GB2555508A

GB2555508A - Quicwire electrical system

Info

Publication number: GB2555508A
Application number: GB1708747.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roderick Webster Gary; Alexander Keron Neil
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-11-01
Filing date: 2017-06-01
Publication date: 2018-05-02
Anticipated expiration: 2037-06-01
Also published as: GB201618392D0; GB2555508B; GB201708747D0; WO2018083435A1

Abstract

An electrical cabling system comprises electrical cables 1 with connectors 2, 3 provided on opposing ends, and junction modules (i.e. multi connectors) 4 including a pair of connectors 4a, 4b electrically connected to each other and connectable with connectors of the cables; the junction module further has an accessory connector 46 electrically connected to the cable connectors; an electrical accessory is mountable on the accessory connector so as to be electrically connected to the pair of connectors and be electrically powered by a supply passing between the connectors; the cable connectors enable each cable to be interconnected with another cable or with a junction module in an interchangeable manner. In a further embodiment two junction modules may be used to connect two pluralities of cables with different load ratings wherein in the connectors of the two plurality of cables or junction modules are different so that one system can only be connected to corresponding connectors. A switch module may be included. The connectors may include locking means.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Quicwire electrical system

Abstract Title: Wiring system comprising cables and junction modules (57) An electrical cabling system comprises electrical cables 1with connectors 2, 3 provided on opposing ends, and junction modules (i.e. multi connectors) 4 including a pair of connectors 4a, 4b electrically connected to each other and connectable with connectors of the cables; the junction module further has an accessory connector 46 electrically connected to the cable connectors; an electrical accessory is mountable on the accessory connector so as to be electrically connected to the pair of connectors and be electrically powered by a supply passing between the connectors; the cable connectors enable each cable to be interconnected with another cable or with a junction module in an interchangeable manner. In a further embodiment two junction modules may be used to connect two pluralities of cables with different load ratings wherein in the connectors of the two plurality of cables or junction modules are different so that one system can only be connected to corresponding connectors. A switch module may be included. The connectors may include locking means.

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QUICWIRE WIRING SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an improved wiring system for domestic and commercial buildings intended to reduce installation time, reduce the requirement for skilled labour, eliminate wiring errors and provide a better quality product.

Background of the Invention

Electrical wiring in new buildings or buildings undergoing electrical refurbishment.

Prior art

Methods for installation of domestic electrical wiring have changed little in the last 50 years. If the house is of brick-veneer or timber-framed construction, cables are run through holes drilled in the timber studs with tails hanging out at each proposed socket, switch or electrical lighting location. Plasterboard is then fixed to the studs with holes punched at each tail location and the tail pulled through the hole as the plasterboard is offered up to the studs.

The electrician later returns, strips the outer insulation from the cables, strips the insulation from each individual core of each cable, terminates each core in the socket, switch or light fitting and screws the socket, switch or light fitting to the wall or ceiling. This is very labour intensive using highly skilled electricians and is prone to defects when cables are not terminated tightly or are connected incorrectly. There is nothing to prevent, for instance, a power socket being connected to a lower current rating wiring circuit.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an electrical cabling system comprising a plurality of electrical cables, each of said cables having connectors provided on opposing ends thereof, and a plurality of junction modules having connectors for interconnection with connectors of said cables, each said junction module including at least a first and a second connector electrically connected to each other and configured for interconnection with connectors of the cables so as to enable the junction module to be connected in-line between a pair of said cables, the junction module further including at least one accessory connector at least partially electrically connected to said first and second connectors, said at least one accessory connector being configured such that an electrical accessory is directly mountable thereon so as to be at least partially electrically connected to said first and second connectors so as, in use, to be electrically powered by a supply passing between said first and second connectors; wherein the connectors of said cables are configured to enable each cable to be interconnected either with connectors of another cable in order to extend the cable length or with one of said junction modules in order to provide a mounting point for an electrical accessory, and wherein each said junction module includes mounting means by means of which, in use, the module can be connected to an electrical accessory by way of an accessory connector built into the junction module and wall socket or switch or similar.

