WO2019123136A2

WO2019123136A2 - Expandable distribution board and system incorporating same

Info

Publication number: WO2019123136A2
Application number: PCT/IB2018/060005
Authority: WO
Inventors: Quintin LAMPRECHT
Original assignee: Allbro (Pty) Ltd
Priority date: 2017-12-21
Filing date: 2018-12-13
Publication date: 2019-06-27
Also published as: WO2019123136A3

Abstract

This invention concerns a small power distribution unit. The unit includes a housing for housing electrical equipment, an access window, at least one power outlet for connection to an external electrical device and an additional power outlet forming part of an expandable electrical circuit. The expandable circuit allows the small power distribution unit to be connected electrically to an extender power unit or another small power distribution unit. The inventions also concerns a system including at least one small power distribution unit and at least one extender power unit. The invention also concerns a method of mounting the power extender unit.

Description

Expandable Distribution Board and System Incorporating Same

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

THIS invention relates to an expandable distribution board and a system including such distribution board.

The concept of a small power distribution unit (SPDU), which is also known as a ready board, is well-known. It has been around since the mid 90’s as a rapid way to deploy basic electrical access to a large portion of the community who was without electrical power. Ready boards have been used in a wide range of applications. In one application ready boards are used as a small power distribution units in an attempt to obtain sustainable distribution methods for basic electrical supply to the community. Ready boards are often used in low cost housing reticulation as the main intake point for dwellings. In each dwelling the ready board is mounted on one of the interior walls at a position wherein it facilitate access thereto by the occupants. In another application ready boards are installed in mobile vehicles, such as motorhomes, caravans and trailers for example, as an easy to install and use electrical distribution board. Ready boards have the advantage that they come completely assembled and wired, and a certificate of compliance (CoC) is provided with each board.

However, a significant drawback of known ready boards is that they are not expandable. Accordingly, a user is limited to the electrical sockets provided on the ready board.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a power distribution system that will, at least partially, alleviate the above disadvantages.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a power distribution system which will be a useful alternative to existing distribution systems. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a ready board which will be a useful alternative to existing ready board.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a small power distribution unit including:

a housing for housing electrical equipment, the housing having a first section carrying mounting arrangements for mounting it to an external structure and a second section being movably connected to the first section so that it is movable between a first, closed position in which access to the electrical equipment mounted inside the housing is prevented and a second, open configuration in which access is allowed to the electrical equipment inside the housing;

an access window carried by the housing, wherein the access window is operable between a first, closed position wherein access to the interior of the housing is prevented and a second, open position wherein access to the interior of the housing is allowed through the window; at least one power outlet for connection to an external electrical device operable by a user; and

an additional power outlet forming part of an expandable electrical circuit so as to allow the small power distribution unit to be connected electrically to an extender power unit or another small power distribution unit.

The power outlets may each include at least one socket for receiving an electrical plug.

The socket associated with the expandable circuit may carry an obstructing formation which is complementary shaped to the corresponding plug receivable in the socket, thereby preventing misuse of the power outlet.

The obstructing formation may be located on the socket is in the form of a protrusion extending into the socket such that the protrusion is, in use, received in a complementary shaped notch located on the associated plug.

At least one of the electrical sockets may be located on a removable plate, which is removable attachable to the housing, thereby allowing the removable plate to be interchangeable with another removable plate carrying a different socket configuration.

The expandable circuit may be controlled by a current limiting breaker in order to prevent an overload.

The expandable circuit is preferably protected by an earth leakage.

The small power distribution unit may include an integrated switch for a bulk head light, which is removably mountable to the housing.

The small power distribution unit may include an internal mounting formations which are accessible only when the second section of the housing is in its open position, thereby preventing tampering and/or removal of the unit without opening the housing.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided an extender power unit including:

a housing for housing electrical equipment;

at least one power outlet carried by the housing for connection to an external electrical device operable by a user;

an electrical cord carrying an electrical plug for connection to a small power distribution unit of any one of claims 1 to 9; and

a slack management system for taking up the slack in the electrical cord.

The electrical cord may be an integrated extension lead carrying a moulded electrical plug at its free end.

The extender power unit may include an integrated switch for a bulk head light, which is removably mountable to the housing.

The slack management system may include a capstan formation around which the electrical cord may be wound in order to take up slack in the extension lead, and wherein the capstan formation is located inside an internal cavity of the body such that the electrical cord is stored inside the body.

