Abstract: An input/output module for a building automation system includes a mounting plate, a circuit board, and a cover. The mounting plate has at least two fastener receptacles (24-30) positioned to align with fastener receptacles of a standard electrical junction box (90). The mounting plate further includes at least two openings, each opening sized to receive one or more wires therethrough. The circuit board supports an interface circuit configured to communicate on a building network. The circuit board also includes device input terminals and device output terminals. The interface circuit is configured to provide an interface between the building network and devices connected to the input and output terminals. The circuit board is configured to be mounted to the mounting plate. The cover is sized to fit over the mounting plate and circuit board.

Abstract: A junction box for a probe is disclosed for connecting to a sensor assembly of the probe, wherein the sensor assembly has a housing and a plate. The junction box comprises stopper walls, retaining flanges, and a retainer spring to secure the plate junction box. The probe can be assembled by inserting the sensor assembly through the opening, pressing the plate onto the at least one retainer spring and elastically deforming the at least one retainer spring, and rotating the sensor assembly into an assembled position.

Abstract: An electrical assembly includes a cover assembly, an electrical component such as a circuit breaker and an adapter for mounting the electrical component to the cover assembly. The cover assembly is adapted for mounting directly to a support surface such as a marine hull where the support surface has an opening to receive the electrical component. The electrical component and adapter are received in an opening in the support surface by the cover assembly. The adapter is constructed for coupling to an electrical component and one or more different cover assemblies having different screw hole patterns where the electrical component cannot be coupled directly to the cover assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric switch box. The electric switch box is modular and comprises a housing, an electric inlet, a first electric outlet, a second electric outlet, a switching component disposed in the housing for conducting and switching electric power from the electric inlet to either the first or second electric outlet. The electric switch box also comprises a male connecting portion on a side of the housing, and a corresponding female connecting portion on an opposite side of the housing. When the male and female connecting portions are shaped and dimensioned to allow the male connecting portion to engage the female connecting portion of another electric switch box.

Abstract: A signal interface includes a support structure having a pivotally supported cover and side wings. A latching mechanism is provided to secure the cover to the side wings in both stowed and deployed positions.

Abstract: In a power source circuit shutoff apparatus, with the lever rotated from a connector mating start position to a connector mating completion position, a pair of first signal terminals and a pair of second signal terminals are brought into on-state after a pair of first main terminals and a pair of second main terminals are brought into on-state. With the lever rotated from the connector mating completion position to the connector mating start position, a pair of first main terminals and a pair of second main terminal are brought into off-state after a pair of first signal terminals and a pair of second signal terminals are brought into off-state. The pair of first signal terminals and the pair of second signal terminals are each disposed along a straight line extending in a direction perpendicular to a rotational spindle direction of the lever.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a mount plate secured to a wall or ceiling panel and leading to an electrical device, a frame secured thereto, a plurality of magnetic or mechanical push-touch latches secured to the frame and adapted for inward/outward movement, and a cover magnetically or mechanically, such as a pin and socket attachment assembly, connected to the latches and movable with the latches, such as to be substantially flush with the frame in the inward position and extend outwardly from the frame in the outward position such as to permit removal for access to the electrical device. Various finishing materials may be applied over any exposed portions of the apparatus, such as the mount plate, portions of the frame, and cover to match the surrounding wall panel so that the invention is substantially unnoticeable along the wall panel. The cover may also include an opening for a daily use embodiment.

Abstract: A two gang electrical box that greatly reduces the time and effort required to mount one or two electrical components to a wall or similar surface. Wall preparation requires only the use of a standard hole saw thereby greatly minimizing installation time. The two gang electrical box includes a plate with an opening therein and a substantially circular sidewall extending from the plate at the periphery of the opening and terminating in a rear wall. Mounting fasteners extending through the plate include clamp arms thereon for securing the electrical box to a wall. The clamp arms can be rotated to either an inward position or an outward position. The sidewall is provided with open areas or recesses to fully accommodate the clamp arms when rotated to the inward position thereby enabling the peripheral wall and clamp arms to pass easily within the wall opening created by the standard size hole-saw.

