Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wiring device with integrated DC output interfaces alongside AC output interfaces. The wiring device converts AC power received from the grid into DC power that can be used directly by DC loads. In certain example embodiments, the wiring device includes USB receptacles as the DC output interfaces. The wiring device also includes various power management enhancement features. Some such features include crimping and soldering electrical wires directly to the AC output contacts and a midframe for insulating certain components inside the wiring device from heat generated by other components.

Abstract: The touch screen lighting control device provides a multitude of graphical user interface (GUI) displays at a touch screen and is capable of detecting location specific selections based on the GUI to determine control actions for lighting devices, fans and other electrical fixtures. The device includes a mounting strap configured to couple the device to an in-wall junction box, a touch screen, and a thin film transistor communicably coupled to the touch screen for displaying the different displays and receiving selections at the touch screen. A glass panel can also be positioned between the touch screen and the thin film transistor. The GUI presents an interactive template to a user, and the touch screen and thin film transistor determines an interaction from the user based on the user interacting with the interactive template displayed on the GUI a the touch screen.

Abstract: An electrical wiring device includes a metal switch cover as a user contact point. The metal switch cover has antimicrobial properties that reduces microorganisms that are present on the wiring device, and helps reduce the spread of infections or disease from user to user. The metal switch cover is disposed on a switch in the wiring device, such that users touch the metal switch cover when operating the switch. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal switch cover is coupled to a paddle-style switch and takes on the profile of a paddle. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal switch cover is coupled to a toggle-style switch and take on the profile of a toggle.

Abstract: An electrical vehicle recharging device includes an electric vehicle connector. The electric vehicle connector complies with the SAE J1772 standard and includes a first end configured to be coupled to a receptacle on an electric vehicle to recharge the batteries of that vehicle and a second end that includes a handle. The device also include a charger housing that is positioned immediately next to and coupled to the electric vehicle connector and includes an electric vehicle charging circuit positioned within the charger housing. The device further includes a power cable having a first end and a distal second end. The first end of the power cable is coupled to the electric vehicle charging circuit and the second end is coupled to an electrical plug configured to be removably coupled to a surface-mounted electrical receptacle to provide a source of power to the device for recharging the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A combination AC receptacle and low voltage class 2 power units are provided in a standard single strap flush wall-mount outlet so that portable battery operated electronic devices may be charged without having to use a special AC charger. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and/or arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) capabilities are also provided so that this combination AC receptacle and low voltage class 2 power units, e.g., USB receptacles, may used in occupancy locations requiring such protections under current electrical building codes. A standard wall cover plate is used to finish off installation of this flush wall-mount outlet into a wall outlet box. Also a data interface may be provided to allow a PDA or PC to control smart wiring systems through the USB receptacle.

Abstract: The electrical switch device can includes a method and dimmer determination device that automatically determining a dimmer level for an electronic device. A signal is received and, when coupled with the time of day and the ambient light level, an appropriate algorithm can be selected. The output of the algorithm provides the dimmer level, which is sent to a controller for output to the electrical device. Based on user feedback, the algorithms and thresholds used to determine the dimmer level can be adjusted, created, and deleted to provide a more accurate dimming level in the future.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an industrial GFCI for control panels and/or industrial machines. The industrial GFCI senses when a fault condition has occurred in an associated circuit or load and quickly disconnect the circuit. In some exemplary embodiments, the industrial GFCI includes a bypass switch, which couples a load directly to a power source, bypassing fault detection. In some exemplary embodiments, the industrial GFCI also includes intelligent filtering, which discriminate between true fault events and false signals caused by environmental noise. Further, the industrial GFCI is manufactured as a part of a control panel or a piece of equipment. In certain exemplary embodiments, the industrial GFCI is manufactured as a portable kit capable of coupling to and decoupling from one or more control panels, machines, etc.

Abstract: A method for providing a kickstart pulse to a dimmer circuit for a light source that is slow starting. The method includes receiving an initial power signal for a light source electrically coupled to a dimmer circuit, and generating, using the initial power signal, a pulse signal. The method also includes sending, for a period of time, the pulse signal to a load control circuit for the light source. In such a case, the light source is illuminated by the pulse signal for the period of time, and the magnitude of the pulse signal is greater than the magnitude of a steady-state signal generated by the dimmer circuit for the light source. The method can be performed using discrete components, integrated circuits, software, some other electrical device, or any combination thereof. A kickstart circuit and a dimmer circuit, using substantially the method described above, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An electrical circuit tester includes a first testing device and a second testing device provided in a hand-held housing, each being electrically isolated from the other. Multiple light sources are electrically coupled to one of the first and second testing devices to provide a visual indication of the testing result. The first testing device includes a conventional three-prong plug extending out from the surface of the housing and configured to be inserted into a standard electrical receptacle. The second testing device includes one or more keyed cavities, each being designed to receive all or a portion of a plug into the cavity in only one orientation. Each cavity can include at least one blade prong that makes electrical contact with the plug when inserted into the cavity. Both the first and second testing devices can be operated simultaneously with separate sets of light sources providing separate testing indications for each.

Abstract: A protection system is described herein for an electrical connector providing power to a grounded aircraft. The system includes receiving a sensing device electrically coupled to each of a number of power conductors. The sensing device generates an operating parameter. The system also includes a protection device that measures the operating parameter, determines that the operating parameter exceeds a threshold, and sends an overcurrent notification. The system may also include a shunt that is electrically coupled to the power conductors and generates a different operating parameter. The protection device may determine a difference between operating parameters of the shunt and sensing device and send an overtemperature notification when the difference exceeds an operating threshold. The system may also include a ground fault detection device. Some or all components of the system may be located in a removable adapter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wiring device with integrated DC output interfaces alongside AC output interfaces. The wiring device converts AC power received from the grid into DC power that can be used directly by DC loads. In certain example embodiments, the wiring device includes USB receptacles as the DC output interfaces. The wiring device also includes various power management enhancement features. Some such features include crimping and soldering electrical wires directly to the AC output contacts and a midframe for insulating certain components inside the wiring device from heat generated by other components.

Abstract: An electrical wiring device includes a metal switch cover as a user contact point. The metal switch cover has antimicrobial properties that reduces microorganisms that are present on the wiring device, and helps reduce the spread of infections or disease from user to user. The metal switch cover is disposed on a switch in the wiring device, such that users touch the metal switch cover when operating the switch. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal switch cover is coupled to a paddle-style switch and takes on the profile of a paddle. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal switch cover is coupled to a toggle-style switch and take on the profile of a toggle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an industrial GFCI for control panels and/or industrial machines. The industrial GFCI senses when a fault condition has occurred in an associated circuit or load and quickly disconnect the circuit. In some exemplary embodiments, the industrial GFCI includes a bypass switch, which couples a load directly to a power source, bypassing fault detection. In some exemplary embodiments, the industrial GFCI also includes intelligent filtering, which discriminate between true fault events and false signals caused by environmental noise. Further, the industrial GFCI is manufactured as a part of a control panel or a piece of equipment. In certain exemplary embodiments, the industrial GFCI is manufactured as a portable kit capable of coupling to and decoupling from one or more control panels, machines, etc.