NZ780198A - Wall box with socket cover - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a base for an electrical power outlet for providing electrical power to a device, the base comprising: at least one electrical socket for receiving a plug of the device and for connecting to a source of electrical power; and a socket cover covering the socket, the socket cover comprising one or more apertures aligned with respective one or more apertures of the socket; wherein a cavity is formed between the socket and the socket cover. Also disclosed are a membrane for covering a base; and an electrical power outlet using the base. g one or more apertures aligned with respective one or more apertures of the socket; wherein a cavity is formed between the socket and the socket cover. Also disclosed are a membrane for covering a base; and an electrical power outlet using the base.

Description

WALL BOX WITH SOCKET COVER TECHNICAL FIELD The present application s to electrical power outlets, and in particular, electrical power outlets for use in outdoor, wet and/or dusty environments.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE The entire content of each of the following Australian Provisional Patent Applications filed on 25 September 2020: - “Wall Box Cable Connection” No. 3469 - “Wall Box Conduit Connection System and ” No. 2020903465 - “Electrical Wall Box and Cover” No. 2020903464 is hereby incorporated by reference.

PRIORITY This application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2020903468 entitled “Wall Box With Socket Cover” filed on 25 September 2020. The entire content of this Provisional Patent Application is hereby incorporated by reference.

In the electrical industry, it is mes necessary to provide a source of electrical power in nments that are prone to moisture (such as rain in an outdoor environment) or dust (such as in a factory).

Ingress of contaminants such as dust, or ingress of water, can adversely affect the operation of the power outlet, and in some cases, can present an increased risk of electrocution.

SUMMARY According to a first aspect, there is provided a base for an electrical power outlet for providing electrical power to a device, the base comprising: at least one electrical socket for ing a plug of the device and for ting to a source of electrical power; and a socket cover covering the socket, the socket cover comprising one or more apertures aligned with respective one or more apertures of the socket; wherein a cavity is formed between the socket and the socket cover. ing to a second aspect, there is provided an electrical power outlet comprising the base of the first aspect further comprising a face plate covering the base, the face plate comprising one or more face plate socket apertures aligned with respective ones of the socket cover apertures and the socket apertures.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a base for an electrical power outlet for providing ical power to a device, the base comprising: at least one ical socket for receiving a plug of the device and for connecting to a source of electrical power; and a recess in a face of the base; wherein the at least one electrical socket is disposed within the .

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a membrane for ng a base switch interface, the membrane comprising at least one deformable protrusion for allowing force applied to the protrusion to be imparted to a part of the base switch interface by an operational part of a switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the various aspects described herein will be detailed with reference to the accompanying gs in which: Figure 1 – shows a general embodiment of a base for a power outlet according to one aspect; Figure 2A – shows a front perspective view of another embodiment of a base with a socket cover; Figure 2B – shows a side view of the base of Figure 2A; Figure 3A – shows an embodiment of the base of Figure 1 with a socket cover; Figure 3B – shows a side view of the base of Figure 3A; Figure 4 – shows an embodiment of the base of Figure 2A or 3A with a drain; Figure 5 – shows another embodiment of the base of Figure 2A or 3A with a drain; Figure 6 – shows another embodiment of the base of Figure 2A or 3A with a drain; Figure 7A – shows a cross-sectional side view of the base of Figure 6 showing a cavity and drain; Figure 7B – shows a sectional side view of an ment of the base of Figures 3A and 3B with a cover to provide an electrical outlet; Figure 7C – shows the base of Figure 7A with a socket shutter; Figure 8A – shows an embodiment of the arrangement of Figure 7B; Figure 8B – shows a side view of an embodiment of a base showing an angle of a front face of the base with t to the rear of the base; Figure 8C – shows a side view of an embodiment of an electrical outlet showing an angle of a front face of the cover with respect to the rear of the base; Figure 9A – shows a front perspective view of a general embodiment of a base according to an aspect described herein; Figure 9B – shows a rear view of the base according to another aspect of Figure 9A; Figure 10 – shows a side view of an electrical system such as a power outlet with base and cover according to an aspect described ; Figure 11A – shows an embodiment of a base or grid plate according to an aspect described herein; Figure 11B - shows an embodiment of a cover unit or face plate according to an aspect described herein; Figure 12 – shows an example of the base unit or grid plate for Figure 11A and exchangeable cover units or face plates according to an aspect described herein; Figure 13 – shows an embodiment of the base of for a wall box; Figure 14 – shows an exploded view of the base of Figure 13 with a cover; Figure 15 – shows the wall box of the ly of components of Figure 14; Figure 16 – shows an embodiment of a base with socket cover according to another aspect; Figure 17 – shows another embodiment of a socket cover; Figure 18 – shows the base of Figure 16 with the socket cover removed; Figure 19 – shows a front view of the base of Figure 18 showing a socket shutter in place ng the base socket; Figure 20 – shows the base of Figure 19 with the socket shutter removed; Figure 21A – shows a front view of an embodiment of the socket shutter; Figure 21B – shows a rear view of the socket shutter of Figure 21A; Figure 21C – shows a perspective view of the socket shutter of Figure 21A; Figure 22A – shows the socket shutter in a shuttering position covering the base socket; Figure 22B – shows the socket shutter of Figure 22A in an unshuttering position; and Figure 23 – shows an embodiment of a membrane covering a base switch interface.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a base 100 for an electrical power outlet according to an aspect. As can be seen, base 100 ses a socket 111, disposed within a recess 114 in the base 100. Socket 111 has socket res 111a, 111b, 111c which are ted to respective terminals which are in turn connected to a power supply, as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

