The one or more connectors may comprise first and second engagement portions.

The engagement portions are configured to be engageable with the outgoing conductor terminal and the lateral tab. The first portion may be in a fixed engagement with the outgoing conductor terminaL The second portion may be engageable with the one or more lateral tabs. The second portion may protrude from the bottom of the main housing The engagement portions maybe resilient.

The engagement portions may include a jaw component The jaw component may be resilient. The jaw components may be configured to receive at least a portion of the outgoing conductor termina' and/or the lateral tab therein.

Each connector may be mounted in a connector housing within the main housing.

The main housing may be mounted to an attachment plate. The attachment p'ate may comprise one or more attachment members for attaching the plate to the electrical distribution board. The attachment members maybe resilient clips.

The attachment plate may comprise one side of an outgoing component mounting rail. The rail may be a DIN rail. The outgoing component in this case may be a circuit breaker.

The one or more connectors may protrude from the underside of the attachment pkte. The second portion of the connector may protrude from the underside of the main housing.

The outgoing conductor module may comprise an isolation mechanism for isolating the at least one outgoing conductor terminal from the at least one lateral tab.

The outgoing conductor module may comprise a plurality of outgoing conductor terminals. The outgoing module may comprise six outgoing conductor terminals, with three outgoing conductor terminals arranged on one side of the module and the other three outgoing conductor terminals arranged on the other side of the module.

The outgoing conductor terminals maybe located on opposing sides of the outgoing conductor module. The outgoing conductor terminals maybe symmetrically aligned along the longitudinal axis of the outgoing conductor module.

The outgoing conductor module may comprise a plurality of isolation mechanisms, wherein each isolation mechanism is configured to operate with one outgoing conductor terminal and one lateral tab.

The isolation mechanism may be moveable from a first position in which the outgoing conductor terminal is isolated from the lateral tab and a second position in which the outgoing conductor terminal is connected to the lateral tab.

The isolation mechanism may further include a visual indication device to indicate if the isolation mechanism is in the first position or the second position.

The isolation mechanism may comprise a translatable component and a rotatable component. The rotatable component may provide an electrical connection between the outgoing conductor terminals and the lateral tabs. In the first position the rotatable component disengages the outgoing conductor terminals from the lateral tabs. In the second position the rotatable component engages the outgoing conductor terminals with the lateral tabs. The translatable component controls the rotation of the rotatable component The translatable component either permits or prohibits rotation of the rotatable component. In the first position the translatable component is engaged with the rotatable component to prohibit rotational movement thereof. In the second position the translatable component is disengaged from the rotatable component to permit rotational movement thereof.

The translatable component may comprise a slide operated switch. The slide operated switch may be operable to move laterally and/or axially with respect to the longitudinal axes of the set of bus conductors.

The slide operated switch may have a first end and a second end. The first end is engageable with the rotatable component The rotatable component may include a recess for receiving the first end of the switch therein. The recess may be in the form of a slot. The first end of the switch may be complementary in shape to the slot, such that it fits therein in the first position. When the first end of the switch is fitted into the slot of the rotatable component the rotational component may not be rotated.

The isolation mechanism may be mounted within the main housing of the outgoing conductor module.

The translatable component and the rotatable component of the isolation mechanism may be arranged such that they do not protrude from the main housing.

The translatable component of the isolation mechanism may be slidably mounted within the main housing.

The rotatable component of the isolation mechanism may be rotatably mounted within the main housing.

The rotatable member may include one or more indicators which may be visible through one or more apertures in the main housing. The apertures in the main housing allow the position of the rotatable member within the main housing to be viewed. The one or more indicators are indicative of the first or second position of the rotatable member) and hence the first or second position of the isdlation mechanism.

The translatable member may include one or more indicators which maybe visible through one or more apertures in the main housing. The apertures in the main housing allow the position of the translatable member within the main housing to be viewed. The one or more indicators are indicative of the first or second position of the translatable member) and hence the first or second position of the isolation mechanism.

The isolation mechanism may move the one or more connectors between a first position in which the outgoing conductor terminal is is&ated from the latera' tab and a second position in which the outgoing conductor terminal is connected to the lateral tab. The one or more connectors may be operable by the rotatable member.

The one or more connectors may be vertically aligned between the one or more lateral tabs and the one or more outgoing conductor terminals. In this arrangement the one or more connectors may be termed "vertical connectors".

The vertical connector may be vertically translatable between the first and second positions.

The vertical connector is operable to provide an electrical connection between the lateral tab and the outgoing conductor terminal.

In the first position the vertical connector is connected with the lateral tab and disconnected from the outgoing conductor terminal. In the second position the vertical connector is connected to both the lateral tab and the outgoing conductor terminal. Alternative'y, in the first position the vertical connector is disconnected from the lateral tab and connected to the outgoing conductor terminal and in the second position the vertical connector is connected to both the lateral tab and the outgoing conductor terminal.

The vertical connector may comprise first and second engagement portions. The engagement portions are configured to be engageable with the outgoing conductor terminal and the lateral tab.

The engagement portions maybe resilienL The engagement portions may include a jaw component The jaw component may be resilient The jaw components may be configured to receive at least a portion of the outgoing conductor terminal and/or the lateral tab therein.

The isolation mechanism may comprise a housing component, wherein the housing component is threadably engageable with the rotatable component. The housing component may be threadably engaged within the rotatable component.

The housing component may comprise a first portion, wherein the first portion is configured to receive and fixedly secure the vertical connector therein.

The housing component may comprise a second portion, wherein the second portion includes a threaded portion. The threaded portion is configured to engage with a corresponding threaded bore of the rotatable member. Tn this arrangement, rotation of the rotatable component results in translation of the housing component The translation of the housing component may be in the vertical direction. Rotation of the rotatable component moves the vertical connector between the first position and the second position.

The second portion of the housing component may comprise a male threaded portion and the rotatable member may comprise a female threaded portion, or bore.

Alternatively, the second portion of the housing component may comprise a female threaded portion, or bore and the rotatable member may comprise a male threaded portion.

The isolation mechanism may be configured such that in the first position the isolation mechanism defines a retaining member receiving aperture, which, in use, receives a retaining member therethrough, such that the movement from the first position to the second position is prohibited.

