WO1992007396A1

WO1992007396A1 - A modular wiring system

Info

Publication number: WO1992007396A1
Application number: PCT/AU1991/000481
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Stewart Richardson; Philip Louis Peach
Original assignee: Alexander Stewart Richardson; Philip Louis Peach
Priority date: 1990-10-19
Filing date: 1991-10-16
Publication date: 1992-04-30
Also published as: EP0553157A1; JPH05508515A

Abstract

A modular wiring system is disclosed formed of power utility devices (40) interconnected by wiring harnesses (1). The power utility devices (40) are integrally formed and each comprise a male connector (45) and a female connector (44) directly interconnected by through connection pins (49). A further electrical apparatus (41, 42 or 43) can be provided in each power utility device (40) to couple electrical power from the harness (1) to a load. The devices (40) are adapted to be ganged and include a modular construction adaptable to a variety of international electrical standards.

Description

A MODULAR WIRING SYSTEM Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a modular electrical power distribution and utilities system and, in particular, to a such a system which is pre-fabricated re-usable. Background Art

The traditional method of wiring office or domestic accommodation is to connect cable between the locations where a power utility device such as a general purpose outlet (termed a receptacle in the USA), is required and then manually connect the device to the cable by cutting the cable, stripping the insulation, and using a screw threaded connector. Whilst this system is relatively inexpensive as regards material costs, the system is substantially labour intensive and therefore relatively slow. This is of particular importance during the construction of commercial premises where delays in fitting out may mean substantial loss of rent. Furthermore, there is the element of human error in that mistakes can be made during the interconnection process thereby giving rise to the danger of Injury to persons, damage to equipment, and possibly a lengthy fault-finding procedure. Naturally, should the office partitioning require to be moved, it is then necessary to call a licensed electrician in order that the old cabling be disconnected, and discarded, and new cabling be inserted.

In order to overcome the time of installation problems it is known to use a pre-fabricated wiring harness system in which predetermined lengths of cable are provided with a male plug at one end and a female plug at the other end and are connectable to housings installed at the locations where the power utility devices are required. Each such housing carries a male and female connector and can therefore be directly plugged into the harness. However, it is necessary to interconnect using conventional manual wiring methods, the various power utility devices such as outlets, into the housing. This results in some interconnection time still being required, and also raises the possibility of errors in the wiring procedure which may, for example, not guarantee through connection between the plugs of the housing, and may also incorrectly wire one of the outlets. Again injury and/or damage may result and a lengthy fault-finding procedure may also be required.

SUBSTITUTESHEET It is also known in the USA to provide such a pre-fabricated wiring harness system in which connector blocks are able to be located between the various wiring harnesses. Such connector blocks enable additional wiring harnesses to be connected together and, in addition, also make

5. provision for a specified number, usually one, general purpose outlet to be connected in a piggy-back plug-in fashion to the connector blocks. Although these systems solve some of the abovementioned problems, they are relatively inflexible in that the end user is unable to specify by means of last minute decisions, the exact requirements at each given

10 location. Furthermore, if additional power utility devices should be required at a given location, the total number of devices is limited by the system structure. This maximum number is limited by the number of connector blocks built into the wiring harness and cannot be easily expanded.

15 It is the object of the present invention to provide a modular wiring system which is pre-fabricated and re-usable but which provides both improved flexibility and reduced installation times in relation to the above described prior art. Summary of the Invention

20 According to one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a pre-fabricated re-usable modular wiring system for use in supplying mains power in an office or similar environment, said system comprising a plurality of pre-fabricated wiring harnesses each of a predetermined length and each having a plug type connector at each end thereof, and a

25 plurality of integrally formed power utility devices each comprising a moulded plastic body having directly electrically interconnected male and female connectors for through connection between two of said wiring harnesses or connection to at least one other of said power utility devices to form a sequence of power utility devices, said sequence of

30 power utility devices being able to be connected between two of said wiring harnesses.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is disclosed an integrally formed power utility device comprising a moulded plastic body having directly electrically interconnected male and

35 female connectors and further electrical apparatus supplied from said direct interconnection.

