GB2613274A

GB2613274A - An electrical socket assembly and methods of installation and assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2613274A
Application number: GB2302246.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lewis Stuart; Hou Ting Hon; Matthews Trevor
Original assignee: Honeywell International Inc
Current assignee: Honeywell International Inc
Priority date: 2021-03-04
Filing date: 2021-03-04
Publication date: 2023-05-31
Anticipated expiration: 2041-03-04
Also published as: GB202302246D0; GB2613274B

Abstract

An electrical socket assembly 10 (Figure 1) comprising a consumer facing front side 12 (Figure 1) comprising at least one socket 20 (Figure 1) configured to receive a plug; a rear side 14 configured to receive at least one electrical wire 31a, 31b, 31c; at least one electrical conductor 41a, 41b, 41c (Figure 3) configured to conduct electricity from the wire to the plug, and a main housing 50 for enclosing live and neutral electrical conductors, the main housing comprises at least one test port 51a, 51b that provides access to one of the live and neutral electrical conductors, the test port is provided on an edge of the main housing where a top surface of the main housing meets a rear surface of the main housing. The test port is accessible by a test probe from above when the socket assembly is partially removed from a wall. The test ports may be reached through a range of angles. Further, unclaimed, embodiments discuss the use of springs and levers to make and maintain electrical connections.

Description

AN ELECTRICAL SOCKET ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF INSTALLATION AND

ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an electrical socket assembly and methods of installation and assembly, and particularly, although not exclusively, relates to an electrical socket assembly for which wires can be quickly connected.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrical sockets for receiving plugs of consumer electrical appliances are typically connected to an electric circuit via screw type fittings. However, wiring such electrical sockets is time consuming. This is exacerbated in new build projects, for which many electrical sockets will likely be required. Furthermore, there is limited space in a back box behind an electrical socket to accommodate the wiring. It is therefore desirable to have an electrical socket that is faster to install and that does not unduly impinge upon the space within the back box.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first specific aspect, there is provided an electrical socket assembly, e.g. for use by an end consumer, comprising: a consumer facing front side comprising at least one socket configured to receive a plug; a rear side configured to receive at least one electrical wire; and at least one electrical conductor (e.g. busbar) configured to conduct electricity from the wire to the plug.

The electrical conductor may comprise at least one projection. The electrical socket assembly may further comprise at least one conductor spring coupled to the electrical conductor projection. The conductor spring may comprise an opening for receiving an end of the wire The conductor spring may be resiliently deformable between a deformed state and a non-deformed state.

The electrical socket assembly may further comprise at least one lever and lever housing portion.

The lever housing portion may comprise a passage for receiving the end of the wire. The lever may be movable, e.g. rotatably, coupled to the lever housing portion and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lever and conductor spring may be configured such that movement, e.g. rotation, of the lever into the unlocked position may cause the lever to defom) the conductor spring into the deformed state and align the conductor spring opening with the passage in the lever housing portion. Movement, e.g. rotation, of the lever into the locked position may cause the conductor spring to move towards the non-deformed state and the end of the wire to be held captive by an edge of the conductor spring opening.

The electrical conductor projection may have at least one bend such that the electrical conductor projection may at least partially define walls of a cavity that receives the conductor spring. This arrangement may save having a separate housing for the conductor spring and may make efficient use of the electrical conductor, which is in any case in electrical contact with the respective conductor spring. This may provide a more compact arrangement, which may in tum ensure sufficient space for the wires behind the electrical socket assembly.

The electrical conductor projection may be shaped to substantially follow the shape of at least a portion of the conductor spring, e.g. when viewed end on The electrical conductor projection may be at least partially curved. The electrical conductor projection may be at least partially curved with a point of inflection. The electrical conductor projection may extend from a proximal end of the electrical conductor projection towards the front side and then towards the rear side of the electrical socket assembly.

The electrical conductor projection may comprise at least one elongate tongue. At least a portion of the tongue may be disposed at an angle that may be substantially aligned with the passage in the lever housing portion. A distal end of the tongue may rest on a surface of the lever housing portion, e.g. when assembled. The tongue may be received in the conductor spring opening. The electrical conductor projection may comprise a plurality of tongues. The tongues may be laterally spaced apart. Each tongue may be configured to receive a corresponding conductor spring.

A longitudinal axis of the passage in the lever housing portion may be angled relative to a front surface of the front side, e.g. at an acute angle, such as substantially 45 degrees. At least a portion of the tongue may be disposed at substantially the same angle as the longitudinal axis of the passage.

The electrical conductor projection may substantially enclose one side of the conductor spring. Another side of the conductor spring may be enclosed by the lever and lever housing portion.

A distal part (e.g. tongue) of the electrical conductor projection may be at an end of the lever housing portion passage (e.g. such that the end of the wire contacts the electrical conductor projection).

The distal part may be between a space for receiving the end of the wire and the cavity for receiving the conductor spring.

A distal end of the electrical conductor projection may extend predominantly rearwards from the rear side so that as the lever housing portion is assembled onto the rear side, the distal end of the electrical conductor projection may extend into the lever housing portion.

The electrical conductor projection may comprise an angled portion that may precede the distal end of the electrical conductor projection and may extend in a direction with rearwards and downwards components when the electrical socket assembly is instilled against a vertical surface. The rearwards and downwards components may be approximately equal, e.g. such that the angled portion extends at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to a front surface of the front side. The angled portion may otherwise extend in a rearwards and upwards direction (e.g. at 45 degrees) and likewise for the passage such that the wires may be received from above.

The distal end of the electrical conductor projection may extend from the rear side in a direction with rearwards and downwards components when the electrical socket assembly is installed against a vertical surface. The rearwards component may be greater than the downwards component, e.g. such that the distal end extends predominantly in the rearwards direction The slight downwards direction of the distal end may help keep the electrical conductor engaged with the lever housing portion when installed. The distal end may otherwise extend in a rearwards and upwards direction.

The lever housing portion may comprise a first surface that may be configured to receive the distal end of the electrical conductor projection when the lever housing portion is in an installed position. The first surface may have an angle that may substantially correspond to the angle of the distal end of the electrical conductor projection.

The lever housing portion may comprise a second surface that may be configured to engage the distal end of the electrical conductor projection as the lever housing portion is moved towards the electrical conductor projection during assembly. The second surface may be angled so as to urge the distal end of the electrical conductor projection onto the first surface of the lever housing portion, e.g. by resiliently deforming the electrical conductor. The second surface may be angled in an upwards and rearwards direction so as to push against the electrical conductor and provide a tight fitting. The second surface may extend across an opening to the passage. The second surface may be closer to the front side of the electrical socket assembly than the first surface when installed. This arrangement provides a positive fitting that helps to hold the lever housing portion in place and conveniently uses the electrical conductor for this purpose.

The socket assembly may comprise a main housing, e.g. to enclose a rear of the socket. The lever housing portion may be integral, e.g. unitary, with the main housing. Alternatively, the lever housing portion or another lever housing portion may be separable from a main housing that encloses a rear of the socket. The lever housing portion may have a snap fit connection with the main housing. For example, the earth lever housing may have a snap fit connection to the main housing.

The electrical socket assembly may comprise a plurality of electrical conductors. Each electrical conductor may be configured to conduct electricity from one of a plurality of wires to a corresponding terminal of the plug. At least one of the electrical conductors may comprise a respective electrical conductor projection to which at least one conductor spring may be coupled. At least one lever and lever housing portion may be provided for each electrical conductor projection A plurality of lever and lever housing portions may be provided for each electrical conductor projection, e.g. with one for each tongue.

The electrical socket assembly may comprise a live electrical conductor, a neutral electrical conductor and/or an earth electrical conductor. The live, neutral and/or earth electrical conductors may be respectively configured to connect live, neutral and/or earth wires to respective live, neutral and/or earth temfinals of the plug. Each of the live, neutral and/or earth electrical conductors may comprise at least one projection and may have at least one conductor spring and at least one lever and lever housing portion associated therewith.

The electrical socket assembly may comprise a main housing for enclosing the Five and neutral electrical conductors. The live and neutral lever housing portions may be integral, e.g. unitary, with the main housing. The earth lever housing portion may be separable from the main housing, e.g. with a snap fit. The earth lever housing portion may be formed from a single piece that comprises the passage and a lever pivot.

