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: 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 present disclosure provides a wiring device having a color change kit. The color change kit includes a removable skirt and switch cover. The skirt and switch cover, which are disposed on the wiring device and accessible by an end-user, are easily detachable from the wiring device. Thus, the skirt and the switch cover are replaced without replacing the entire wiring device. Further, the skirt and switch cover is replaced without removing the wiring device from a wall box or further disassembling the entire wiring device. In certain exemplary embodiments, the skirt is disposed within a housing of the wiring device, and the switch cover is disposed within the skirt.

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: 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 a wiring device having a color change kit. The color change kit includes a removable skirt and switch cover. The skirt and switch cover, which are disposed on the wiring device and accessible by an end-user, are easily detachable from the wiring device. Thus, the skirt and the switch cover are replaced without replacing the entire wiring device. Further, the skirt and switch cover is replaced without removing the wiring device from a wall box or further disassembling the entire wiring device. In certain exemplary embodiments, the skirt is disposed within a housing of the wiring device, and the switch cover is disposed within the skirt.

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 enclosure described herein satisfies the requirements of a NEMA 4X enclosure, and is capable of being used in food and beverage plants, and other washdown environments. The enclosure includes a housing and a removable cover coupled to the enclosure. The cover is flush with the housing, and both the housing and the cover have a smooth exterior finish. A sealing gasket having a thickness greater than the cover is positioned between the cover and the housing. The enclosure generally houses at least one switch therein. The cover includes a handle and switch mechanism that controls the switch(es) when the cover is coupled to the housing.

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: An enclosure described herein satisfies the requirements of a NEMA 4X enclosure, and is capable of being used in food and beverage plants, and other washdown environments. The enclosure includes a housing and a removable cover coupled to the enclosure. The cover is flush with the housing, and both the housing and the cover have a smooth exterior finish. A sealing gasket having a thickness greater than the cover is positioned between the cover and the housing. The enclosure generally houses at least one switch therein. The cover includes a handle and switch mechanism that controls the switch(es) when the cover is coupled to the housing.