Abstract: A three-way switch wiring system and adapter therefor. The system includes n adapter having a pair of prongs which are engageable with first and second power contact strips in a wiring apparatus or junction box. The adapter includes an insulating housing with first and second common contact strips, a normally open contact strip and a normally closed contact strip therein. The contact strips and housing have wire receiving openings therein for receiving the wires of a pair of three-wire cables from first and second three-way switches. The wires on the cable from the first switch are connected to the first common contact strip and the normally open and normally closed contact strips, and the cable from the second switch is connected to the second common contact strip and the normally and normally closed contact strips. Sockets are disposed in the housing around the sets of wire receiving openings for wedging engagement with an outer insulating sheath of the cables.

Abstract: An electrical switch apparatus adapted for plug-in wiring. The switch apptus has an insulating housing made of a cover and a body. The body defines a plurality of terminal receiving cavities therein. A terminal portion of a plurality of electrical contact strips is disposed in each of the terminal receiving cavities. The terminal portions are adapted for receiving and grippingly engaging an electrical wire inserted through an opening in the housing. A cantilevered strip extends from each of the terminal portions, and each of the cantilevered strips has a switching contact thereon. The contacts on each of the cantilevered strips are mutually aligned. When the switch handle is in a first position, the contacts on a pair of the electrical contact strips are in electrical communication. When the switch is in a second position, the electrical contacts on another pair of electrical contact strips are in electrical communication. The switch handle has a pin thereon for engaging one of the contact strips.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle apparatus adapted for plug-in wiring. The receptacle apparatus has an insulating housing made of a cover and a body. The body defines a plurality of terminal receiving cavities therein. A terminal portion of a plurality of electrical contact strips is disposed in each of the terminal receiving cavities. The terminal portions are adapted for receiving and grippingly engaging an electrical wire inserted through an opening in the housing. A cantilevered strip extends from each of the terminal portions in a longitudinal direction through the body, and each cantilevered strip has at least one set of first and second plug receiving and gripping fingers. The housing has a plurality of plug receiving openings therein in registry with the sets of plug receiving fingers. The electrical contact strips include a power contact strip, a common contact strip, and a ground or neutral contact strip disposed between the power and common contact strips.

Abstract: A plug-in type electrical wiring apparatus having electrical contact strips held in place by electrically conducting terminals. The apparatus includes upper and lower housing portions forming a housing enclosing the electrical contact strips. Each electrical contact strip has a pair of legs interconnected at one end by a longitudinal web. The web has wire receiving openings therebetween, such that a wire inserted through any opening is engagingly received between the legs. In an alternate embodiment, a shoulder extends from one of the legs and provides additional electrical contact for the wire. Cable receiving sockets are located in the housing in registry with the web openings. A plurality of electrically conductive terminals are positioned on an opposite side of the lower housing portion from the electrical contact strips. Each terminal has a member extending into the housing and engagingly received between the legs of a contact strip.

Abstract: A plug-in electrical wiring apparatus includes an insulating housing having a cable receiving external socket disposed therein. The socket is defined by a bottom wall and a tapered side wall extending outward from the bottom wall. The side wall is convergingly tapered toward the bottom wall so that a cable inserted in the socket will wedgingly engage the tapered side wall. The bottom wall has a wire receiving housing opening disposed therethrough for receiving a first wire of the cable. An electrical contact strip is disposed in the housing for also receiving the wire of the cable. The contact strip includes a middle web portion having a wire receiving web opening in registry with the housing opening. The web portion further includes a resilient retaining tab for engaging the wire when the wire is inserted through the housing opening and the web opening and for resisting withdrawal of the wire from the web opening.