The main housing may comprise a recess between the live and neutral lever housing portions. The recess may be configured to receive the earth lever housing portion. The earth electrical conductor may extend outside and across the main housing. The earth electrical conductor projection may extend into the recess, e.g. between the main housing and the earth lever housing portion.

The main housing may comprise at least one test port that provides access to one of the live and neutral electrical conductors. An opening defining the test port may have a size ancUor depth that limits or prevents accidental touching of the electrical conductor by an operator. The test port may be provided on an edge of the main housing, e.g. where a top surface of the main housing meets a rear surface of the main housing. The top surface of the main housing may be at the top of the main housing when the electrical socket assembly is installed against a vertical surface. The test port may be accessible with a probe from the rear or from above, e.g. when the electrical socket assembly is partially removed from a wall.

Each of the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors may have a plurality of (e.g. three) conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions associated therewith. The live conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions may be arranged in a first group. The earth conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions may be arranged in a second group. The neutral conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions may be arranged in a third group.

The levers in each of the first, second and third groups may be arranged, e.g. aligned, in a row. The first, second and third groups may be arranged, e.g. aligned, in a row. The first, second and third groups may be spaced apart from one another. The second group may be between the first and third groups.

The electrical socket assembly may comprise a pair of sockets and is configured to receive a pair of plugs. The or each electrical conductor may comprise a laterally extending portion to connect corresponding terminals of each plug.

The lever may comprise at least one tab provided on a side surface of the lever. The lever housing portion may comprise a slot to receive the lever. The lever housing portion may comprise a groove in a side wall of the slot. The groove may extend from a front facing side of the lever housing portion to a rear facing side of the lever housing portion. The groove may be configured to permit the tab to pass through the groove during assembly of the lever and the lever housing portion, e.g. as the lever moves from the rear facing side to the front facing side of the lever housing portion. The tab may be positioned so as to prevent access to the groove when the lever is in the locked position. The tab may be provided along a top edge of the side surface so as to increase a width of the lever in the region of the tab. The lever housing portion may comprise at least one recess configured to receive the at least one tab when the lever is in the locked position. A side wall of the recess may engage a side of the tab.

One of the lever and lever housing portion may comprise at least one axle. The other of the lever and lever housing portion may comprise at least one corresponding axle receiving part. The axle may rotate in the axle receiving part.

According to a second specific aspect, there is provided an electrical socket assembly comprising: a consumer facing front side comprising at least one socket configured to receive a plug; a rear side configured to receive at least one electrical wire; at least one electrical conductor configured to conduct electricity from the wire to the plug, the electrical conductor comprising at least one projection; at least one conductor spring coupled to the electrical conductor projection, the conductor spring comprising an opening for receiving an end of the wire, wherein the conductor spring is resiliently defoimable between a defoimed state and a non-deformed state; and at least one lever and lever housing portion, the lever housing portion comprising a passage for receiving the end of the wire, wherein the lever is rotatably coupled to the lever housing portion and rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lever and conductor spring being configured such that rotation of the lever into the unlocked position causes the lever to deform the conductor spring into the deformed state and align the conductor spring opening with the passage in the lever housing portion, wherein rotation of the lever into the locked position causes the conductor spring to move towards the non-deformed state and the end of the wire to be held captive by an edge of the conductor spring opening, wherein a distal end of the electrical conductor projection extends predominantly rearwards from the rear side so that as the lever housing portion is assembled onto the rear side, the distal end of the electrical conductor projection extends into the lever housing portion.

This arrangement aids assembly as the conductor spring can be pre-installed onto the electrical conductor projection and then the lever housing portion can be readily installed onto the rear-side of the socket assembly with a distal end of the electrical conductor projection resting on a wall of the lever housing portion. Having rearwardly extending electrical conductor projections also opens up the possibility of having the wire coming in at an angle (whether from above or below), which uses the space behind the socket assembly more effectively.

Features described above in respect of the first aspect may also apply to the second aspect.

According to a third specific aspect, there is provided an electrical socket assembly comprising: a consumer facing front side comprising at least one socket configured to receive a plug; a rear side configured to receive live, neutral and earth wires; a live electrical conductor, a neutral electrical conductor and an earth electrical conductor, the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors being respectively configured to electrically connect the live, neutral and earth wires to respective live, neutral and earth terminals of the plug, each of the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors comprising at least one projection; at least one conductor spring coupled to each of the live, neutral and earth electrical conductor projections, each conductor spring comprising an opening for receiving an end of the respective live, neutral and earth wires, wherein each conductor spring is resiliently defommble between a deformed state and a non-deformed state; at least one lever and lever housing portion for each of the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors, each lever housing portion comprising a passage for receiving the end of the respective live, neutral and earth wire, wherein the lever is rotatably coupled to the lever housing portion and rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, each lever and conductor spring being configured such that rotation of the lever into the unlocked position causes the lever to deform a respective one of the conductor springs into the deformed state and align the conductor spring opening with the passage in the lever housing portion, wherein rotation of the lever into the locked position causes the conductor spring to move towards the non-deformed state and the end of the respective live, neutral and earth wire to be held captive by an edge of the conductor spring opening; and a main housing for enclosing the live and neutral electrical conductors, wherein the live and neutral lever housing portions are integral with the main housing and the earth lever housing portion is separable from the main housing, and wherein the main housing comprises a recess between the live and neutral lever housing portions, the recess being configured to receive the earth lever housing portion.

This arrangement allows the earth electrical conductor to remain outside the main housing but without the earth connectors extending too far into the wiring space behind.

Features described above in respect of the first and second aspects may also apply to the third aspect.

According to a fourth specific aspect, there is provided a method of installing any of the above-mentioned electrical socket assemblies, the method comprising: rotating the lever (or at least one of the levers) to the unlocked position if the lever is not already in the unlocked position; inserting the end of the wire (or at least one of the wires) into the lever housing portion passage; and rotating the lever (or at least one of the levers) into the locked position.

Features described above in respect of any of the preceding aspects may also apply to the fourth aspect According to a fifth spccific aspect, there is provided a mcthod of assembling any of the above-mentioned electrical socket assemblies, the method comprising: coupling the conductor spring to the electrical conductor projection; and coupling the lever and lever housing portion (or at least one thereof) to the rear side of the electrical socket assembly.

Features described above in respect of any of the preceding aspects may also apply to the fifth aspect.

According to a sixth specific aspect, there is provided a method of assembling the electrical socket assembly according to the third aspect, the method comprising: coupling the conductor springs to the respective electrical conductor projections; coupling the main housing to the rear side of the electrical socket assembly; and coupling the earth lever and lever housing portion to the main housing.

Features described above in respect of any of the preceding aspects may also apply to the sixth aspect.

According to a seventh specific aspect, there is provided an electrical connector comprising: at least one conductor spring coupled to an electrical conductor, the conductor spring comprising an opening for receiving an end of a wire, wherein the conductor spring is resiliently deformable between a deformed state and a non-deformed state; and at least one lever and lever housing portion, the lever housing portion comprising a passage for receiving the end of the wire, wherein the lever is rotatably coupled to the lever housing portion and rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lever and conductor spring being configured such that rotation of the lever into the unlocked position causes the lever to deform the conductor spring into the deformed state and align the conductor spring opening with the passage in the lever housing portion, wherein rotation of the lever into the locked position causes the conductor spring to move towards the non-deformed state and the end of the wire to be held captive by an edge of the conductor spring opening, wherein the lever comprises at least one tab provided on a side surface of the lever.

The lever housing portion may comprise a slot to receive the lever. The lever housing portion may comprise a groove in a side wall of the slot. The groove may extend from a front facing side of the lever housing portion to a rear facing side of the lever housing portion. The groove may be configured to permit the tab to pass through the groove during assembly of the lever and the lever housing portion, e.g. as the lever moves from the rear facing side to the front facing side of the lever housing portion The tab may be positioned so as to prevent access to the groove when the lever is in the locked position. The tab may be provided along a top edge of the side surface so as to increase a width of the lever in the region of the tab.

The lever housing portion may comprise at least one recess configured to receive the at least one tab when the lever is in the locked position. A side wall of the recess may engage a side of the tab.

