Abstract: A combination switch and circuit breaker is operative as both a switch and circuit breaker when connecting a load to an auxiliary power supply, but is only operative as a switch when connecting the load to a main power supply. The combination switch and circuit breaker has a switch component for selectively connecting a load center branch circuit to either a main power supply or an auxiliary power supply. During main power interruption, for example, the switch component of the combination switch and circuit breaker may electrically connect a branch circuit of the load center to an auxiliary power supply, with a circuit breaking component providing current overload protection. However, during normal main power operation, the switch component electrically connects the load center branch circuit to main power, with a branch breaker and a main breaker providing current overload protection for the branch circuit.

Abstract: An electrical enclosure or housing, such as a power inlet box, is constructed of weather resistant material and has a knockout opening formed in a wall member and a plug that can be removably seated in the knockout opening. The opening and the plug have complimentary geometries and thicknesses which enable the plug to be mounted flush with the exterior and interior wall surfaces of the wall member when seated in the knockout opening. The opening and plug are shaped such that a seated plug is normally removed by applying a blunt force to the plug from within the interior volume of the inlet box, and cannot be removed from the exterior of the box.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an outlet center for use with a power inlet box to electrically connect one or more loads to an auxiliary power supply connected to the power inlet box. The outlet center is designed to be mounted to an interior surface of a wall with the power inlet box mounted to an exterior surface of the wall. Electrical conductors extend through the wall between the outlet center and the power inlet box. The outlet center includes sockets adapted to receive the plug of an electrical load so that auxiliary power may be fed to the electrical load during primary power unavailability. The outlet center may illuminate when auxiliary power is available to assist a user in locating the outlet center during blackout conditions and may also include an indicator lamp that illuminates when auxiliary power is being provided to an electrical load connected to the outlet center.

Abstract: A manually operated transfer-type switch has an electrically interlocked isolating plug and plugboard arrangement to isolate two power supplies, e.g., utility and electric generator, from one another. The switch functions to connect electrical loads with either the utility or generator power supply without performing making and breaking of current. The plug is engaged with the plugboard in a first position for supplying utility power and in a second position for providing generator power. A locking arrangement prevents the disengagement of the plug from the plugboard when power is supplied from either the utility or from the generator.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system is designed to automatically connect a dedicated group of circuits, which are normally powered by a primary power source, to an auxiliary power source upon detection that there has been a disruption or failure in the primary power source. The system includes a switching arrangement that allows an operator to manually connect the auxiliary power source with other circuits that are not generally powered during disruption of the primary power source. The switching arrangement includes an interlinked switch or breaker arrangement that prevents any of the other circuits that are normally powered by the primary source from being automatically connected to the primary power source when primary power source is restored if those other circuits are connected to the auxiliary power source when the primary power source is restored.

Abstract: An interlock assembly for use with a pair of aligned multiple switch assemblies configured to control the supply of electrical power to an electrical panel. Each multiple switch assembly includes a two-pole transfer switch for a pair of “hot” conductors, and a single-pole transfer switch for a neutral connection. The interlock assembly is movably mounted relative to both of the multiple switch assemblies, and is configured to control a sequence of connection and interruption of each neutral connection relative to switching the hot conductors associated with switching each multiple switch assembly. The interlock assembly prevents the “hot” conductors of each multiple switch assembly from being connected without the associated respective neutral connection having been made in advance. The interlock assembly also ensures that the neutral connection of each multiple switch assembly is interrupted without previous interruption of the connection of the respective “hot” conductors.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system is designed to automatically connect a dedicated group of circuits, which are normally powered by a primary power source, to an auxiliary power source upon detection that there has been a disruption or failure in the primary power source. The system includes a switching arrangement that allows an operator to manually connect the auxiliary power source with other circuits that are not generally powered during disruption of the primary power source. The switching arrangement includes an interlinked switch or breaker arrangement that prevents any of the other circuits that are normally powered by the primary source from being automatically connected to the primary power source when primary power source is restored if those other circuits are connected to the auxiliary power source when the primary power source is restored.

Abstract: A system for indicating a power condition in a conductor includes an indicator constructed to provide notification to a user of a utility power condition, and a sensor non-electrically connected to a utility conductor to control operation of the indicator in response to detection of power in the utility conductor.

Abstract: An electrical panel is operable to receive electrical power from a first power supply and a second power supply. The electrical panel includes a neutral bus conductor having a stab configured to engage one or more switching devices and a separation formed in a bus conductor to electrically isolate one of the stabs.