SUBSTITUTESHEET Preferably the power utility devices and/or further electrical apparatus comprise general purpose outlet(s), line conditioners, overload circuit breaker, ELV (extra low voltage) transformer module, dimmers, timers, clocks, thermostats, LDR switch, VPS, earth leakage activated circuit breakers, or insulation displacement connectors either singly or in combination. Distribution blocks are also disclosed. Additionally, AM/FM radio or other audio devices, and paging devices or intercoms which are able to be powered from or transmit over the through mains power connection are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

A number of preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings 1n which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional housing and three power utility device outlet for use in a pre-fabricated wiring harness system of German origin,

Fig. 2 1s a rear view of the housing of Fig. 1 with Its back cover removed,

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a prior art distribution block and the male and female connectors of the wiring harness for use in relation to the apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2,

Fig. 4 1s an exploded perspective view of a pre-fabricated wiring harness system as supplied by a first US manufacturer,

Fig. 5 is a similar view to Fig. 4 but of the pre-fabricated wiring harness system supplied by a second US manufacturer, Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a plurality of power utility devices 1n accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention and able to be connected together to form a sequence,

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the devices of Fig. 6 showing how additional devices can be added to the sequence, Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the sequence of Fig. 7,

Fig. 9 is a plan view of a general purpose outlet forming one member of the sequence of Figs. 6-8,

Fig. 10 is a schematic internal view of the outlet of Fig. 9,

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 9 but illustrating an alternate in configuration for use with European, rather than Australian, socket system,

SUBSTITUTE SHΞI≤TΓ Fig. 12 is a side elevation of a resettable residual current (earth leakage detection) circuit breaker,

Fig. 13 is a plan view, of a general purpose outlet for a three line (5 pole) system, Fig. 14 is an end elevation of the device of Fig. 13,

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 10 but illustrating the internal connections of one configuration of the device of Figs. 13-14,

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15 but illustrating an alternate internal connection to a different phase or line, Fig. 17 is a plan view of a three line general purpose outlet which is switchable between each of the three possible phases,

Fig. 18 is an internal view similar to Fig. 10 but of the interior of the device of Fig. 17, and taken along the line 18-18 of Fig. 19,

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 19-19 of Fig. 18,

Fig. 20 1s an exploded perspective view of a combined general purpose outlet and insulation displacement connector,

Fig. 21 1s a cross-sectional view through the device of Fig. 20,

Fig. 22 1s a rear perspective view of a 5 pole to 3 pole switchable distribution block for use with the equipment of Figs. 6-21,

Fig. 23 is a front perspective view of the block of Fig. 22,

Fig. 24 illustrates one possibility for non-switchable internal connections within the block of Figs. 22 and 23,

Fig. 25 illustrates how the distribution block can be extended in order to accommodate further connectors.

Fig. 26 1s a rear perspective view of a one in three out 5 pole distribution block,

Fig. 27 is a front perspective view of the block of Fig. 26,

Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view of a power utility device utilizing flat blade pin through connectors,

Fig. 29 is an exploded perspective view of a patch connector complementing the device of Fig. 28,

Figs. 30A, 30B and 30C show end elevation views of various arrangements of mounting plates, Figs. 31A, 31B and 31C show plan views of various box mounting techniques,

SUBSTITUTESHEET Fig. 32 shows a front elevation of an array of power utility devices,

Fig. 33A shows a female socket side of a power utility device having a spring loaded shutter, and Fig. 33B shows the spring loaded shutter,

Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 34-34 of Fig. 33,

Fig. 35 shows an exploded perspective view of a two-pole lighting harness, Fig. 36 illustrates the interior of the lighting connector block of Fig. 35, and

Figs. 37 and 38 are corresponding views of a three-pole lighting connector block. Best and Other Modes for Carrying Out the Invention The prior art pre-fabricated wiring harness system of German origin is illustrated in Figs. 1-3. The wiring harness 1 (Fig. 3) is formed from a predetermined length of cable 2 having a male connector 3 and a female connector 4 and is manufactured by the firm WIELAND of Bamberg of Germany. The distribution block 5 illustrated in Fig. 3 enables various lengths of cable 2 to be inter-connected in branching fashion.

As seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the housing 7 interconnected by the wiring harness 1 is positioned at each location where power utility devices 8 are required. Examples of such power utility devices are general purpose outlets 9 and a spare cover plate 10. Located within the housing 7 is a male plug 11 and a female plug 12. The plugs 11 and 12 are directly connected to each other and also are connected to each of the general purpose outlets 9 by means of conventional wires 13. The conventional wires 13 are required since the outlets 9, housing 7 and plugs 11, 12 are invariably produced by different manufacturers. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the housing is manufactured by the firm MEYER of Dorentrup-Humfeld of Germany, the outlets 9 are manufactured by the firm HPM of Sydney Australia and the plugs 11, 12 are manufactured by the abovementioned firm Wieland of Germany. As mentioned previously, the abovementioned system provides the advantage of relatively quick installation but provides the disadvantage of the need for time consuming and expensive manual interconnection of the wires 13 thereby possibly leading to error, injury, damage and the need for a fault-finding procedure. Also if an additional outlet 9 is required, the cover 10 must be discarded and the housing 7 internally re-wired.

Fig. 4 illustrates an arrangement sold in the USA by the organisation STEELCASE which is particularly adapted for use with de-mountable partitions. It will be seen that an extremely elaborate harness 20 is used to provide power between adjacent connector blocks 21 each of which is able to receive a single power outlet 22 (which may itself be a dual or triple power outlet) on either side of the wall or partition. This system suffers from the disadvantage that if it 1s decided at a later date that an additional power outlet 22 is required at the given location, it is sometimes possible for the system to be dis-assembled and further connector blocks 21 and extra lengths of harness 20 to be supplied so that the additional outlet or receptacle 22 can be both mounted and electrically connected. This is only possible if the partitions are able to receive the extra connector block(s) 21.

Fig. 5 illustrates a similar system manufactured in the USA by the firm HERMAN MILLER. Again a complex harness 30, and connectors 31 or 32 are required for the outlets 31A or 33 respectively. Further examples of US prior art are to be seen in US Patents Nos. 4,367,370; 4,370,008; 4,377,724 and RE 31,733 which disclose a panel type partitioning system including wiring as sold by the US firm HAWORTH. Figs. 6-8 illustrate a sequence formed from a number of power utility devices 40 in accordance with the preferred embodiment. As seen in Figs. 6 and 7, the power utility devices 40 can take the form of a re-settable earth leakage current detector/circuit breaker 41, a line conditioner 42, either surge voltage and/or transient spike, and a general purpose outlet 43. Each of the devices 40 is integrally moulded from plastics and includes a female plug connector 44 and a male plug connector 45. The connectors 44,45 can be used with the WIELAND wiring harness 1 of Figs. 1-3, however, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the keyway shape and/or configuration of the connectors 44, 45 can be changed, if necessary or desirable, to other configurations In addition, each of the devices 40 is able to be releasably secured to the adjacent device 40 by means of a known releasable connector clip 46. Other forms of clip 46 or an integrally moulded snap fastener can also be used.

SUBSTITUTESHEET As illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 the sequence of devices 40 can be extended, or contracted, as desired by the addition or removal of further devices 40. The assembled sequence of devices 40 can be mounted in any convenient fashion and 1n the arrangement illustrated are intended to be mounted behind a skirting board formed from an aluminium extrusion or plastic strip, or similar, having press-out circular, hexagonal, square or other appropriately shaped portions which create openings (not illustrated) through which the boss 47 formed in the top of each of the devices 40 can protrude in order to provide access to the devices 40 with increased safety and pleasing appearance.

The standard single phase general purpose outlet as used in Australia and New Zealand is illustrated in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 illustrates the Internal connections of the outlet 43. The through connection pins 49 between the connectors 44 and 45 are illustrated in phantom. The normally open contacts carried by connectors 48A, 48B and 48C are closable on Insertion of the plug of the electric appliance into the outlet 43 in known double pole manner. These connectors 48A, 48B and 48C are formed from metal leaf spring material and are generally of conventional operating principle, if not of conventional configuration. The connectors 48 are directly connected to the through connection pins 49. A similar outlet 50 having a pin configuration adapted to be used with the plugs on electrical appliances in Europe is illustrated in Fig. 11.

Fig. 12 illustrates in side elevation a resettable circuit breaker 56 having a depressable spring loaded re-set button 57.