When the isolation mechanism is in the first position the retaining member receiving aperture maybe defined by the boundaries of the second end of the switch and the main housing.

The retaining member may be lockable. The retaining member may be key-operated, combination-operated or tool-operated to prevent unauthorised unlocking. The retaining member may be a padlock. Alternatively, the retaining member may be a wire seal or a security seal.

The isolation mechanism may comprise a transhtable component and a pivotable component The pivotable component may provide an electrical connection between the outgoing conductor terminal and the laterth tab. In the first position the pivotable component disengages the outgoing conductor terminal from the laterth tab. In the second position the pivotable component engages the outgoing conductor terminal with the lateral tab. The translatable component controls the pivoting of the pivotalMe component. The translatable component operates the pivoting action of the pivotable component The translatable component is mechanically connected to the pivotable component) such that translational movement of the transhtable component produces pivotal movement of the

pivotable component

The translatable component may comprise a slide operated switch. The slide operated switch may be operable to move laterally and/or axially with respect to the longitudinal axes of the bus conductors.

The slide operated switch may have a first end and a second end. The first end is engaged with the pivotable component.

The translatable component and the pivotable component of the isolation mechanism may be arranged such that they do not protrude from the main housing.

The isolation mechanism may further comprises a protrudable member which is operable to protrude from the main housing when the isolation mechanism is in the first position. The protrudable member may be mounted to the pivotable member.

The pivotable component of the isolation mechanism may be pivotably mounted within the main housing.

The translatable member may include one or more indicators which may be visible through one or more apertures in the main housing. The apertures in the main housing allow the position of the translatable member within the main housing to be viewed. The one or more indicators are indicative of the first or second position of the isolation mechanism.

The isolation mechanism may move the one or more connectors between a first position in which the outgoing conductor terminal is isolated from the lateral tab and a second position in which the outgoing conductor terminal is connected to the lateral tab. The one or more connectors may be operable by the rotatable member.

The one or more connectors may be vertically aligned between the one or more lateral tabs and the one or more outgoing conductor terminals. In this arrangement the one or more connectors maybe termed a "vertical connector".

The vertical connector is vertically transktable between the first and second positions.

The vertical connector is operable to provide an e'ectrical connection between the lateral tab and the outgoing conductor terminal.

In the first position the vertical connector is connected with the latera' tab and disconnected from the outgoing conductor terminal, In the second position the vertica' connector is connected to both the lateral tab and the outgoing conductor terminaL Akernatively, in the first position the vertical connector is disconnected from the lateral tab and connected to the outgoing conductor terminal and in the second position the vertical connector is connected to both the lateral tab and the outgoing conductor terminal.

The vertical connector may comprise first and second engagement portions. The engagement portions are configured to be engageable with the outgoing conductor termina' and the lateral tab.

The engagement portions may be resilient.

The isolation mechanism may comprise a housing component, wherein the housing component is mechanically engageable with the pivotable component.

The housing component may comprise a second portion, wherein the second portion is engageable with the pivotable component In this arrangement) pivoting of the pivotable component results in translation of the housing component. The translation of the housing component may be in the vertical direction. Pivoting of the pivotable component moves the vertical connector between the first position and the second position.

The retaining member receiving aperture may be formed in the protrudable member. When the isolation mechanism is in the second position the protrudable member may be located within the main housing.

The protrudable member may include a retaining member receiving portion for receiving and aligning the retaining member.

The isolation mechanism may further comprise a retaining member for retaining the isolation mechanism in the first position.

The isolation mechanism may further comprise a visual indication mechanism for indicating the position of the isolation mechanism.

The outgoing conductor module may be detachably mountable to the electrical distribution board.

The electrical distribution board may comprise a set of longitudinal bus conductors.

The set of longitudinal bus conductors may comprise three longitudinal bus conductors.

The electrical distribution board may comprise a plurality of incoming terminals.

The set of bus conductors may be arranged to lie in a first plane. The plurality of lateral tabs may be arranged to lie in a second plane. The plurality of outgoing conductor terminals may be arranged to lie in a third plane.

When the outgoing conductor module is mounted to the electrical distribution board the first) second and third planes may be spaced apart from one another. The first, second and third planes may be substantially parallel to one another. The third plane may be positioned above the second plane. Alternatively) the third plane may be positioned between the first and second planes.

The electrical distribution board may comprise a base assembly comprising a mounting plate that supports the bus conductors and the lateral tabs. The mounting plate may provide mounting points for one or more circuit breakers of the outgoing circuit. The mounting plate may comprise one side of an outgoing component mounting rail. The rail may be a DIN rail. The outgoing component in this case may be a circuit breaker. The one side of the outgoing component mounting rail may correspond to the opposite side to the outgoing component mounting rail provided on the outgoing conductor module.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an electrical distribution board comprising: one or more incoming terminals; one or more longitudinal bus conductors for distributing electrical power from the one or more incoming terminals to one or more outgoing conductor terminals; one or more lateral tabs for connecting the one or more longitudinal bus conductors to the one or more outgoing conductor terminals; and one or more outgoing conductor modules according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The first, second and third planes may be spaced apart from one another. The first, second and third planes may be substantially parallel to one another. The third plane may be positioned above the second plane. Alternatively, the third plane may be positioned between the first and second planes.

The electrical distribution board may comprise a plurality of outgoing conductor modules.

The electrical distribution board may further comprise one or more covering plates, wherein each covering plate is mountable to the electrical distribution board to cover the one or more longitudinal bus conductors.

The electrical distribution board may further comprise an incoming supply base module. The incoming supply base module provides support for the associated wiring of the electrical distribution board.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an electrical distribution board assembly comprising: one or more electrical distribution boards according to the second aspect of the present invention.