Figure 2A shows an embodiment of base 100 according to another aspect, in which socket 111 with respective socket apertures 111a, 111b, 111c is disposed on a face of the base 100, with a socket cover 112 disposed over the socket 111. As can be seen, a cavity 113 is provided between the socket 111 and the socket cover 112. The on of the cavity 113 will be described in more detail further below. It will also be noted in Figure 2A that socket cover 112 has socket cover apertures 112a, 112b, 112c which, when in position, align with respective socket res 111a, 111b, 111c of the socket 111 of the base 100.

Figure 2B shows a side view of the base 100 of Figure 2A, showing the socket cover 112 and the cavity 113.

Figure 3A shows base 100 according to another embodiment, in which the base 100 of Figure 1 has a socket cover 112 covering the socket 111 over recess 114, creating cavity 113 as also seen in the side view of Figure 3B.

It will be appreciated that the provision of a socket cover 112 in front of socket 111 provides an additional obstacle, path or course for moisture or contaminants to pass through before entering socket apertures 111a, 111b, 111c. This makes it more ult for re and contaminants to reach the socket apertures, thereby sing the resistance of the base, and ated electrical outlet to such contaminants and moisture.

Broadly then, there is provided a base 100 for an electrical power outlet 300 for providing electrical power to a device, the base comprising at least one electrical socket 111 for receiving a plug of the device and for connecting to a source of electrical power; and a socket cover 112 covering the socket 111, the socket cover 112 comprising one or more apertures 112a, 112b, 112c aligned with respective one or more apertures 111a, 111b, 111c of the socket; wherein a cavity 113 is formed between the socket 111 and the socket cover 112.

The cavity also acts as a trap or well to collect contaminants or moisture before it enters the socket res 111a, 111b, 111c.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show different embodiments according to another aspect. In this aspect, a drain 115 is provided from the cavity 113. In some embodiments as shown in Figure 4, the drain 115 is provided in the socket cover 112. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the drain 115 is provided in the base 100 and, in some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the drain 115 is provided in both socket cover 112 and the base 100, by way of an aperture in one or both of the socket cover 112 and base 100.

Figure 7A shows a side cross-sectional view of an ment of the base 100 shown in Figures 3A and 3B. In this embodiment, the front face of the base 100 is angled. Recess 114 is also correspondingly angled. As can be seen in this view, socket cover 112 is disposed in front of the recess 114, forming cavity 113 between the socket cover 112 and the socket 111. Cover socket apertures 112a, 112b are shown, aligned with corresponding socket res 111a, 111b, to allow respective pins of a plug to be inserted through socket cover 112 and into socket 111.

As will be appreciated, if in use, moisture enters the socket cover apertures 112a, 112b, 112c (not seen in this view), it will more likely pool at the bottom of the cavity 113 before it is able to enter socket 111. As the moisture pools at the bottom of the cavity 113, it is allowed to drain from the cavity 113 via drain 115 disposed at the bottom of the cavity 113. This es a further barrier for moisture to enter the socket 111. Similarly, other contaminants such as dust that enters cavity 113 is more likely to be trapped therein and collect at the bottom of the cavity.