Turning now to Figs. 13 and 14 a single phase general purpose outlet 51 suitable for use with a three phase supply system is illustrated. Again the outlet 51 is provided with a boss 47, however, the female and male connectors 54 and 55 are provided with five pins rather than three pins. The through connection pins 49 and internal configuration of two different arrangements of internal connectors 58 are illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16 for respective connection of the outlet 50 to different ones of the three possible phases. A third configuration is used where connection to the remaining phase is required. Turning now to Figs. 17-19, a general purpose outlet 60 switchable between one of each of three phases is illustrated. The arrangement of female and male connectors 54, 55 is substantially as before as are the

SUBSTITUTESHEET through pin connections 61. However, in order to make the necessary connections between the selected three of the through pins 61, and the active sockets 62, a complicated three-legged metal contact carrying spider 63 fixed relative to a rotatable central shaft 64 is used. As indicated in Fig. 19, the interior end of the central shaft 64 is provided with a slot 65 engageable with a screwdriver whilst the other end 66 is provided with an indicia in order to indicate which of the three phases has been selected. As illustrated in Fig. 18, a three position detent arrangement 67 releasably maintains a dome carrying disc 68 integrally formed with the central shaft 64, in one of the three possible selected positions.

As best seen in Figs. 18 and 19, as the dome carrying disc 68 moves into, and from, each of the three possible positions, one of the three domes 69 on the disc 68 engages a corresponding one of the domes 70 formed on the spider 63. When the domes 69 and 70 are abutting this forces the corresponding leg of the spider 63 which carrying a spider contact 73 into electrical contact with the desired through pin 61.

Furthermore, the contact carrying disc 68 is also provided with insulative upstands 71 which have a portion which is Interposed between the remaining through pins 61 and the other two legs of the spider 63. As a consequence, not only is the correct phase selected, thereby connecting the desired through pin 61 with the socket contact 72 on the spider, but the other two through pins 61 are specifically insulated from the corresponding two legs of the spider 63. It will be appreciated in this connection that the connectors 48 as illustrated in F1g. 10 are located within the space 74 above the through pins 61. These connectors 48 provide the connection between socket contact 72 and the outlet sockets. The connectors 48 are not illustrated in Figs. 18 and 19 to improve the clarity of these two Figs. Figs. 20 and 21 illustrate a power utility device 80 in the form of a combined insulation displacement connector and general purpose outlet. The connector 80 is intended for use with substantially conventional double insulated cable 81 and includes three metal insulation piercing spikes 82 which also form the socket contacts. For unambiguous interconnection the connector 80 is intended to be used with cable 81 which either has an insulation configuration which is not symmetrical (as illustrated) or has markings to indicate which conductor is the active.

SUBSTITUTESHEET As illustrated the connector 80 is also provided with apposing cable clamps 83. If desired, the connector 80 can be terminating rather than "in-line" clamp on. In this arrangement the recesses 84 would either only be provided at one side, or would have one pair of recesses closed by a terminating plate.

Also instead of the general purpose outlet as illustrated in Fig. 20, a female plug connector 44 as in Fig. 6 can be provided so that the connector interconnects the cable 81 with the cable 2 of Fig. 1. As illustrated in Figs. 22-27, a distribution block 90 which enables interconnection of wiring harnesses of the type illustrated in Figs. 1-3 to be inter-connected so that a wiring harness for a particular single phase of a three phase system can be supplied from a three phase wiring harness. The distribution block 90 of Figs. 22-27 enables all three phases to be distributed from a first location via a specific route to a second location, whereupon individual phases can then be distributed via specific routes to the ultimate end user locations. As illustrated in Fig. 24, permanent connections between the 3 line sockets and 5 line sockets can be provided. Alternatively, as illustrated schematically in Fig. 22, a phase selector switch arrangement 91 can be provided (in the manner of Figs. 17-19) to enable the desired phase to be selected. As indicated in Fig. 25, the distribution block 90 can also be extended as required.

Figs 26 and 27 illustrate a 5 pole in and 5 pole out distribution block 95 which allows up to 3 separate output lines each of which is 5 pole.

Referring now to Fig. 28, a further embodiment of a power utility device is shown which includes a box cover 100 having a general purpose outlet 101. Provided in the box cover 100 is an aperture 109 configured to receive a circuit indicator button 102. The button 102 is moulded to enable a snap fit into the box 100. The button 102 can be provided with a colour coding, or a number, or both -o as to designate a particular electric circuit.

