Abstract: A network device for controlling an electric light or other remote electrical device. In addition to features found in standard light switches, such as cover plates, housings, switching elements, and internal wiring, the network device may include a cover plate with embedded cover circuitry for performing advanced functions unavailable to standard light switches. Functions performed by the cover circuitry include advanced electrical communication, data processing, user interfacing, sensing, displaying, rule creation, and the like. The cover circuitry may receive electric power via a set of contact elements located on the wall-facing side of the cover plate that electrically couple with a similar set of contact elements located on the room-facing side of the housing. The coupling of contact elements may form a set of buses that enable data communication between the cover circuitry and circuitry within the housing.

Abstract: A network device for controlling an electric light or other remote electrical device. In addition to features found in standard light switches, such as cover plates, housings, switching elements, and internal wiring, the network device may include a cover plate with embedded cover circuitry for performing advanced functions unavailable to standard light switches. Functions performed by the cover circuitry include advanced electrical communication, data processing, user interfacing, sensing, displaying, rule creation, and the like. The cover circuitry may receive electric power via a set of contact elements located on the wall-facing side of the cover plate that electrically couple with a similar set of contact elements located on the room-facing side of the housing. The coupling of contact elements may form a set of buses that enable data communication between the cover circuitry and circuitry within the housing.

Abstract: A network device for controlling an electric light or other remote electrical device. In addition to features found in standard light switches, such as cover plates, housings, switching elements, and internal wiring, the network device may include a cover plate with embedded cover circuitry for performing advanced functions unavailable to standard light switches. Functions performed by the cover circuitry include advanced electrical communication, data processing, user interfacing, sensing, displaying, rule creation, and the like. The cover circuitry may receive electric power via a set of contact elements located on the wall-facing side of the cover plate that electrically couple with a similar set of contact elements located on the room-facing side of the housing. The coupling of contact elements may form a set of buses that enable data communication between the cover circuitry and circuitry within the housing.

Abstract: A parallel electric service system including a combination load center is disclosed. More particularly, the parallel electric service system encompasses a combination load center adapted to receive power from a utility power source and a parallel power source such as a solar module, wind turbine, fuel cell, or the like. Power may be supplied to electrical loads of branches of the system by the utility power source, parallel power source, or both. The system also provides electrical usage metering and allows electrical power to flow back to the grid. Methods of connecting parallel power sources in the parallel electric service system are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A parallel electric service system including a combination load center is disclosed. More particularly, the parallel electric service system encompasses a combination load center adapted to receive power from a utility power source and a parallel power source such as a solar module, wind turbine, fuel cell, or the like. Power may be supplied to electrical loads of branches of the system by the utility power source, parallel power source, or both. The system also provides electrical usage metering and allows electrical power to flow back to the grid. Methods of connecting parallel power sources in the parallel electric service system are provided, as are other aspects.