The one or more electrical distribution boards may be configured such that they interlock with one another. The one or more electrical distribution boards may include one or more interlocking portions configured such that adjacent electrical distribution boards may be connected together.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an outgoing conductor module for an electrical distribution board having one or more incoming terminals, one or more longitudinal bus conductors connected to the at least one incoming terminal and one or more lateral tabs for distributing electrical power from the one or more longitudinal bus conductors to the outgoing conductor module) the outgoing conductor module comprising: one or more outgoing conductor terminals; and one or more connectors for connecting the one or more outgoing conductor terminals to the one or more lateral tabs, wherein the outgoing conductor module is arranged such that, when mounted to the electrical distribution board, the one or more outgoing conductor terminals are positioned above the one or more lateral tabs.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an outgoing conductor module for an electrical distribution board having one or more incoming terminals, one or more longitudinal bus conductors connected to the at least one incoming terminal and one or more lateral tabs for distributing electrical power from the one or more longitudinal bus conductors to the outgoing conductor module, the outgoing conductor module comprising: one or more outgoing conductor terminals; and one or more connectors for connecting the one or more outgoing conductor terminals to the one or more lateral tabs, wherein the outgoing conductor module is arranged such that, when mounted to the electrical distribution board, the set of longitudinal bus conductors are arranged to lie in a first plane, the one or more lateral tabs are arranged to lie in Is a second plane and the one or more outgoing conductor terminals lie in a third plane.

The first, second and third planes maybe spaced apart from one another.

The first, second and third planes may be parallel to one another.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an outgoing conductor module for an electrical distribution board having one or more incoming terminals, one or more longitudinal bus conductors connected to the at least one incoming terminal and one or more lateral tabs for distributing electrical power from the one or more longitudinal bus conductors to the outgoing conductor module, the outgoing conductor module comprising: one or more outgoing conductor terminals; and one or more connectors for connecting the one or more outgoing conductor terminals to the one or more lateral tabs, wherein the outgoing conductor module is arranged such that, when mounted to the electrical distribution board, the one or more outgoing conductor terminals and the one or more lateral tabs are located within a footprint area defined by the set of longitudinal bus conductors.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an outgoing conductor module for an electrical distribution board according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electrical distribution board to which the outgoing conductor module of figure 1 may be mounted; Figure 3 is a perspective transparent view of the outgoing conductor module of figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the underside of the outgoing conductor module of figure 1; FigureS is a perspective view ofa plurality of outgoing conductor modules mounted to an electrical distribution board; Figure 6 is a perspective partially exploded view of two different types of outgoing conductor modules and an auxiliary module for mounting to an electrical distribution board; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a plurality of outgoing conductor modules with isolation mechanisms mounted to an electrical distribution board; Figure 8 is a second perspective view of the outgoing conductor modules and electrical distribution board of figure 7 with a retaining member located in the retaining member receiving aperture thereof; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the isolation mechanisms of the outgoing conductor modu'es and bus conductors of the electrical distribution board in an "on" and "off' state; Figure 10 is a partially transparent version of figure 3; Figures 11 and 12 are partial perspective views of the isolation mechanism of figures 9 and 10 in an "off' and "on" state; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a plurality of outgoing conductor moduks with alternative isolation mechanisms mounted to an electrical distribution board; Figure 14 is a perspective view of an outgoing conductor module with an alternative iscilation mechanism; and Figure 15 is a perspective view of if the isolation mechanism of figure 14.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an outgoing conductor module 10 for an electrical distribution board 12.

The electrical distribution board 12 comprises one or more incoming terminals (not shown) and a set of longitudinal bus conductors 14 connected to the incoming terminals. The electrical distribution hoard 12 also includes lateral tabs 16 for distributing electrical power from the bus conductors 14 to the outgoing conductor module 10.

The outgoing conductor module 10 has a plurality of outgoing conductor terminals 18 ("stab" conductors 18, or "stabs" 18) and a plurality of connectors 20 (see figure 3) for connecting the stabs 18 to the lateral tabs 16. The stabs 18 protrude from an electrically insulating main housing ba of the outgoing conductor module 10.

The stabs 18 have longitudinal axes iSa and the lateral tabs 16 have longitudinal axes 16a. The lateral tabs 16 are arranged such that their longitudinal axes 16a are substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 14a of each bus conductor 14.

The outgoing conductor module 10 also has an attachment plate lob. The attachment plate lOb includes attachment members bc for attaching the attachment plate lob to the electrical distribution board 12. The attachment members bc are resilient clips. However) it should be appreciated that any suitable means of attaching the attachment plate lOb to the electrical distribution board 12 could be used. The attachment members bc of the attachment plate lOb engage with corresponding attachment members 12c on the electrical distribution board 12.

The attachment plate lOb also includes one side of a DIN rail lOd Can example of an outgoing component mounting rail). The electrical distribution board 12 includes an opposite side of a DIN rail 12a. When the outgoing conductor module 10 is mounted to the electrical distribution board 12 the DIN rail becomes completed and a circuit breaker (not shown), such as an MCB, maybe mounted thereto.

With reference to figure 3, the connectors 20 of the outgoing conductor module 10 are fixed within the main housing ba. The connectors 20 are arranged vertically in the main housing bOa and, as such, may be termed "vertical connectors". The vertical connectors 20 are located connector housings 21 which, in the embodiment illustrated here, are immovably fixed inside the main housing ba.

With reference to figure 4, the vertical connectors 20 partially protrude from the underside of the attachment plate lOb. As illustrated in figure 3, the vertical connectors 20 have first and second engagement portions 20a, 20b. The engagement portions 20a, 20b are configured to be engageable with the stabs 18 and the lateral tabs 16. The first portions Wa are in a fixed engagement with the stabs 18 and the second portion 20b is configured to be engageable with the lateral tabs 16. The first and second portions 20a, 20b of the vertical connectors 20 have resilient jaws, which facilitates engagement with the stabs 18 and lateral tabs 16. As illustrated in figure 3, the second portions 20b of the vertical connectors 20 protrude partially from the connector housing 21.

When the outgoing conductor module 10 is mounted to the electrical distribution board 12 the lateral tabs 16 are located between the bus conductors 14 and the stabs 18. The lateral tabs 16 provide electrical connection between the bus conductors 16 and the stabs 18 via the vertical connectors 20. In use, the stabs 18 are connected to the circuit breaker (not shown) of the outgoing circuit (e.g. lighting circuits etc.).