The power outlet may include at least one socket for receiving an electrical plug.

The electrical socket may be carried by a removable plate, which is removable attachable to the housing, thereby allowing the removable plate to be interchangeable with another plate carrying a different socket configuration. Alternatively, the electrical socket may be moulded into a front surface of the body of the extender unit.

The extender power unit may include a rear plate for closing off the body, wherein the rear plate and body carry complementary shaped engaging formations which engage one another when the body and rear plate are connected to each other.

The engaging formations may be located on the rear plate are in the form of projections carried in the region of an end of the rear plate which is, in use, its top end, and wherein the projections are shaped to define a gap between them and the structure on which the rear plate is in use mounted for receiving the engagement formations located on the body therein.

The projections are preferably shaped so as to allow the engagement formations on the body to be received in the gap defined by the projections by lowering the body into the gap from above.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a power distribution system including:

at least one small power distribution including:

an access window carried by the housing, wherein the access window is operable between a first, closed position wherein access to the interior of the housing is prevented and a second, open position wherein access to the interior of the housing is allowed through the window;

at least one power outlet for connection to an external electrical device operable by a user; and an additional power outlet forming part of an expandable electrical circuit; and

at least one power extender unit including:

a housing for housing electrical equipment;

an electrical cord carrying an electrical plug for connection to the small power distribution unit as part of the expandable electrical circuit; and

a slack management system for taking up the slack in the electrical cord;

wherein the at least one small power distribution unit and the at least one extender power unit can be daisy chained to one another using the electrical extension cord and electrical plug, thereby creating a scalable power distribution system.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of distributing electrical power, including:

providing a small power distribution unit according to the first aspect of the invention; and

connecting the small power distribution unit with either another small power distribution unit and/or an extender power unit according to the second aspect of the invention using an electrical extension lead.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of mounting an extender unit on an external structure including the steps of:

i) fixing a rear plate of the extender unit to the external structure; ii) engaging complementary shaped engagement formations carried by a housing of the extender unit and the rear plate respectively; iii) moving the housing of the extender unit towards the rear plate; and

iv) securing the housing of the extender unit to the rear plate. The step of engaging the complementary shaped engagement formations may include engaging an end of the housing which is a top end with the engaging formations projecting from an end of the rear plate that is a top end such that the housing is pivoted about its top end when moving it towards the rear plate.

The step of engaging the housing with the engagement formations on the rear plate may include raising the housing to a level where its top wall is above the engagement formations and then lowering the housing so as to slide the engagement formations on the housing into gaps located between the engaging formations on the rear plate and the external structure.

The method may include the step of receiving the rear plate inside a recess defined by the housing.

The method may include the step of locating the housing against the external surface and edges of the rear plate so as to seal off its internal volume.

The step of securing the housing to the rear plate may include securing an end of the housing which is its bottom end to an end of the rear plate which is its bottom end using a fastener.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a ready board in accordance with the invention in its closed configuration; Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the ready board of Figure 1 in its closed configuration;

Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of the ready board of Figure

1 in its closed configuration but with its access window open;

Figure 4 shows a front perspective view of the ready board of Figure

1 in its open configuration and with its access window open;

Figure 5 shows a rear perspective view of the ready board of Figure 1 in its open configuration and with its access window open;

Figure 6 shows a front view of the ready board of Figure 1 in its closed configuration;

Figure 7 shows a left side view of the ready board of Figure 1 in its closed configuration but with its access window open;

Figure 8 shows a right side view of the ready board of Figure 1 in its closed configuration but with its access window open;

Figure 9 shows a top view of the ready board of Figure 1 in its closed configuration;

Figure 10 shows a bottom view of the ready board of Figure 1 in its closed configuration;

Figure 11 shows a front perspective of an extender power unit in accordance with the invention;

Figure 12 shows a rear perspective view of the extender power unit of

Figure 15; Figure 13 shows a front view of the extender power unit of Figure 15;

Figure 14 shows a rear view of the extender power unit of Figure 15;

Figure 15 shows a front perspective view of a ready board in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16 shows a front view of the ready board of Figure 15;

Figure 17 shows a front view of the ready board of Figure 15 with its access window open;

Figure 18 shows a top front perspective view of a ready board in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 19 shows a bottom front perspective view of the ready board of

Figure 18;

Figure 20 shows a front view of a ready board of Figure 19;

