Abstract: A mounting screw for mounting an electrical wiring device having non-metallic components, to an electrical outlet box and combination of root electrical wiring device and screw. The screw includes a head and a shank, with a lip projecting downwardly from the bottom surface of the screw head spaced from and encircling the shank, and a series of ribs extending radially outward between the shank and the lip. Advantageously the mounting screw is in combination with an electrical wiring device having non-metallic mounting straps so that when the screw is installed by a power tool, the lip-and-ribs arrangement on the screw bites into the mounting strap material to produce resistance to the turning of the power tool signaling the operator that the screw is secure.

Abstract: An electrical switch device adapted to be secured to an electrical outlet box mounted behind a wall member, having elongated, non-metallic mounting straps formed integrally with the device cover, and an improved grounding system adapted to automatically ground a metallic wall plate intended for use with the device without using the usual metal mounting strap. The mounting straps are proportioned to the maximum possible dimensions to fit under the wall plate to abut the wall member so as to substantially reduce the chance of a floating installation. Grounding means affixed to the cover adjacent one of the mounting screw apertures is adapted to engage a mounting screw inserted through the aperture so as to provide good electrical communication therebetween.

Abstract: An electrical outlet receptacle device adapted to be mounted adjacent a wall member having a hole therein which permits the device to be secured to an electrical outlet box mounted behind the wall member. The receptacle includes a cover formed integrally with a pair of mounting strap elements projecting from opposite ends thereof. Each mounting strap terminates in free end edges which are beveled along their front facing surfaces and elongated to the maximum possible length to fit under a wallplate intended for use with the device, and is generally squared along its side edges for maximizing the available surface area for abutting the wall member and substantially reducing the chance of having a "floating" installation.

Abstract: A unitary switch and circuit breaker (10) includes a switch circuit (14, 16, 22, 24, 26, 56, 57, 58) with first and second contacts (28, 30), the switch circuit (14, 16, 22, 24, 26, 56, 57, 58) being actuable to assume a first condition (FIG. 4) in which the contacts (28, 30) are open and a second condition (FIG. 5) in which the contacts (28, 30) are closed, and a circuit breaker (24, 26, 32, 42, 56, 57) integrally formed with the switch circuit (14, 16, 22, 24, 26, 56, 57, 58) for actuating the contacts (28, 30) to interrupt current flow through the contacts (28, 30) in response to the current flow exceeding a predetermined level and for subsequently preventing the resumption of current flow through the contacts (28, 30) until reset.

Abstract: A tool for preparing multi-conductor electrical cable in a configuration for termination to and installation in a self-contained wiring device which locates the electrical cable in an anvil and a cutter assembly pierces the outer sheath of the cable and subsequently spreads the conductors of the cable as the cutter is advanced into the cable. The tool also provides flanges adapted for urging the sliced and spread apart conductors in the body of a self-contained wiring device to terminate the conductors to the device and permit closure of the device by a back cover.

Abstract: In a high grade electrical receptacle, the terminals are fabricated from a low strength alloy such as cartridge brass. The terminals include a pair of grasping members which extend from a common member and which are inclined toward one another to grasp the blade of an electrical plug. The grasping members are tapered by having decreasing cross sectional dimensions as they extend from the common member. In one embodiment of the invention the inclined grasping members are generally rectangular with a generally triangular cut out. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the grasping members are of a generally triangular shape.

Abstract: In a ground fault circuit interrupter having a solenoid with a moveable core, an electronic circuit detects a fault. The detection circuit also inhibits the solenoid from opening a pair of latching contacts until there is sufficient electrical energy to insure that the kinetic energy of the solenoid will cause the contacts to latch open.

Abstract: In a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), a pair of flexure arms having moveable contacts disposed thereon are deflected in response to the activation of a solenoid having a moveable core. The core of the solenoid causes a pair of cam actuators which are preferably coupled together by a catcher to rotate. The rotation of the cam actuators causes the deflection of the flexure arms, thereby separating the moveable contacts from the stationary contacts and interrupting the flow of current. The activation of the solenoid is controlled by an electronic module. The electronic module includes a detection circuit which inhibits the solenoid from opening the contacts until there is sufficient electrical energy to insure that the kinetic energy of the solenoid will cause the contacts to latch open. The electromechanical current interrupter and the electronic module are disposed within a housing that can be mounted within a standard electrical receptacle box.