The socket cover 112 may be removed periodically to clean out the cavity 113 of collected inants.

In Figure 7B, a similar arrangement to that shown in Figure 7A is shown, but without the drain 115, and with the cover 200 placed over the base 100. Cover 200 also has cover socket apertures 211a, 211b aligned with socket cover apertures 112a, 112b, and socket apertures 111a, 111b. This es an even r barrier to moisture and contaminants from entering socket apertures 111a, 111b, 111c. In other embodiments, drain 115 may also be provided.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 7C, a socket shutter 117 is also provided in front of socket 111. This shutter covers socket apertures 111a, 111b, 111c while not in use, and slides across to allow access to the apertures only when a plug with respective pins is pushed s socket 111. More detail on this aspect will be provided further below.

Figure 8A shows an embodiment of a power outlet 300 including a base 100 (not visible in this view), covered by a cover 200. In some aspects, as will be described in more detail below, the power outlet 300 is a wall box, as shown in Figure 8A. In some aspects, the cover 200 serves as a face plate providing one or more socket apertures and, in some embodiments, one or more switches.

According to r aspect, the base 100 has a base front face 101 which is angled with respect to the base rear face 102 of the base by an angle θ of less than about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is n about 44 degrees and about 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is between about between about 29 degrees and 20 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is less than 20 degrees, including 19 degrees; 18 degrees; 17 degrees; 16 degrees; 15 degrees; 14 degrees; 13 degrees; 12 degrees; 11 degrees and 10 degrees. The reduced slope of the face over existing wall boxes with a same IP rating (for example IP54), provides for easier user access in ing the switches on the front face as well as inserting a plug in the . Figure 8B shows this angular relationship according to an embodiment.

Figure 8C shows a similar angular relationship between a front face 201 of a cover 200 and the rear 102 of the base 100.

Broadly then, there is provided a base 100 as previously described wherein the base 100 comprises a rear face 102 for mounting to a surface and a front face 101 on which is disposed the socket 111 and wherein an angle between the front face 101 and the rear face 102 is less than about 45 degrees, and in one embodiment, is about 15 degrees, including 15 degrees.

There is also broadly provided a wall box 300 having a base 100 and cover 200 as usly described wherein the base 100 comprises a rear face 102 for mounting to a surface and the cover 200 has a front face 201 wherein an angle between the front face 201 and the rear face 102 is less than about 45 degrees, and in one ment, is about 15 degrees, including degrees.

A general embodiment of electrical device 300, of which a wall box is one ment, will now be described with reference to Figures 9A to 12.

Figure 9A shows a front perspective view of a general ment of a base or base unit 100 and Figure 9B shows a rear perspective view of the base unit 100 of Figure 9A. In one aspect, the base unit 100 comprises a mounting region 110 for ng the base unit 100 to the surface. In some embodiments, the surface is a wall. In some other embodiments, the surface is a floor. In some other embodiments, the surface is a wall of a box or other enclosure. In other embodiments, the surface is a frame for supporting the base unit.

In some embodiments, the mounting region 110 is itself a surface which will come into t with the surface to which the base unit 100 is to be mounted. In other embodiments, the mounting region 110 is a pin, tab or other connector.

As shown in Figure 9A, base unit 100 also comprises a base connector 120 for connecting the base unit to a cover unit 200, as will be described in more detail below. The base connector is shown cally in Figure 9A but can take on any form that allows connection of the cover unit to the base unit 100. Such forms include a recess for receiving a protrusion from the cover unit, a protrusion for being ed in a corresponding recess in the cover unit, a clipping arrangement, or a magnet for attracting and retaining a region of the cover unit. In other embodiments, the base connector is an adhesive, or a loop-hook connector such as a product sold under the trade mark Velcro® by Velcro Industries B.V. In this embodiment, base connector 120 can be either the loop component of the connector or the hook component.