Figure 21 shows a front left side perspective view of an extender power unit in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 22 shows a front right side perspective view of the extender power unit of Figure 21 ;

Figure 23 shows a front view of the extender power unit of Figure 21 ;

Figure 24 shows a cross-sectional side view of the extender power unit of Figure 21 ; Figure 25 illustrates the steps of mounting the extender power unit of Figure 21 in which the extender unit is shown in perspective view; and

Figure 26 illustrates the steps of mounting the extender power unit of

Figure 21 in which the extender unit is shown in side view.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings and are thus intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Additionally, the words "lower", "upper", "upward", "down" and "downward" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words or similar import. It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," and any singular use of any word, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term“include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like features, a non-limiting example of a power distribution system in accordance with the invention will be described. The system includes a small power distribution unit 10, 210, 310, which is also referred to as a ready board, and an extender unit 1 10, 410. As will be described in detail below the system is scalable in that multiple ready boards 10, 210, 310 and/or extender units 1 10, 410 may be daisy-chained to one another. It should therefore be understood that the system may include any number of ready boards 10, 210, 310 and/or extender units 1 10, 410. The number of ready boards 10, 210, 310 and/or extender units 1 10, 410 will typically depend on the application in which the system is being used.

Turning now to Figures 1 to 10 a first embodiment of the ready board 10 of the invention will be described in greater detail.

The ready board 10 has a housing 12 for housing equipment, which is typically electrical equipment. The housing 12 has a first section 14.1 and a second section 14.2 which are connectable to one another. The first section 14.1 is also referred to as a base while the second section 14.2 is also referred to as a lid. As shown in Figure 1 the lid 14.2 is connected to the base 14.1 by means of hinges 16 so that the lid is movable between a first, open position and a second, closed position as shown in Figures 4 and 5. In its closed configuration in which the lid 14.2 is secured to the base 14.1 , the housing 12 defines an enclosed internal volume in which the electrical distribution equipment can be mounted.

The lid 14.2 is securable to the base 14.1 so as to prevent unauthorised access to the electrical equipment mounted in the internal volume of the housing 12. In one embodiment the lid 14.2 is securable to the base 14.1 by means of fasteners, such as screws for example. In use, the fasteners (not shown in the accompanying drawings) pass through openings 18 located in securing formations 20 carried on the lid 14.1 and are secured in complementary shaped securing formations 22 located on an internal surface 24 of the base 14.2. The complementary shaped securing formations 20, 22 are best seen in Figure 4.

Still referring to Figure 4, it can be seen that the hinges 16 are located so as to allow the lid 14.2 to pivot relative to the base 14.1 when moving between its open and closed positions. This allows for easy access to the internal components mounted inside the housing 12. When moved into its open position the lid 14.2 will simply be retained in this position until the user moves it back into its closed position manually.

The lid 14.1 further carries a sealing arrangement 26 which engages the base 14.2 when in its closed position so as to create a seal between the lid and base. The seal assist with the dust and water proofing of the housing 12 so as to achieve the required IP protection levels. Best seen in Figure 4, the sealing arrangement 26 runs substantially along the entire periphery of the lid 14.2. In this particular embodiment the sealing arrangement 26 defines an engagement formation for engaging the end or edges of the upstanding side walls 28.1 to 28.4 of the base 14.1 .

The ready board 10 is typically mounted in use in such a manner that the sidewalls 28.1 and 28.2 are the top and bottom walls respectively while the sidewalls 28.3 and 28.4 are left and right side walls respectively. The top wall 28.1 defines a connecting formation 30 for connecting a bulk head light to the housing 12. The bulk head light can easily be connected to and be disconnected from the housing 12 by means of fasteners so as to allow it to be interchangeable. The connecting formation 30 includes two holes 32.1 and 32.2 for receiving the fasteners when connecting the bulkhead light to the housing 12. An integrated switch 34 for the bulk head light is carried by the lid 14.2. The switch toggle 36 is accessible externally. As shown in the accompanying drawings, the toggle switch 36 extends through a front surface 38 of the lid 14.2 for easy access thereto. The bulk head light is shown in the third embodiment of the ready board 310 illustrated in Figures 18 to 20.