A frame 103 is provided and configured to meet switching and outlet requirements of the particular country in which the power utility device is used. In this embodiment, the frame 103 is adapted to support a socket mechanism of the general purpose outlet 101.

SUBSTITUTESHEET The power utility device of Fig. 28 includes a male plug 104 and a female socket 105 interconnected by four flat blade pins 106 arranged in parallel. The blade pins 106 are preferably shrouded by the plastics moulding of the plug 104 and socket 105 to prevent any possible contact with any other object during insertion. The shrouding shown in the plug 104 and socket 105 is essentially the same as that shown in earlier embodiments which utilise round pins. The advantage of this embodiment is that the provision of the flat blade pins 106 requires substantially less manufacturing input resulting in a reduced cost. A slot 160 is provided in the socket 105 and is configured to mate with a complementary ridge ⁽not illustrated) in the plug 104. This ensures that plugs 104 and sockets 105 are connected with the correct phasing.

The plug 104 and socket 105 are configured to slot into a base 107 which is common to all box covers 100 irrespective of the application for each particular box. An optional flat mounting plate 108 is provided, in this case in a flat configuration, for the mounting of the assembled box comprising the cover 100 and the base 107.

In the embodiment of Fig. 28, the male plug 104 is recessed into the box 100 and the female socket 105 extends therefrom. In an alternative arrangement, the male pins can protrude from the box and a shrouded female socket be recessed into the box.

Complementing the power utility device of Fig. 28, is a patch lead connector 110 shown in Fig. 29. The connector 110 comprises a female socket 112 configured to mate with the recessed male plug 104 of Fig. 28. The female socket 112 connects to a cable (not illustrated) and is enclosed by a top housing 111 and a bottom housing 113. Metal conductors, corresponding to those earlier described are not shown in Fig. 29 for clarity. The cable is preferably a flat four core cable for a minimum bending radius. The embodiment of Figs. 28 and 29 illustrates a four pole version which provides for active, neutral, earth and code lines. The code line allows the use of a coded security power utility device which can be pre-programmed to only power up the circuit for a particular user. With such a utility device, any particular electrical components supplied to any one user are dedicated to that user and will not operate with components supplied by another. This configuration allows the user to have full control over the system which is supplied on an individual basis.

SUB Although Fig. 28 illustrates a flat mounting plate 108 which can, for example, be simply laid or fastened within a cavity or on the floor, Figs. 30A, 30B and 30C show alternative mounting plates. Fig. 30A shows the configuration of a track-mount plate 115 which is configured to mount on the well known TRACK rail as used throughout the industry. Fig. 30B shows a mounting plate 116 configured to mount upon a DIN rail. Fig. 30C shows the configuration of a mounting plate 117 adapted to be snap-fitted into sheet metal .

Each of the mounting plates 115, 116 and 117 include integrally moulded posts 118 provided with barbs 119 for a snap assembly to the base of a power utility device, such as the base 107 in Fig. 28. The barbed posts 118 fit Into holes in the base 117 and pass alongside the plug 104 and socket 105 to pass through corresponding holes in the box cover 100. An alternative method for mounting the power utility devices is using machine screws through a flat material, such as a furniture panel or tile for example. Such an arrangement is shown in Fig. 31A where two power utility devices 120 are shown connected in the manner earlier described and arranged such that they engage each other behind a furniture panel 121. Machine screws 122 secure the box cover of the devices 120 to the panel 121. Facia 123 is provided to conceal the heads of the machine screws 122.

In the foregoing manner, a neat appearance can be provided such that all that is visible of the wiring system is the useful portion of the power utility devices 120. However, 1n Fig. 31A, the power utility 120 substantially extends from the surface of the furniture panel 121. In Fig. 31B, a substantially flush mount is achieved using rear mounted power utility devices 125 slotted through a furniture panel 126 and provided with facia portions 127 which are configured substantially flush with the power utility devices 125.

As seen in Fig. 31C, a similar arrangement can be provided where an extruded or sheet metal panel or duct cover 131 is configured to abut the top surface of two rear mounted power utility devices 130.