One of the lever and lever housing portion may comprise at least one axle. The other of the lever and lever housing portion may comprise at least one corresponding axle receiving part. The axle may rotate in the axle receiving part Features described above in respect of any of the preceding aspects may also apply to the seventh aspect These and other aspects will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments will now be described, by ay of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of an electrical socket assembly according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a front plate of an electrical socket assembly according to an

example of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of a front plate with live and neutral electrical conductors installed thereon according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of a front plate with a main housing installed thereon according to an example of the present disclosure: Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of a front plate with a main housing and earth electrical conductor installed thereon according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of a front plate with a main housing and earth electrical conductor installed thereon according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of an electrical socket assembly according to an example of the

present disclosure;

Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of an electrical socket assembly with a selection of wires installed according to an example of the present disclosure: Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the electrical conductors of an electrical socket assembly according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 9 is an exploded view of the electrical conductors of an electrical socket assembly according

to an example of the present disclosure:

Figure 10 is a top perspective view of an electrical socket assembly according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 11 is a side sectional view of an electrical socket assembly according to an example of the present disclosure, the section being between levers of the live or neutral electrical conductor; Figures 12a-12d (collectively Figure 12) are side sectional views of an electrical socket assembly according to an example of the present disclosure, the section being through a lever of the live or neutral electrical conductor, Figures 12a-12d progressively showing the installation of a live or neutral wire; Figures 13a-13d (collectively Figure 13) are side sectional views of an electrical socket assembly according to an example of the present disclosure, die section being through a lever of the earth electrical conductor, Figures 13a-13d progressively showing the installation of an earth wire; Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a lever according to an example of the present disclosure: Figures 15a and 15b (collectively Figure 15) are perspective views showing a lever housing portion according to an example of the present disclosure, Figures 14a and 14b showing rear facing and front facing sides respectively; Figures 16a-16d (collectively Figure 16) are side sectional views of a lever and lever housing portion according to an example of the present disclosure, Figures 16a-1 6d progressively showing the assembly of the lever and lever housing portion; Figure 17 is a flow chart depicting a method according to an example of the present disclosure; and Figure 18 is a flow chart depicting a method according to an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

With reference to Figure 1, the present disclosure relates to an electrical socket assembly 10 comprising a front plate 11 with a consumer facing front side 12. The front side 12 comprises at least one socket 20 configured to receive a corresponding plug, e.g. of a consumer electrical appliance (not shown).

In the example shown, there are two sockets 20 arranged side-by-side. However, it is also envisaged that the present disclosure may apply to electrical socket assemblies with one socket or any other number of sockets. Also, Figure 1 depicts an electrical socket assembly 10 with a standard United Kingdom socket. However, it is also envisaged that other standards of sockets may be used. Moreover, Figure 1 shows the socket 20 having three temnnals 21a, 21b, 21c (e.g. for live, neutral and earth), but the present disclosure may relate to sockets with a different number of terminals (e.g. two).

Figure 1 shows the electrical socket assembly 10 comprising a pair of optional switches 24 with one switch for each socket 20. The switches 24 may be arranged centrally as depicted, or elsewhere, e.g. at opposite ends of the front side 12. Other numbers of switches may be provided, e.g. if the electrical socket assembly 10 comprises another number of sockets 20.

The electrical socket assembly 10 may be installed against a surface, such as a wall. As such, the electrical socket assembly 10 may be vertically disposed in use. However, it is also envisaged that the electrical socket assembly 10 may be provided on a floor (e.g. in a floor box) and may thus be horizontally disposed in use. (For the sake of convenience, references to the orientation of the electrical socket assembly 10 below will be based on the electrical socket assembly 10 being installed against a vertical wall.) A pair of screw holes 26 may be provided to facilitate coupling of the electrical socket assembly 10 to a surface. Screws (not shown) may pass through the screw holes 26 and couple the electrical socket assembly 10 to a back box (not shown) for receiving wiring.

Referring now to Figures 2 to 10, the electrical socket assembly 10 further comprises a rear side 14 configured to receive at least one electrical wire 31 (as shown in Figure 7). In particular, the rear side 14 of the electrical socket assembly 10 may receive at least one Five wire 31a, at least one neutral wire 3 lb and/or at least one earth wire 3 1 c. The electrical socket assembly 10 may form part of a ring circuit and as such may receive at least two of each of the live, neutral and earth wires 31a, 3 lb, 31c. A spur may also be connected to the electrical socket assembly 10 in which case a third live, neutral and earth wire 31a, 31b, 3 lc may be connected to the rear side of the electrical socket assembly 10, it will be appreciated that the rear side 14 may be concealed from the end consumer when the electrical socket assembly 10 is installed against a surface With particular reference to Figures 3 and 5 to 9, the electrical socket assembly 10 further comprises at least one electrical conductor 41 (such as a busbar) configured to conduct electricity from one of the wires 31a, 3 lb, 31c to a respective terminal 21a, 2 lb, 21c of the socket 20. In the particular example shown, the electrical socket assembly 10 comprises a live electrical conductor 4 I a, a neutral electrical conductor 4 lb and an earth electrical conductor 41c, the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors being respectively configured to electrically connect the live, neutral and earth wires 31a, 31b, 31c to respective live, neutral and earth terminals 21a, 21b. 21c of the socket 20. In the example shown, the electrical conductors 41a. 41b. 41c may each comprise a laterally extending portion 42a, 42b, 42c that extends width-wise across a portion of the electrical socket assembly 10 to connect corresponding terminals 21a, 2 lb, 21c of each socket 20. The electrical conductors 41a. 41b, 41c may thus conduct electricity from wires 31a, 31b, 31c to a respective terminal 21a, 21a, 21c of both sockets 20.

As depicted in Figure 4, the electrical socket assembly 10 may comprise a main housing 50 that encloses the live and neutral electrical conductors 41a, 41b at the rear side 14. The laterally extending portions 42a, 42b of the live and neutral electrical conductors 41a, 41b may cross over one another inside the main housing 50. As shown in Figure 5, the earth electrical conductor 41c may extend outside the main housing 50. The earth electrical conductor 41c may provide a strap that connects to the front plate 11 and may help secure the main housing 50 in place.

With reference to Figure 10, the main housing 50 may comprise at least one test port that provides access to one of the live and neutral electrical conductors 41a, 41b. In the particular example shown, the main housing 50 comprises a pair of test ports 5 la, 5 lb with one for each of the live and neutral electrical conductors 4 la, 41b. The test ports 5 la, 5 lb may each comprise an opening in a wall of the main housing 50 and the opening may reveal a respective one of the live and neutral electrical conductors 41a, 41b that extends beneath the wall of the main housing. The openings may be sized to permit a test probe to contact the live and neutral electrical conductors 41a, 41b. The openings may also be sized (e.g. width and/or depth) so as to limit or prevent accidental touching of the electrical conductors, e.g. by an operator's finger As depicted, the test ports 51a, 51b may be provided at an edge 53 of the main housing 50, e.g. where a side (e.g. top) surface 54 of the main housing meets a rear surface 55 of the main housing in particular, the openings defining the test ports 51a, 51b may extend over the edge 53 so that the live and neutral electrical conductors 41a, 41b may be probed over a range of angles. The side surface 54 of the main housing may be at the top of the main housing when the electrical socket assembly 10 is installed against a vertical surface. Accordingly, the test ports 51a, 51b may be conveniently accessed with a probe from above, e.g. when the electrical socket assembly 10 is only partially removed from a wall. The test ports 51a, 5 lb may also be accessed from the rear, e.g. when the electrical socket assembly -10 is completely removed from the wall.

Referring still to Figure 10, the electrical socket assembly 10 may further comprise at least one length gauge 15. The length gauge may indicate the optimal length of an exposed section of the wire 31 for use with the electrical socket assembly 10. The length gauge 15 may be moulded into the rear side of the front plate 11 and may be in the form of a pair of protrusions, the space between indicating the desired length of the exposed core of the wire 31. Additionally or alternatively, the length gauge 15 may be in the form of an engraving or sticker, e.g. on the back of the main housing 50 or front plate 11.