The base 14.1 also carries mounting arrangements 40 for mounting the base, and accordingly the housing 12, to an external structure (not shown). The mounting arrangements 40 are typically designed for wall mounting the ready board 10 to a wall of a building such as a house, for example. The mounting arrangements 40 are internal mounting arrangements such that access thereto is prevented when the lid 14.2 is in its closed position so as to prevent unauthorised removal of the ready board 10 from the wall. A rear surface 42 of the base 14.1 further carries stabilising features 44 that abut the wall when the ready board 10 is, in use, mounted on the wall.

Returning to Figures 1 and 3 the housing 12 and in particular the lid 14.2 carries an access window 46, which is operable between a first, closed position (Figure 1 ) wherein access to the interior of the housing 12 is prevented and a second, open position (Figure 3) wherein access to the interior of the housing 12 is allowed through the window. The access window 46 is connected at one of its edges to the lid 14.2 such that it is pivotal between its open and closed positions. The pivot axis of the window 46 is substantially horizontal in use. The window 46 is further securable to the lid in its closed position, thereby preventing unauthorised or unwanted access. A manually operable lock 48 is carried by the window and is operable between a locked and an unlocked state. The lock 48 passes through an opening 50 located in the lid 14.2 when the window 46 is in its closed position. By operating the lock 48 into its locked state when extending through the opening 50, the window 46 is held captive by the lid 14.2, thereby preventing the window 46 from being opened.

The lid 14.2 and in particular the section thereof carrying the access window 46 is design so as to accommodate a wing type or keyed lock for lockout breakers. To allow for the wiring of the ready board 10, the housing 12 and in particular the base 14.1 carries a number of access openings 52 located in its bottom wall 28.2 and/or its side walls 28.4. These openings 52 allow electrical wires to pass through the housing 12 for connection to the electrical equipment mounted therein.

The base 14.1 also has mounting formations for mounting DIN and/or Samite breakers.

The ready board 10 has at least one power outlet 54 for connection to an external electrical device operable by a user. The electrical device can be any electrical appliance which the user wishes to run from the ready board 10. The ready board 10 includes an additional power outlet 56 for connection to the extender power unit 1 10. The additional power outlet 56 forms part of an expandable circuit so as to allow the ready board 10 to be connected electrically to the extender power unit 1 10 or another ready board 10. The word expandable is used to describe the ability of the circuit to be expanded, extended or increased in order for the electrical network to cover a greater area and/or to provide a greater number of electrical outlets or sockets and/or to provide electrical current to a greater number of electrical devices running off the ready board 10.

The expandable circuit is controlled by a current limiting breaker in order to prevent an overload. The ready board 10, including the expandable circuit, is further protected by an earth leakage. The current limiting breaker and earth leakage protecting the expandable circuit is located on the ready board 10 and no additional earth leakage or circuit breakers are required on the extender unit 1 10.

Each power outlet 54, 56 includes at least one socket for receiving an electrical plug. In the illustrated embodiment, each power outlet 54, 56 includes a socket 58 for receiving a three prong plug and a number of sockets 60 for receiving SANS 164-2 plugs. As shown in the accompanying drawings, the sockets 60 associated with the expandable circuit carry an obstructing formation which is complementary shaped to the corresponding plug receivable in the socket, thereby preventing misuse of the power outlet 56. In the preferred embodiment the obstructing formation located on the sockets 60 is in the form of a protrusion 62 extending into the socket such that the protrusion is, in use, received in a complementary shaped notch located on the associated plug.

The electrical sockets 58, 60 of each power outlet 54, 56 are located on a removable plate 64, which is connectable to the lid 14.2 of the housing 12. The plates 64 are removably attachable to the housing 12 in order to allow removable plates carrying a different set of sockets to be connected to the housing 12. In other words, the plates 64 are interchangeable. It is envisaged that the housing 12, and in particular the lid 14.2, be compatible with any standard 4x4 wall socket plate to allow for a range of different socket configurations. It should therefore be understood that the ready board 10 is not limited to any particular configuration of sockets. To the contrary, any arrangement of sockets carried by the plate 64 can be used. Due to the interchangeable plates 64 the different socket configurations are also interchangeable.

As shown in the accompanying drawings the plates 64 are attached to the housing in such a position that the sockets are accessible from the front, i.e. facing the exterior surface of the lid 14.2. Effectively, the sockets 58, 60 are carried by the front surface of the lid 14.2 for easy access thereto and/or replacement of the associated plugs without the need to open the housing 12.