The term partially electrically connected used above and hereinafter is intended to mean that only some of the contacts which form part of the accessory connector are directly electrically connected to the corresponding contacts of the first and second connectors so as to have permanent continuity therewith, while at least one of the contacts is not directly connected to the corresponding contacts in the first and second connector, instead there being a break in the link so as to enable a switch circuit or the like to be installed. Typically for example, in a lighting circuit, the live feed will not be directly connected to a live contact in the accessory socket and will instead be routed via a connector into which a switch many be installed.

A cabling system according to the first aspect of the invention has the advantage that each junction module can easily be connected to a wiring loom in a ring main and then mounted in place for the easy attachment of an electrical accessory, such as a wall socket, light fitting or the like, without requiring any electrical expertise as no terminating of electrical wires is required.

The present invention further provides an electrical cabling system comprising at least a first plurality of electrical cables, each of said first cables having connectors provided on opposing ends thereof, a second plurality of electrical cables, each of said second plurality of cables having connectors provided on opposing ends thereof, the loading rating of the cables of said first plurality of cables being different to the load rating of the cables of said second plurality of cables, and further comprising a first plurality of termination fittings having connectors for interconnection with connectors of said first plurality of cables, and a second plurality of termination fittings having connectors for interconnection with cables of said second plurality of cables, the connectors being configured to enable each cable to be interconnected with another cable in order to extend the cable length or with one of said termination fittings in order to terminate the cable at an electrical fitting, wherein the connectors of said first plurality of cables and fittings are different from said connectors of said second plurality of cables and fittings such that each cable can only be connected to a cable or fitting having the same load rating as itself.

A system in accordance with the invention has the advantage that by providing the cables and fittings with connectors, they can quickly and easily be interconnected together to form a required wiring loom without the need for striping and connecting wires, and, at the same time, the different connectors makes it impossible for differently rated cables to be connected to each other, or to incorrectly rated electrical accessories or incorrectly rated trips at the fuse box or consumer unit. Furthermore, the use of connectors, which preferably are preterminated in a factory environment, to make the connections, eliminates the risk of bad or wrong connections at the installation site, such as due to cable biting screws not being properly tightened.

Preferably, the connectors comprise plugs and sockets provided on opposing ends of the cables, with each termination fitting then being provided with a corresponding plug or socket to mate with the plug or socket carried on the correctly rated cable. In a particularly, preferred embodiment, the connectors include latching or locking means which operates between mating connectors to prevent them being disconnected once they have been fully engaged with each other, thereby preventing unintentional disconnection during installation or the like if tension is applied to the cables. The locking means may be releasable but is preferably non-releasable so as to make a permanent or semi permanent connection dependant on installation requirements.

In one embodiment, at least some of the termination fittings may be provided with at least two connectors so as to enable a cable to be connected to the fitting for delivering power thereto and another cable to be connected to the fitting for continuing the wiring ring on to the next fitting, for creating ring mains and spur arrangements or the like. Or in the case of lighting circuits to facilitate multiple switching arrangements

Preferably, each termination fitting comprises a housing having appropriate connectors for making electrical connection with the connector of at least one of the cables, as well as a socket in the front into which is engageable a complementary plug formed on the back of an electrical wall plate, such as an electrical socket wall plate, a switch wall plate, a light fitting or the like, such that an electrical connection is made between the fitting and the wall plate. It will, of course, be understood that the complementary plug and socket on the fitting and wall plate may be reversed so that the plug is formed on the fitting, although it is preferred that the fitting is provided with the socket as this prevents the risk of electric shock when the wall plate has not yet been fitted to the fitting. The housing advantageously includes mounting means such as a bracket by means of which the fitting can be secured in place, such as in a stud wall. This may be achieved by means of a mounting plate which is secured between neighbouring studs of the stud wall with an opening formed in the plate through which the fitting can be engaged.