As shown in Figure 10, the electrical socket assembly 10 comprises at least one connector 61 to connect one of the wires 31a. 31b, 31c to the respective electrical conductor 41a, 41b, 41c. In particular, the electrical socket assembly 10 comprises at least one live connector 6 la; at least one neutral connector 61b and at least one earth connector 61c that connect the live, neutral and earth wires 31a, 31b, 31e to respective electrical conductors 41a, 41b, 41c. In the particular example shown, there are three live connectors 6 I a', 61a, 61a three neutral connectors 61b'. 6 I b 6 I b" and three earth connectors 6 1 c', 61c-, 61c'". The connectors 61a, 61b, 61c may be screwless connectors as will be described in more detail below. The live and neutral connectors 61a, 6 lb may be integral with the main housing 50. By contrast, the earth comiector(s) 61c may be separable from the main housing 50. The earth connector 61c may be connected to the main housing 50, e.g. with a snap fit.

As best depicted in Figure 4, the main housing 50 may comprise a recess 56 in the rear surface 55 of the main housing. The recess 56 may be configured to receive the earth connector 6 lc. The recess 56 may be provided between the live and neutral connectors 61a, 61b. The earth electrical conductor 41c may extend into the recess 56 so that a portion thereof is between the main housing 50 and the earth connector 61c. By contrast, thc live and neutral electrical conductors 4th, 41b may ex-tend inside the main housing 50 to one side of the recess 56 (e.g. above or below the recess 56). In this way the earth electrical conductor 4 lc and earth connector 6 lc may be provided outside the main housing 50 without impinging on the wiring space within the back box behind the electrical socket assembly 10.

As shown, the live connectors 61a are provided in a first group, the earth connectors 61c are provided in a second group and the neutral connectors 6Ib are provided in a third group. The connectors within a group and/or across the groups may be arranged in a row, e.g. in a side-by-side fashion. The first, second and third groups of connectors may be spaced apart from each other, in particular with the earth connectors 61c separating the live and neutral connectors Gla, 61b. The connectors Gla. Glb, 61c and/or associated groups may be colour coded, e.g. corresponding to standard wire colours.

Referring now to Figures 8 to 13, the connectors 61a, 61b, 61c will be described in more detail. (Figures 11 and 12 show sections through the live or neutral connectors 61a, 61b, whereas Figure 13 shows a section through the earth connector 61c.) The connector 61 comprises a lever 71 and a lever housing portion 81. In particular, the live connectors 61a each comprise a lever 71a and an associated lever housing portion 81 a. The neutral connectors 6 lb each comprise a lever 71b and an associated lever housing portion 8 lb. The earth connectors 61c each comprise a lever 71c and an associated lever housing portion 81c. The levers 71a, 71b, 71c may be individually rotated with respect to the corresponding lever housing portions 81a, 81b, 81c (e.g. by virtue of a pivot 74 as shown in Figure 11). In particular die levers 71a, 71b, 71c may be rotated between an unlocked position (as shown in Figures 12b and 12c), in which one of the wires may be introduced to the connector, and a locked position (as shown in Figures 12a and 12d), in which one of the wires 31a, 31b, 31c may be held captive (as shown in Figure 12d). As mentioned, the depicted levers 71a, 71b, 71c rotate with respect to the lever housing portion 81a, 81b, 81c, however it is also envisaged that the levers may translate or translate and rotate with respect to the lever housing portion 81a, 81b, 81c.

As best depicted in Figure 9, the electrical conductor 41 may comprise a projection 43. In particular, the live, neutral and/or earth electrical conductors 41a, 41b, 41c may comprise a respective projection 43a, 43b, 43c, e.g. that extends from a respective one of the laterally extending portions 42a, 2b, 42c of the electrical conductors 41a, 41b, 41c. The electrical conductor projections 43a, 43b, 43c may extend approximately perpendicularly from the respective one of the laterally extending portions 42a, 42b, 42c of the electrical conductors 4 la. 4 lb. 41c A tongue 44 may be provided at the end of each projection 43. In the particular example shown, the live electrical conductor projection 43a comprises at least one elongate tongue 44a (e.g. three tongues 44a', 44a-, 44a' -) that extends at a distal end of the projection 43a. In the case of there being more than one tongue 44a they may be laterally spaced apart and parallel to one another. In a similar manner, the neutral electrical conductor projection 43b comprises at least one elongate tongue 44b (e.g. three tongues 44b', 44b", 44b") that extends at a distal end of the projection 43b (and may be laterally spaced apart and parallel to one another). Likewise, the earth electrical conductor projection 43c comprises at least one elongate tongue 44c (e.g. three tongues 44c', 44c", 44e") that extend at a distal end of the projection 43e (and may be laterally spaced apart and parallel to one another).

The projections 43a, 43b, 43c may each comprise a lateral extending section 49a, 49b, 49c from which the corresponding tongues 44 may extend. The lateral extending sections 49a, 49b. 49c may thus electrically couple the tongues 44 of a particular projection. The electrical conductor 41. in particular the lateral ex/ending section 49, may be arranged so that it is forward of the respective connector 61, e.g. such that the lateral extending section is closer to the front plate 11 than the connector 61. A compact arrangement may thus be provided.

Referring back to Figure 8, the electrical socket assembly 10 may further comprise at least one conductor spring 91. As shown, one conductor spring may be coupled to each of the tongues. In particular, conductor springs 9 la', 91a", 91 a"' may be coupled to respective tongues 44a', 44a", 44a-' of the live electrical conductor projection 43a, conductor springs 91b', 91b", 91b-may be coupled to respective tongues 44b', 44b", 44b" of the neutral electrical conductor projection 431); and conductor springs 91c', 91c-, 91c-' may be coupled to respective tongues 44c', 44c-, 44c' of the earth electrical conductor projection 43c.

The conductor springs 91 may be resiliently deformable between a non-deformed state (as shown in Figure 12a for the live and neutral conductor springs 91a, 9Ib and Figure 13a for the earth conductor spring 91c) and a deformed state (shown in Figures 12b and Figure 13b). The conductor springs 91 may be formed from a strip of resilient material, such as a metal. The strip of material may be curved (e.g. with a point of inflection) and the curvature may change as the conductor spring 91 is compressed. A first end of the conductor spring 91 may comprise an opening 94. The conductor springs 91 may be coupled to respective tongues 44 by the tongue passing through the opening 94. The conductor spring 91 may curve back on itself such that a second end of the conductor spring (opposite the first end) may be close to the opening 94 and may also pass through the opening. As the conductor spring is deformed, the second end of the conductor spring passes across the opening 94. As will be described below, the opening 94 may receive an end of the wire 31, in particular when the conductor spring 91 is in the deformed state.

The levers 71 may comprise cam surfaces 75 that cooperate with a respective conductor spring 91 so as to compress and deform the conductor spring when the lever is rotated. In particular, the lever 71 and conductor spring 91 may be configured so that rotation of the lever into the unlocked position causes the lever to deform the conductor spring into the deformed state.

The lever housing portions 81 may comprise a passage 84 for receiving the end of the wire 31. In the deformed state (shown in Figures 12b and 13b), the conductor spring opening 94 is substantially aligned with the passage 84 in the lever housing portion. As shown in Figures 12c and 13c, the wire 31 may then be inserted into the passage 84 and an exposed portion of the wire may pass through the opening 94. As shown in Figures 12d and 13d. rotation of the lever into the locked position may allow the conductor spring 91 to relax towards the non-deformed state and the end of the wire to be held captive by an edge of the conductor spring opening 94 e g igninst the tongue 44.

Referring still to Figures 11, 12 and 13, the electrical conductor projection 43 may have at least one bend 45, e.g. when viewed end on. The electrical conductor projection 43 may thus at least partially define walls of a cavity 46 that receives the conductor spring 91. (The electrical conductor projection 43 may serve as a dividing wall between a space for receiving the end of the wire 3! and the cavity 46 for receiving the conductor spring 91.) In particular, the electrical conductor projection 43 may be shaped to substantially follow the shape of at least a portion of the conductor spring 91, e.g. when viewed end on. As such, the electrical conductor projection 43 may be at least partially curved (e.g. with a point of inflection) with a shape at least approximately corresponding to that of the conductor spring 9 I Furthermore, the electrical conductor projection 43 may extend from a proximal end of the electrical conductor projection towards the front side 12 and then towards the rear side 14 of the electrical socket assembly 10. The conductor spring 9 I may at least partially reside in a space defined by this change in direction of the electrical conductor projection 43. The electrical conductor projection 43 may substantially enclose one side of the conductor spring 91. Another side of the conductor spring 91 may be enclosed by the lever 71 and lever housing portion RI.