Base unit 100 also comprises a base supply power input 130 for electrically connecting the base unit 100 to a supply or mains power supply (see Figure 9A). In some countries, the mains, or supply power, is provided as an alternating current (AC) electrical signal of about 240V (for example between about 220V and 260V) and about 50Hz frequency. In other countries, mains or supply power is provided as an AC signal of between about 100V and 130V.

Some systems use a frequency of about 50Hz while others use a frequency of about 60Hz. Some supply power systems are single phase and others may be three-phase. It will be understood that any ical power that would be considered to be supply or mains power can be used.

Base power output 150 can be provided by any suitable means including a direct plug/socket arrangement with a recess provided in base unit 100 leading to conductive elements which make electrical tion with a corresponding ically conductive element of a cover unit power input 210 (see , or can be provided by a radiating element that ers power from base unit 100 to cover unit 200 by induction or other means. An example of this embodiment is described in more detail below. Any other form of power transfer can also be used.

In some embodiments, base power output 150 and base connector 120 can be provided by the same element. In one such embodiment, the connection of cover power input to the base power output 150 will also e sufficient support to retain cover unit 200 to base unit 100 t a further additional base connector 120 or other connection arrangement.

In some embodiments, base unit 100 will also comprise a power converter 140 which converts the supply input power received at the base supply power 130 input to the output power provided by the base power output 150 to provide useable power to the cover unit 200 when in In some embodiments, the base power output will be ed or otherwise ted so that no electrically-live element is easily accessible by a user when the base unit 100 is installed.

In some ments, the default state of the base power output is to an OFF state and is electrically isolated from the mains or supply power, and/or from the output of the power converter 140. In such an embodiment, only when the cover unit 200 is in place will the base power outlet be electrically connected to the mains or supply power and/or the output of the power ter 140.

Figure 10 shows an embodiment of base unit 100 and cover unit 200 connected together, with base unit 100 mounted to a surface 40 (e.g. a wall), and mains or source power 50 connected to the base supply power 130 input.

In other embodiments, base unit 100 also comprises a base switch interface 160 for interfacing with a switch element of the cover unit 200, to allow actuation of a switch on the cover unit 200 to be effected on the base unit 100. Figure 11A shows a base unit 100 with base switch interface 160. In some embodiments, base switch interface 160 is an electrical interface such as a radio frequency (RF) receiver for receiving RF signals from a switch on the cover unit 200 (Figure 10B) when actuated. In some ments, base switch interface 160 is an ed (IR) receiver for receiving IR signals from a switch of cover unit 200. In other embodiments, base switch interface 160 is a component of a touch switch which actuates upon a user touching or near-touching a corresponding switch element on the cover unit 200. An example of such a touch switch arrangement is described in PCT Patent Application No. (published as WO 83380) entitled “Touch Switch” incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In other embodiments, base switch interface 160 is a mechanical interface for engaging with a switch element or a cover switch ace of cover unit 200 as is described in more detail in Australian Patent Application No. 2015275225 previously incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Figure 11A shows a general representation of the components of an embodiment of a switch ly, connected to base unit 100 according to one aspect. Broadly, in this aspect, switch assembly 500 comprises two sub-assemblies, being base unit switch part 510 and ional part 1200. As shown in Figure 11A, base unit switch part 510 comprises a functional part 1000 and a base switch interface 160. Operational part 1200 is for actuation by a user and for controlling the functional part 1000, via the base switch interface 160, for interfacing the functional part 1000 and the operational part 1200.

It will be noted that the ional part 1200 is not fixed to the base switch interface 160 or the functional part 1000 and is able to move freely with respect thereto as discussed in more detail in Australian Patent Application No. 2015275225 previously referred to, as well as Australian Patent Application No. 5227 ed “Switch Assembly, System and Method”, lian Patent Application No. 2015275234 entitled “Push Button Switch Assembly, and Operational Part”; and Australian Patent Application No. 2015275233 entitled “Switch ly with Rotatable ional Part”, all previously incorporated by reference in their entirety.

It will be understood that there can be any combination of different operational parts 1200 and plates or cover units 200. For example, a switch assembly 500 with a small dolly 1201B might be converted to a switch assembly with a big dolly 1201B by replacing the operational part 1200 with a small dolly as described above. In another example, a switch assembly with a round push-button switch might be converted to a switch assembly with a square push-button/rocker switch by ng the operational part and the plate. In another combination, as shown in Figure 112, the appearance of system 300 may be changed tely by ng the existing plate or cover unit 200 with a plate or cover unit 200’ of a different type. In one embodiment, the user interface 1201 can be used, or a different user interface 1201 can be used. In the example of Figure 12, the switch interface 1201 is changed from a round dolly 1201B to a square dolly 1201B’.