With reference to figures 1 and 2 (and 9 and 10), when the outgoing conductor module 10 is mounted to the electrical distribution board 12 the stabs 18 are positioned immediately above the lateral tabs 16. In this arrangement the longitudinal axes iSa of the stabs 18 are not coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axes lôa of the tabs 16. The arrangement of the longitudinal axes iSa of the stabs 18 can be described as being "spaced" from the ongitudinal axes 16a of the lateral tabs 16. The longitudinal axes iSa of the stabs 18 are parallel with the longitudinal axes 16a of the lateral tabs 16. In this case the arrangement of the longitudinal axes 18a of the stabs 18 can be described as being "spaced parallel" from the longitudinal axes 16a of the lateral tabs 16.

As best illustrated in figures land 2 (and 9 and 10], the set of bus conductors 14 are arranged to lie in a first plane A. The lateral tabs 16 are arranged such that they generally lie in a second plane B. The plane B lies substantially on the top surface 16b of each lateral tab 16. The stabs 18 are arranged to lie in a third plane C. The planes A, B and C are vertically spaced apart, i.e. there is a gap between each plane, or the planes A, B and C are not coplanar. The planes A, B and C are substantially parallel to one another. The phne C (stabs 18] is positioned above the plane B (lateral tabs 16).

The set of bus conductors 14 define a footprint area 14b, as illustrated in figures 9 and 10. The stabs 18 and the hteral tabs 16 are located within the footprint area 14b of the set of bus conductors 14. That is, from a top view of figures 9 or 10, i.e. looking down on the set of bus conductors 14, the stabs 18 and the lateral tabs 16 do not protrude out of the area 14b, i.e. the stabs 18 and the lateral tabs 16 are contained within the area 14b.

With reference to figures 1 to 5, in use, the outgoing conductor module 10 is simply "p'ugged" into the electrical distribution board 12. As described above, when the outgoing conductor moduk 10 is mounted to the &ectrical distribution board 12, the second portions 20b of the vertical connectors 20 engage with the lateral tabs 16. In this state electrical power can be distributed from the incoming terminal to the stabs 18 via the bus conductors 14, lateral tabs 16 and vertical connectors 20.

Electrical power may then be distributed to an outgoing circuit via an MCB, or the like. It should be appreciated that one or more outgoing conductor modules 10 could be plugged into the electrical distribution board, depending on the requirements of the user.

As illustrated in figures 1 and 4, the outgoing conductor module 10 may include six stabs 18 symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the main housing ba.

However, it should be appreciated that outgoing conductor module 10 may be made up of any required number of stabs 18. The ekctrical distribution board 12 itself may also include any number of lateral tabs 16. In a typical arrangement the &ectrical distribution board 12 will comprise blocks of three lateral tabs 16, one for each voltage phase from each of the three bus conductors 14. However, it should be appreciated that the invention is not only applicable to three phase power supply systems, but also single or two phase systems. As will be described further below, this allows the electricth distribution board 12 to comprise a number of different types and sizes of outgoing conductor modules.

Figures 7 to 12 illustrate an embodiment of the outgoing conductor module 10' which includes isolation mechanisms 22 for isolating the stabs 18 from the lateral tabs 16. The purpose of each isolation mechanism 22 is to act as a safety device which allows each stab 18 to be isolated from the bus conductors 14. This is useful when, for example, maintenance is being carried out on an outgoing circuit As illustrated in figures 7 and 8, the isolation mechanisms 22 are located within the main housing ba' of each outgoing conductor module 10'.

The isolation mechanisms 22 are moveable between a first position in which the stabs 18 are isolated from the bus conductors 14 and a second position in which the stabs 18 are connected to the bus conductors 14. The first position is referenced "0" and the second position is referenced "1".

Each is&ation mechanism 22 comprises a translatable component 24 [slide operated switch 24) and a rotataNe component 26 [tool operated screw 24). The tool operated screw 26 provides an dectrical connection between the stab 18 and the lateral tab 16. In the first position (0] the tool operated screw 26 disengages the stab 18 from the lateral tab 16. In the second position the (1] tool operated screw 26 engages the stab 18 with the lateral tab 16. The slide operated switch 24 and the tool operated screw 26 are configured such that they do not protrude from the main housing ba'.

The isolation mechanism 22 is configured to move the vertical connector 20 between the first position (0] and the second position (1]. The vertical connector 20 provides an electrical connection between the lateral tab 16 and the stab 18. The vertical connector 20 provides the electrical connection by making physical contact with the stab 18 and the lateral tab 16. The isolation mechanism 22 may thus be considered as comprising a vertical switch for the engagement/disengagement of the stabs 18 and lateral tabs 16.

The tool operated screw 26 is formed integrally with a first portion 21a of the connector housing 21 and the vertical connector 20 is located within a second portion 21b of the connector housing 21. The second portion 21b of the connector housing 21 has a male threaded portion 21c which is received by a female threaded portion 21d of the first portion 21a of the connector housing 21. (Note: in figures 11 and 12 the male threaded portion 21c is formed as part of the first portion 21a of the connector housing 21, not as part of the second portion 21b of the connector housing 21. The operation of the isolation mechanism 22 is essentially the same, the only difference with this arrangement is that the vertical connector 20 is brought into and out of engagement with the lateral tab 16, as opposed to the stab 18.) As best illustrated in figures 9 and 10, rotation of the tool operated screw 26 results in rotation of the first portion 21a of the connector housing 21. By virtue of the threaded engagement between the first portion 21a and second portion 21b of the connector housing 21, rotation of the tool operated screw 26 (and the first portion 21a of the connector housing 21) results in translational movement of the second portion 21b of the connector housing 21. Since the vertical connector 20 is located within the second portion 21b of the connector housing 21, the vertical connector also translates with the second portion 21b of the connector housing 21. This translational movement of the vertical connector 20 moves the vertical connector into, or out of, connection with the stab 18. It should be noted that in the arrangement described and illustrated in figures 9 and 10 the vertical connector 20 is always connected to the lateral tab 16 and it is brought into contact with, or out of contact with, the stab 18. However, it should be appreciated that the vertical connector 20 may instead always be connected to the stab 18 and may be brought into contact with, or out of contact with, the lateral tab 16, as illustrated in figures 11 and 12. Such an alternative arrangement can easily be provided by an appropriate configuration of the threaded relationship between the first and second portions 21a, 21b of the connector housing 21.

