Abstract: The present invention presents an electrical control box which provides a common platform for either a sliding switch or a toggling switch. The present invention uses the same PC board for both types of operation. A common wrap around heat sink provides a large surface area for dissipating heat. The present invention allows a triac to be mounted in close proximity on the circuit board of the electrical control box rather than toward the front surface of the electrical control box so as to simplify assembly. Screws for attaching to external wiring are mounted on the back body.

Abstract: A wiring device, and more particularly a heat generating wiring device such as a dimmer, includes a heat sink in thermal contact with a heat-generating electrical component and the ground terminal to dissipate heat therefrom. The ground terminal is recessed in the housing to prevent a ground screw from contacting external insulation but without impeding connection of the ground wire to the ground terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical wiring devices such as electrical receptacles, switches, and the like, and more particularly to wiring devices with a clamp for the ground connections to such devices. The present invention includes a pressure plate which engages the ground plate of a receptacle with legs of a pressure plate disposed within correspondingly shaped recesses adjacent the ground plate of the receptacle, so that the pressure plate is substantially constrained from rotation relative to the ground plate so that a wire can be received between the ground plate and the pressure plate when the screw is backed out a sufficient distance.

Abstract: A compact high current relay is provided having first and second fixed contacts connected in circuit relationship with the apparatus to be controlled; an elongated bus bar having first and second movable contacts at opposite ends of the bus bar, the bus bar characterized by a stiffness such that upon application of a first predetermined force to the bus bar, between the contacts, the movable contacts both tilt and wipe with respect to the first and second fixed contacts; and a solenoid connected to the bus bar between the first and second contacts for exerting a force on the bus bar greater than the predetermined force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical wiring devices such as electrical receptacles, switches, and the like, and more particularly to wiring devices with a clamp for the ground connections to such devices. The present invention includes a pressure plate which engages the ground plate of a receptacle with legs of a pressure plate disposed within correspondingly shaped recesses adjacent the ground plate of the receptacle, so that the pressure plate is substantially constrained from rotation relative to the ground plate so that a wire can be received between the ground plate and the pressure plate when the screw is backed out a sufficient distance.

Abstract: A wiring device such as a switch or receptacle includes a sheet suitable for receiving markings from a pencil or ball-point pen affixed to a predetermined surface area of the device. A conventional wall plate is secured to the device by a screw passing through coaxial openings in the wall plate, the sheet and the surface area of the device and secured in a threaded opening. In the disclosed embodiment, the device is a duplex receptacle with the surface area and sheet lying between the two plug-receiving portions. Indicia placed on the sheet by the installer indicates the specific circuit, i.e., the breaker and panel, in which the device is connected.

Abstract: A wiring device such as a switch or receptacle includes a sheet suitable for receiving markings from a pencil or ball-point pen affixed to a predetermined surface area of the device. A conventional wall plate is secured to the device by a screw passing through coaxial openings in the wall plate, the sheet and the surface area of the device and secured in a threaded opening. In the disclosed embodiment, the device is a duplex receptacle with the surface area and sheet lying between the two plug-receiving portions. Indicia placed on the sheet by the installer indicates the specific circuit, i.e., the breaker and panel, in which the device is connected.

Abstract: An electrical wiring device, disclosed in the form of a duplex receptacle having the usual cover, body, terminals and mounting strap of the type extending longitudinally of the body rear surface and along the end surfaces. Two pairs of ribs are formed integrally with the body and extend in parallel relation longitudinally of the body rear surface with the strap lying between the two pairs of ribs. The purpose and effect of the ribs is to form a physical barrier of dielectric material and to lengthen the surface distance between the strap and portions of the hot and neutral wires terminated on the sides of the receptacle from which the insulation has been removed, thereby inhibiting electrical contact or arcing between the bare wires and the strap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical wiring devices such as electrical receptacles, switches, and the like, and more particularly to wiring devices with a clamp for the ground connections to such devices. The present invention includes a pressure plate which engages the ground plate of a receptacle with legs of a pressure plate disposed within correspondingly shaped recesses adjacent the ground plate of the receptacle, so that the pressure plate is substantially constrained from rotation relative to the ground plate so that a wire can be received between the ground plate and the pressure plate when the screw is backed out a sufficient distance.