Abstract: An assembly includes a housing having an inner panel and an outer panel. The housing defines a chamber between the inner panel and the outer panel. The outer panel defines a plurality of openings open to the chamber. The assembly includes a plurality of meter blocks supported by inner panel of the housing within the chamber, the meter blocks at the openings.

Abstract: A cable tray assembly comprising a plurality of tray segments, each tray segment comprising a first portion and a second portion positioned about first and second ends, respectively, of the tray segment. The first portion has an inner region between at least sidewalls of the tray segment that is sized to receive placement of a second end of another tray segment. Additionally, the first portion can include one or more open ended grooves that, during assembly of the cable tray assembly, can receive a mating projection that is securely connected to the second end of the other tray segment. The open ended groove can be downwardly sloped, and can extend through an outer edge of the corresponding sidewall. The projection can be fixed or adjoined to the second end at least prior to assembly of the cable tray assembly, and can include shank that is threadingly engaged by a retainer.

Abstract: A power meter socket assembly includes a primary meter stack section with a first bus section including conductors oriented in a first plane and an extension meter stack section including a second bus section including conductors oriented in the first plane. The assembly includes a first connection section including flexible conductors. Each flexible conductor includes a first end electrically connected to a conductor of the first bus section and a second end electrically connected to a conductor of the second bus section. The assembly includes a power bus connection section and a disconnect switch. The switch includes line terminals electrically connected to the bus connection section and load terminals connected to the first bus section. The assembly includes a second connection section including flexible conductors oriented parallel to and below the first bus section to connect the line terminals of the switch to the bus connection section.

Abstract: A switchgear according to the present invention includes a disconnecting unit that includes multiple switches to switch electrical paths by rotation of blades, and a switch housing having a view port, and including the switches arranged therein, wherein planes of rotation of the blades and an arrangement direction of the switches intersect, and the switches are arranged rearward from the view port.

Abstract: A 3-phase group modular metering system, with a 3-phase four main cross bus A, B, C and N configuration is provided to distribute 3-phase four wire power to a single-phase three main cross bus A1, B1 and N1 configuration as single-phase three wire power. The system comprises a 3-phase main connection module, at least one or more single-phase in to single-phase out metering module stacks, a number of 3-phase metering module stacks ranging from as few as none to as many as a plurality and a connection joint. The connection joint is disposed between a last 3-phase module and the at least one or more single-phase in to single-phase out metering module stacks to derive the 3-phase four main cross bus A, B, C and N configuration into the single-phase three main cross bus of A1, B1 and N1 configuration.

Abstract: There is described an electric meter center comprising electric meter sockets and breakers. The electric meter center comprises an electric meter area comprising compartments, each one of the electric meter sockets being in one of the electric meter area compartments. It further comprises a breaker area distinct from the electric meter area and comprising compartments, each one of the breakers being in one of the breaker area compartments. There is a physical separation between the breaker area and the electric meter area. There is provided a plurality of panels, each one of the panels for covering at least one compartment, the at least one compartment to be covered by one of the panels being only within the same area.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrical protection slide for mounting in an electrical meter center enclosing an electrically conductive component, the electrical meter center having a front. The electrical protection slide comprises a slope portion having a downward slope toward the front of the electrical meter center and a mating portion about the slope portion and being adapted for holding at least a portion of the slope portion within the electrical meter center above the electrically conductive component. The slope portion of the electrical protection slide provides electrical insulation and a mechanical barrier for the electrically conductive component from external elements falling thereon.

Abstract: A socket assembly is for a meter center including at least one meter having a stab. The socket assembly includes a base member; and a jaw assembly having a first jaw member and a second jaw member coupled to the first jaw member, each of the first jaw member and the second jaw member having a number of retaining edges and being structured to engage the stab. The jaw assembly is structured to rotate between a first position corresponding to disengagement between the number of retaining edges and the base member, and a second position corresponding to engagement between the number of retaining edges and the base member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for protecting against theft of electricity from a distribution transformer that transforms electricity from a higher distribution voltage to a lower secondary voltage. The distribution transformer is housed in a transformer housing having secondary terminals located thereon. The apparatus includes a protective enclosure attachable to the transformer housing so as to enclose the secondary terminals and a plurality of electricity meters for measuring electricity usage. The protective enclosure is configured to receive a plurality of secondary service lines. Each secondary service line is electrically connectable to one of the electricity meters. The apparatus also includes a secondary bus line located within the protective enclosure for electrically connecting the secondary terminals to the electricity meters.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system having a meter socket, load center combination apparatus is disclosed. The meter socket, load center combination apparatus has an enclosure having a meter socket section with a meter socket configured to receive an owner utility meter, an owner load center with a plurality of locations configured to receive circuit interface devices, and a combination cross bus connection section extending between sides of the enclosure, the cross bus connection section having one or more side openings configured to allow electrical connection to one or more main cross bus bars of a main panel, a parallel energy source disconnect, and a parallel energy source coupled to the parallel energy source disconnect. Methods of configuring electrical distribution systems are disclosed, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A system for extending the Smart Meter's range to connect to Home Area Networks for energy monitoring and demand response in a variety of locations. The system has a data concentrator with a wireless communicating module configured to transmit and receive information at one or more first frequencies ranging up to 2.4 GHz, and a power-line module configured to transmit and receive information at one or more frequencies ranging from about 100 to 30 MHz. The data concentrator receives power information from one or more Smart Meters and convert the wireless signal to a power-line carrier signal over the existing all three phases of the AC wiring. The system also includes a wireless and power-line carrier bridge that converts the power-line carrier signal back to a wireless signal to connect to various Home Area Network (HAN) devices such as programmable communicating thermostats (PCTs), smart appliances and in-home displays (IHDs).