The configuration of Fig. 31C can provide for a neat overall appearance such as that illustrated in Fig. 32 where four power utility devices including general purpose outlets 136 and 137, a switch 138, and a clean line filter 139 are provided in a square array bordered by a facia portion 135. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the female sockets described earlier carry live conductors and are configured to be connected and disconnected when live. Although the foregoing arrangements can achieve safe operation when used normally, it will be

5. apparent that live conductors are nonetheless present within the female connectors and therefore, any object inserted into the connected can become live. This represents a safety hazard.

A configuration which can overcome this problem is illustrated in Figs. 33 and 34 and relates to the provision of a spring loaded shutter

10 within the female socket.

Seen in Fig. 33 is a female socket 140 of a power utility device which includes apertures 141 configured to receive the pins of a complementary male plug connector. Also seen in Fig. 33 is a shutter 142 which is arranged behind the apertures 141 within the socket 140. The

15 shutter 142 comprises a strip having four ramped bosses 144, between three of which there are arranged apertures 143 through which male connector pins can pass.

Referring now to F1g. 34, the shutter 142 is shown mounted upon a spring 145 and 1s configured to slide across the apertures 141 so as to

20 expose female connector lugs 146 through the apertures 143 and the shutter 142. As seen in Fig. 34, the male pins 147, upon entering the apertures 141 are arranged to abut the ramped bosses 144 and impart a transverse sliding motion to the shutter 142. As the shutter 142 moves, in this example to the left, the pins 147 pass through the apertures 143

25 to connect with the female connector lugs 146. It is apparent from Fig. 34 that the end connection does not require a corresponding aperture 143 in the shutter 142 as there is no pin to the right of that one.

In an alternative to the arrangement of Figs. 33 and 34, only one of the bosses 144 need be ramped. For example, in systems where the male

30 earth pin is longer than the active conductors, only the boss 144 corresponding to this pin need be ramped. All others can be square and thus the probing of the other sockets 141 will not open the shutter 142 to expose the lugs 146.

A further embodiment depicting a two-pole lighting system is shown

35 in Fig. 35. A two-pole light connector block 150 is provided and connects in the manner previously described to a two-pole wiring harness (not illustrated). A two-pole male connector 151 and associated two-core

SUBSTITUTESHEET cable 152 mate with the block 150 and communicate electrical power to a light fitting (not illustrated). Switching of the lighting system is provided by a switch 156 including an integrally formed two-pole male connector. The switch 156 interconnects with the block 150 via a two-core cable 154 having a male two-pole connector 153 and a female two-pole connector 155 as illustrated.

Referring now to Fig. 36, the internal arrangement of the connector block 150 is shown which includes continuous conductors 158 corresponding to those of Fig. 28 to which are connected female socket pins 157 by means of rivets 159, or spot welds as known in the art.

Shown in Figs. 37 and 38 is a connector block 170 for a three-pole lighting system. The connector block 170 includes a power input male connector 173 and a power output female connector 174 in the manner earlier described. A two-pole female socket 171 is provided to connect to the switch 156 illustrated in Fig. 35 to provide for switching of the system. Power is communicated to the light fitting via a three-pole female socket 172 in the connector block 170.

The lighting systems disclosed in Figs. 35 to 38 readily complements the power configurations earlier described and can be located within the ceiling of a dwelling or partitioned office environment.

It will apparent that the system of the present invention, because of its modular configuration, can be installed by unskilled and unqualified persons. However, it is necessary that one end of a cable run be connected to mains supply. Accordingly, it is necessary for a female connector, such as any of those depicted in the various embodiments disclosed herein, to be wired into the mains supply. Generally, this is done in a terminal block having one or more female socket outlets. Because of electrical standards, the terminal block generally includes screw terminals for active, neutral, and earth, a cover, with an integral cable clamp and one or more female sockets for connecting to the modular wiring system.

It will also be apparent, from the foregoing descriptions of Figs. 30A and 30B that the power utility devices disclosed herein can be readily connected to power supply systems in which electric cables or bus bars are arranged in a TRACK or DIN rail system. In such a configuration, the power utility devices are mounted upon the rail or track using the connectors shown in Figs. 30A and 30B. An additional

SUBSTITUTESHEET connector can thereby be readily configured to connect in parallel with the bus bars and be provided with a modular female socket configured to mate with the complementary male plug of the power utility devices. The configuration of such a connector depends upon the arrangement of the bus bars and the size of the system as a whole. In such a configuration, it is also necessary to provide a blind end which is connected to the end power utility device and inserts into its female socket. The blind connector essentially acts as a plug at the end of the circuit.