Abstract: An electrical enclosure includes a first part and a second part together forming a body. The body has an inner surface and an outer surface that are separated on opposing surfaces of the body. An outer junction is adjacent the outer surface of the body and an inner junction adjacent the inner surface of the body. Conductive pass-throughs that are at least partially contained within the body electrically couple the inner and outer junctions. An external conductor routing high-voltage from a high-voltage source in the building structure is coupled to the outer junction and mechanically fixed thereto, enclosed by a cover engaging the outer surface sufficiently to provide fire protection and prevent degradation, and such that no portion of the external conductor passes through the body into the inner surface. The second part is removable through the first part thereby providing access to the outer junction through the first part.

Abstract: An electrical device mounting box assembly including an electrical device mounting box and a removable mud cover coupled to the electrical device mounting box via at least one living hinge is disclosed herein. The living hinge may be severed by fatiguing the living hinge or by mechanical severance. The removable mud cover may include a latch to maintain the removable mud cover in a closed position. A rear face of the removable mud cover, which faces a front opening of the electrical device mounting box when the removable mud cover is in a closed position, may include a cavity configured to receive a face of an electrical device mounted in the electrical device mounting box when the removable mud cover is in a closed position. The removable mud cover may include a narrow imprinter configured to imprint drywall when drywall is pressed against the narrow imprinter.

Abstract: A cable entry device for routing both power cables and low voltage cables through an electrical box. The cable entry device includes an elongated base with a front side, a rear side, two ends and a plurality of apertures in each end. The front side of the elongated base includes a base extension extending there from and a cable shield extending from the base extension. The cable shield includes a top and a bottom surface that are each at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the base. The top surface is closed and the bottom surface includes a circular opening that is sized to accommodate a conventional electrical fitting therein. A raised peripheral wall extends from the rear side of the elongated base.

Abstract: A universal bracket is provided for mounting electrical boxes. The bracket includes a generally rectangular first plate having at least one aperture defined within the first plate. The aperture is shaped to provide access to an electrical box mounted to the first plate, and further includes first and second pairs of diagonally opposite corners. A second plate extends rearward and substantially perpendicular to the first plate and located proximate a first side of the aperture. The first plate further includes one or more fastening portions and a plurality of mounting holes disposed about the fastening portions. One or more of the mounting holes are positioned for mounting the bracket to a vertical structural member adjacent either of two opposite sides of the bracket or a horizontal element adjacent a third side of the bracket, maintaining a particular bracket orientation.

Abstract: A camera mounting assembly for mounting a security camera, detector, or electrical fixture directly to an indoor or outdoor surface. The camera mounting assembly includes an electrical box with adapted for use with several mounting adapters. A ceiling mounting adapter enables mounting the electrical box directly to the ceiling or to a down rod secured to the ceiling. A wall mounting adapter enables mounting the electrical box directly to a wall. A corner mounting adapter enables mounting the electrical box to an outside corner. The mounting adapters include a substantially thick face plate that can accept fasteners for securing a camera or fixture directly to the face portion. A camera adapter plate and a mounting bar are provided for mounting cameras or fixtures having a small base diameter.

Abstract: A while-in-use electrical box cover with an improved hinge mount is provided that prevents damage to the box cover when the hood is overstressed in the open position. A hood attaches to the base of the box cover by way of a hood hinge mount and a base hinge mount. A hinge pin, or some variance thereof, is used to couple the hood hinge mount and base hinge mount while maintaining free rotation of the pin. Hinge mounts are located in multiple positions allowing for horizontal or vertical mounting options of the hood. Some of the hinge mounts comprise compressible slots to prevent undue stresses which could potentially damage the hood or the hinge mounts located on the hood and base.

Abstract: A system for mounting a pair of signal-receiving devices recessed within a building surface includes a base housing having an inner chamber and positionable behind a building surface and/or furniture surface. A front has a first opening, and a wall has a second and third opening. A secondary housing is positionable adjacent the base housing and has an interior space. A first aperture is positionable in communication with the second opening. A second aperture is positioned in spaced relation from the base housing's wall. A first signal receiver is positionable within the interior space and is connectable to a first signal carrier. A second signal receiver is positionable within the inner chamber and has a second connector positionable adjacent the third opening and connectable to a second signal carrier. A base housing cover plate is positioned to cover at least a part of the base housing first opening.