The plug and socket of the fitting and wall plate is preferably a push fit together, and preferably includes a locking means such as a screw provided in the wall plate which screwingly engages in the fitting to lock the two together and prevent accidental withdrawal of the wall plate from the fitting.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fitting includes attaching means, by means of which a sleeve may be removably mounted onto the housing so as to cover and extend forward of the socket into which the wall plate is engageable. The attaching means may be, for example, a bayonet type coupling between the housing and the sleeve, such as lugs on the outer surface of the housing and corresponding slots in the sleeve. Other forms of temporary attaching means are also possible within the scope of the invention, it being important only that the sleeve be removable from the housing and that the attaching means be isolated from the electrical connections of the fitting.

In this way, the sleeve may be fitted over the socket of the fitting to protect and locate it during completion of the building, in particular the fitting of plasterboard and subsequent plastering and painting.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sleeve has a locating pin extending axially and centrally forward thereof so as to project beyond the front of the fitting and in particular beyond the eventual room facing surface of the wall. In this way, when the plasterboard is fitted, the pin can simply be pressed through the plasterboard to mark the position of the fitting, and the pin can then be used as a guide for cutting a hole through the plasterboard for gaining access to the fitting, after which the sleeve can be removed and discarded.

As an alternative to the locating pin, a purpose built metal detector may be used to detect the exact location of the socket backing fitting. Such a detector may employ eddy current devices, ultrasonic devices or radar devices. Any of these techniques can be adapted for the specific purpose of accurate detection of the socket backing fitting.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical cabling system comprising a plurality of electrical cables, each of said cables having connectors provided on opposing ends thereof, and a plurality of termination fittings having connectors for interconnection with connectors of said plurality of cables, the connectors being configured to enable each cable to be interconnected with another cable in order to extend the cable length or with one of said termination fittings in order to terminate the cable at an electrical fitting, wherein each of said termination fittings further includes one of a plug and socket in a front face thereof which is electrically connected with the connectors which interconnect with the cables, said plug or socket being engageable, in use, by a complementary socket or plug formed on a electrical wall plate in order to mount the wall plate to the fitting, and wherein each said fitting further includes mounting means associated with said plug or socket, by means of which a sleeve may be secured onto the fitting so as to overlie the plug or socket and thereby protect it during building work following mounting of the fitting in place.

A system in accordance with this further aspect of the invention has the advantage that the cable and fitting arrangement allows quick and easy installation of ring mains or radial wiring with the fittings being located at the points in which wall sockets, light switches, light fitting etc are required, without requiring time consuming electrical terminations being completed on site. Instead, it is necessary only for the connectors to be connected together. This thereby saves both time and money.

The connectors preferably include the same features described above in relation to the first embodiment of the invention.

The mounting means preferably includes a bayonet type coupling which mates with a complementary part formed on the sleeve. The invention further preferably includes a plurality of sleeves, each having mounting means complementary to the mounting means provided on the fitting to enable a sleeve to be removably fitted over the socket or plug formed on the fitting. The sleeve preferably includes a locating pin or spike projecting axially forward from a front face thereof similar to the feature described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing an electrical circuit comprising the steps of providing an electrical cabling system according to either of the previously described aspects of the invention, selecting a cable having a load rating suitable for the required circuit, routing the cable from the start of circuit to a first location of a first fitting, said routing step including joining the cable to additional cables using the connectors formed on the ends thereof in order to extend its length to reach the desired location, connecting the end of the cable to an input connector of a termination fitting at the first location, selecting a second cable and connecting an end of said second cable to an output connector of said first termination fitting, routing said second cable to a second location of a second fitting, and repeating until the desired ring circuit has been completed.

Preferably, the cabling system is pre-formed in a factory environment and then transported to the installation site.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the method comprises the further steps of mounting each fitting in place, and then fitting a sleeve over the fitting in order to protect and locate it during subsequent building and decorating works.

The present invention still further provides a termination fitting for a cabling system comprising a first connector for making an electrical connection to an electrical cable, a second connector for making an electrical connection to an electric cable, and a socket having electrical contacts which are in electrical connection with contacts of the first and second connectors, wherein the socket is configured to receive a complementary connector of an electrical wall plate member for mounting said wall plate to the fitting and providing electrical power thereto, and wherein the fitting further includes mounting means associated with the socket by means of which, in use, a sleeve may be releasably secured to the fitting so as to overlie the socket and thereby protect it.

