Abstract: A hinge construction for pivotably connecting a pair of members together, such as for connecting the access cover of a power inlet box used in connecting an auxiliary generator to the electrical system of a building. The construction includes a mounting member including a knuckle fixed to the power inlet box. An access member includes a pair of spaced apart, pivot lugs disposed one on each side of the knuckle for movement between a closed position in which the access cover engages the mounting member to prevent access to the power inlet box, and an open position for providing access to the power inlet box. A hinge pin passes through aligned apertures in the mounting member knuckle and the access cover lugs, and forms a rotational axis about which the access cover pivots. A torsion spring surrounds the hinge pin and has a first end retained in the mounting member knuckle and a second end disposed outside the access cover lugs.

Abstract: A power transfer switching mechanism for interposition between a remote power inlet box and the electrical load center of a building includes a terminal compartment for receiving power input wires connected to the remote power inlet box. The switching mechanism includes a cabinet defining an internal cavity within which a series of switches are mounted. The cabinet further defines a terminal compartment, and a terminal assembly is disposed within the terminal compartment. The terminal compartment is accessible through an opening associated with the cabinet, and a cover is selectively positionable over the opening to provide or prevent access to the terminal compartment. A series of wires are interconnected between the terminal assembly and the switches, and power input wiring is received within the terminal compartment and interconnected with the remote power inlet box.

Abstract: An heat alarm for an electric panel cabinet mounts a heat sensor within the enclosed area defined by the electric panel cabinet to monitor the temperature within the cabinet and sound an alarm if the temperature in the cabinet exceeds an upper temperature limit. The heat alarm includes a mounting arrangement positioned between the enclosure of the heat alarm and the electric panel cabinet such that the heat alarm can be mounted to the electric panel cabinet and the heat sensor positioned within the cabinet. The mounting arrangement of the heat alarm is formed of a thermally non-conductive material such that the enclosure containing the heat alarm is thermally isolated form the electric panel cabinet such that the enclosure of the heat alarm does not affect the temperature within the cabinet.

Abstract: A load center has an enclosure provided with a back wall and a swingable access door, a bus panel secured within the enclosure and a plurality of circuit breakers mounted to the bus panel for switching power between an electrical utility and an auxiliary power source. The load center includes an input receptacle for receiving a plug connector of the auxiliary power source and transferring auxiliary power to the bus panel and the circuit breakers. A pair of watt meters are connected to the input receptacle for monitoring the power transferred from the auxiliary power source. A mounting framework incorporates the input receptacle and the watt meters within the enclosure on the back wall.

Abstract: An interlock for first and second tandemly aligned circuit breaker switches which respectively have first and second external operating handles thereon oriented such that the operating handles are disposed away from each other when the switches are OFF and towards each other when the switches are ON. The interlock includes a linkage arrangement formed with at least one slot and having one end connected to the first operating handle and another end connected to the second operating handle such that pushing the first operating handle from an OFF to an ON position pushes the second operating handle from an ON to an OFF position.

Abstract: A timing device incorporates a timing module having a relatively low capacity for use in a heavier application than it could normally be used due to the low capacity of the timing module switch contacts. The timing module output is connected with a solenoid having an extendable and retractable plunger, and a mechanical actuator arrangement is connected to the plunger. A high-capacity set of switch contacts are connected in the circuit, and the mechanical actuator arrangement controls opening and closing of the high-capacity switch contacts in response to extension and retraction of the solenoid plunger.

Abstract: A time switch for controlling the supply of electricity from an electricity source to an electrical load is provided with an auxiliary actuator means for controlling the supply of electricity to the electrical load independent of the time switch. The time switch includes one or more switch contacts and cam which control the position of the switch contacts in response to a timing mechanism. The auxiliary actuator mechanism includes a solenoid mounted directly to the time switch, with a linkage interposed between the solenoid and one or more cams operable independent of the time switch cams to control the position of the switch contacts independent of the time switch. In one embodiment, a photoelectric control is provided between the solenoid and the electricity source, to regulate the supply of electricity to the solenoid in response to the presence or absence of a predetermined level of ambient light.