Abstract: A wiring system for modular structures, such as prefabricated panels, which utilizes two types of cord assemblies to distribute electrical energy throughout the structures. The first cord assembly is comprised of an electrical cable having a plurality of conductors which is terminated on both ends by male electrical connectors. The first cord assembly also has a tap in an intermediate position which includes two additional male electrical connectors of the same type. This cord assembly is used to connect two adjacent panels together electrically. To connect an additional panel to this junction, a second cord assembly having a female electrical connector on one end and a male electrical connector on the other end is used to connect the additional panel to the tap of the first cord assembly. Consequently, a plurality of panels can be connected together using only these two types of cord assemblies to provide for the distribution of electrical power throughout the panel system.

Abstract: An electrical wiring device having a housing with a first set of openings through which the bare ends of conductors are pushed to effect so-called push-wire connection of the conductors to terminals within the housing in the usual manner. A second set of openings is provided adjacent the first set and a reciprocally slidable member is positioned within each of the second set of openings. Using a small tool, the slidable members may be pushed inwardly to contact and move the spring clip holding the conductor in firm engagement with the terminal, thereby releasing the conductor and permitting its withdrawal from the wiring device. The slidable members include a central stem portion with protrusions extending outwardly in opposite directions adjacent the two ends thereof. The slidable members are configured to cooperate with portions of the wiring device in such a way that movement is constrained to a predetermined path between inner and outer limits.

Abstract: A connector having an electrically insulating housing (43) comprising electrically conductive connection elements (13, 15, 17) each having two first contact members (1, 3, 5) and a connection member (7, 9, 11) as well as two electrically parallel arranged, normally closed switches each of which in the closed condition forms an electric connection between one of the connection elements (15) and a first terminal (23) of a resistance element (25), the second terminal of which (27) is electrically conductively connected to another connection element (13). Each switch comprises an operating member (39, 41) which is capable of cooperating with a plug to be inserted into the housing (43) so that when the plug is inserted the switch in question is opened.

Abstract: A mounting screw for mounting an electrical wiring device having non-metallic components, to an electrical outlet box and combination of root electrical wiring device and screw. The screw includes a head and a shank, with a lip projecting downwardly from the bottom surface of the screw head spaced from and encircling the shank, and a series of ribs extending radially outward between the shank and the lip. Advantageously the mounting screw is in combination with an electrical wiring device having non-metallic mounting straps so that when the screw is installed by a power tool, the lip-and-ribs arrangement on the screw bites into the mounting strap material to produce resistance to the turning of the power tool signaling the operator that the screw is secure.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus for improving the efficiency of a fluorescent fixture. A high efficiency reflector having tube hangers depending therefrom is mounted into fixture housing. Substitute fluorescent tubes, one for each original pair of tubes, are mounted under reflectors and held by hangers. A device including a plug and a substitute socket is used to tap electricity from an original fixture socket and to conduct it to the substitute tube through the substitute socket which is itself supported by the substitute tube.

Abstract: A portable power distribution system for distributing electrical power under low light, emergency conditions is disclosed herein. The system generally comprises a plurality of power distribution cables, a plurality of power outlet blocks, each of which is connectable to one of the power distributing cables, wherein each block has at least one electrical receptacle on a first side, and a resilient, water-tight housing that is curved on a second side opposite to the first side and which includes a weight for gravity-biasing the receptacle away from a skyward, water-collecting orientation, and a plurality of connector assemblies, each of which has matable male and female connectors for interconnecting the power distribution cables and the power outlet blocks. Each of the male and female connectors has a resilient housing preferably integrally and solidly formed from an elastomeric material for forming a shock and water resistant covering around its conductive member.

Abstract: Parking garages typically do not have permanent electric power outlets but do have other types of permanent electrical fixtures and fittings. An electric power outlet is mechanically and electrically connected to a removable connector half of an industrial electric fixture fitting to provide a convenient and inexpensive source of electric power for maintenance and work crews to operate power equipment. An electrical fixture is removed from its fitting and an electrical adaptor having an electric power outlet mechanically and electrically connected to a removable connector half of the electrical fixture fitting is mated to the fitting to temporarily convert the electrical fixture fitting to an electric power outlet.

Abstract: An extension cord includes: an extension cord having a plurality of loops formed thereon; and a plurality of sockets each connected with a loop of the cord and each socket having fasteners for securing the socket on a Christmas tree so that the extension cord can be concealedly mounted on a Christmas tree for further connecting plural lighting-bulb sets in the sockets for better decorative effect.

Abstract: In a high grade electrical receptacle, the terminals are fabricated from a low strength alloy such as cartridge brass. The terminals include a pair of grasping members which extend from a common member and which are inclined toward one another to grasp the blade of an electrical plug. The grasping members are tapered by having decreasing cross sectional dimensions as they extend from the common member. In one embodiment of the invention the inclined grasping members are generally rectangular with a generally triangular cut out. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the grasping members are of a generally triangular shape.

Abstract: The invention features an electrical extension outlet that is easily assembled and which provides internal isolation to wiring and socket contacts. The components of the outlet are assembled by means of snap fasteners. A double housing and base member construction doubly shields wiring and contacts. Care is taken in the internal design to isolate all metal fasteners from wiring and contacts.