With this arrangement the electrical conductor projection 43 may serve as a housing for the conductor spring 91 and may thus save having a separate housing for the conductor spring. This makes efficient use of the electrical conductor, which is in any case in electrical contact with the respective conductor spring 9 I. This may provide a more compact arrangement, which may in turn ensure sufficient space for the wires 31 behind the electrical socket assembly 10.

At least a portion 47 of the tongue 44 may be disposed at an angle that may be substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the passage 84 in the lever housing portion 81. The angled portion 47 of the tongue 44 may be provided at an end of the passage 84 such that the end of the wire 31 contacts the angled portion 47 of the tongue. Aligning die passage 84 and angled portion 47 of the tongue 44 may help provide a good electrical contact. The longitudinal axis of the passage 84 and portion of the tongue 44 may be angled relative to a front surface of the front side 12, e.g, at an acute angle, such as substantially 45 degrees. As depicted, the passage 84 may be angled downwards (when the electrical socket assembly 10 is installed against a vertical surface), however, it is also envisaged that the passage 84 may be angled upwards. Having the passage 84 angled allows easy installation of the wires and without unduly impinging on the space in the back box behind the electrical socket assembly 10.

A distal end or portion 48 of the tongue 44 may follow the angled portion 47. The distal portion 48 may extend substantially, e.g. predominantly, rearwards from the rear side. As the lever housing portion 81 is assembled onto the rear side, the distal portion 48 of the electrical conductor projection may extend into the lever housing portion RI, This facilitates assembly and a more compact arrangement is provided.

In particular, the distal portion 48 of the tongue 44 may extend from the rear side in a direction with both rearwards and vertical (e.g. upwards or downwards) components (when the electrical socket assembly is installed against a vertical surface). However, the rearwards component may be greater than the downwards component such that the distal portion 48 extends predominantly in the rearwards direction. The small vertical direction of the distal portion 48 may help keep the electrical conductor 41 engaged with the lever housing portion 81 when installed.

The distal portion 48 of the tongue 44 may rest on a surface of the lever housing portion 81 when assembled. In particular, the lever housing portion 81 may comprise a first surface 86 that may be configured to receive the distal portion 48 of the tongue 44 when the lever housing portion 81 is in an installed position. The first surface 86 may have an angle that may substantially correspond to the angle of the distal portion 48 of the tongue 44.

The lever housing portion 81 may comprise a second surface 89 that may be configured to engage the distal portion 48 of the tongue 44 as the lever housing portion 81 is moved towards the electrical conductor projection 43 during assembly. The second surface 89 may extend across an opening to the passage 84. The second surface 89 may be closer to the front side 12 of the electrical socket assembly than the first surface 86 when installed. The second surface 89 may be angled so as to urge the distal portion 48 of the tongue 44 onto the first surface 86 of the lever housing portion, e.g. by resiliently deforming the electrical conductor 41. The second surface 89 may be angled in an opposite vertical direction to the first surface 86. For example, the second surface 89 may be angled upwards and rearwards so as to push against the tongue 44 and provide a tight fitting between the tongue 44 and housing portion 81. This arrangement provides a positive fitting that helps to hold the lever housing portion 81 in place and conveniently uses the electrical conductor for this purpose.

With reference to Figures 2, 12 and 13, a rear side of the front plate 11 may comprise at least one supporting rib 16 configured to support at least one of the electrical conductors 41, in particular during assembly. For example, the supporting ribs 16 may support an underside of the electrical conductors 41.

The supporting ribs 16 may have an angled surface that may help guide the end of the wire 31, A supporting rib 16a, 16b, 16c may be provided for each of the electrical conductors 41a, 41b, 41c. The main housing 50 may comprise an opening in the recess 56 that permits the supporting rib I 6c to extend through the opening for the earth electrical conductor 41c.

With reference to Figure 14 to 16, the levers 71 and lever housing portions 81 will now be described in more detail. The lever housing portion 81 may comprise a slot 82 to receive the corresponding lever 71. The pivot 74 may be formed from an axle part 76 on a side surface of the lever 71 and an axle receiving part 83 on a side wall of the slot 82. The axle 76 and axle receiving part 83 may cooperate to allow the lever 71 to rotate with respect to the lever housing portion 81. The lever 71 may comprise a pair of axle parts 76 with one on either side surface and the pair of axle parts 76 may engage corresponding axle receiving parts 83 on opposite side walls of the slot 82. The reverse arrangement is also envisaged in which the lever 71 comprises the axle receiving part and the slot 82 comprises the axle part.

Figure 15 depicts the earth lever housing portions 81c and as shown, the earth lever housing portions 81c may be integral with one another. As such, the earth lever housing portions 81c may form a single piece that connects to the main housing 50, e.g. via a snap fit. As shown in Figure 15b, one or more lugs 85 may be provided on an underside of the single piece earth lever housing portion and the lugs may engage corresponding slots in the main housing 50. The main housing recess 56 may be configured to receive the single piece earth lever housing portion, e.g. so that the earth lever housing portions 81c extend rearwards substantially the same amount as the live and neutral lever housing portions 81a, 81b. As mentioned above, the earth electrical conductor projection 43c may extend into the recess 56, e.g. between the main housing 50 and the earth lever housing portion.

in contrast to the single piece earth lever housing portion 8 lc depicted in Figure 15, the live lever housing portions 8Ia and neutral lever housing portions 81b may be integral with the main housing 50. However, the other features of the earth lever housing portion 81c described herein (such as the slot 82, axle receiving parts 83 and groove 88) may apply equally to the live and neutral lever housing portions 8 Ia. 8 lb. Returning to Figure 14, the lever 71 may comprise at least one tab 77 provided on the side surface of the lever. The tabs 77 may be provided on each side surface of the lever 71. Furthermore, a series of tabs 77a, 77b, 77c may be provided along the length of the lever (or a single tab that extends over at least a portion of the length of the lever 71). For example. first tabs 77a may be provided at a first end of the lever 71; second tabs 77b may be provided at a second end of the lever 71; and/or third tabs 77c may be provided between the first and second ends of the lever 71.

The tabs 77 may be provided along a top (outward facing) edge of the lever side surface. The tabs 77 may thus increase a width of the lever 71 that a user is presented with. This may allow a smaller profile lever (and thus more levers within a given space) without affecting the area of the lever for the user to push against.

As best depicted in Figures 15a and 16d, the lever housing portion Si may comprise at least one recess 87 configured to receive the at least one tab 77 when die lever is in the locked position. A side wall of the recess 87 may engage a side of the tab 77, e.g. with an interference fit. Additionally or alternatively, the side surface of the lever 71 may engage the side wall of the slot 82, e.g. with an interference fit.

As best shown in Figure 16 (which sequentially depicts assembly of the lever 71 and lever housing portion Si). the lever housing portion 81 may comprise a groove 88 in the side wall of the slot 82.

Corresponding grooves 88 may be provided on the opposing side walls of the slot 82. The grooves 88 may be configured to permit the tab 77 to pass through the groove during assembly of the lever 71 and the lever housing portion 81. e.g. as the lever 71 moves from the rear facing side to the front facing side of the lever housing portion 81 (as depicted in the sequence of Figures 16a to 16c). As depicted in Figure 16d, at least one of tabs 77 (such as the first tabs 77a at the first end of the lever 71) may be positioned and sized so as to prevent access to the groove 88 when the lever is in the locked position.

The lever 71 and lever housing portion 81 described herein may also apply to an electrical connector that is not necessarily associated with an electrical socket. For example, the lever 71 and lever housing portion 81 of Figures 14 to 16 may be used in a cable connector for electrically connecting ends of cables together. Such a cable connector may have an electrical conductor that connects across a plurality of levers 71 each with an associated conductor spring 91 With reference to Figure 17, the present disclosure relates to a method 100 of assembling the electrical socket assembly 10. In a first step 110, the method comprises coupling the conductor spring 91 to the electrical conductor projection 43, e.g. to the tongue 44. This may be repeated for each conductor spring 91 required. In a second stop 110, the method comprises coupling the lever 71 and lever housing portion 81 to the rear side of the electrical socket assembly 10. in particular, the main housing 50 may be coupled to the front plate 11 and the earth lever housing portion 81c may be coupled to the main housing 50. A sequence of assembly for the electrical socket assembly 10 is also depicted in Figures 2 to 7.