Abstract: A power inlet box suitable for outdoor or external use is configured in such a manner that an electrical socket may be electrically coupled to an interior load before the electrical socket is secured within the power inlet box. The power inlet box may be formed from weather or otherwise corrosion resistant material such as plastic and is designed such that the electrical socket faces downward toward an exposed lower end of the power inlet box. The electrical socket is supported by a mounting member that may be removably mounted to the power inlet box to secure the electrical socket within the power inlet box.

Abstract: A generator has an accessory mounting member adapted to mount an electrical accessory that provides isolation of the electrical accessory from the generator such that transfer of vibratory forces generated during operation of the generator is mitigated. The accessory mounting member allows an electrical accessory, such as a parallel connection kit, transfer switch, or work light, to be securely mounted to the generator, yet isolated from the vibrations that occur during operation of the generator.

Abstract: A separately-derived, load-side transfer switch connected to the neutral leads of a load center in a single and switchable connection, which allows for connection and disconnection of the load center neutrals to a primary or an auxiliary power source in a single manual operation.

Abstract: A power meter has a measuring circuit composed entirely of analog components that measures the instantaneous current draw of one or more electrical devices, such as home appliances. The power meter may be in the form of a hand-held device that includes elongated connections that allow a homeowner to measure the current draw of an electrical device without significant displacement of the electrical device. In addition to measuring current draw, the power meter may provide an estimated wattage consumed by the measured electrical devices.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system is designed to automatically connect a dedicated group of circuits, which are normally powered by a primary power source, to an auxiliary power source upon detection that there has been a disruption or failure in the primary power source. The system includes a switching arrangement that allows an operator to manually connect the auxiliary power source with other circuits that are not generally powered during disruption of the primary power source. The switching arrangement includes and interlinked breaker arrangement that prevents any of the other circuits that are normally powered by the primary source from being automatically connected to the primary power source when primary power source is restored if those other circuits are connected to the auxiliary power source when the primary power source is restored.

Abstract: A power meter has a measuring circuit composed entirely of analog components that measures the instantaneous current draw of one or more electrical devices, such as home appliances. The power meter may be in the form of a hand-held device that includes elongated connections that allow a homeowner to measure the current draw of an electrical device without significant displacement of the electrical device. In addition to measuring current draw, the power meter may provide an estimated wattage consumed by the measured electrical devices.

Abstract: A system and method of interlocking a plurality of electrical panel switches includes an interlock assembly having an interlock. The interlock has a first position that allows connection of one of utility power and power from an alternate power supply, such as a generator, to the electrical panel and prevents connection of the other of the utility power and generator power. The interlock has a second position that allows connection of the other of the utility power and generator power and prevents connection of one of the utility power and generator power to the electrical panel. The interlock also is constructed to control the positioning and sequence of operation of neutral connections between the power sources and the electrical panel.

Abstract: An interlock assembly for use with a pair of aligned multiple switch assemblies configured to control the supply of electrical power to an electrical panel. Each multiple switch assembly includes a two-pole transfer switch for a pair of “hot” conductors, and a single-pole transfer switch for a neutral connection. The interlock assembly is movably mounted relative to both of the multiple switch assemblies, and is configured to control a sequence of connection and interruption of each neutral connection relative to switching the hot conductors associated with switching each multiple switch assembly. The interlock assembly prevents the “hot” conductors of each multiple switch assembly from being connected without the associated respective neutral connection having been made in advance. The interlock assembly also ensures that the neutral connection of each multiple switch assembly is interrupted without previous interruption of the connection of the respective “hot” conductors.

Abstract: A neutral connection arrangement for use with a pair of aligned transfer switch assemblies of an electrical panel. The first transfer switch assembly is operable to regulate electrical connection of a neutral conductor of a utility service, and the second transfer switch assembly is operable to connect a neutral conductor of a generator. The neutral connection arrangement may be in the form of a neutral bracket apparatus that includes a bracket having a first mount member, a second mount member, and a third mount member. The first mount member is attached at the first neutral bus of the electrical panel, and the second mount member is attached at the second neutral bus of the electrical panel located opposite the first neutral bus. An elongated body portion electrically connects the first and second mount members. The third mount member is generally U-shaped and extends from the elongated body portion for electrical connection to the first and second transfer switch assemblies.

Abstract: A switch assembly for an electrical panel configured to receive electrical power from either a first power supply or a second power supply. The switch assembly includes a transfer switch operable to electrically connect the panel to receive electrical power from the second power supply when power is interrupted from first power supply. An indicator light at the panel illuminates so as indicate that electrical power from the first electrical power supply is restored while the transfer switch is positioned to receive electrical power from the second electrical power supply. A light switch is connected to selectively interrupt illumination of the indicator light. An interlock member interconnects the light switch and the transfer switch so that movement of the interlock member to connect the electrical panel to receive electrical power from the first power supply simultaneously moves the light switch so as to interrupt illumination of the indicator light.