Abstract: An improved gangable meter center for distributing electric power to and measuring electric power consumption by a plurality of individually measured units in a complex comprises: a plurality of meters for measuring the electric power consumption by the plurality of individually measured units in the complex; and a plurality of feeder buses electrically coupled between at least one utility line supplying power to the plurality of individually measured units in the complex, wherein the plurality of meters are included within the meter center without use of a meter socket. Ganged meter centers comprise at least two such gangable meter centers.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location.

Abstract: An improved gangable meter center for distributing electric power to and measuring electric power consumption by a plurality of individually measured units in a complex comprises: a plurality of meters for measuring the electric power consumption by the plurality of individually measured units in the complex; and a plurality of feeder buses electrically coupled between at least one utility line supplying power to the plurality of individually measured units in the complex, wherein the plurality of meters are included within the meter center without use of a meter socket. Ganged meter centers comprise at least two such gangable meter centers.

Abstract: A basepan assembly for hook-on attachment onto a metering device is provided including a basepan support having at least two insert latches disposed at a first end and a side flange disposed at a second opposite end. A basepan body is provided being insertable onto said basepan support and including an inside wall configured to be attachable to a barrier of the metering device, as well as an outside wall, a bus stab chamber, and a hold-down insert configured to be attachable to the basepan body, the hold-down insert further having a side barrier. A top load stab having a first end affixable to the hold-down insert is provided and a bottom load stab insertable within said bus stab chamber is provided.

Abstract: A power monitoring system for monitoring characteristics of power transmitted through one or more power lines comprises a meter base and multiple option modules. The meter base includes a processor and associated circuitry for processing signals derived from sensors coupled to said power lines and producing output signals representing selected characteristics of the power transmitted through the power lines, and a housing containing the processor and the associated circuitry and having a first surface adapted to be mounted on a DIN rail, and a second surface containing multiple connectors for receiving multiple modules and electrically connecting the modules to the processor and the associated circuitry.

Abstract: A module for an electrical distribution system is provided. The module includes a socket board electrically coupled to the electrical distribution system. A plurality of sockets is mounted on the socket board. Each socket defines a port. A sensor is positioned within each port and is electrically coupled to the socket board. The sensors are configured to carry at least one of a primary current and a secondary current. A metering component is electrically coupled to the socket board and configured to measure current carried by the sensors. A communication module is electrically coupled to the metering component and in communication with a monitoring device. The communication module is configured to transmit metering data to the monitoring device.

Abstract: A field rephaseable metering device is provided including at least three distribution buses including two side buses and a center bus, the center bus having a vertical center line. At least one meter socket is provided having a vertical center line offset from the vertical center line of said center bus, each meter socket including a first line terminal and a second line terminal. At least two line straps are provided, each having a first end configured for connecting with one of the first or second line terminals, and a second elongate end configured to be selectively connectable to one of the side buses associated with its line terminal or the center bus. When each line strap is positioned to connect one of the line terminals with one of the distribution buses, a longitudinal axis of each line strap is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of each distribution bus.

Abstract: A socket assembly for a meter center including a plurality of meters is provided having a plate member and plural jaw assemblies. The plate member includes apertures for housing the jaw assemblies and structures associated with each of the apertures which function to both assist in initial alignment of the jaw assemblies during installation as well as to provide lateral support to, and maintain alignment of, the jaw assemblies after installation. The plate member further includes protrusions extending inwardly from the side walls of the apertures. The protrusions engage openings in side portions of the jaw assemblies.

Abstract: A socket assembly for a meter center including a plurality of meters is provided having a plate member and plural jaw assemblies. The plate member includes apertures for housing the jaw assemblies and structures associated with each of the apertures which function to both assist in initial alignment of the jaw assemblies during installation as well as to provide lateral support to, and maintain alignment of, the jaw assemblies after installation. The plate member further includes protrusions extending inwardly from the side walls of the apertures. The protrusions engage openings in side portions of the jaw assemblies.