It will therefore be apparent that the invention provides a system for installation of electrical wiring, sockets, switches and light fittings in a building. The system comprises of standard lengths of each cable size all terminated in a factory under clean, controlled conditions with male plug and female socket. The plug and socket of each cable size will be different in size or shape from the plug and socket of a different cable size to make it impossible to connect lengths of different cable sizes to each other. The plug and socket sets may incorporate an interference fit between the male pin and female receptacle such that when pressed together a gas tight, metal to metal seal is made between the copper surfaces. The plug and socket sets will incorporate a latching mechanism to prevent tensile forces in the cable from pulling the plug and socket apart. Once the plug and socket have been connected, it is not intended that they be separated. Preferably, therefore, they are not a reusable plug and socket in the ordinary sense of the term but a quick, foolproof, permanent or semi-permanent connection between two lengths of cable. Where an electric socket, switch or light fitting is to be located in the room, the cable lengths are connected, not to each other, but to either side of the backing or termination fitting for the socket, switch or light fitting. The male and female ends of the backing fitting have identical arrangements to the male and female end fittings of the cable lengths such that when made up there is a gas tight, metal to metal seal capable of withstanding tensile forces. The backing fittings are incorporated in to a pressed-metal or similar pre-fabricated bracket which can be attached to the timber studs at the required socket locations. A temporary cover may be attached to the backing fitting with a locating spike attached. When the plasterboard is fitted to the timber studs, the plasterboard is pushed firmly against the cover plate causing the locating spike to protrude through the plasterboard thereby showing the location of the backing fitting. A purpose-built hole saw is then fitted over the locating spike to remove a circular piece of plasterboard in front of the backing fitting. A tool is then used to remove the temporary cover plate. An alternative to the protruding locating spike is a hand-held detector which locates, by ultrasound or eddy current or similar technology, the socket backing fitting behind the plasterboard. The electrical room socket, switch or light fitting is then affixed to the backing fitting and held in place with a screw or similar secure arrangement. The cable ring main or radial circuit or lighting circuit etc is continued as required and brought back to the main circuit breaker board. The circuit breaker board is provided with similar fittings to the cable ends to allow the cables to be fitted to the board without stripping and termination. Because the different cable sizes have different sized or shaped fittings it is impossible to connect, for instance a power ring main to a lighting circuit breaker. Tee connectors are provided to allow a spur line to be connected to a ring main. . Similarly, lighting circuit backing plates and surface fittings accommodate plugs and sockets to facilitate multiple switching arrangements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention may be well understood, there will now be described some embodiments thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of an electrical socket installed in a stud wall in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of a tee connector;

Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of a light fitting according to the invention configured for one way switching; and

Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of a light fitting according to the invention configured for two way switching.

Detailed Description

With reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings, there is shown a system of standard lengths 1 of electrical cable with factory-fitted end fittings 2 and 3. The end fittings comprise multiple pins 5 on the male fitting 2 with matching holes 6 on the female fitting 3.

The multiple pins carry the positive, negative and, if required, earth wires and any other wires as required such as the temporary live of a light switch cable. The pins and holes are arranged in matching asymmetric layouts to ensure that they can only be fitted together one way. The end fittings of a 2.5 mm cable will be of a different size, layout or shape from, say, a 1 mm cable to make it impossible to connect cables and fittings of different ratings. The pins and holes may be machined to provide an interference fit between them to provide a gas-tight, metal-to-metal seal between each pair thereby minimising local resistance and local heating if required. The end fittings are fitted with retaining clips 8 and receptacles 7 to resist tensile forces once the end fittings are connected. A special hand-operated gripping tool may be provided to allow the mating end fittings to be pushed together and overcome the resistance of the interference fit.