As previously described, the power outlet 300 is, in some embodiments, a wall box 300.

Various embodiments of a wall box embodying various aspects previously described will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 13 to 23.

[Link] https://patentscout.innography.com/search/keyword#offset=0&q=Source_AU+@applicationNumber+AU20172017236031&t=keyword&view= Figure 13 shows an embodiment of a base 100 comprising two sockets 111 (not e in this view) covered by respective socket covers 112. In this embodiment, there are also ed two base switch interfaces 160 (not visible in this view) covered by respective membranes 116. The provision of the membrane 116 provides additional protection against ingress of re and dust and is described in more detail in Australian Patent Application No. 2017236031 entitled “Moisture ance for Electrical Plate System”, hereby incorporated by reference. In that application, a flexible membrane is described, which provides a moisture and dust barrier between the outside and the inside of the switching mechanism. It will be appreciated that while the membrane described in that application is a flexible and/or stretchy membrane, a ne that is able to be flexed by virtue of its shape is also able to be used.

This membrane type is described in more detail further below with reference to Figure 23.

Figure 14 shows an exploded view of the components of base 100 of Figure 13. In this embodiment, base 100 comprises base part 110 and frame or grid 155 which connects to base part 110 by any le means including with clips or a snap fit.

Visible within the frame or grid 155 are recesses 114 in which are disposed sockets 111.

Two switch interfaces 160 are also shown. Socket shutters 117 are shown which will be disposed over the respective sockets 111 and socket covers 112 which will be disposed over the sockets 111 and rs 117 to cover recesses 114 to form respective cavities 113 as previously described. Also seen in this view are nes 116 which will cover respective switch aces 160.

Cover 200 is shown which will cover base 100 to form wall box 300, with respective switch rockers 1200 which connect to the cover 200 for interaction with base switch interfaces 160 via membranes 116. When assembled, wall box 300 is provided as shown in Figure 15, with cover sockets 211 with corresponding cover socket apertures 211a, 211b, 211c and switch rockers 1200 on cover 200.

Figure 16 shows another ment of base 100. In this embodiment, socket cover 112 with respective socket cover apertures 112a, 112b, 112c is provided as an extended piece which also serves to push down on and assist in retaining or supporting membrane 116 to the frame or grid 155.

Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the socket cover 112 removed from the base 100.

Figure 18 shows the base 100 of Figure 16 with the socket cover 112 removed. In this view, socket shutter 117 is seen in recess 114 covering socket 111.

Figure 19 is a front view of the base 100 of Figure 18, this time with ne 116 removed. This view also shows how socket shutter 117 covers all socket res 111a, 111b, 111c to prevent ingress of moisture or dust into these apertures.

Figure 20 shows the base of Figure 19 with the socket shutter 117 removed, to reveal socket apertures 111a, 111b, 111c.

Figures 21A, 21B and 21C show the socket shutter 117 from different views.

Figure 21A shows socket cover 117 from the front. In this view there are shown two socket shutter apertures 117a, 117b which align with respective socket apertures 111a, 111b when the socket shutter 117 is in the open, non-covering on as will be described further below. Also shown in Figure 21A are first angled surface 117d and second angled surface 117e whose purpose will also be described r below.

Figure 21B shows the rear of socket shutter 117, showing socket shutter apertures 117a, 117b, and Figure 21C shows a front perspective view of the socket shutter 117. In this view, the first and second angled surfaces 117d and 117e are also clearly seen.

Figures 22A and 22B show the action of the socket shutter 117 in ng and uncovering the socket 111. In Figure 22A, it can be seen that the shutter 117 covers all socket apertures 111a, 111b, 111c. The socket shutter 117 is held in place over the apertures by spring 117f. As the user inserts the plug and corresponding pins into the power outlet 300 through the respective cover socket apertures 211a, 211b, 211c and socket cover apertures 112a, 112b, 112c as previously bed, the ends of the respective pins engage the first angled surface 117d and the second angled surface 117e. As the user continues to push the pins in, this generates a sideways force t the spring 117f, as indicated by the arrow, causing the socket shutter 117 to slide across to expose the underlying socket apertures 111a, 111b, 111c as shown in Figure 22B, enabling the pins to enter these apertures and make electrical contact with the power source.

