Abstract: An electrical outlet box formed of metallic material has an integral boss that angularly aligns, engages and retains wiring device mounting screws. The boss has a bore for receiving the screw comprising in sequence a cylindrical surface having a diameter slightly larger than the crest diameter of the mounting screw threads, and a self-tapping surface defining generally a regular hexagon in transverse cross section. The hexagon has a diameter across its corners slightly larger than the crest diameter of the screw threads, and a diameter across its flat sides slightly larger than the root diameter of the screw threads and slightly smaller than the crest diameter of the screw threads. A slot extends laterally from the bore and into the boss.

Abstract: An elongated, reinforced power cable for use in adverse environments. The cable is provided with internal structural members to resist crushing and other mechanical forces. The cable includes at least two power conductor assemblies which extend along the longitudinal axis of the cable. A protective metallic layer is provided for each conductor assembly and completely encases each conductor assembly. The conductor assemblies and protective metallic layers are aligned in a row within the cable, the row having a left end, a right end, a top plane and a bottom plane. A rigid support member is positioned at each end of the row of conductor assemblies. The support members have a height at least equal to the height of the protective layers to prevent compression of the protective layers and conductor assemblies. An armored covering is provided which fully encloses the support members, the protective layers and the conductor assemblies.

Abstract: An electrical outlet box formed of nonmetallic material which has a pair of integral bosses that angularly align, engage and retain wiring device mounting screws therein. The bosses each have a through bore for receiving the screws comprising in sequence a frustoconical surface, a cylindrical surface having a diameter slightly larger than the crest diameter of the mounting screw threads, and a self-tapping surface defining a regular hexagon in transverse cross section. The hexagon has a diameter across its corners slightly larger than the crest diameter of the screw threads, and a diameter across its flat sides slightly larger than the root diameter of the screw threads and slightly smaller than the crest diameter of the screw threads.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an electrical outlet includes a mounting member which can be attached to an electrical device and a cover plate. The mounting member has extensions projecting from its front surface adjacent its periphery, which extensions are unitary portions of the mounting member. The cover plate has projections extending from its rear surface adjacent its periphery. The extensions and projections mate to releasably couple the mounting member to the cover plate. Tabs and notches can be provided on the sides of the mounting member to facilitate alignment of a plurality of ganged electrical devices covered by a single cover plate.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing and an electrical contact resiliently coupled to the housing with a blade end extending exteriorly of the housing and a wire connection end extending into an inner cavity of the housing. An externally threaded screw is rotatably coupled to the contact connection end, but is restrained against axial movement. A wire clamp threadedly engages the screw and is movable toward an away from the contact connection end. The wire clamp includes a center portion and lateral portions on its opposite sides, with the center portion having extensions that project beyond the lateral portions. Upon slight movement of the contact into the housing, the wire clamp will be placed in compression between the housing and the contact to limit retraction of the contact.