When timber framing is complete but before plasterboard is fitted, appropriate lengths of factory terminated cable will be pulled through holes 23 drilled in the timber studs 21 joining cable lengths together as required. Standard pre-terminated cable lengths of preferred sizes of say 10 metres, 5 metres, 3 metres and 1 metre will be available. Combination of appropriate lengths will allow the desired cable route to be constructed with minimal waste of cable length. Where an electrical accessory, such as an electrical socket, light fitting or the like is required, the cable lengths are joined not to each other but to male and female connectors 4a, 4b of a junction module or socket backing fitting 4. The junction module / socket backing fitting 4 also has an accessory connector (45), which in the illustrated embodiment is a female socket, which has its own unique arrangement of female receptors matching a male accessory connector (46) arrangement of pins provided on an electrical accessory such as a wall socket (15). In this way, it is impossible to fit incorrect fittings to an incorrect circuit such as a lighting fitting in to a 2.5 mm ring main or vice versa. The socket backing fitting 4 will be incorporated into a pre-fabricated bracket 61. The bracket 61 is connected to the studs where a socket is required. The socket backing fitting 4 is provided with a temporary protection cover 51. The temporary protection cover 51 is provided with internal lugs 11 which mate with corresponding grooves 10 on the socket backing fitting 4 allowing the protection cover to be held firmly in place but removed by an anti-clockwise rotation. The dimensions of the socket backing fitting and of the bracket are arranged such that when screwed to the studs, the front face of the protection cover 51 is flush with the front face of the studs 21. The protection cover may be provided with a spike 31 of hard plastic or metal or similar suitable material such that when plasterboard is fitted across the studs 21 and pushed firmly against the socket backing fitting 4, the spike 31 protrudes through the plasterboard identifying the location of the socket backing fitting behind the plasterboard. When plastering is complete, the electrician returns and fits a purpose-built hole saw 13 over the spike 31. The hole saw is fitted with an internal mating female cone 52 which locates the hole saw exactly over the socket backing fitting allowing a hole to be removed from the plasterboard. The hole saw is fitted with a depth stop to ensure that no damage is done to the socket backing fitting. The hole saw 13 is then removed and a tapered key 14 is fitted over the protection cover cone 31 to allow removal of the protection cover 51. The socket face plate 15 is then pushed on to the socket backing fitting 4 and held in place with retaining screw or similar connection 16. The front of the socket backing fitting and the back side of the socket face plate are fitted with pins/holes similar to the cable fittings ensuring that only correct fittings can be fitted to the relevant ring main. The socket face plate is fitted with internal lugs to mate with the grooves 10 in the socket backing fitting to prevent rotation of the room socket if an external force is applied.

An alternative to the spike on the cover plate for location of the socket backing fitting or light backing fitting or light switch backing fitting is a purpose built metal detector employing eddy current, ultrasonic or radar technology to allow accurate location of the socket backing fitting behind unbroken plasterboard.

The circuit is continued around the building with appropriate cable lengths and fittings as required and terminated at the circuit breaker board. The circuit breaker board is fitted with sockets identical to those on the cable lengths to prevent a 2.5 mm cable being fitted to a 1 mm² breaker or vice versa.

Tee connectors 201, such as shown in Figure 2, may also be provided to allow a spur line to be connected to a ring main.

The description here relates to installation of a power ring main and fittings. A practitioner skilled in the art will realise that the same principles can be applied to a lighting circuit and installation of accompanying switches and light fittings as shown in schematic form in Figure

3. In this example, a light fitting backing fitting 302, as an alternative form of junction module, is mounted between the ceiling rafters in a manner similar to the socket backing fitting 4 of Figure 1. The light fitting backing fitting incorporates four connectors, one male 311 and one female 312 for continuation of the lighting circuit. A third connector 313 allows connection of the cable running to the light switch backing fitting 305. The fourth fitting 314 is flush with the underside of the plasterboard 303 for connection of the light fitting 308. The light fitting 308 and the light switch 306 are fitted in a similar manner to the socket face plate 15 after installation of plasterboard. The circuit diagram of Figure 3 illustrates a single switching configuration in which the switching for the light is operated from a single location. The neutral and earth lines in the supply are directly connected to the light fitting 314. The live feed, however, connects to the light fitting 314 via the third connector 313 to which the switch fitting 305 connects. This enables the switch fitting to be wired to allow switch control of the live feed to the light by simply connecting the switch fitting to the third connector 313.