With reference to Figure 18, the present disclosure relates to a method 200 of installing the electrical socket assembly 10. In a first step 210, the method comprises rotating the lever(s) 71 to the unlocked position (if the lever is not already in the unlocked position). in a second step 220, the method comprises inserting the end of the wire(s) 31 into the lever housing portion passage 84. In a third step 230, the method comprises rotating the lever(s) 71 into the locked position. The method 200 may be repeated for additional wires and the electrical socket assembly 10 may then be installed against a wall.

In a further method, the electrical socket assembly 10 may be at least partially removed from the installed position so as to expose the side (e.g. top) surface 54 of the main housing 50. The method may then comprise accessing the test ports 51a, Sib with a probe.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the principles and techniques described herein, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word 'comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

The following numbered statements form part of the present disclosure: Al. An electrical socket assembly comprising: a consumer facing front side comprising at least one socket configured to receive a plug; a rear side configured to receive at least one electrical wire; at least one electrical conductor configured to conduct electricity from the wire to the plug, the electrical conductor comprising at least one projection; at least one conductor spring coupled to the electrical conductor projection, the conductor spring comprising an opening for receiving an end of the wire, wherein the conductor spring is resiliently deformable between a deformed state and a non-deformed state; and at least one lever and lever housing portion, the lever housing portion comprising a passage for receiving the end of the wire, wherein the lever is rotatably coupled to the lever housing portion and rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lever and conductor spring being configured such that rotation of the lever into the unlocked position causes the lever to deform the conductor spring into the deformed state and align the conductor spring opening with the passage in the lever housing portion, wherein rotation of the lever into the locked position causes the conductor spring to move towards the non-deformed state and the end of the wire to be held captive by an edge of the conductor spring opening.

wherein the electrical conductor projection has at least one bend such that the electrical conductor projection at least partially defines walls of a cavity that receives the conductor spring.

A2. The electrical socket assembly of statement Al, wherein the electrical conductor projection is shaped to substantially follow the shape of at least a portion of the conductor spring.

A3. The electrical socket assembly of statement Al or A2, wherein the electrical conductor projection is at least partially curved.

A4. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Al to A3, wherein the electrical conductor projection extends from a proximal end of the electrical conductor projection towards the front side and then towards the rear side of the electrical socket assembly.

AS. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Al to A4, wherein the electrical conductor projection comprises at least one elongate tongue.

A6. The electrical socket assembly of statement AS, wherein at least a portion of the tongue is disposed at an angle that is substantially aligned with the passage in the lever housing portion.

A7. The electrical socket assembly of statement AS or A6, wherein a distal end of the tongue rests on a surface of the lever housing portion.

A8. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements AS to A7 wherein the tongue is received in the conductor spring opening.

A9. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements AS to A8, wherein the electrical conductor projection comprises a plurality of tongues, the tongues being laterally spaced apart and each being configured to receive a corresponding conductor spring.

A10. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Al to A9, wherein a longitudinal axis of the passage in the lever housing portion is angled relative to a front surface of the front side.

Al I. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Al to A10. wherein the electrical conductor projection substantially encloses one side of the conductor spring.

A 12. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Alto All, wherein a distal part of the electrical conductor projection is at an end of the lever housing portion passage and is between a space for receiving the end of the wire and the cavity for receiving the conductor spring.

A 13. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements A Ito A 12. wherein a distal end of the electrical conductor projection extends predominantly rearwards from the rear side so that as the lever housing portion is assembled onto the rear side, the distal end of the electrical conductor projection extends into the lever housing portion.

A14. The electrical socket assembly of statement A13, wherein the electrical conductor projection comprises an angled portion that precedes the distal end of the electrical conductor projection and extends in a direction with rearwards and downwards components when the electrical socket assembly is installed against a vertical surface.

A15. The electrical socket assembly of statement A13 or A14, wherein the distal end of the electrical conductor projection extends from the rear side in a direction with rearwards and downwards components when the electrical socket assembly is installed against a vertical surface.

A16. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Al3 to A15, wherein the lever housing portion comprises a first surface that is configured to receive the distal end of the electrical conductor projection when the lever housing portion is in an installed position, the first surface having an angle that substantially corresponds to the angle of the distal end of the electrical conductor projection.

A17. The electrical socket assembly of statement A16, wherein the lever housing portion comprises a second surface that is configured to engage the distal end of the electrical conductor projection as the lever housing portion is moved towards the electrical conductor projection during assembly, the second surface being angled so as to urge the distal end of the electrical conductor projection onto the first surface of the lever housing portion.

Al 8. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements A I to A I 7, wherein the lever housing portion is integral with a main housing that encloses a rear of the socket.

A19. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Al to A17, wherein the lever housing portion is separable from a main housing that encloses a rear of the socket.

A20. The electrical socket assembly of statement A19, wherein the lever housing portion has a snap fit connection with the main housing.

A21. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Al to A20, wherein the electrical socket assembly comprises a plurality of electrical conductors, each electrical conductor being configured to conduct electricity from one of a plurality of wires to a corresponding terminal of the plug.

A22. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Al to A21, wherein the electrical socket assembly comprises a live electrical conductor, a neutral electrical conductor and an earth electrical conductor, the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors being respectively configured to connect live, neutral and earth wires to respective Five, neutral and earth terminals of the plug, wherein each of the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors comprises at least one projection and has at least one conductor spring and at least one lever and lever housing portion associated therewith.

A23. The electrical socket assembly of statement A22, wherein the electrical socket assembly comprises a main housing for enclosing the live and neutral electrical conductors.

A24. The electrical socket assembly of statement A23, wherein the live and neutral lever housing portions are integral with the main housing.

A25. The electrical socket assembly of statement A23 or A24, wherein the earth lever housing portion is separable from the main housing.

A26. The electrical socket assembly of statement A25, wherein the main housing comprises a recess between the Five and neutral lever housing portions, the recess being configured to receive the earth lever housing portion.

A27. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements A23 to A26, wherein the earth electrical conductor extends outside and across the main housing, the earth electrical conductor projection extending between the main housing and the earth lever housing portion.

A28. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements A23 to A27, wherein the main housing comprises at least one test port that provides access to one of the live and neutral electrical conductors, the test port being provided on an edge of the main housing where a top surface of the main housing meets a rear surface of the main housing.

A29. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements A22 to A28, wherein each of the Five, neutral and earth electrical conductors has a plurality of conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions associated therewith, wherein the live conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions are arranged in a first group, the earth conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions are arranged in a second group, and the neutral conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions are arranged in a third group.

A30. The electrical socket assembly of statement A29, wherein the levers in each of the first, second and third groups are arranged in a row.

A31. The electrical socket assembly of statement A29 or A30, wherein the first, second arid third groups are arranged in a row.

A32. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements A29 to A31, wherein the first, second and third groups are spaced apart from one another.

A33. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Al to A32, wherein the electrical socket assembly comprises a pair of sockets and is configured to receive a pair of plugs.

A34. The electrical socket assembly of statement A33, wherein the or each electrical conductor comprises a laterally extending portion to connect corresponding terminals of each plug.

A35. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Al to A34, wherein the lever comprises at least one tab provided on a side surface of the lever.

A36. The electrical socket assembly of statement A35, wherein the lever housing portion comprises a slot to receive the lever and wherein the lever housing portion comprises a groove in a side wall of the slot, the groove extending from a front facing side of the lever housing portion to a rear facing side of the lever housing portion, the groove being configured to permit the tab to pass through the groove during assembly of the lever and the lever housing portion.

A37. The electrical socket assembly of statement A36, wherein the tab is positioned so as to prevent access to the groove when the lever is in the locked position.

A38. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements A35 to A37, wherein the tab is provided along a top edge of the side surface so as to increase a width of the lever in the region of the tab.

A39. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements A35 to A38, wherein the lever housing portion comprises at least one recess configured to receive the at least one tab when the lever is in the locked position.