Abstract: In a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), a pair of flexure arms having moveable contacts disposed thereon are deflected in response to the activation of a solenoid having a moveable core. The core of the solenoid causes a pair of cam actuators which are preferably coupled together by a catcher to rotate. The rotation of the cam actuators causes the deflection of the flexure arms, thereby separating the moveable contacts from the stationary contacts and interrupting the flow of current. The activation of the solenoid is controlled by an electronic module. The electromechanical current interrupter and the electronic module are disposed within a housing that can be mounted within a standard electrical receptacle box.

Abstract: An electrical switch device which includes a pair of movable contact arms which are operatively associated with a three-position switch mechanism so as to permit, in a unitary structure, passage of current to a partial load or to a full load and also to prevent passage of current to any load.

Abstract: A switch apparatus designed to replace a conventional on/off switch for the purpose of allowing an outside light to be flashed continuously on and off, as well as permitting the light to be turned on and off in the conventional manner is disclosed. The switch apparatus may be directly substituted for a conventional on/off switch using the two wires already in the switch box. The switch apparatus incorporates either a standard or an asymmetrical mechanical switching mechanism for turning the light on or off conventionally, and for selecting the flashing mode. When the flashing mode is selected, an electronic circuit continuously switches the flow of power to the light bulb on and off via a power switcher controlled by an oscillator. Inserted within an actuator handle of the switching mechanism is a neon light which is on when the switch apparatus is in the off position and off when the apparatus is in the on position.

Abstract: A cable clamp assembly comprises a bushing member adapted to receive an electrical power cable, tubing or the like, has a pair of jaw members adapted to fit through a cable entry port in the wall of an outlet box. One jaw is fixedly secured to the bushing while the other is formed on a movable arm member. A lug portion of the bushing provides a cavity which serves as a guide for travel of the arm and a threaded fastener passes through the lug and threadably engages the arm to move the arm. A biasing member associated between the bushing and the screw urges the arm member away from the fixed jaw. The biasing means may be generally U-shaped and located generally over the lug, with the free ends of its leg portions abutting the exterior of the bushing member and an aperture in its base portion to receive the screw.

Abstract: Apparatus for completing the fabrication of molded electrical junction boxes includes a set of rams for perforating webs remaining in the cable entry ports after the molding process. The rams have cutting edges and are driven along guide rails into the entry ports. A spring loaded plate having teeth or pins contacts the box for aligning the box with the rams.

Abstract: In a weatherproof cover for an electrical receptacle, a plurality of lids are rotatably mounted in a generally rectangular base plate having three surrounding walls. A butterfly shaped biasing member is disposed between the lids and the base plate and applies a force to the lids to hold them in close proximity to the base plate in order to form a weatherproof seal. The lids cover receptacle access apertures which extend through the base plate and a stiffening plate disposed behind the base plate.

Abstract: A self-contained or boxless electrical wiring device, such as a receptacle or switch, includes a body adapted to be mounted in an aperture in the wall of a building or a mobile home. The body houses wire grasping terminals for connection with the wires of electrical cable without requiring the stripping of insulation. Interior partitions support terminal members into which the insulated cable conductors are forced for terminating the device. The partitions are integrally formed with the front face and side walls of the body in a configuration which is readily molded. Mounting members, in the form of mounting pawls or crimp mounting members are formed at each end to permit installation near wall studs. The body is closed by a back cover having projections for driving the wires into the terminals, the cover being releasably secured via legs which engage the sidewalls.

Abstract: An electrical outlet box has electrical power cable entry ports in which one or more closure panels are each mounted adjacent the rim of the aperture along one edge portion only of the panel, the remaining portion of each panel being free and extending substantially across the aperture in a direction angularly inwardly from the plane of the aperture. The closure panels are each either hingedly mounted or sufficiently flexible and resilient so as to be self-opening, such that each free end portion is deflected away from the opening upon passage of the cable into the aperture by manual force, and thereafter resistingly bears against the installed cable. Each panel may be tapered so as to have increased thickness at the base, in which case the panels are self-clamping against removal of the cable from the aperture, and may include supplementary cable gripping projections on their outwardly facing surfaces.

Abstract: An electrical outlet box has electrical power cable entry ports in which one or more closure panels are each mounted adjacent the rim of the aperture along one edge portion only of the panel, the remaining portion of each panel being free and extending substantially across the aperture in a direction angularly inwardly from the plane of the aperture. The closure panels are each either hingedly mounted or sufficiently flexible and resilient so as to be self-opening, such that each free end portion is deflected away from the opening upon passage of the cable into the aperture by manual force, and thereafter resistingly bears against the installed cable. Each panel may be tapered so as to have increased thickness at the base, in which case the panels are self-clamping against removal of the cable from the aperture, and may include supplementary cable gripping projections on their outwardly facing surfaces.