This form of connection, where only some of the power supply carrying cables are directly connected to the corresponding light fitting contacts, is termed herein as the supply cables being at least partially electrically connected to the contacts of the light fitting, meaning some of them are electrically connected and some are not.

As further illustrated in Figure 4, the routing of the live feed via the third connector (switch connector) gives the flexibility to provide any required switching configuration. Figure 4 illustrates a two way configuration in which the light can be switched on or off from one of two switches connected to the third connector (switch connector), the switch wiring necessary to achieve this switching being preconfigured in the two way switching loom so the fitter simply needs to plug the switching loom into the third connector (switch connector) and mount the switch backing fittings and roof light fitting in position.

It will be understood that three way switching using an intermediate switch can be equally

345 easily implemented using an appropriately wired loom and an intermediate switch accessory together with two standard switch accessories in a manner known in the art.

All backing fittings can be designed to accommodate connection of home automation control devices such as Insteon™ or similar systems and compatible face plates will be produced.

350 While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described

355 exemplary embodiment

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1) An electrical cabling system comprising a plurality of electrical cables, each of said cables having connectors provided on opposing ends thereof, and a plurality of junction modules having connectors for interconnection with connectors of said cables, each said junction module including at least a first and a second connector electrically connected to each other and configured for interconnection with connectors of the cables so as to enable the junction module to be connected in-line between a pair of said cables, the junction module further including at least one accessory connector at least partially electrically connected to said first and second connectors, said at least one accessory connector being configured such that an electrical accessory is directly mountable thereon so as to be at least partially electrically connected to said first and second connectors so as, in use, to be electrically powered by a supply passing between said first and second connectors; wherein the connectors of said cables are configured to enable each cable to be interconnected either with connectors of another cable in order to extend the cable length or with one of said junction modules in order to provide a mounting point for an electrical accessory, and wherein each said junction module includes mounting means by means of which, in use, the module can be mounted in a fixed position such that an electrical accessory can be attached to the junction module by way of the accessory connector and secured in position relative thereto.

2. An electrical cabling system comprising at least a first plurality of electrical cables, each of said first cables having connectors provided on opposing ends thereof, a second plurality of electrical cables, each of said second plurality of cables having connectors provided on opposing ends thereof, the loading rating of the cables of said first plurality of cables being different to the load rating of the cables of said second plurality of cables, and further comprising a first plurality of junction modules having connectors for interconnection with connectors of said first plurality of cables, and a second plurality of junction modules having connectors for interconnection with connectors of said second plurality of cables, each said junction module including at least a first and a second connector electrically connected to each other and configured for interconnection with cables of the associated plurality of cables so as to enable the junction module to be connected in-line between a pair of said associated cables, and further including at least one accessory connector electrically connected to said first and second connectors, said at least one accessory connector being configured such that an electrical accessory is directly mountable thereon so as to be at least partially electrically connected to said first and second connectors so as, in use, to be electrically powered by a supply passing between said first and second connectors; wherein the connectors of said cables are configured to enable each cable to be interconnected either with connectors of another matching cable in order to extend the cable length or with one of said junction modules in order to provide a mounted point for an electrical accessory, wherein the connectors of said first plurality of cables and fittings are different from said connectors of said second plurality of cables and fittings such that each cable can only be connected to a cable or fitting having the same load rating as itself.

3. An electrical cabling system according to claim 2, wherein the junction module includes mounting means by means of which, in use, the module can be secured in place for receiving an electrical accessory.

4. An electrical cabling system according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the mounting means comprises a mounting bracket which carries the junction module.

5. An electrical cabling system according to claim 4, wherein the mounting bracket is securable, in use, to neighbouring studs of a stud wall, the mounting plate designed to receive the junction module so as to lockingly secure the junction module to the bracket.

6. An electrical cabling system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the junction modules includes a switch connector to which is connectable a switch module for selectively interrupting and making the electrical connection between the first and second connectors and the accessory connector, at least part of the electrical connection between the first and second connectors and the accessory connector being routed through the switch connector such that the electrical connection to the accessory connector is incomplete until a switch module is connected to the switch connector.