Abstract: A meter center includes three feeder bus bars, three supply bus bars, each supply bus bar being electrically connected to a corresponding feeder bus bar, and a number of meter socket assemblies. Each meter socket assembly includes two bus jumpers, each bus jumper including a first end and a second end, the second end of a first bus jumper being selectively electrically connected to a first supply bus bar, the second end of a different second bus jumper being selectively electrically connected to a different second supply bus bar, two load bus bars, insulative support members coupled to a number of the supply bus bars, the insulative support members including a first end coupled to the bus jumpers and an opposite second end supporting the load bus bars, and a meter socket including terminals electrically connected to the first ends of the bus jumpers and to the load bus bars.

Abstract: A chassis for circuit cards has a housing, a front end, a connector end, and a top cover. The housing has an airflow slot on its underside, and the top cover is open in nature, the combination of which allows the flow of forced convection air from top to bottom (or vice versa) to cool the circuit cards. The connector end has alignment pins which assist in blind mating of the chassis in difficult to access areas. Stabilizer rods, spacers and spacer brackets, made from stainless steel, hold the circuit cards in place and protect them from shock, vibration, and other trauma. The front end has a jacking type screw which enables one to exert sufficient pressure so that the greater than 200 I/O pins at the connector end are easily forced into receiving sockets.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device for preventing the pivotal rotation of a circuit breaker required for removal of that circuit breaker from electrical distribution equipment in which it is installed is disclosed.

Abstract: A control panel assembly having a plurality of buttons located in a bezel and supported by a switch mat. A bezel and/or button is formed using a vacuum forming technique and has a transparent inner surface layer and a middle translucent color layer and an opaque outer surface layer. A portion of the opaque outer surface layer is removed to define a desired indicia on an outer surface of the bezel or button. In addition, the bezel or button can be backlit to allow visibility in low light conditions. A method of making a control panel component, such as a bezel or button, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cabinet for housing first and second pieces of electrical equipment and having a first compartment adjacent a second compartment for housing the respective first and second pieces of electrical equipment. The cabinet has a first cover member overlying at least a portion of the first compartment and a second cover member overlying at least a portion of the second compartment and defining a seam therebetween. The cabinet also has a barrier positioned between the first and second compartments and extending generally transverse to the cover members. The barrier includes a wall and a drip channel, where the drip channel is integrally formed with the wall and extends longitudinally adjacent the seam to resist penetration of water into the cabinet.

Abstract: A meter stack wherein each single phase meter base in the meter stack can be selectively connected in the field to any one of the A-B, A-C or B-C phase combinations of the vertical three phase bus bars in the meter stack by moving only the meter base line connectors. The vertical bus bars of the meter stack lie in a common plane and are equally spaced apart from one another. The vertical center line of each meter base in the meter stack coincides with the center line of the center vertical bus bar of the meter stack. Each of the two line side terminals of each meter base is associated with one of the outside vertical bus bars, and is located approximately half way between it's associated outside vertical bus bar and the center bus bar. A generally "Z" shaped line connector attached to each of the line terminals can be easily rotated between its associated outside bus bar and the center bus bar, thus easily allowing a change in the A-B, A-C or B-C phase combinations of each meter base.

Abstract: The invention provides a combination service entrance device which contains a common enclosure, divided by a center barrier into two sections. One houses a watt-hour meter socket and the other houses a panel board containing circuit breakers. The panel board is installed on an elevated mounting pan placed in the circuit breaker section. One side of the mounting panel preferably has a pair of tabs, each of which slides into a separate lance or guide formed in the center barrier. A pair of spaced posts are attached between the side opposite the barrier and the back panel of the enclosure. The length of the posts defines the gap between the back panel and the panel board. An elevated neutral bar is attached to the back panel along and distant from the mounting panel. The panel board remains parallel to and raised from the back panel. The elevated mounting pan provides for routing wires in the circuit breaker section and easier access to the load connections of the circuit breakers compared to prior art devices.

Abstract: A housing includes a base with blade terminals insertable into jaw contacts in an electrical watthour meter socket. First and second watthour meter receiving shells are mounted on the housing, each having a pair of line jaw contacts connected in parallel to each other and to line blade terminals in the base. Electrical conductors extend from the load jaw contacts in one of the shells to a junction box mounted on the housing to provide a connection to an external electrical conductor. An electrical power disconnect device is mounted in one of the shells, and is connected in series by conductors between the line jaw contacts in both shells. The power disconnect device includes a movable external member having an end portion which slidably extends through the side wall of one of the shells. In one embodiment, the end portion is a separate rod which is biased into contact with the movable member.

Abstract: A flat, modular measuring circuit having two connecting terminals for one phase of load current and a current sensor connected thereto. The two connecting terminals are arranged one above the other on one of the end faces of the module. This configuration leads to a significant reduction in the meter width and to a reduction in the production costs, since these modules can also be cost effectively produced in increased quantity and used for multi-phase meters.