The ready board 10, and in particular the base 14.1 and lid 14.2, is preferably manufactured from a non-metallic material, such a plastics material or a fibreglass reinforced polyester, for example. The fibreglass reinforced polyester is a non-flammable composite and provides excellent impact resistance. An advantage of the ready board 10 in accordance with the invention is that it is not susceptible to being vandalised by setting it alight.

Referring now in particular to Figures 1 1 to 14, a non-limiting example of the extender power unit 1 10 in accordance with the invention will be described.

The extender power unit 1 10 again has a housing or body 1 12 for housing electrical equipment. The body 1 12 is substantially rectangular in shape and has a front surface 1 14 on which user operable equipment is mounted and a rear surface 1 16, which typically abuts the external structure against which the unit 1 10 is mounted.

The extender unit 1 10 carries at least one power outlet 1 18 for connection to an external electrical device operable by the user. Again, the external electrical device could be any electrical appliance that the user wishes to power from the extender unit 1 10. The power outlet 1 18 is substantially similar to the power outlet 54, 56 of the ready board 10. However, in the illustrated embodiment the sockets of the power outlet 1 18 of the extender unit 1 10 do not carry obstructing formations to restrict the plugs that are receivable them.

The power outlet 1 18 includes at least one socket for receiving an electrical plug. In the illustrated embodiment, the power outlet 1 18 includes a socket 120 for receiving a three prong plug and a number of sockets 122 for receiving SANS 164-2 plugs. Again, the invention is not limited to this configuration and any plug type could be accommodated into the power outlet 1 18.

Similarly to the ready board 10, the electrical sockets 120, 122 of the power outlet 1 18 are located on a removable plate 124, which is connectable to the body 1 12. The plate 124 is removably attachable to the body 1 12 in order to allow a plate carrying a different set of sockets to be connected to the body 1 12. In other words, the plate 124 is again interchangeable. It is envisaged that the body 1 12 could be compatible with any standard 4x4 wall socket plate to allow for a range of different socket configurations. It should therefore be understood that the extender unit 1 10 is not limited to any particular configuration of sockets.

The plates 124 is again attached to the body 1 12 in such a position that the sockets are accessible from the front. Effectively, the sockets 120, 122 are carried by the front surface 1 14 of the body 1 12 for easy access and/or replacement of the associated plugs.

It is again envisaged that the extender unit 1 10 and in particular the body 1 12 could be manufactured from a non-metallic material, such a fibreglass reinforced polyester or a plastics material, for example.

The extender unit 1 10 carries a light fixture 126, such as a bulk head light, for example. The bulk head light 126 is removably connectable to the body 1 12 of the extender 1 10, thereby allowing the bulk head light 126 to be replaceable or interchangeable. As shown in the drawings the bulk head light 126 is mounted on a side of the body 1 12. An integrated switch 128 for operating the bulk head light 126 is located on the front surface 1 14 of the extender unit 1 10 where it is easily accessible to the user.

As shown in the drawings the extender unit 1 10 includes an electrical cord 130 carrying an electrical plug 132 for connection to a ready board 10 in accordance with the invention. The plug 132 is carried at the free end of the cords 130 while the other end of the cord is fixed to the body 12, and in particular the electrical equipment such as the power outlet 1 18. In the illustrated embodiment the electrical cord is in the form of an integrated extension lead carrying a moulded plug at its free end.

Best seen in Figures 12 and 14, the body 1 12 has a slack management system for taking up the slack in the cord 130. The slack management system is in the form of a capstan formation 134 around which the cord 130 is wound in order to take up slack in the cord. The capstan formation 134 is located inside an internal volume defined by the body 1 12, such that the cord 130 is contained in the body 1 120 when wound on the capstan formation 134. The cavity is accessible from and is open to the rear of the body 1 12.

Retaining formations 136 are located on the capstan formation 134 and body 1 12 for retaining the cord 130 on the capstan and, accordingly, in the body 1 12.

The extender unit 1 10 has external mounting formations 138 carried on the body 1 12 which allow for easy mounting of the unit.

Referring now to Figures 15 to 17 a second embodiment of the a small power distribution unit, or ready board, in accordance with the invention will be described. Again, like numerals indicate like features. The second embodiment of the ready board of the invention is indicated by the numeral 210 and is substantially similar to the first embodiment of the ready board 10. Accordingly, only the most significant differences are discussed below.