7. An electrical cabling system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the junction module further includes attaching means, by means of which a cover may be removably mounted onto the module so as to cover and extend forward of the accessory connector.

8. An electrical cabling system according to claim 7, wherein the attaching means comprises at least one lug provided on the outer surface of the junction module which, in use, cooperates with a complementary slot provided in the cover so as to secure the cover to the junction module around and over the accessory connector in a bayonet manner.

9. An electrical cabling system according to claim 7 or claim 8, further including a plurality of covers, each of which is engageable over the accessory connector of one of said junction modules in order to protect the accessory connector during installation.

10. An electrical cabling system according to claim 9, wherein each cover has a projecting member extending from a closed end thereof so as to extend forward of the accessory connector when the cover is fitted over the accessory connector.

11. An electrical cabling system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said connectors comprise complementary plugs and sockets which engage with each other in a push fit manner.

12. An electrical cabling system according to claim 11, wherein the connectors include locking means which operate between mating connectors to prevent them being disconnected once they have been fully engaged with each other.

13. An electrical cabling system according to claim 12, wherein the locking means are non-releasable so as to make a permanent or semi permanent connection.

14. An electrical cabling system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at

450 least one accessory connector provides a push fit connection with a complementary connector provided on an electrical accessory which is matingly engageable with the accessory connector.

15. An electrical cabling system according to claim 14, wherein the at least one accessory

455 connector includes locking means for preventing removal of a complementary connector from the accessory connector.

16. An electrical cabling system according to claim 15, wherein the locking means is releasable.

460

17. An electrical cabling system according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the locking means comprises an aperture in which, in use, is screwable a screw extending from an electrical accessory in order to secure the electrical accessory to the junction module.

465

18. An electrical cabling system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the junction module comprises a socket into which is engagable a complementary shaped plug formed on an electrical accessory fitting.

19. An electrical cabling system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the

470 first and second connector of each junction module is substantially aligned along a first axis, and the accessory connector of each junction module extends along a second axis which is inclined to said first axis, and is preferably substantially perpendicular thereto.

20. An electrical cabling system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each cable has a plug formed on one end and a mating socket formed on the other end, and wherein the first connector of each junction module comprises one of a plug and socket matching the plug and socket formed on the cable, and the second connector of each junction module comprises the other of a plug and socket.

21. A junction module for an electrical cabling system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least a first and a second connector electrically connected to each other and configured for interconnection, in use, with mating connectors formed on ends of electrical cables so as to enable the junction module to be connected in-line between a pair of said cables, the junction module further including at least one accessory connector electrically connected to said first and second connectors, said at least one accessory connector being configured such that an electrical accessory is directly mountable onto the accessory connector so as to be electrically connected to said first and second connectors so as, in use, to be electrically powered by a supply passing between said first and second connectors; wherein the junction module includes mounting means by means of which, in use, the junction module can be secured in place for receiving and mounting an electrical accessory by way of the accessory connector.

22. A junction module according to claim 21, further including a switch socket to which is connectable to a switch module for selectively interrupting and making at least part of the electrical connection between the first and second connectors and the accessory connector, at least part of the electrical connection between the first and second connectors and the accessory connector being routed through the switch connector such that the electrical connection to the accessory connector is incomplete until a switch module is connected to the switch connector.

23. A method of installing an electrical circuit comprising the steps of providing an electrical cabling system according to any of claims 1 to 20, routing a cable from a starting point of a circuit to a first location for placement of a first electrical accessory, said routing step including joining the cable to additional cables using the connectors formed on the ends

505 thereof in order to extend its length to reach the desired location, connecting the end of the cable to one of said first and second connectors of a junction module at the first location, selecting a second cable and connecting an end of said second cable to the other of said first and second connectors of the junction module, routing said second cable to a second location of a second fitting, and repeating until the desired ring circuit has been completed.

510

24. A method according to claim 23, comprising the further steps of mounting each junction module in position using mounting means associated with each junction module, and then fitting a cover over an accessory socket of each junction module in order to protect and locate it during subsequent building and decorating works.