The slide operated switch 24 controls the rotation of the too] operated screw 26.

That is, the slide operated switch 24 either permits or prohibits rotation of the tool operated screw 26. As best illustrated in figures 9 and 10, the slide operated switch 24 has a first end 24a and a second end 24b. The first end 24a of the switch 24 is engageable with a correspondingly shaped recess 2k, or slot, in the first portion 2 la of the connector housing 21. The slide operated switch 24 moves laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis be of the outgoing conductor module 10' (see figure 8). The slide operated switch 24 is slidably mounted within the main housing ba'.

In the first position (0) the switch 24 is engaged with the tool operated screw 26 and in the second position (1) the switch 24 is disengaged from the tool operated screw 26. When the switch 24 is engaged with the tool operated screw 26 the tool operated screw 26 is prevented from being rotated, i.e. the stab 18 is prevented from being connected to the lateral tab 16. When the switch 24 is disengaged from the tool operated screw 26 the tool operated screw 26 may be rotated, i.e. the stab 18 may be connected to the lateral tab 16.

The isolation mechanism 22 also includes a visual indication device 28 which indicates the position of the isolation mechanism 22. As illustrated in figures 7 to 9, the main housing ba' has a plurality of apertures 11 through which a visual indicator 28 on the isolation mechanism 22, in this case on the tool operated screw 26, may be viewed. The visual indicator 28 is indicative of the first or second position (0, 1) of the isolation mechanism 22. Additionally, or alternatively, the visual indicator 28 maybe located on the switch 24.

With reference to figures 7 and 8, when the isolation mechanism 22 is in the first position (0), the isolation mechanism 22 defines a retaining member receiving aperture 30. The retaining member receiving aperture 30 is defined by the boundaries of the second end 24b of the switch 24 and the main housing ba'. The retaining member receiving aperture 30 is configured such that a retaining member 32, in this case a padlock, may be inserted through the aperture 30. When the retaining member 32 is inserted into the aperture 30 the movement of the isolation mechanism 22 from the first position (0) to the second position (1) is prohibited.

This is because the retaining member 32 blocks the movement of the switch 24 from the first position (0) to the second position (1).

An example of the operation of the isolation mechanism 22 of the outgoing conductor module 10' will now be given. With reference to figure 7, the module 10' maybe in an initial state where power is being distributed from the bus conductors 14 to the stabs 18. This is illustrated, for example, the right-hand side of the module 10' in figure 7. (Note that in this initial state the circuit breakers would be connected to the stabs 18. However, they are omitted here for clarity.) In this initial state the isolation mechanisms 22 are in the second position (1), i.e. the stabs 18 are connected to the lateral tabs 16, as described above. It should also be pointed out that when the circuit breakers are connected to the stabs 18 the switch 24 prevents access to the stab connection mechanism of the circuit breaker. That is, the connection mechanism of the circuit breaker includes a screw operated clamp which connects to the stab 18 and the screw component of this mechanism is located immediately below the switch 24. In this initial state the switch 24 prevents access to the screw component In order to isolate a stab 18, it is first necessary to rotate the tool operated screw 26 with an appropriate tool (not shown) to disconnect the vertical connector 20 from the stab 18, as described above. Rotating the tool operated screw 26 in this manner brings the recess 21e into alignment with the switch 24, as illustrated in figures 9 and 10. The switch 24 is then slid into engagement with the recess 21e such that the first end 24a enters the recess 21e. This operation creates the retaining member receiving aperture 30, as illustrated in the left-hand side of the module 10' in figure 7, and also allows access to the screw component of the circuit breaker, as described above.

The circuit breaker is then removed from the stab 18 through operation of the connection mechanism thereof Once the circuit breaker is removed from the module 10' the retaining member 32 is then inserted into the retaining member receiving aperture 30 and locked in place.

In this state the outgoing circuit (stab 18) may not be inadvertently energised without unlocking the retaining member 32. In this state work may be safely carried out on the outgoing circuit In order to energise the outgoing circuit (stab 18), the above-described process is reversed.

Figures 13 to 15 illustrate an akernative embodiment of the isolation mechanism of the outgoing conductor module 10' of figures 7 to 12. The only difference between the outgoing conductor module 100 of the second embodiment is that the isolation mechanism 122 is different to that of the first embodiment.

With reference to figures 13 to 15, and figure 15 in particular, the iscilation mechanisms 122 are moveable between a first position (0) in which the stabs 18 are isolated from the bus conductors 14 and a second position (1) in which the stabs 18 are connected to the bus conductors 14. The first position is again referenced "0" and the second position is again referenced "1".

Each isolation mechanism 122 comprises a translatable component 124 (slide operated switch 124) and a pivotable component 126. The pivotable component 126 provides an electrical connection between the stab 18 and the lateral tab 16. In the first position (0) the pivotable component 126 disengages stab 18 from the lateral tab 16. In the second position (1) the pivotable component 126 engages the stab 18 with the lateral tab 16. The pivotable component 126 is configured such that it does not protrude from the main housing bOa.

The isolation mechanism 122 is configured to move the vertical connector 120 between the first position (0) and the second position (1). As before, the vertical connector 120 provides an electrical connection between the lateral tab 16 and the stab 18. The vertical connector 120 provides the electrical connection by making physica' contact with the stab 18 and the lateral tab 16.

The vertica' connector 120 is located within a connector housing 121. The pivotable component 126 is connected to the connector housing 121 and the switch 124.

As best illustrated in figure 15, translation of the switch 124 results in the pivotable component 126 being pivoted. This, in turn, results in translation of the connector housing 121. Since the vertical connector 120 is located within the connector housing 121, the vertical connector 120 also translates with the connector housing 121. This translational movement of the vertical connector 120 moves the vertical connector 120 into, or out of, connection with the stab 18. It should be noted that in the arrangement described and illustrated in figure 15 the vertical connector 120 is always connected to the stab 18 and it is brought into contact with, or out of contact with, the lateral tab 16. However, it should be appreciated that the vertical connector 120 may instead always be connected to the lateral tab 16 and may be brought into contact with, or out of contact with) the stab 18. Such an alternative arrangement can easily be provided by an appropriate configuration of the pivotable component 126, switch 124 and connector housing 121.