A40. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Al to A39, wherein one of the lever and lever housing portion comprises at least one axle and the other of the lever and lever housing portion comprises at least one corresponding axle receiving part.

A41. A method of installing the electrical socket assembly of any of statements Al to A40, the method comprising: rotating the lever to the unlocked position if the lever is not already in the unlocked position; inserting the end of the wire into the lever housing portion passage; and rotating the lever into the locked position.

A42. A method of assembling the electrical socket assembly of any of statements Al to A40, the method 25 comprising: coupling the conductor spring to the electrical conductor projection; and coupling the lever and lever housing portion to the rear side of the electrical socket assembly.

B 1. An electrical socket assembly comprising: a consumer facing front side comprising at least one socket configured to receive a plug; a rear side configured to receive at leasi one electrical wire; at least one electrical conductor configured to conduct electricity from the wire to the plug, the electrical conductor comprising at least one projection; at least one conductor spring coupled to the electrical conductor projection, the conductor spring comprising an opening for receiving an end of the wire, wherein the conductor spring is resiliently deformable between a deformed state and a non-deformed state; and at least one lever and lever housing portion, the lever housing portion comprising a passage for receiving the end of the wire, wherein the lever is rotatably coupled to the lever housing portion and rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lever and conductor spring being configured such that rotation of the lever into the unlocked position causes the lever to deform the conductor spring into the deformed state and align the conductor spring opening with the passage in the lever housing portion, wherein rotation of the lever into the locked position causes the conductor spring to move towards the non-deformed state and the end of the wire to be held captive by an edge of the conductor spring opening, wherein a distal end of the electrical conductor projection extends predominantly reanvards from the rear side so that as the lever housing portion is assembled onto the rear side, the distal end of the electrical conductor projection extends into the lever housing portion.

B2. The electrical socket assembly of statement Bl, wherein the electrical conductor projection comprises an angled portion that precedes the distal end of the electrical conductor projection and extends in a direction with rearwards and downwards components when the electrical socket assembly is installed against a vertical surface B3. The electrical socket assembly of statement BI or B2, wherein the distal end of the electrical conductor projection extends from the rear side in a direction with rearwards and downwards components when the electrical socket assembly is installed against a vertical surface.

B4. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B1 to B3, wherein the lever housing portion comprises a first surface that is configured to receive the distal end of the electrical conductor projection when the lever housing portion is in an installed position, the first surface having an angle that substantially corresponds to the angle of the distal end of the electrical conductor projection.

B5. The electrical socket assembly of statement B4, wherein the lever housing portion comprises a second surface that is configured to engage the distal end of the electrical conductor projection as the lever housing portion is moved towards the electrical conductor projection during assembly, the second surface being angled so as to urge the distal end of the electrical conductor projection onto the first surface of the lever housing portion.

B6. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B1 to B5, wherein the lever housing portion is integral with a main housing that encloses a rear of the socket.

B7. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B1 to B5 'herein the lever housing portion is separable from a main housing that encloses a rear of the socket. I0

B8. The electrical socket assembly of statement B7, wherein the lever housing portion has a snap fit connection with the main housing.

B9. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Bl to B8, wherein the electrical conductor projection has at least one bend such that the electrical conductor projection at least partially defines walls of a cavity that receives the conductor spring B10. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Bl to B9, wherein the electrical conductor projection is shaped to substantially follow the shape of at least a portion of the conductor spring.

B11. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B1 to B10, wherein the electrical conductor projection is at least partially curved.

B12. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Bl to B II. wherein the electrical conductor projection extends from a proximal end of the electrical conductor projection towards the front side and then towards the rear side of the electrical socket assembly.

B13. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Bl to BI2, wherein the electrical conductor projection comprises at least one elongate tongue.

B14. The electrical socket assembly of statement B13, wherein at least a portion of the tongue is disposed at an angle that is substantially! aligned with the passage in the lever housing portion.

B15. The electrical socket assembly of statement B13 or B14, wherein a distal end of the tongue rests on a surface of the lever housing portion.

B16. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B13 to B15 wherein the tongue is received in the conductor spring opening.

B17. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B13 to B16, wherein the electrical conductor projection comprises a plurality of tongues, the tongues being laterally spaced apart and each being configured to receive a corresponding conductor spring.

B18. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements BI to B17, wherein a longitudinal axis of the passage in the lever housing portion is angled relative to a front surface of the front side.

B19. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B1 to B18, wherein the electrical conductor projection substantially encloses one side of the conductor spring.

B20. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B 1 to B19, wherein a distal part of the electrical conductor projection is at an end of the lever housing portion passage and is between a space for receiving the end of the wire and the cavity for receiving the conductor spring.

B21. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B1 to B20, wherein the electrical socket assembly comprises a plurality of electrical conductors, each electrical conductor being configured to conduct electricity from one of a plurality of wires to a corresponding terminal of the plug.

B22. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B1 to B21, wherein the electrical socket assembly comprises a live electrical conductor, a neutral electrical conductor and an earth electrical conductor, the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors being respectively configured to connect live, neutral and earth wires to respective live, neutral and earth terminals of the plug, wherein each of the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors comprises at least one projection and has at least one conductor spring and at least one lever and lever housing portion associated therewith.

B23. The electrical socket assembly of statement B22, wherein the electrical socket assembly comprises a main housing for enclosing the live and neutral electrical conductors.

B24. The electrical socket assembly of statement B23 wherein the live and neutral lever housing portions are integral with the main housing.

B25. The electrical socket assembly of statement B23 or B24, wherein the earth lever housing portion is separable from the main housing.

B26. The electrical socket assembly of statement B25, wherein the main housing comprises a recess between the Five and neutral lever housing portions, the recess being configured to receive the earth lever housing portion.

B27. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B23 to B26, wherein the earth electrical conductor extends outside and across the main housing, the earth electrical conductor projection extending between die main housing and the earth lever housing portion.

B28. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B23 to B27, wherein the main housing comprises at least one test port that provides access to one of the live and neutral electrical conductors, the test port being provided on an edge of the main housing where a top surface of the main housing meets a rear surface of the main housing.

B29. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B22 to B28, wherein each of the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors has a plurality of conductor springs, levers mid lever housing portions associated therewith, wherein the live conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions are arranged in a first group, the earth conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions are arranged in a second group, and the neutral conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions are arranged in a third group.

B30. The electrical socket assembly of statement B29, wherein the levers in each of the first, second and third groups are arranged in a row.

B31. The electrical socket assembly of statement B29 or B30, wherein the first, second and third groups are arranged in a row.

B32. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B29 to B31, wherein the first, second and third groups are spaced apart from one another.

B33. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B] to B32, wherein the electrical socket assembly comprises a pair of sockets and is configured to receive a pair of plugs.

B34. The electrical socket assembly of statement B33, wherein the or each electrical conductor comprises a laterally extending portion to connect corresponding terminals of each plug.

B35. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B1 to B34, wherein the lever comprises at least one tab provided on a side surface of the lever.

B36. The electrical socket assembly of statement B35, wherein the lever housing portion comprises a slot to receive the lever mid wherein the lever housing portion comprises a groove in a side wall of die slot, the groove extending from a front facing side of the lever housing portion to a rear facing side of the lever housing portion, die groove being configured to permit the tab to pass through the groove during assembly of the lever and the lever housing portion.

B37. The electrical socket assembly of statement B36, wherein the tab is positioned so as to prevent access to the groove when the lever is in the locked position.

B38. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B35 to B37, wherein the tab is provided along a top edge of the side surface so as to increase a width of the lever in the region of the tab.

B39. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B35 to B38, wherein the lever housing portion comprises at least one recess configured to receive the at least one tab when the lever is in the locked position.

B40. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements B1 to B39, wherein one of the lever and lever housing portion comprises at least one axle and the other of the lever and lever housing portion comprises at least one corresponding axle receiving part.

B41. A method of installing the electrical socket assembly of any of statements B1 to B40, the method comprising: rotating the lever to the unlocked position if the lever is not already in the unlocked position; inserting the end of the wire into the lever housing portion passage; arid rotating the lever into the locked position.

B42. A method of assembling the electrical socket assembly of any of statements El to B40, the method comprising: coupling the conductor spring to the electrical conductor projection; and coupling the lever and lever housing portion to the rear side of the electrical socket assembly.

