Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device that includes a housing having a plurality of line terminals, a plurality of load terminals, and a plurality of user-accessible terminals accessible via apertures disposed in a front major surface of the housing. A fault detection assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals, the fault detection circuit being configured to provide a fault detection output in response to detecting a fault condition. A circuit interrupter is coupled to the fault detection assembly. The circuit interrupter includes a first set of interrupting contacts configured to provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals, and the plurality of user-accessible terminals in a reset state.

Abstract: An electrical wiring device includes a housing, and a circuit protection component and a light source operably mounted within the housing. In various aspects, the circuit protection component is a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). The light source can function to provide increased illumination in an environment surrounding the electrical wiring device (e.g., a darkened bathroom or a darkened kitchen), or to indicate the status of the circuit protection component (e.g., tripped or normal). The light source may be one or more LEDs, neon sources, incandescent sources, etc. Embodiments of the invention include, in addition, a sensor for controlling the on/off state of the light source and/or a trip indicator separate from the light Source for indicating a status condition of the circuit protection component. The device is illustratively represented by a grounded plug receptacle, but may be embodied in a switch, a dimmer, or other application device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular wall plate system accommodating N-wiring devices within a wall box. N is an integer greater than or equal to one (1). The system includes a left-end cap configured to be mounted to an exterior portion of a left most wiring device of the N-wiring devices disposed in the wall box, the left-end cap including a left-end cap finish surface. A right-end cap is configured to be mounted to an exterior portion of a right most wiring device of the N-wiring devices disposed in the wall box, the right-end cap including a right-end cap finish surface. N-1 alignment couplers are disposed between each of the N-wiring devices. The N-1 alignment couplers are configured to align adjacent ones of the N-wiring devices at least in two-dimensions. Each of the N-1 alignment couplers includes a coupler finish surface. N-wall plates are configured to cover each of the N-wiring devices. Each of the N-wall plates includes a wall plate finish surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system for use in an AC electrical power distribution circuit including at least one first AC power conductor disposed between an upstream AC power element and a device box and at least one second AC power conductor disposed between the device box and a downstream AC power element. The at least one first AC power conductor and the at least one second AC power conductor are routed into an interior portion of the device box and accessible via a front open face of the device box. The system includes a connector device including a connector housing having a plurality of connector contacts disposed therein. The plurality of connector contacts are coupled to termination structures configured to couple the at least one first AC power conductor and the at least one second AC power conductor to corresponding contacts of the plurality of connector contacts. An electrical wiring device includes a device housing having a front portion and a rear portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wiring device that includes a front cover assembly. The front cover assembly includes a front cover having at least one plug receptacle opening disposed therein. A ground strap is coupled to the cover assembly. A device assembly includes a plurality of line terminals configured to be connected to an AC power source, a plurality of load terminals configured to be connected to a downstream load, and at least one set of receptacle load terminals in communication with the at least one receptacle opening. The device assembly also includes a fault response circuit coupled to the plurality of line terminals. A back cover is coupled to the front cover assembly to accommodate the device assembly therein. The ground strap element is disposed between the front cover assembly and the back cover. The back cover extending beyond the ground strap a distance substantially less than or equal to one inch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shock-proof electrical wiring system for use in an AC electrical power distribution circuit including a plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires disposed between an AC power distribution point and a device box, a portion of the plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires being routed into an interior portion of the device box. The system includes a connector device having a connector housing. A plurality of connector contacts are disposed substantially inaccessible to a user within the connector housing. The plurality of connector electrical contacts are connected to a termination arrangement. The termination arrangement is configured to be connected to the portion of the plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device that includes a plurality of line terminals, a plurality of load terminals, and a fault detection assembly coupled to the plurality of line terminals. The fault detection circuit is configured to provide a fault detection output in response to detecting a fault condition. A circuit interrupter is coupled between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals. The circuit interrupter includes a first set of contacts, the first set of contacts being configured to close to establish at least one electrically continuous path between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals in a reset state. The first set of contacts are also configured to open to disconnect the at least one electrically continuous path in response to the fault detection output to enter a tripped state. An auxiliary switch is coupled to the fault detection assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical testing device for use in an AC electrical power distribution circuit including a plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires coupled between an AC power distribution point and a device box. The device includes a plurality of electrical probes configured for insertion into an outlet receptacle. A plug test connection arrangement is configured to receive a plug connector when inserted therein. The plug connector includes a plurality of plug contacts and a termination arrangement configured to terminate the plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires such that electrical continuity is established between the AC power distribution point and the plurality of plug contacts. The plug test connection arrangement includes a plurality of test contacts configured to mate with the plurality of plug contacts when the plug connector is inserted into the plug test connection arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system for use in an electrical distribution system including at least one electric circuit. The at least one electric circuit includes a plurality of electric power transmitting wires disposed between an electric power source interface and at least one electrical device location. The system includes an electrical wiring device disposed at the at least one electrical device location. The electrical wiring device includes a predefined coupling area having a plurality of electrical wiring device contacts disposed therein. A connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical connector contacts disposed therein. The connector assembly is configured to be directly connected to the plurality of electrical power transmitting wires such that electrical continuity is established between the plurality of electrical power transmitting wires and the plurality of electrical connector contacts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a electrical wiring system that includes a plug connector having a plurality of plug contacts configured to