Abstract: A mounting structure enables a portable remote control device, that operates a load control device of a wirelessly controlled lighting system, to be mounted to a vertical surface (e.g., to an opening of an electrical wallbox). The mounting structure comprises a mounting fixture for attaching to the vertical surface, an opening sized to receive the remote control device, and a flexible leaf in the opening that receives the remote control device. The flexible leaf may project upwardly in the opening for receiving a flanged recess of the remote control device disposed on a rear surface of the remote control device, whereby the remote control device can be slidably received on the flexible leaf and when fully received on the leaf is retained in position on the mounting structure such that the remote control device is framed by the opening in the mounting structure.

Abstract: A grounding mechanism is used for a slidable electronic device including a first housing, a second housing, a conductive member and a grounding tab. The grounding tab is for attachment to the first housing. The receiving portion is formed in the second housing. The conductive member is attached to the receiving portion. The grounding tab contacts the conductive member, the first housing is electrically connected to the second housing.

Abstract: An adjustably mounting electrical device with one or more fixed yokes located perpendicularly to a face of the electrical device, one or more moveable yokes located perpendicularly to the face of the electrical device, and one or more adjustment screws inserted through the one or more fixed yokes and threaded into the one or more moveable yokes, the one or more adjustment screws capable of moving the one or more moveable yokes perpendicularly to the face of the electrical device. The system may comprise mounting flanges that may have threaded hubs or the system may further comprise an electric device having front and back shells moveable on a track in response to depression of a button allowing for movement of the back shell so that the electric device may be mounted having its front face coplanar with a front wall surface.

Abstract: An electrical device assembly includes an electrical device and a plug connector adapted to be received thereby. The electrical device includes a housing having a rear surface and an aperture in the rear surface. A ground strap is connected to the housing and is adapted to secure the electrical device to an electrical box. A plurality of contact blades are disposed in the electrical device and are accessible through the aperture. One of the contact blades is a ground contact blade. A conductive member extends between the ground contact blade and the ground strap. The plug connector includes a plurality of contact members adapted to engage the plurality of contact blades in the electrical device. A plurality of wires extend outwardly from the plurality of contact members such that the plurality of wires are substantially parallel to the rear surface of the electrical device when the plug connector is connected to the electrical device, thereby providing an electrical device assembly having a low profile.

Abstract: A grounding mechanism is used for a slidable electronic device including a first housing and a second housing. The grounding mechanism includes a grounding tab and a protrusion. The grounding tab is for attachment to the first housing, and defines a depression coated with a conductive layer. The protrusion is formed in the second housing. When the protrusion is received in the recess, the protrusion abuts against the conductive layer for electronically connecting the first housing to the second housing.

Abstract: A grounding mechanism is used for a slide-type electronic device including a first housing and a second housing. The grounding mechanism includes a grounding tab for attachment to the first housing and an opening defined in the second housing. Two sidewalls are formed in the opening, and a conductive layer is coated on each sidewall. When the grounding tab is received in the opening, the grounding tab abuts against the conductive layer of the sidewalls for electronically connecting the first housing to the second housing.

Abstract: A mountable power strip includes a first arm section having a plurality of electrical receptacles defining a “strip” of electrical receptacles. The mountable power strip further includes a coupling assembly that is configured to couple the first arm section to a second arm section such that the first and second arm sections are configured for rotational movement relative to each other about an axis of the coupling assembly. The first and second arm sections are biased by at least one spring member such that the first and second arm sections are configured to transition between a first open configuration and a second closed configuration. The biasing may be toward the closed configuration for mounting of the power strip.

Abstract: A configurable electrical box includes an electrical box having a wall structure that defines an internal space, a front open end, and a rear open end. The wall structure includes at least one pair of opposing walls. In addition, at least two slots disposed through at least one wall of the pair of opposing walls. A dividing plate is slidably coupled with one of the at least two slots and is positionable between an engaged position and an unengaged position. The dividing plate is in contact with both of the pair of opposing walls when in the engaged position.

