Abstract: An electrical wiring device assembly having a uniform user facing surface that can be provided with a new electrical wiring device or retrofit to an existing wiring device. The surface is a sleeve that omits crevices, gaps, indentations and other irregularities that can collect and harbor harmful pathogens. The sleeve can be rigid or flexible and is coupled to the wiring device to allow a user to operate the wiring device, such as by allowing a user to move a toggle or paddle switch, while covering the user facing side of the wiring device.

Abstract: A protective electrical wiring device including: a plurality of line terminals including a first line terminal and a second line terminal; a plurality of load terminals including a first load terminal and a second load terminal, wherein the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals are configured to be coupled to an AC electrical distribution system; a pair of contacts including a first contact and a second contact; and a latch block being configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the latch block permits the first line terminal and the first load terminal to be in contact with the first contact and the second line terminal and second load terminal to be in contact with the second contact, wherein, when moving from the first position to the second position, the latch block advances at least one of the first line terminal and the first load terminal away from the first contact and at least one of the second line terminal and the second

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device including a housing assembly with a cover assembly, a back body member, and a plurality of line terminals, feed-through load terminals, and receptacle load terminals; a fault protection circuit disposed in the back body and substantially disposed on at least one printed circuit board, and being configured to provide a fault detection stimulus in response to detecting at least one type of predetermined fault condition, the fault detection stimulus decoupling a reset pin from a latching element, the reset pin being coupled to the latching element in response to a reset stimulus; and a circuit interrupter disposed inside the housing including a latch block assembly with an upper latch block and being moveable between a first state in response to the reset stimulus and a second state in response to the fault detection stimulus, wherein the reset pin is positioned through the upper latch block, and the upper latch block is configured to drive the cir

Abstract: A wall plate is disclosed that includes a plate portion having a finish surface bounded by a perimeter. The finish surface has a latitudinal profile characterized by a latitudinal arc and a longitudinal profile characterized by a longitudinal arc. The latitudinal arc is defined as a section of a first circle having a first radius and a first chord substantially equal to a latitudinal dimension of the plate portion. The first radius is a function of the number of gangs covered by the wall plate. The longitudinal arc is defined as a portion of a second circle having a second radius and a second chord substantially equal to a longitudinal dimension of the plate portion. The wall plate also includes a wall member disposed around the perimeter to form an interior volume.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device including a fault protection circuit configured to provide a fault detection stimulus in response to detecting at least one type of predetermined fault condition. A circuit interrupter is disposed on a first side of a PCB and an auxiliary switch is at least partially disposed on a second side of the at least one PCB. The auxiliary switch includes a switch throw element movably extending through an opening in the PCB between the first state and the second state, the auxiliary switch being configured to decouple at least a portion of the fault protection circuit assembly from the plurality of line terminals in the second state.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device including a housing assembly with a cover assembly, a back body member, and a plurality of line terminals, feed-through load terminals, and receptacle load terminals; a fault protection circuit disposed in the back body and substantially disposed on at least one printed circuit board, and being configured to provide a fault detection stimulus in response to detecting at least one type of predetermined fault condition, the fault detection stimulus decoupling a reset pin from a latching element, the reset pin being coupled to the latching element in response to a reset stimulus; and a circuit interrupter disposed inside the housing including a latch block assembly with an upper latch block and being moveable between a first state in response to the reset stimulus and a second state in response to the fault detection stimulus, wherein the reset pin is positioned through the upper latch block, and the upper latch block is configured to drive the cir

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device including a fault protection circuit configured to provide a fault detection stimulus in response to detecting at least one type of predetermined fault condition. A circuit interrupter is disposed on a first side of a PCB and an auxiliary switch is at least partially disposed on a second side of the at least one PCB. The auxiliary switch includes a switch throw element movably extending through an opening in the PCB between the first state and the second state, the auxiliary switch being configured to decouple at least a portion of the fault protection circuit assembly from the plurality of line terminals in the second state.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device that includes a cover assembly having a plurality of receptacle openings, a reset button and a test button. The reset button and the test button are disposed along a first diagonal and in opposite corners of a substantially square area defined by the reset button and test button. At least one receptacle contact structure includes a portion extending across the first diagonal and at least one receptacle contact substantially aligned with one of the receptacle openings. An electromechanical apparatus is disposed in the back body within a region substantially aligned with the substantially square area. The electromechanical apparatus includes a toroidal sensor assembly coupled to an actuator coil arranged along a center axis in substantial alignment with the first diagonal, the center axis forming an acute angle relative to a side wall of the back body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a switch device that includes an actuator guide coupled to the switch actuator plate. The perimeter wall of the guide is disposed within the back body member in a nesting arrangement such that the actuator guide is configured to slide within the back body member in a substantially linear motion between a non-switch actuating position and a switch actuating position. The perimeter wall forms a contaminant shield to substantially prevent dust external to the device from contaminating the plurality of guide portions. A transmission mechanism is coupled to the actuator guide and configured to convert the linear motion of the actuator guide into a rotational movement when the switch actuator plate is depressed. A mechanical switch mechanism is configured to move between a first switch state and a second switch state in response to the rotational movement of the transmission mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device that includes a cover assembly having a plurality of receptacle openings, a reset button and a test button. The reset button and the test button are disposed along a first diagonal and in opposite corners of a substantially square area defined by the reset button and test button. At least one receptacle contact structure includes a portion extending across the first diagonal and at least one receptacle contact substantially aligned with one of the receptacle openings. An electromechanical apparatus is disposed in the back body within a region substantially aligned with the substantially square area. The electromechanical apparatus includes a toroidal sensor assembly coupled to an actuator coil arranged along a center axis in substantial alignment with the first diagonal, the center axis forming an acute angle relative to a side wall of the back body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a switch device that includes an actuator guide coupled to the switch actuator plate. The perimeter wall of the guide is disposed within the back body member in a nesting arrangement such that the actuator guide is configured to slide within the back body member in a substantially linear motion between a non-switch actuating position and a switch actuating position. The perimeter wall forms a contaminant shield to substantially prevent dust external to the device from contaminating the plurality of guide portions. A transmission mechanism is coupled to the actuator guide and configured to convert the linear motion of the actuator guide into a rotational movement when the switch actuator plate is depressed. A mechanical switch mechanism is configured to move between a first switch state and a second switch state in response to the rotational movement of the transmission mechanism.

Abstract: An electrical control device, such as an exemplary electrical receptacle, has a front face that is a blended, aspheric surface. The vertical edges of the device have an arcuate profile from top to bottom, preferably elliptical, and the horizontal edges of the device have an arcuate profile from side to side that may be elliptical or circular. The vertical profile of the front face along a centerline of the device is substantially flat, thus an electrical plug seated in the receptacle will be limited to a rocking dimension within UL guidelines for safety. A faceplate component for use in assembly with the electrical control device has an arcuate shape in the vertical dimension that substantially matches the vertical edge profile of the electrical control device.

Abstract: A screwless faceplate assembly consisting of a single monolithic subplate component and a single monolithic faceplate component that is removeably attachable to the subplate component. Both the subplate component and the faceplate component have complimentary, respective, reversible co-engagement means only located adjacent outer perimeter surfaces thereof. The subplate component is metallized or otherwise reinforced such that upon installation against an existing, potentially non-flat or uneven wall surface, the proper position and spacing of multiple electrical devices engaged with the subplate component are maintained. Embodiments of the invention include a subplate component and a faceplate component, and, upon assembly, a screwless faceplate assembly.

Abstract: A screwless faceplate assembly consisting of a single monolithic subplate component and a single monolithic faceplate component that is removeably attachable to the subplate component. Both the subplate component and the faceplate component have complimentary, respective, reversible co-engagement means only located adjacent outer perimeter surfaces thereof. The subplate component is metallized or otherwise reinforced such that upon installation against an existing, potentially non-flat or uneven wall surface, the proper position and spacing of multiple electrical devices engaged with the subplate component are maintained. Embodiments of the invention include a subplate component and a faceplate component, and, upon assembly, a screwless faceplate assembly.

Abstract: One low voltage old work bracket can be ganged into a two-gang, three-gang, four-gang, etc. bracket with no modifications to the single bracket unit. The side walls are staggered so that the first side wall from the second bracket fits over the second side wall from the first bracket. Corresponding tongues and grooves hold the ganged brackets together. Each bracket preferably includes a wire retention tab and a pair of swing arms on opposing corners of the bracket frame.

Abstract: A fused mechanical interlock in an electrical switching device precludes a fuse access door from being open when the switching device is energized. The fused mechanical interlock optionally cooperates with a plug interlock mechanism which prevents the switching device from being energized unless a plug is properly inserted in a receptacle.

Abstract: A fuse extractor and puller including a generally cylindrical fuse receiving portion, a lifting and inserting tower attached to the cylindrical fuse receiving portion, and a gripping head attached to the tower and having specially molded characters etched thereon. The tower portion of the fuse puller is hollow and incorporates a continuity detector having an indicator for indicating the condition of a fuse comprising a light extending through the top of the gripping portion, and first and second spring contacts attached to the continuity detector, adapted to contact the electrical terminals of a fuse positioned within the puller. The tower further includes a cantilevered support for supporting the continuity detector so that the light may be pressed downwardly against the gripping portion and the stress created thereby is absorbed, preventing damage to the light.

Abstract: A fused mechanical interlock in an electrical switching device precludes a fuse access door from being open when the switching device is energized. The fused mechanical interlock optionally cooperates with a plug interlock mechanism which prevents the switching device from being energized unless a plug is properly inserted in a receptacle.