Abstract: A method of assembling a load center featuring a dielectric barrier that securely retains a plug-on neutral rail without requiring any fasteners. The dielectric barrier and the rail are installed in the same Z-axis direction, which is orthogonal to a rear wall of an enclosure into which the load center is installed. Retention features in the dielectric barrier can create a snap-fit connection between the rail and the barrier, or the barrier can feature a support feature onto which the rail snaps as the rail is installed relative to the dielectric barrier in the Z-axis direction. The snap fit connections eliminate the need for any fasteners, and together with the Z-axis assembly, the assembly process is simplified and accelerated and the possibility of assembly error is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A load center featuring a two-piece dielectric barrier that securely retains a plug-on neutral rail and methods of assembling the same. The barrier includes a shield and a base having a protrusion that cooperates with fingers of the shield to securely retain the conductor in the load center. The shield is installed over the base and rests on hooks protruding from the base. This creates a distance between the protrusion and the fingers to allow the conductor to be inserted through a gap between the fingers along the conductor's skinny edge. The conductor rotates 90 degrees until it rests on the protrusion. The base and shield are snapped together, causing the hooks of the base to attach to the shield. At the same time, the fingers of the base move downward to rest against the conductor so that it is sandwiched securely between the protrusion and the fingers.

Abstract: A method of assembling a load center featuring a dielectric barrier that securely retains a plug-on neutral rail without requiring any fasteners. The dielectric barrier and the rail are installed in the same Z-axis direction, which is orthogonal to a rear wall of an enclosure into which the load center is installed. Retention features in the dielectric barrier can create a snap-fit connection between the rail and the barrier, or the barrier can feature a support feature onto which the rail snaps as the rail is installed relative to the dielectric barrier in the Z-axis direction. The snap fit connections eliminate the need for any fasteners, and together with the Z-axis assembly, the assembly process is simplified and accelerated and the possibility of assembly error is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a terminal and base for connecting a circuit through a fusible switch. The base has a plurality of undercut prongs upstanding therefrom and an interlock snap resiliently attached thereto. The prongs are positioned on the base to prevent movement vertically and in at least one direction horizontally. The snap is positioned on the base to prevent movement in the remaining horizontal directions. The terminal includes a generally planar body made of conductive material. The body has a plurality of edges adapted to insert into the undercut prongs. The terminal positions an opposing edge on the body opposite the plurality of edges. The opposing edge is adapted to abut one end of the interlock snap. The terminal includes a first and second means for electrically and mechanically connecting the terminal to the circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cover for an exposed bus bar attached to an electrical control device having a contour mounting surface for circuit interrupters. The cover includes a generally planar body member having sufficient size to substantially cover the exposed bus bar. The cover includes means for securing the body to the device so that the position of the body prevents contact between the bus bar and a person's finger or equipment particularly when an individual circuit interrupter is mounted to the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interior assembly for an electrical distribution device having at least one bus bar integrally formed with branch stabs for electrically connecting to terminals extending from a plurality of circuit interrupters. The assembly includes a generally planar support base having a front face and back face for mounting bus bars. A cover for the front face and a back shield for the back face of the support base have sufficient size to substantially cover the bus bars. The cover and back shield include means for securing the body to the device so that the position of the cover prevents contact between the bus bar and a person's finger or equipment particularly when an individual circuit interrupter is mounted to the device.