The slide operated switch 124 moves laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis lOOe of the module 100. The slide operated switch 124 is slidably mounted within the main housing bOa.

The isolation mechanism 122 also includes a visual indication device 128 which indicates the position of the isolation mechanism 122. As illustrated in figures 13 to 15, the main housing bOa has a plurality of apertures 111 through which a visual indicator 128 on the isolation mechanism 122, in this case on the switch 124, may be viewed. The visual indicator 128 is indicative of the first or second position (0, 1) of the isolation mechanism 122.

The isolation mechanism 122 includes a protrudable member 110 which is operable to protrude from the main housing bOa when the isolation mechanism 122 is in the first position (0). As best illustrated in figure 15, the protrudable member 110 is mounted to the pivotable component 126. When the isolation mechanism 122 is in the second position (1) the protrudable member 110 is located within the main housing lOOa. Although the protrudabie member 110 has been described as being mounted to the pivotable component 126, it should be appreciated that the protrudable member 110 may alternatively be mounted to the connector housing 121.

With reference to figures 13 to 15, when the isolation mechanism 122 is in the first position [0), the isolation mechanism 122 defines a retaining member receiving aperture 130. The retaining member receiving aperture 130 is formed in the protrudable member 110. The retaining member receiving aperture 130 is configured such that a retaining member 132, in this case a padlock, may be inserted through the aperture 130. The protrudable member 110 also includes a retaining member receiving portion llOa for receiving and aligning the retaining member 132 thereon. [Note: it should be noted that some of the isolation mechanisms 122 of figure 13 are not illustrated correctly. When the switches 124 are pushed into the housing bOa of the module 100, i.e. into the first position (0), the protrudable member 110 should protrude from the housing bOa. This is not illustrated consistently in figure 13. However, the correct operation of the isolation mechanism 122 should be appreciated, not least from the figures 14 and 15 and the

accompanying description thereof.]

When the retaining member 132 is inserted into the aperture 130 the movement of the isolation mechanism 122 from the first position (0] to the second position (1] is prohibited. This is because the retaining member 132 abuts against the main housing bOa and prevents movement ol the switch 124 from the first position (0] to the second position (1).

The operation of the isolation mechanism 122 of the outgoing conductor module of the second embodiment is essentially the same as that of the first embodiment, the only exception being the operation of the isolation mechanism 122.

Again, when the circuit breakers are connected to the stabs 18 the switch 124 prevents access to the stab connection mechanism of the circuit breaker.

In order to isolate a stab 18, it is first necessary to slide the switch 124 into the main housing bOa (see figures 13 and 14]. Sliding the switch 124 in this manner disconnects the vertical connector 120 from the lateral tab 16, as described above.

This operation causes the protrudable member 110 to protrude from the main housing bOa, as illustrated in figures 14 and 15. The retaining member receiving aperture 130 is therefore presented to the user. In this position access to the screw component of the circuit breaker is also provided, as described above.

The circuit breaker is then removed from the stab 18 through operation of the connection mechanism thereof. Once the circuit breaker is removed from the module 100 the retaining member 132 is then inserted into the retaining member receiving aperture 130 and locked in place.

In this state the outgoing circuit (stab 18) may not be inadvertently energised without unlocking the retaining member 132. In this state work may be safely carried out on the outgoing circuit In order to energise the outgoing circuit (stab 18), the above-described process is reversed.

Since the longitudinal axes iSa of the stabs 18 and the longitudinal axes 16a of the lateral tabs 16 are arranged non-coaxially from one another, the configuration of the outgoing conductor module 10 10', 100 of present invention is such that it is easier for workers to carry out electrical wiring, and the like, when the module 10) 10', 100 and the electrical distribution board 12 is mounted inside its cabinet In particular, in the arrangement where the stabs 18 are positioned above the lateral tabs 16 and within the footprint area 14b of the set of bus conductors 14) as described above) the module 10) 100 and board 12 is more compact than known boards, which provides more space for electrical wiring, and the like, inside the cabinet.

With reference to figure 6, the electrical distribution board 12 may include a number of different types of outgoing conductor modules. This allows the electrical distribution board to be built up to a user's specific requirements, without, for example, requiring the need for two or more individual boards. In the example illustrated in figure 6, the electrical distribution board 12 includes an outgoing conductor module without any isolation mechanisms (i.e. outgoing conductor module 10) and an outgoing conductor module with isolation mechanisms (i.e. outgoing conductor module 100). The electrical distribution board also includes an auxiliary module 13, which in this case) provides a direct mounting point for an MCB. In this case the MCB would have its own vertical connector attached thereto which passes through the module and engages with the lateral tabs in the same manner as described above. Although not illustrated here, the electrical distribution board may also comprise one or more covering plates, wherein each covering plate is mountable to the electrical distribution board to cover the one or more longitudinal bus conductors. This provides an additional safety feature by covering the bus conductors. The covering plates also provide an auxiliary outgoing component mounting surface, e.g. a planar surface for the mounting of a current transformer, or the like.

Modifications and improvements maybe made to the above without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, although the translational movement between the first and second portions 21a, Zib of the connector housing 21 has been illustrated and described above as being as a result of a threaded connection between the two components, it should be appreciated that any suitable mechanism for causing translation of the second portion 21a as a result of rotation of the first portion 21a may be used.

Also, it should also be appreciated that the protrudable member 110 of the second embodiment could be used with the connector housing 21 of the first embodiment.

That is, instead of the retaining member receiving aperture 30 being created by the boundaries of the switch 24 and the main housing lOa, the first embodiment could be amended to include the protrudable member 110 of the second embodiment. In this arrangement the retaining member receiving aperture would be created by the aperture in the protrudable member 110, as described in the second embodiment.

Claims

<claim-text>Claims 1. An outgoing conductor module for an electrical distribution board having one or more incoming terminals, one or more longitudinal bus conductors connected to the at least one incoming terminal and one or more lateral tabs for distributing electrical power from the one or more longitudinal bus conductors to the outgoing conductor module, the outgoing conductor module comprising: one or more outgoing conductor terminals; and one or more connectors for connecting the one or more outgoing conductor terminals to the one or more lateral tabs, wherein the outgoing conductor module is arranged such that, when it is mounted to the electrical distribution board, the longitudinal axis of the one or more outgoing conductor terminals is non-coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the one or more lateral tabs.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 1, wherein the module comprises a main housing and wherein the one or more outgoing conductor terminals protrude from the main housing and the one or more connectors are fixed within the main housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 2, wherein the one or more connectors at least partially protrude from the underside of the main housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. An outgoing conductor module according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more connectors may comprise first and second engagement portions, wherein the first portion is in a fixed engagement with the outgoing conductor terminal and the second portion is engageable with the one or more lateral tabs.</claim-text> <claim-text>S. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 4, wherein the second portion protrudes from the bottom of the main housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the first and second engagement portions include a resilient jaw component, the resilient jaw component being configured to receive at least a portion of the outgoing conductor terminal and/or the lateral tab therein.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein each connector is mounted in a connector housing within the main housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the main housing is mounted to an attachment plate.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 8, wherein the attachment plate comprises one or more attachment members for attaching the plate to the electrical distribution board.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the attachment plate comprises one side of an outgoing component mounting rail.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the one or more connectors may protrude from the underside of the attachment plate.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. An outgoing conductor module according to any preceding claim, wherein the outgoing conductor module further comprises an isolation mechanism for isolating the at least one outgoing conductor terminal from the at least one lateral tab.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 12, wherein the outgoing conductor comprises a plurality of outgoing conductor terminals and a plurality of isolation mechanisms, wherein each isolation mechanism is configured to operate with one outgoing conductor terminal and one lateral tab.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the isolation mechanism is moveable from a first position in which the outgoing conductor terminal is isolated from the lateral tab and a second position in which the outgoing conductor terminal is connected to the lateral tab.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the isolation mechanism further includes a visual indication device to indicate if the isolation mechanism is in the first position or the second position.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the isolation mechanism comprises a translatable component and a rotatable component, the rotatable component providing an electrical connection between the outgoing conductor terminal and the lateral tab and the translatable component controlling the operation of the rotatable component.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 12 to 16, wherein, in the first position, the rotatable component disengages the outgoing conductor terminal from the lateral tab and the translatable component is engaged with the rotatable component to prohibit rotational movement thereof and, in the second position, the rotatable component engages the outgoing conductor terminal with the lateral tab and the translatable component is disengaged from the rotatable component to permit rotational movement thereof 18. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the translatable component comprises a slide operated switch.19. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 18, wherein the slide operated switch has a first end and a second end and the rotatable component includes a recess for receiving the first end of the switch therein in the first position.20. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 12 to 19, wherein the isolation mechanism is mounted within the main housing of the outgoing conductor module.21. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the translatable component and the rotatable component of the isolation mechanism are arranged such that they do not protrude from the main housing.22. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 16 to 21, wherein the rotatable component includes one or more indicators which are visible through one or more apertures in the main housing, the one or more indicators being indicative of the first or second position of the rotatable component, and hence the first or second position of the isolation mechanism.23. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 16 to 22, wherein the translatable component includes one or more indicators which are visible through one or more apertures in the main housing, the one or more indicators being indicative of the first or second position of the translatable component, and hence the first or second position of the isolation mechanism.24. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 12 to 23, wherein the isolation mechanism is operable to move the one or more connectors between a first position in which the outgoing conductor terminal is isolated from the lateral tab and a second position in which the outgoing conductor terminal is connected to the lateral tab.25. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 16 to 24, wherein the one or more connectors are operable by the rotatable member.26. An outgoing conductor module according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more connectors are vertically aligned between the one or more lateral tabs and the one or more outgoing conductor terminals.27. An outgoing conductor module according to any preceding claim, wherein the connectors are vertically translatable between the first and second positions to provide an electrical connection between the lateral tab and the outgoing conductor terminal.28. An outgoing conductor module according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector is arranged such that, in the first position, the vertical connector is connected with the lateral tab and disconnected from the outgoing conductor terminal and, in the second position, the vertical connector is connected to both the lateral tab and the outgoing conductor terminal.29. An outgoing conductor module according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector comprises first and second engagement portions which are configured to be engageable with the outgoing conductor terminal and the lateral tab.30. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 29, wherein the first and second engagement portions include a resilient jaw component configured to receive at least a portion of the outgoing conductor terminal and/or the lateral tab therein.31. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 16 to 30, wherein the isolation mechanism comprises a housing component, wherein the housing component is threadably engageable with the rotatable component.32. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 31, wherein the housing component comprises a first portion) wherein the first portion is configured to receive and fixedly secure the connector therein.33. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the housing component comprises a second portion, wherein the second portion includes a threaded portion configured to engage with a corresponding threaded bore of the rotatable member, such that rotation of the rotatable component results in transhtion of the housing component and movement of the connector between the first position and the second position.34. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 12 to 33, wherein the isolation mechanism is configured such that in the first position the isolation mechanism defines a retaining member receiving aperture, which, in use, receives a retaining member therethrough, such that the movement from the first position to the second position is prohibited.35. An outgoing conductor module according to daim 34, wherein, when the isolation mechanism is in the first position the retaining member receiving aperture is defined by the boundaries of the second end of the switch and the main housing.36. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the isolation mechanism comprises a translatable component and a pivotable component, the pivotable component providing an electrical connection between the outgoing conductor terminal and the lateral tab and the translatable component controlling the operation of the pivotable component.37. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 36, wherein in the first position the pivotable component disengages the outgoing conductor terminal from the ateral tab and in the second position the pivotable component engages the outgoing conductor terminal with the lateral tab.38. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 36 or daim 37, wherein the translatable component is mechanically connected to the pivotable component, such that translationa' movement of the transktable component produces pivotal movement of the pivotable component 39. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 38, wherein the translatable component comprises a slide operated switch.40. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 39, wherein the slide operated switch has a first end and a second end and the pivotable component is engaged with the first end of the switch.41. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 40, wherein the isolation mechanism is mounted within the main housing of the outgoing conductor module.42. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 41, wherein the transktable component and the pivotable component of the iscilation mechanism are arranged such that they do not protrude from the main housing.43. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 42, wherein the isolation mechanism further comprises a protrudable member which is operable to protrude from the main housing when the isolation mechanism is in the first position.44. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 43, wherein the protrudable member is mounted to the pivotable member.45. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 44, wherein the pivotable component of the isolation mechanism is pivotably mounted within the main housing.46. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 45, wherein the translatable component includes one or more indicators which may be visible through one or more apertures in the main housing, the one or more indicators being indicative of the first or second position of the translatable member, and hence the first or second position of the isolation mechanism.47. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 46, wherein the isolation mechanism is operable to move the one or more connectors between a first position in which the outgoing conductor terminal is isolated from the lateral tab and a second position in which the outgoing conductor terminal is connected to the lateral tab.48. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 47, wherein the one or more connectors are operable by the pivotable member.49. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 48, wherein the one or more connectors are vertically aligned between the one or more lateral tabs and the one or more outgoing conductor terminals.50. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 49, wherein the connector is vertically translatable between the first and second positions to provide an electrical connection between the lateral tab and the outgoing conductor terminal.51. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 50, wherein the connector is arranged such that, in the first position, the vertical connector is connected with the lateral tab and disconnected from the outgoing conductor terminal and, in the second position, the vertical connector is connected to both the lateral tab and the outgoing conductor terminal.52. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 51, wherein the connector comprises first and second engagement portions which are configured to be engageable with the outgoing conductor terminal and the lateral tab.53. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 52, wherein the first and second engagement portions include a resilient jaw component configured to receive at least a portion of the outgoing conductor terminal and/or the lateral tab therein.54. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 53, wherein the isolation mechanism comprises a housing component, wherein the housing component is mechanically engageable with the pivotable component 55. An outgoing conductor module according to claim 54, wherein the housing component comprises a first portion, wherein the first portion is configured to receive and fixedly secure the connector therein.56. An outgoing conductor module according to claim SS, wherein the first portion is configured to receive and fixedly secure the connector therein.57. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 53 to 56, wherein the housing component comprises a second portion, wherein the second portion is engageabie with the pivotable component, such that pivoting of the pivotable component results in translation of the housing component and movment of the verticth connector between the first position and the second position.SB. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 57, wherein the isolation mechanism is configured such that in the first position the isolation mechanism defines a retaining member receiving aperture, which, in use, receives a retaining member therethrough, such that the movement from the first position to the second position is prohibited.59. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 42 to 58, wherein the retaining member receiving aperture is formed in the protrudable member.60. An outgoing conductor module according to any of claims 36 to 59, wherein the isolation mechanism further comprises a visual indication mechanism for indicating the position of the isolation mechanism.61. An outgoing conductor module according to any preceding claim, wherein the outgoing conductor module is detachably mountable to the electrical distribution board.62. An outgoing conductor module according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical distribution board comprises a set of longitudinal bus conductors, wherein the set of bus conductors are arranged to lie in a first plane, the plurality of lateral tabs are arranged to lie in a second plane and the plurality of outgoing conductor terminals are arranged to lie in a third plane and wherein, when the outgoing conductor module is mounted to the electrical distribution board the first, second and third planes maybe spaced apart from one another.63. An outgoing conductor module according to any preceding claim, wherein the outgoing conductor module further comprises a base assembly comprising a mounting plate that supports the bus conductors and the lateral tabs.64. An electrica' distribution board comprising: one or more incoming terminals; one or more longitudinal bus conductors for distributing electrical power from the one or more incoming terminals to one or more outgoing conductor terminals; one or more lateral tabs for connecting the one or more longitudinal bus conductors to the one or more outgoing conductor terminals; and one or more outgoing conductor modules according to any of claims ito 63.65. An e'ectrical distribution board assembly comprising: one or more electrical distribution boards according to claim 64.66. An outgoing conductor modu'e for an electrica' distribution board having one or more incoming terminals, one or more longitudinal bus conductors connected to the at least one incoming terminal and one or more lateral tabs for distributing electrical power from the one or more longitudinal bus conductors to the outgoing conductor module, the outgoing conductor module comprising: one or more outgoing conductor terminals; and one or more connectors for connecting the one or more outgoing conductor terminals to the one or more lateral tabs, wherein the outgoing conductor module is arranged such that, when mounted to the electrical distribution board) the one or more outgoing conductor terminals are positioned above the one or more lateral tabs.67. An outgoing conductor module for an electrical distribution board having one or more incoming terminals, one or more longitudinal bus conductors connected to the at least one incoming terminal and one or more lateral tabs for distributing electrical power from the one or more longitudinal bus conductors to the outgoing conductor module, the outgoing conductor module comprising: one or more outgoing conductor terminals; and one or more connectors for connecting the one or more outgoing conductor terminals to the one or more lateral tabs, wherein the outgoing conductor module is arranged such that, when mounted to the electrical distribution board, the set of longitudinal bus conductors are arranged to lie in a first plane, the one or more lateral tabs are arranged to lie in a second plane and the one or more outgoing conductor terminals lie in a third plane.68. An outgoing conductor module for an electrical distribution board having one or more incoming terminals, one or more longitudinal bus conductors connected to the at least one incoming terminal and one or more lateral tabs for distributing electrical power from the one or more longitudinal bus conductors to the outgoing conductor module, the outgoing conductor module comprising: one or more outgoing conductor terminals; and one or more connectors for connecting the one or more outgoing conductor terminals to the one or more lateral tabs, wherein the outgoing conductor module is arranged such that, when mounted to the electrical distribution board, the one or more outgoing conductor terminals and the one or more lateral tabs are located within a footprint area defined by the set of longitudinal bus conductors.69. An outgoing conductor module for an electrical distribution board as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6.70. An outgoing conductor module for an ekctrical distribution board as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 to 15.71. An electrical distribution board as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 6, 7, Band 13.</claim-text>