When the user removes the plug from the outlet 300, the pins are withdrawn from the socket apertures 111a, 111b, 111c and allows the socket shutter 117 to slide back under bias from the spring 117f to again cover the socket apertures.

Figure 23 shows an ment of a ne 116 which, as described above, covers the base switch interface 160 to provide further protection against water or dust ingress. In this embodiment, the membrane 116 is made from a flexible material such as a rubber, and is formed so as to provide sections that can be deformed to allow movement between the base switch interface 160 and the rocker 1200.

Seen in Figure 23 is the membrane 116 with border 116a with a corresponding lip, which can be connected or adhered to the base 100 by various means including gluing. As previously described, the lip may also be compressed between the base 100 and the socket cover 112 to help in securing the ne 116 in place. Also seen are deformable protrusions 116b, 116c, 116d and 116e which, in use, lie over one or more features of the base switch interface 160. When the rocker 1200 is actuated by the user, the appropriate part of the rocker pushes down on the relevant protrusion to deform it, and impart the force on the underlying respective feature of the base switch interface 160 to actuate the switch. The different configurations of the protrusions on the membrane 116 allow for different base switch interface configurations. It will be iated that the ne 116 may have any number of deformable protrusions, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 or more.

It will be appreciated that the wall box 300 may be of a wide range of configurations. In some embodiments, wall box 300 may only have one socket and no switches. In some embodiments, wall box 300 will have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more sockets, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more switches. According to some s as previously described with reference to Figures 9A to 12, these various embodiments may be ed simply by replacing the cover 200 according to a ed configuration.

Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the ular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or ed herein. It will be iated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is e of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (16)

1. A base for an electrical power outlet for providing ical power to a device, the base comprising: at least one ical socket for receiving a plug of the device and for connecting to a source of electrical power; and a socket cover ng the socket, the socket cover comprising one or more apertures aligned with respective one or more apertures of the socket; n a cavity is formed between the socket and the socket cover.

2. A base as claimed in claim 1 wherein a drain aperture is provided for allowing any moisture that has collected within the cavity to drain out of the cavity.

3. A base as claimed in claim 2 wherein the drain aperture is provided in the socket cover.

4. A base as claimed in claim 2 wherein the drain aperture is provided in the base.

5. A base as claimed in claim 2 wherein the drain aperture is provided in both the base and the socket cover.

6. A base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the base comprises a base unit and a frame connected to the base unit and wherein the socket and socket cover are provided in the frame.

7. A base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein a socket shutter is disposed between the socket and the socket cover.

8. A base as claimed in claim 7 wherein the socket shutter covers the socket apertures when there are no pins received within the tive socket apertures, and n the socket shutter slides to expose the respective socket apertures as the respective pins are moved towards the socket apertures.

9. A base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 further comprising at least one base switch ace covered by a flexible membrane, and wherein in use the socket cover presses against parts of the membrane to secure the membrane to the base.

10. An electrical power outlet comprising the base of any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprising a face plate covering the base, the face plate comprising one or more face plate socket apertures aligned with respective ones of the socket cover apertures and the socket apertures.

11. An electric power outlet as claimed in claim 10 wherein the electric power outlet is a l Power Outlet (GPO).

12. An electric power outlet as claimed in claim 10 n the electric power outlet is a wall

13. A base for an electrical power outlet for providing electrical power to a device, the base comprising: at least one electrical socket for receiving a plug of the device and for connecting to a source of electrical power; and a recess in a face of the base; wherein the at least one electrical socket is ed within the recess.

14. A base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 and 13 wherein the base comprises a rear face for mounting to a surface and a front face on which is disposed the socket and n the an angle between the front face and the rear face is less than 45 degrees.

15. A base as claimed in claim 14 wherein the angle is about 15 degrees.

16. A membrane for covering a base switch interface, the membrane comprising at least one able protrusion for allowing force applied to the protrusion to be imparted to a part of the base switch interface by an operational part of a switch.