The ready board 210 has multiple sets of power outlets for connection to an external electrical device operable by a user and/or for connection to the extender power unit 1 10. In particularly, the ready board 210 has three sets of power outlets 254, 256 and 257. Each power outlet 254, 256, 257 includes at least one socket for receiving an electrical plug. In this second embodiment of the ready board 210, the power outlet 254 carries a pair of sockets 58 for receiving a three prong plug while the power outlet 256 carries a single socket 58. The third power outlet 257, in turn, includes one socket 60 for receiving a SANS 164-2 plug and a pair of sockets 261 for receiving two-pin plugs.

In this second embodiment of the ready board 210 the electrical sockets 58 of the first and second power outlets 254 and 256 are carried on a removable plates 264 and 265 respectively. The plates 264, 265 are again removably connectable to the lid 14.2 of the housing 12 similarly to the plate 64 of the fist embodiment of the ready board 10. Again, the plates 264, 265 are interchangeable with plates carrying different socket configurations. However, in this second embodiment of the ready board 210 the sockets 60, 261 are moulded into the housing 12 and, in particular, into the lid 14.2. The sockets 60, 261 are arranged such that they are open to the front surface 38 of the lid 14.2.

In Figure 17 the window 46 of the ready board 210 is shown in its open configuration to show the position of the breakers mounted in the ready board. Again, the breakers could be DIN and/or Samite breakers. From this figure it can be seen that the breakers are easily accessible through the opening of the window 46. The breakers are indicated by the numeral 201.

Referring now to Figures 18 to 20 a third embodiment of a small power distribution unit, or ready board, in accordance with the invention will be described. Again, like numerals indicate like features. The third embodiment of the ready board of the invention is indicated by the numeral 310 and is substantially similar to the second embodiment of the ready board 210. Accordingly, only the most significant differences are discussed below.

In Figures 18 to 20 a lighting fixture, such as a bulk head light 301 , is shown mounted on the top wall 28.1 of the housing 312. The bulk head light 301 is connected to the housing 312 by means of the connecting formation carried by the top wall 28.1 . Similarly to the first embodiment of the ready board 10, the integrated switch 34 carried by the lid 14.2 is used to switch the bulkhead light 301 on and off.

Referring now to Figures 21 to 26 second embodiment of the extender power unit in accordance with the invention will be described. Again, like numerals indicate like features. The second embodiment of the extender unit of the invention is indicated by the numeral 410. The extender power unit 410 again has a housing or body 412 for housing electrical equipment. The body 412 has a lower portion 413, which is substantially trapezoidal in shape (best seen in Figure 23), and has an upper portion 415, which is shaped to carry a light fixture 426, such as a bulk head light, for example. The bulk head light 426 is again removably connectable to the body 412, thereby allowing it to be replaceable or interchangeable. The bulk head light 426 is again operable by an integrated switch 428 located on its front surface 414 of the extender unit 1 10 where it is easily accessible to the user.

The extender unit 410 again carries user operable equipment on its front surface 414. The user operable equipment is in the form of at least one power outlet 418 for connection to an external electrical device operable by the user. Again, the external electrical device could be any electrical appliance that the user wishes to power from the extender unit 410. The power outlet 418 is substantially similar to the power outlet 257 of the ready board 210. The sockets 60, 261 of the power outlet 418 are also formed in the front surface 414 of the extender unit 410. However, it should be understood that in an alternative embodiment not illustrated in the drawings the power outlet 418 could again be carried on a removable plate.

The extender unit 410 has a slack management system . for taking up the slack in the cord 130 that is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment of the extender unit 1 10. The capstan formation 434 around which the cord 130 is wound is again located inside an internal volume defined by the body 412. Retaining formations 436 are again used to retain the cord 130 on the capstan and, accordingly, in the body 412. However, in this second embodiment of the extender unit 410 the cavity is closed off by a rear panel 440.

The rear panel 41 1 and body 412 carry complementary shaped engagement formations for engaging one another whether the rear panel 440 is connected to the body 412. The engagement formations located on the rear panel 440. The engagement formations are in the form of projections 442 extending from an end of the rear panel which is, in use, its top end 444. The projections 442 are shaped so as to create a gap 446 between them and the wall 448 when mounted against the wall. As shown in Figures 24 and 26 the projections 442 extend in a generally forward direction so that a portion of the body 412, in particular the engagement formation carried by the body, is receivable in the gap 446. The projections are furthermore shaped to facilitate engagement of the engagement formations of the rear panel and body. The rear portion of each projection 442 is cut-away or curved so as to define an enlarged space or mouth for received the engagement formations on the body 412. The shape of the projections 442 allows for easy engagement of the body 412 to the rear panel 440 during the installation process.