terminate a plurality of wires. The system also includes an electrical wiring device having a cover member, a body member, a ground strap assembly disposed between the cover member and the body member, and a receptacle formed in a rear portion of the body member, the receptacle being configured to accept the plug connector. The ground strap assembly is configured to conform to at least one body member feature such that a distance from the ground strap assembly to a major rear surface of the body member is less than a predetermined distance. The receptacle includes a plurality of receptacle contacts configured to mate with the plurality of plug contacts when the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for adjustably providing power to at least one electrical load. The device includes a rear body member and a plurality of terminals configured to be coupled to a source of the power and at least one load. A power control circuit is disposed in the body member and coupled between the plurality of terminals and the at least one electrical load. The power control circuit includes at least one variable control mechanism coupled to at least one series pass element. The at least one series pass element is configured to provide power to the at least one electrical load in accordance with the at least one variable control mechanism setting. A frameless front cover assembly is connected to the body member. The frameless front cover assembly includes at least one switch mechanism coupled to the at least one variable control mechanism. The frameless front cover assembly has a raised rectangular form factor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical testing device for use in an AC electrical power distribution circuit including a plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires coupled between an AC power distribution point and a device box. The device includes a plurality of electrical probes configured for insertion into an outlet receptacle. A plug test connection arrangement is configured to receive a plug connector when inserted therein. The plug connector includes a plurality of plug contacts and a termination arrangement configured to terminate the plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires such that electrical continuity is established between the AC power distribution point and the plurality of plug contacts. The plug test connection arrangement includes a plurality of test contacts configured to mate with the plurality of plug contacts when the plug connector is inserted into the plug test connection arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a housing having a plurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals. A cover assembly is coupled to the housing. The cover assembly includes a first set of receptacle openings and a second set of receptacle openings. A plurality of receptacle terminals are disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of load terminals. The plurality of receptacle terminals include a first set of receptacle terminals in communication with the first set of receptacle openings and a second set of receptacle terminals in communication with the second set of receptacle openings. A first protective shutter assembly is disposed in the cover assembly between the first set of receptacle openings and the first set of receptacle terminals and a second protective shutter assembly disposed in the cover assembly between the second set of receptacle openings and the second set of receptacle terminals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a electrical wiring system that includes a plug connector having of plug contacts configured to terminate a plurality of wires. The system also includes an electrical wiring device having a cover member, a body member, a ground strap assembly disposed between the cover member and the body member, and a receptacle formed in a rear portion of the body member, the receptacle being configured to accept the plug connector. The ground strap assembly is configured to conform to at least one body member feature such that a distance from the ground strap assembly to a major rear surface of the body member is less than a predetermined distance. The receptacle includes a plurality of receptacle contacts configured to mate with the plurality of plug contacts when the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a electrical wiring device that includes a housing having a plurality of line terminals. A cover assembly is coupled to the housing, the cover assembly including at least one set of receptacle openings disposed on either side of a central portion of the cover assembly. A plurality of receptacle terminals are disposed in the housing, each of the plurality of receptacle terminals being coupled to a corresponding one of a plurality of load terminal structures. Each of the plurality of receptacle terminals is in communication with a corresponding one of the at least one set of receptacle openings. A light assembly is disposed in the central portion of the cover assembly and coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. The light assembly has a light transmission region disposed in the central portion. The light transmissive region occupies a substantial portion of a width of the cover assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a electrical wiring device that includes a housing having a plurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals, the plurality of load terminals including a plurality of receptacle terminals. A cover assembly is coupled to the housing. The cover assembly includes at least one set of receptacle openings disposed on either side of a central portion of the cover assembly. Each of the at least one set of receptacle openings is in communication with a portion of the plurality of receptacle terminals. A fault detection assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals. The fault detection circuit is configured to provide a fault detection output in response to detecting a fault condition. A circuit interrupter is coupled between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a electrical wiring system that includes a plug connector having a plurality of plug contacts configured to terminate a plurality of wires. The system also includes an electrical wiring device having a cover member, a body member, a ground strap assembly disposed between the cover member and the body member, and a receptacle formed in a rear portion of the body member, the receptacle being configured to accept the plug connector. The ground strap assembly is configured to conform to at least one body member feature such that a distance from the ground strap assembly to a major rear surface of the body member is less than a predetermined distance. The receptacle includes a plurality of receptacle contacts configured to mate with the plurality of plug contacts when the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for adjustably providing power to at least one electrical load. The device includes a body member. A plurality of terminals are configured to be coupled to a source of the power. A power control circuit is disposed in the body member and coupled between the plurality of terminals and the at least one electrical load. The power control circuit includes at least one variable control mechanism coupled to at least one series pass element. The at least one series pass element is configured to provide power to the at least one electrical load in accordance with the at least one variable control mechanism setting. A frameless front cover member is connected to the body member and has a raised rectangular form factor substantially corresponding to a standard wall plate opening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system. The system includes a plug connector device that is configured to terminate a plurality of wires. A portion of the plurality of wires are configured to transmit electrical power provided by an electrical power distribution system. An electrical wiring device is configured to provide the electrical power to a load. The electrical wiring device includes a receptacle disposed therein. The receptacle is configured to receive the plug device, such that electrical continuity is established between the electrical wiring device and the plurality of wires when the plug device is inserted into the receptacle.