Cl. An electrical socket assembly comprising: a consumer facing front side comprising at least one socket configured to receive a plug; a rear side configured to receive live, neutral and earth wires; a live electrical conductor, a neutral electrical conductor and an earth electrical conductor, the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors being respectively configured to electrically connect the live, neutral and earth wires to respective live, neutral and earth terminals of the plug, each of the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors comprising at least one projection; at least one conductor spring coupled to each of the live, neutral and earth electrical conductor projections, each conductor spring comprising an opening for receiving an end of the respective live, neutral and earth wires, wherein each conductor spring is resiliently deformable between a deformed state and a non-deformed state; at least one lever and lever housing portion for each of the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors, each lever housing portion comprising a passage for receiving the end of the respective live, neutral and earth wire, wherein the lever is rotatably coupled to the lever housing portion and rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, each lever and conductor spring being configured such that rotation of the lever into the unlocked position causes the lever to deform a respective one of the conductor springs into the deformed state and align the conductor spring opening with the passage in the lever housing portion, wherein rotation of the lever into the locked position causes the conductor spring to move towards the non-deformed state and the end of the respective live, neutral and earth wire to be held captive by an edge of the conductor spring opening; and a main housing for enclosing the live and neutral electrical conductors, wherein the live and neutral lever housing portions are integral with the main housing and the earth lever housing portion is separable from the main housing, and wherein the main housing comprises a recess between the live and neutral lever housing portions, the recess being configured to receive the earth lever housing portion.

C2. The electrical socket assembly of statement Cl, wherein the earth electrical conductor extends outside and across the main housing, the earth electrical conductor projection extending between the main housing and the earth lever housing portion.

C3. The electrical socket assembly of statement Cl or C2, wherein each of the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors has a plurality of conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions associated therewith, wherein the Five conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions are arranged in a first group, the earth conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions are arranged in a second group, and the neutral conductor springs, levers and lever housing portions are arranged in a third group C4. The electrical socket assembly of statement C3, wherein the levers in each of the first, second and third groups are arranged in a row.

CS. The electrical socket assembly of statement C3 or C4, wherein the first, second and third groups are arranged in a row.

C6. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements C3 to C5, wherein the first, second and third groups are spaced apart from one another.

C7. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C6. wherein the electrical socket assembly comprises a pair of sockets and is configured to receive a pair of plugs.

CR. The electrical socket assembly of statement C7, wherein the or each electrical conductor comprises a laterally extending portion to connect corresponding terminals of each plug.

C9. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements CI to C8, wherein the main housing comprises at least one test port that provides access to one of the live and neutral electrical conductors, the test port being provided on an edge of the main housing where a top surface of the main housing meets a rear surface of the main housing.

C10. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C9, wherein at least one of the electrical conductor projections has at least one bend such that the electrical conductor projection at least partially defines walls of a cavity that receives a respective one of the conductor springs.

C11. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C10, wherein at least one of the electrical conductor projections is shaped to substantially follow the shape of at least a portion of the respective conductor spring.

C12. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C11, wherein at least one of the electrical conductor projections is at least partially curved.

C13. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C 12, wherein at least one of the electrical conductor projections extends from a proximal end of the electrical conductor projection towards the front side and then towards the rear side of the electrical socket assembly.

C14. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C13, wherein at least one of the electrical conductor projections comprises at least one elongate tongue.

C15. The electrical socket assembly of statement C14, wherein at least a portion of the tongue is disposed at an angle that is substantially aligned with the passage in the lever housing portion.

C16. The electrical socket assembly of statement C14 or C15, wherein a distal end of the tongue rests on a stuface of the lever housing portion.

C17. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements C14 to C16 wherein the tongue is received in the conductor spring opening.

C18. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements C14 to C17, wherein at least one of the electrical conductor projections comprises a plurality of tongues, the tongues being laterally spaced apart and each being configured to receive a corresponding conductor spring.

C19. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C 18, wherein a longitudinal axis of the passage in at least one of the lever housing portions is angled relative to a front surface of the front side.

C20. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C19, wherein at least one of the electrical conductor projections substantially encloses one side of the respective conductor spring.

C21. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C20, wherein a distal part of at least one of the electrical conductor projections is at an end of the lever housing portion passage and is between a space for receiving the end of the wire and the cavity for receiving the conductor spring C22. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C21, wherein a distal end of at least one of the electrical conductor projections extends predominantly rearwards from the rear side so that as the lever housing portion is assembled onto the rear side the distal end of the electrical conductor projection extends into the lever housing portion.

C23. The electrical socket assembly of statement C22, wherein at least one of the electrical conductor projections comprises an angled portion that precedes the distal end of the electrical conductor projection and extends in a direction with rearwards and downwards components when the electrical socket assembly is installed against a vertical surface.

C24. The electrical socket assembly of statement C22 or C23, wherein the distal end of the at least one electrical conductor projection extends from the rear side in a direction with rearwards and downwards components when the electrical socket assembly is installed against a vertical surface.

C25. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements C22 to C24, wherein at least one of the lever housing portions comprises a first surface that is configured to receive the distal end of the electrical conductor projection when the lever housing portion is in an installed position, the first surface having an angle that substantially corresponds to the angle of the distal end of the electrical conductor projection.

C26. The electrical socket assembly of statement C25, wherein the at least one lever housing portion comprises a second surface that is configured to engage the distal end of the electrical conductor projection as the lever housing portion is moved towards the electrical conductor projection during assembly, the second surface being angled so as to urge the distal end of the electrical conductor projection onto the first surface of the lever housing portion.

C27. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C26, wherein the earth lever housing portion has a snap fit connection with the main housing.

C28. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C27, wherein at least one of the levers comprises at least one tab provided on a side surface of the lever.

C29. The electrical socket assembly of statement C28, wherein the at least one lever housing portion comprises a slot to receive the lever and wherein the at least one lever housing portion comprises a groove in a side wall of the slot, the groove extending from a front facing side of the lever housing portion to a rear facing side of the lever housing portion, the groove being configured to peimit the tab to pass through the groove during assembly of the lever and the lever housing portion.

C30. The electrical socket assembly of statement C29, wherein the tab is positioned so as to prevent access to the groove when the lever is in the locked position.

C3 I. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements C28 to C30. wherein the tab is provided along a top edge of the side surface so as to increase a width of the lever in the region of the tab.

C32. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements C28 to C31, wherein the at least one lever housing portion comprises at least one recess configured to receive the at least one tab when the lever is in the locked position C33. The electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C32, wherein one of the lever and lever IS housing portion comprises at least one axle and the other of the lever and lever housing portion comprises at least one corresponding axle receiving part.

C34. A method of installing the electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C33, the method comprising: rotating at least one of the levers to the unlocked position if the lever is not already in the unlocked position; inserting the end of one of the wires into the at least one lever housing portion passage; and rotating the at least one lever into the locked position.

C35. A method of assembling the electrical socket assembly of any of statements Cl to C33, the method comprising: coupling the conductor springs to the respective electrical conductor projections; coupling the main housing to the rear side of the electrical socket assembly; and coupling the earth lever and lever housing portion to the main housing.

Claims

CLAIMSAn electrical socket assembly comprising: a consumer facing front side comprising at least one socket configured to receive a plug; a rear side configured to receive at least one electrical wire, at least one electrical conductor configured to conduct electricity from the wire to the plug, and a main housing for enclosing live and neutral electrical conductors, wherein the main housing comprises at least one test port that provides access to one of the live and neutral electrical conductors, the test port being provided on an edge of the main housing where a top surface of the main housing meets a rear surface of the main housing.
2. The electrical socket assembly of claim I. wherein an opening defining the test port has a size and/or depth that limits or prevents accidental touching of the electrical conductor by an operator.
3. The electrical socket assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the test port is accessible with a probe from above when the electrical socket assembly is partially removed from a wall.
4. The electrical socket assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein an opening defining the test port extends over the edge of the main housing so that the Five and neutral electrical conductors may be probed over a range of angles.
5. A method comprising: at least partially removing the electrical socket assembly of any of claims 1 to 4 from an installed position so as to expose the top surface of the main housing; and accessing the test port with a probe.