The method of installing the extender unit 410 will now be described with reference to Figures 25 and 26, which each illustrates the steps of installing the extender unit on an external surface, such as the wall 448.

The method commences with the step of fixing the rear plate 440 to the wall 448. This is typically carried out by placing the rear plate 440 in the desired location, levelling it and fixing it in position with the use of fasteners, such as expansion plugs 452. The rear wall 440 is fixed to the wall such that its surface which is, in use, its external surface abuts the wall 448. The expansion plugs 452 are inserted such that their heads 454 are located on the other side of the rear plate 440. This arrangement allows the heads 454 of the expansion plugs 452 to be located inside the internal volume of the body 412 in use. In other words, the heads 454 of the expansion plugs 452 are located on the side of the rear plate 440 that is, in use, inside the body 412. By locating the heads 454 of the expansion plugs 452 inside the body 412 access to them is obstructed when mounted against the wall 448.

After fixing the rear plate 440 to the wall 448 the body 412 is engaged with the rear plate. This step includes engaging the complementary shaped engagement formations on the body 412 and rear plate 440 with one another. In particular, the body 412 is tilted to that its engagement formations engage the projections 442. In use, the body 412 is typically raised to above a level where its top wall is above the projections 442 and then lowered so as to slide the engagement formations on the body into the gaps 446 between the projections 442 and the wall 448. With the body 412 engaging the projections 442 the body is moved towards the rear plate 440. This involves pivoting the body 412 about the projections 442 such that the bottom of the body 412 rotates towards the rear plate 440. The rear plate 440 and body 412 are shaped such that the rear plate is received in the body. The body 412 defines a recess that is shaped complementary to the rear plate 440. In use, when mounted on the wall 448 the body 412 abuts the wall and edges of the rear plate 440 in order to seal off its internal volume. The inside surface of the side walls of the body 412 seals against the edges of the rear plate 440 while the edges of the side walls abut the wall 448.

After moving the body 412 into positon against the wall 448 it is secured in position by means of a fastener (not shown). The fastener extends through a passage 456 in the body 412 and is received in a recess carried by a securing formation 458 located on the rear plate 440.

The method of mounting the extender unit 410 can be described as a two- stage process in which the rear plate 440 is mounted in a first stage and thereafter the body 412 is mounted to the rear plate 440 in a second stage. By mounting the extending unit in a two-stage process allows for quick and easy installations as well as superior accuracy. The mounting method is therefore a convenient and easily repeatable process that allows for astatically pleasing mounting of the extender unit 410. It is believed that by only having to align the rear plate on the wall 448 the method of the invention provides an easier method of mounting an electrical box, such as the extender unit 410.

From the above description of the power distribution system in accordance with the invention it should be clear that the invention also extends to a method of distributing electrical power. The method includes providing a ready board 10.

An advantage of the system according to the invention is that an electrician is not required to wire the building, such as a house, in which the system is installed. The ready board 10 and extender unit 1 10 carry their own certification and, by connecting them electrically using an extension lead, no additional certification is required. The system is also easy to install with a user able to expand the system as he/she wishes. The system is therefore consumer expandable. The number of ready board 10 and/or extender units 1 10 that can be daisy chained is essentially unlimited. It should therefore be understood that the invention addresses the limitation of known ready boards which are not expandable.

It will be appreciated that the above describes only some embodiments of the invention and that there may be many variations without departing from the spirit and/or the scope of the invention. It is easily understood from the present application that the particular features of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged and designed according to a wide variety of different configurations. In this way, the description of the present invention and the related figures are not provided to limit the scope of the invention but simply represent selected embodiments.

The skilled person will understand that the technical characteristics of a given embodiment can in fact be combined with characteristics of another embodiment, unless otherwise expressed or it is evident that these characteristics are incompatible. Also, the technical characteristics described in a given embodiment can be isolated from the other characteristics of this embodiment unless otherwise expressed.

Claims

1 . A small power distribution unit including:

at least one power outlet for connection to an external electrical device; and

2. A small power distribution unit according to claim 1 , wherein the power outlets each include at least one socket for receiving an electrical plug.

3. A small power distribution unit according to either claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the electrical sockets is located on a removable plate, which is removable attachable to the housing, thereby allowing the removable plate to be interchangeable with another removable plate carrying a different socket configuration.

4. A small power distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the expandable circuit is controlled by a current limiting breaker in order to prevent an overload.

5. A small power distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the expandable circuit is protected by an earth leakage.

6. A small power distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, including an integrated switch for a bulk head light, which is removably mountable to the housing.

7. A small power distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, including internal mounting formations which are accessible only when the second section of the housing is in its open position, thereby preventing tampering and/or removal of the unit without opening the housing.

8. An extender power unit including:

a housing for housing electrical equipment;

at least one power outlet carried by the housing for connection to an external electrical device;

an electrical cord carrying an electrical plug for connection to a small power distribution unit of any one of claims 1 to 7; and

a slack management system for taking up the slack in the electrical cord.

9. An extender power unit according to claim 8, wherein the electrical cord is an integrated extension lead carrying a moulded electrical plug at its free end.

10. An extender power unit according to either claim 8 or 9, including an integrated switch for a bulk head light, which is removably mountable to the housing.

1 1. An extender power unit according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the slack management system includes a capstan formation around which the electrical cord may be wound in order to take up slack in the extension lead, and wherein the capstan formation is located inside an internal cavity of the body such that the electrical cord is stored inside the body.

12. An extender power unit according to any one of claim 8 to 1 1 , wherein the power outlet includes at least one socket for receiving an electrical plug.

13. An extender power unit according to claim 12, wherein the electrical socket is carried by a removable plate, which is removable attachable to the housing, thereby allowing the removable plate to be interchangeable with another plate carrying a different socket configuration.

14. An extender power unit according to claim 12, wherein the electrical socket is moulded into a front surface of the body of the extender unit.

15. An extender power unit according to any one of claims 8 to 14, including a rear plate for closing off the body, wherein the rear plate and body carry complementary shaped engaging formations which engage one another when the body and rear plate are connected to each other.

16. An extender power unit according to claim 15, wherein the engaging formations located on the rear plate are in the form of projections carried in the region of an end of the rear plate which is, in use, its top end, and wherein the projections are shaped to define a gap between them and the structure on which the rear plate is in use mounted for receiving the engagement formations located on the body therein.

17. An extender power unit according to claim 16, wherein projections are shaped so as to allow the engagement formations on the body to be received in the gap defined by the projections by lowering the body into the gap from above.

18. A power distribution system including:

at least one small power distribution including:

at least one power outlet for connection to an external electrical device; and

an additional power outlet forming part of an expandable electrical circuit; and

at least one power extender unit including:

a housing for housing electrical equipment; at least one power outlet carried by the housing for connection to an external electrical device;

a slack management system for taking up the slack in the electrical cord; wherein the at least one small power distribution unit and the at least one extender power unit can be daisy chained to one another using the electrical extension cord and electrical plug, thereby creating a scalable power distribution system.

19. A method of distributing electrical power, including:

providing a small power distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and

connecting the small power distribution unit with either another small power distribution unit and/or an extender power unit according to any one of claims 10 to 19 using an electrical extension lead.

20. A method of mounting an extender unit on an external structure including the steps of:

i) fixing a rear plate of the extender unit to the external structure;

ii) engaging complementary shaped engagement formations carried by a housing of the extender unit and the rear plate respectively;

iii) moving the housing of the extender unit towards the rear plate; and

iv) securing the housing of the extender unit to the rear plate.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the step of engaging the complementary shaped engagement formations includes engaging an end of the housing which is a top end with the engaging formations projecting from an end of the rear plate that is a top end such that the housing is pivoted about its top end when moving it towards the rear plate.

22. A method according to claim 21 , wherein the step of engaging the housing with the engagement formations on the rear plate includes raising the housing to a level where its top wall is above the engagement formations and then lowering the housing so as to slide the engagement formations on the housing into gaps located between the engaging formations on the rear plate and the external structure.

23. A method according to claim 22, including the step of receiving the rear plate inside a recess defined by the housing.

24. A method according to claim 23, including the step of locating the housing against the external surface and edges of the rear plate so as to seal off its internal volume.

25. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the step of securing the housing to the rear plate includes securing an end of the housing which is its bottom end to an end of the rear plate which is its bottom end using a fastener.