Abstract: An installation of a wiring device configured to receive a cover plate which snaps on to a wiring device such as a switch or receptacle. With this invention, openings for threaded fasteners in the face of the cover plate are eliminated. In an embodiment, the cover plate has an opening sized to accommodate a wiring device and supports, on opposing side walls of the opening, at least one protrusion. The protrusions on the cover plate are located to detachably engage corresponding protrusions on the wiring device as the cover plate is pressed onto the wiring device.

Abstract: A weatherproof power inlet box and mating plug wherein the inlet box and mating plug are asymmetrical, positively latched and include more robust elements and a visual indicator of the status of the interconnect. Also included is a thermostat that trips to prevent overheating.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for locating a pre-wired electrically isolated power source. The invention includes a plurality of embodiments of encased receptacles combined with recessed electrical enclosures for mounting the receptacles. The recessed electrical enclosures allow for the input and output receptacles to be mounted externally to the enclosure, to create space internal to the enclosure, for visual isolation of receptacle outlets and associated plugs/connectors that may also be present in the enclosure.

Abstract: An electrical interface assembly configured to be supported within a wall of a mobile structure. The electrical interface assembly includes a frame having spaced apart inner and outer supports. Panels including electrical connectors are removably supported by the inner and outer supports.

Abstract: The invention is directed to providing a switch in an electrical box having one or more electrical devices located therein. The switch is connected within the circuit between a fuse panel and any one of those devices. Thereby, when trouble-shooting any of the electrical devices, the switch will only disconnect that device or devices without disturbing other electrical appliances or stations that happen to be in operation in the same circuit that is being serviced by the same fuse panel.

Abstract: A power distribution system has an electrical box configured to attach a power cable, a plaster ring releasably mounted to the box and one or more electrical devices installed into the ring. A pre-wired ground extends from a first end physically and electrically connected to a ground terminal on the electrical device. The plaster ring is movable between a closed position proximate the box and an open position distal the box. The pre-wired ground is configured as a lanyard so as to support the plaster ring as a wiring platform in the open position for connecting wires between the power cable and the electrical device or devices.

Abstract: A retrofit electrical outlet comprises an electrical box comprising one or more moveable braces coupled to linear brace actuators, whereby pulling on the linear brace actuator causes the brace to move toward the front end of the box to impinge a wall surface material between the brace and a front flange of the box. Releases may be included to allow for adjustment of the braces. The braces may move linearly or pivotally toward the wall surface material. The linear brace actuator may be stored within the wall for future use.

Abstract: A method and structure of a system of electrical boxes including differing patterns of interference structures, such as ribs and/or grooves, to prevent identical boxes from being nested but permit non-identical boxes from being nested for more space-efficient storage of electrical boxes.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant electrical receptacle includes a cover defining a set of cover apertures; and a slider defining an aperture therein and being movable between a first position blocking the set of cover apertures and a second position not blocking the set of cover apertures, wherein when an object probes at least one and fewer than all of the set of cover apertures, the slider is constrained in the first position. When a set of prongs is inserted simultaneously through the set of cover apertures, the prongs contact a slider surface that is oriented substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the set of prongs such that the slider is urged from the first to the second position. When in the second position the slider aperture aligns with at least one of the set of cover apertures to enable the set of prongs to contact the receptacle contacts.

Abstract: A gangable modular electrical box including separate modules that can be combined in various configurations to provide a desired amount of electrical enclosures on a wall. The modules include an end module and an optional inner module that are each molded in one piece of plastic. A rapid alignment and connection arrangement is included on the various modules to facilitate easy assembly of the modules at the job site without the use of sophisticated tools. The modules can be combined to form a two-gang, three-gang, or larger ganged box as desired. In the simplest configuration, two end modules can be combined to create a two-gang electrical box.

Abstract: A safety shutter for a power receptacle includes two identical sliding blocks engaged with each other and two biasing members. Each sliding block has a base and a platform extending from the base with a slanted surface. The slanted surfaces are disposed below the holes of the receptacle. The biasing members are helical torsion springs disposed at the end of the sliding blocks. The platform of each sliding block is disposed above the base of the other sliding block so the shutter normally blocks access to the conductors inside the receptacle. When two prongs of a plug are inserted into both holes, the prongs push on both slanted surfaces, causing the shutter to open. When a foreign object is inserted into only one hole, only one sliding block is moved by the foreign object and the base of the other sliding block still blocks access to the conductors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing an electrical distribution panel enclosure including a front door and an access door. The enclosure has a rear wall having side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall extending from the rear wall to define a front opening to an interior of the enclosure. The enclosure houses a plurality of electrical devices. The front door is coupled to the enclosure to cover the front opening. The front door also includes an access opening that provides access to less than all of the plurality of the electrical devices when the front door is closed. The access door is coupled to the front door and covers the access opening. The access door moves with respect to the front door to provide access to less than all of the plurality of electrical devices.

Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed here includes an electrical box and a system for mounting the electrical box to the exterior of a structure. When used with a mating rain shield, the invention provides a water-proof means for mounting electric devices on the exterior of structures. The electrical box can be used as a primary electrical box or it can be used as an extension of a pre-existing electrical box. The invention includes a face-plate that is attached to the electrical box. The electrical box is universal in two respects. First, it can be mounted to and used as an extension for a wide variety of pre-existing electrical boxes, and second, by employing a variety of face-plates, the electric box can be adapted to receive many different types of electric devices, such as plugs, sockets, lamps, lights, and electric accessories.

Abstract: A camera mounting assembly including a mounting bar and an adapter plate for mounting a security camera or an electrical fixture to an electrical box installed in a wall or ceiling. An elongated base portion on the mounting bar is adapted to mount to the face of a conventional electrical box and extend beyond the walls of the box. A pair of prongs extends from the base portion of the mounting bar and at least one aperture is provided on the end of the bar. The adapter plate includes an opening with an inner periphery and an inclined surface adapted for twist locking engagement with the prongs of the mounting bar. The camera mounting assembly enables the mounting of a wide range of conventional security camera housings or electrical fixtures to a conventional electrical box.

Abstract: An electrical box assembly for mounting a security camera or electrical fixture on a wall or ceiling. The electrical box assembly includes an electrical box and a trim piece. A plurality of rotatable flags, adjustable from the front of the electrical box assembly, are tightened to secure the assembly to the wallboard in a ceiling or wall. Wall preparation for installation of the electrical box assembly requires only a round hole in the wallboard, which can be easily provided by a hole-saw. The flags can be rotated inward to enable easy insertion of the electrical box within the hole in the wallboard. The electrical box assembly includes a mounting bar and adapter plate that adapt the assembly for mounting a wide variety of security cameras and electrical fixtures. The electrical box assembly conforms to the electrical code in those areas that require a metallic box.

Abstract: An electric junction box 1 includes: a case 4; a tubular guide portion 5 projected from the case 4, and guiding a harness 6 out of the case 4. The guide portion 5 is divided to a pair of gutter-shaped portions 51, 52. Each of the gutter-shaped portions 51, 52 is composed of a bottom wall 53, 54 and a pair of vertical walls 55, 56 extended from both sides of the bottom wall 53, 54 in a circumferential direction Y2. An elastically deformable hinge 57 is provided between the gutter-shaped portion 52 and the case 4 and configured to allow the gutter-shaped portion 52 to be moved away from or close to the gutter-shaped portion 51. The vertical walls 55, 56 of the pair of gutter-shaped portions 51, 52 are overlapped with each other in a radial direction.

Abstract: A cable routing assembly for providing a portal for routing low voltage cables through a wall. The cable routing assembly includes a protective cable frame, a low voltage mounting bracket, and a cover plate. The low voltage mounting bracket includes two adjustable flags for attachment to a wall. The protective cable frame includes two arms with apertures therein to enable mounting directly to the low voltage mounting bracket. Bores in the arms of the protective cable frame enable receipt of fasteners for mounting the cover plate thereto. An opening in the protective cable frame is capable of receiving low voltage cables for routing through the wall and into an adjacent room. The surface of the cable frame opening includes a rounded surface to provide a gentle bend radius to any cables routed through the cable frame.

Abstract: A system to enclose communication wiring of electronic devices includes a box; a power cover plate; a cover frame; a cover plate; and a low voltage connector plate attached to the power cover plate, wherein the power cover plate, the cover frame, and the cover plate attach to the box, wherein the low voltage connector plate and the power cover plate are substantially aligned in a line, wherein the cover frame and the cover plate are substantially aligned, and wherein the box simultaneously houses telephone electrical connection components, power electrical connection components, and data electrical connection components. The cover plate may be substantially flush with a wall upon installation. The box may comprise an enclosed section connectively hinged to the box. The system is preferably made of metal, plastic, or combination thereof.

Abstract: A portable junction or outlet box is provided having an elastomeric outer layer to provide impact resistance and abrasion resistance to the electrical box. The outer layer encloses the outer surface of a rigid electrical box and overlies the side walls and end walls of the electrical box. The corners of the outer layer define a thickened portion relative to the side portions of the outer layer to increase the impact resistance.

Abstract: A junction box, in particular for a solar module, the junction box including a housing with functional components arranged therein for connecting with solar module connecting contacts, wherein the housing of the junction box includes a spacer configured to fixate an additional junction box at a distance from the junction box supporting the spacer.

Abstract: A power and communication receptacle trough has a frame which has an upper, peripheral portion and a plurality of walls downwardly extending from the upper, peripheral portion. The frame defines an interior region. A receptacle attachment member is disposed within the interior region of the frame and is attached to the frame. The receptacle attachment member has a wave-like contour having a crest portion. At least one power or communication receptacle is connected to the receptacle attachment member. The receptacle attachment member has a central portion and the crest portion of the wave-like contour is at the central portion of the receptacle attachment member. Covers are movably attached to the upper, peripheral portion. Each cover corresponds to a respective half of the frame. A lighting device is attached to the receptacle attachment member to illuminate the interior region of the frame.

Abstract: A machine for installing electrical box, wiring, and receptacles or switch simultaneously, A process that allows electricians to perform all 3 tasks at one time without the need to return to install receptacles or switch after wallboard is installed, Comprised of: Housing with built-in laser guide and attached magnetic spacers for metal studs or wooden studs that allow for correct alignment of receptacle or switch for applicable wallboard thickness used.

Abstract: The modular electrical wiring device includes an electrical wiring device and an external plug that is electrically coupled by one or more wires to the wiring device. The modular plug is releasably coupled to a connector in a male-female relationship. Both the modular plug and connector include internal contacts for electrically coupling one to the other. The connector is electrically coupled to and terminates one or more building wires, which are used to provide power to one or more of the wiring devices. The external plug is removably coupled to the connector to provide electrical power to the wiring device by establishing and electrical pathway from a source of electrical power, through the building wires, the connector and the modular plug to the wiring device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a hinge system and method for use with an electrical enclosure. The hinge system can include a first mounting plate having a bushing and a second mounting plate having an aperture. The hinge system can include a pin having a first portion received by the bushing and a second portion selectively received by the aperture. The hinge system can include a cam lever, which can extend from the first mounting plate at an angle. The cam lever can be moveable between a first position to retract the pin from the aperture and a second position to lock the pin in the aperture. The cam lever can be operable in a substantially single plane of motion.

Abstract: A temporary protective cover for an electrical box having an open front end. In some embodiments of the invention, the cover is constructed for attachment directly to a circular type electrical box and includes a circular plate of plastic having a pair of flexible wings for use in securing the cover to the electrical box and a pair of punch-outs for use in securing the cover to the electrical box. In some other embodiments of the invention the cover is constructed for attachment to a circular plaster ring which can be attached to a commercial type circular electrical box and include a pair of flexible wings for use in securing the cover to the plaster ring and a pair of punch-outs for use in securing the cover to the plaster ring.

Abstract: An electrical box cover including a housing and a hood pivotally attached to the housing and moveable between an open and closed position. The housing includes a base wall adapted to be attached to an electrical box. The base wall is surrounded by an outwardly extending side wall. The side wall includes a first opening defined by an edge. A guard having an opening formed therein is insertable over the first opening and securable to the side wall.

Abstract: An electrical device cover configured for mounting over an electrical device comprises a frame including a frame channel and an frame opening. The frame opening is defined by at least four sides and is large enough to receive at least one electrical device. A sliding tab comprising a screw channel is provided, the sliding tab is slidably coupled with the frame channel and is slideable to a closed position in which the screw channel at least partially surrounds a box mounting screw of the at least one electrical device.