The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, although 3 and 5 pole arrangements have been illustrated, the system can be extended to 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 pole configurations. Industrial Applicability

The present invention is useful for the wiring of domestic accommodation such as prefabricated and steel framed houses, and in office partitioning, office workstation furniture, office screens and exhibitions.

SUBSTITUTESHEET

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A pre-fabricated re-usable modular wiring system for use in supplying mains power in an office or similar environment, said system comprising a plurality of pre-fabricated wiring harnesses each of a predetermined length and each having a plug type connector at each end thereof, and a plurality of integrally formed power utility devices each comprising a moulded plastic body having directly electrically interconnected male and female connectors for through connection between two of said wiring harnesses or connection to at least one other of said power utility devices to form a sequence of power utility devices, said sequence of power utility devices being able to be connected between two of said wiring harnesses.

2. An integrally formed power utility device comprising a moulded plastic body having directly electrically interconnected male and female connectors and further electrical apparatus supplied from said direct interconnection.

3. A device as claimed in claim -2, wherein said male connector comprises a plurality of plugs and said female connector comprises a like plurality of sockets complementary to said plugs such that one of said devices is directly connectable to another of said devices.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein a unitary electrical conductor forms at least one of said plugs, the corresponding socket and said direct interconnection therebetween.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a further connector connected to one of said conductors and interconnecting with said further electrical apparatus.

6. A device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising releasable connector clip arranged to releasably fasten two adjacent said devices.

7. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said male and female connectors are provided with complementary keyway structures to ensure only one orientation of connection between two of said device.

8. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said further electrical apparatus is selected from the group consisting of a general purpose outlet, a line conditioner, an overload circuit breaker, an extra low voltage transformer module, a dimmer, a timer, a clock, a thermostat,

SUBSTITUTESHEET an LDR swtich, a VPS, an earth leakage activated circuit breaker, one or more insulation displacement connectors, radio frequency transmitting equipment, radio frequency receiving equipment, paging devices, and intercoms.

9. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said further electrical apparatus comprises a general purpose outlet having three, four or five plugs and a corresponding number of sockets.

10. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said general purpose outlet has a number of poles less than that number provided by said device, and said poles are switchable between various combinations of said plugs/sockets.

11. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said further electrical apparatus comprises a distribution block having at least one further female connector having sockets complementary to said plugs and equal to or fewer In number.

12. A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said distribution block provides for splitting a multi-phase circuit into a plurality of single phase circuits.

13. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said conductor comprises a flat blade pin.

14. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said body comprises a moulded box cover, a box base and a mounting plate upon which said box base is securable, said connectors and said further electrical apparatus being contained within said box cover and base when joined.

15. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said mounting plate includes means for joining same with said base, and said base with said cover.

16. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said mounting plate is configured to mount said device upon a track mount, a DIN rail, or upon sheet metal .

17. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said female connector further comprises a shutter adapted to shroud one or more female conductors within said connector when no male connector is inserted therein, and permitting exposure of the female conductors to male conductors of said male connector, when inserted therein.

18. A device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said shutter comprises a ramped boss associated with one of said sockets and arranged

SUBSTITUTESHEET between an aperture of said one socket and the corresponding female conductor, said shutter being biased to slide away from said aperture upon contact with a male conductor inserted therethrough, the male conductor exposing said aperture and self to said female conductor to thereby make connection therewith.

19. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein said shutter comprises a plurality of said bosses interspaced by further apertures through which said male conductors pass to contact said female conductors, said shutter being biased by a spring arranged at one end thereof.

20. A pre-fabricated re-usable modular wiring system for use in supplying mains power in an office or similar environment, said system comprising a plurality of pre-fabricated wiring harnesses each of a predetermined length and each having a plug type connector at each end thereof, and a plurality of integrally formed power utility devices as claimed in claim 2 for through connection between two of said wiring harnesses or connection to at least one other of said power utility devices to form a sequence of power utility devices, said sequence of power utility devices being able to be connected between two of said wiring harnesses.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET