Abstract: A ground fault interruptor (GFI) electrical connector receptacle device for use with a twist-lock, multi-prong plug has passages in the face plate in registration with electrical contact blades coupled to a GFI circuit to disconnect the blades upon detection of a ground fault. The configuration and shape of the passages through the face plate accept the twist-lock plug so that the foot of the L-shaped grounding prong of the plug is brought into engagement with the rear surface of the housing face plate when the plug is rotated to restrain the plug from axial removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inner pin base for a three-pole plug. The inner pin base has a round-sectional passageway at a top portion and two channels at two sides of a bottom portion. An upper and a lower rims of the passageway extend backward to form an upper and a lower tongue pieces, respectively, allowing a ground terminal to pass through while a projected portion on a top surface of the lower tongue piece engages with an oval hole at the end of the ground terminal passing therethrough. The channels each has a vertical and slender slot formed at their substantially closed front end, allowing a positive or a negative terminal to pass through.

Abstract: A plug for use with self-regulating cables or the like is disclosed. The plug enables simple and safe installation of a self-regulating cable or the like into the plug. It also enables an operator to connect the conductors of the plug to the cable conductors with the use of a single screwdriver and without the necessity of stripping or cutting tools. The plug ensures that all conductors are properly connected in addition to providing fuse-link protection to the circuit.

Abstract: The invention is a receptacle for a three prong electrical plug which has either a tubular or U-shaped grounding prong. The inventive receptacle has a grounding prong socket which is sufficiently spacious to prevent the socket from significantly stretching when a larger, U-shaped grounding prong is inserted into the socket, and having two ridges to allow a snug fit when a smaller tubular shape grounding prong is inserted into the socket. The two ridges are made to prevent the socket from expanding when either the U-shaped grounding prong or the tubular grounding prong is inserted.

Abstract: An insulating liner for an electrical plug which fits between the plug body and the plug assembly when conductors are located. The liner rotates within the plug body and is retained in the plug body by a tab and groove.

Abstract: A multiple outlet receptacle, such as one having four outlets in respective quadrants, is provided with a surge suppression circuit including a metal oxide varistor edgewise between the front and back of the device, other electronic elements, including dual status indicators, connected with an outer ring like contact plate and secured within portions of the insulating housings. Features for compactness and ease of assembly are provided. A pilot light indicator may alternatively be provided in receptacles without a surge suppressor utilizing some of the same components and assembly features.

Abstract: A water heater having an electrically grounded water tank including an electrically conductive portion, a water tank inlet and outlet connected to deliver water to and from the water tank, a heater connected to the tank for heating water in the tank, a control for controlling the application of heat to the water, an electrically grounded outer jacket surrounding the water tank, a bottom member electrically grounded to the outer jacket, and a spring urged electrical bonding clip secured to and electrically connected to the bottom member and directly electrically engaging the water tank electrically conductive portion.

Abstract: A one-piece, multi-function, grounding strip is assembled within an electrical receptacle, and includes a screw terminal which is highly resistant to removal of a grounding screw from the strip. The grounding terminal portion of the strip is much reduced in thickness as compared to conventional grounding terminals, and includes a pair of spaced-apart tineman-type single screw threads formed on grounding plates. A support element is sandwiched between the plates to form a combination which is highly resistant to forces tending to strip the grounding screw from the plates.

Abstract: An adapter comprising a tubular housing carrying a 110 to 125 volt type plug receptacle is disclosed. The plug receptacle forms the output side of the adapter, with the input side consisting of a metallic pick-up strip for insertion into the electrode holder carried by the output lead of an electric arc welder. The input side of the adapter also includes a fused ground clip which is connectable onto an electrical ground such as the grounded output lead of an arc welder.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a plurality of signal contacts (20,30) disposed in two rows in an insulating housing (10) and each having one end for connection to respective signal wires (S) in an electric cable (1) and another end for connection with a signal terminal of a member to which the connector is to be connected, a plurality of ground contacts (62) disposed in a row between the two rows of signal contacts (20,30) and having one end for connection to ground wires (G) in the cable (1) and another end for connection with a ground terminal of the member to which the connector is connected, and a shield member (60) disposed between the signal contacts to prevent crosstalk therebetween.

Abstract: A combined electrical/lightwave connection arrangement provides electrical connections via conventional contact blades and ground post and a lightwave connection via a lightwave transmission line carried within the ground post.

Abstract: A power line includes a plug having four wire connection sites and a line cord having four conductors each conducted to a respective wire connection site. Two of the sites are connected to the two power conducting blades of the plug and the remaining two wires are connected to a single grounding prong of the plug. An extension cord can be made by attaching a female socket to opposite ends of the wires, the female socket also having four wire connection sites. The plug and line cord can also be connected directly to a device having four wire connection sites.

Abstract: A mains electrical plug incorporates a zinc oxide non-linear resistor device (10) in the form of a circular zinc oxide disc having three electrode portions (2) provided on one face and contacting the earth, neutral and live pins (5) of the plug and a single electrode (3) on its other face, the device (10) thereby providing surge protection to the three electrical circuits provided within the plug.

Abstract: A fused electrical plug for interconnecting appliances with a power supply (such as a conventional wall outlet). The plug includes at least neutral and positive terminal posts and may includes a ground terminal. The plug also includes a first body portion from which the neutral terminal post extends, the first body portion including a cavity for receiving a fuse. A second plug body portion carries the positive terminal post while a hinge secures the first and second plug portions for pivotal relative movement between an open position wherein the fuse receiving cavity is accessible in a closed position wherein the fuse receiving cavity is inaccessible. Electrical communication to the appliance is established via a fuse within the cavity and the positive terminal only when the first and second body portions are in the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second plug body portions are molded with the hinge being formed as a living hinge.

Abstract: An electrical connector has an electrically non-conductive outer housing and connector members recessed in one end of the housing. Electromagnetic interference shielding is provided by members surrounding the components within the housing including an electrically conductive grommet circularly contacting conductive braid on the cable to which the connector is attached and a sleeve which surrounds the wires within the housing and extends axially to the connector end. One of the connector prongs is designated as the ground prong and is electrically attached to the sleeve. Embodiments accommodating three and four wires are disclosed.