Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6309248
-
Patent Number
6,309,248
-
Date Filed
Thursday, January 27, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, October 30, 200122 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Sircus; Brian
- Nguyen; Son V.
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 439 107
- 439 535
- 439 538
- 439 539
- 439 650
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A modular electrical component for electrical wiring systems is provided. The modular electrical component includes a removable electrical device, a base unit that fits within a junction box in the electrical wiring system and a mounting strap used to secure the base unit to the junction box. Typically, the removable electrical device has a plurality of power contacts that extend from a rear cover of the device, and the base unit has a plurality of terminal connections. The power contacts electrically connect to the terminal connections, when the replaceable electrical device is mated with the base unit. The removable electrical device may be, for example, a receptacle or switch. Preferably, the removable electrical device is a circuit interrupting device, such as a ground fault circuit interrupting device.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Field
Generally, the present application relates to modular electrical components, and more specifically to modular ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electrical wiring systems in residential, commercial and industrial environments typically include a plurality of electrical devices interconnected by a plurality of conductors supplying power from a power disconnect (e.g., a circuit breaker) to the electrical devices. Examples of such electrical devices include receptacles, switches, and lighting fixtures. Typically, the electrical devices are wired to the conductors by licensed electricians.
Many different reasons may arise in which replacement of such electrical devices may be desired. The obvious reason being replacing broken devices. Another reason may be to change the color of such devices to blend in with the decor of a particular area.
Current electrical codes require that certain branch circuits in electrical wiring systems include circuit interrupting devices, e.g., circuit interrupting receptacles and circuit breakers, which are designed to interrupt power to various loads, such as household appliances, consumer electrical products and branch circuits. For example, electrical codes require electrical circuits in home bathrooms and kitchens to be equipped with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. Presently available GFCI devices include sense circuitry to detect the occurrence of ground faults, and a trip mechanism to mechanically open (or break) conductive paths between line and load conductors when a ground fault is detected. A test button is provided to test the trip mechanism and sense circuitry. Such GFCI devices are resettable after they are tripped using a reset button which mechanically resets the open conductive paths. Since such GFCI devices are mechanically reset, if the sense circuitry, for example, is non-operational, the device can continue to function as a standard receptacle when reset. An example of a presently available GFCI device is described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,894, which is incorporated herein by reference.
As noted, circuit interrupting devices when tripped open conductive paths between line and load conductors so that power supplied to any electrical devices connected to the load side of the circuit interrupting device no longer are supplied power. One recent development in circuit interrupting technology involves preventing the circuit interrupting device from resetting if the sense circuitry and/or trip mechanism are non-operational. However, if the device is not operating properly and cannot be reset, the various electrical devices (e.g., receptacles, switches and lighting fixtures) connected to the load side of the circuit interrupting device are no longer supplied with electrical power. As a result, such devices cannot be used until the non-operational circuit interrupting device is replaced, preferably by a licensed electrician.
SUMMARY
The present application provides a modular electrical component concept that permits easy replacement of electrical devices in electrical wiring systems. In one embodiment the modular electrical component includes a base unit, a mounting strap used to connect the base unit to a junction box in the electrical wiring system and a removable electrical device that can be releasably connected to the base unit. The removable electrical device has a plurality of power contacts extending from a rear cover, and the base unit has a plurality of terminal connections. The power contacts and terminal connections are arranged so that when the removable electrical device is connected to the base unit, one contact engages one terminal connection.
Preferably, the mounting strap has at least one ground terminal connection that extends into the base unit and the removable electrical device has at least one ground contact extending from its rear cover. The at least one ground contact and at least one ground terminal connection are arranged so that when the removable electrical device is connected to the base unit, one ground contact engages one ground terminal connection.
The removable electrical device may be a receptacle, a switch, a circuit interrupting device or other devices used in electrical wiring systems. In an embodiment where the removable electrical device is a circuit interrupting device, the device may include a housing, and first and second electrical conductive paths disposed at least partially within the housing and connected to at least one of the plurality of power contacts. A circuit interrupting portion is disposed at least partially within the housing and is configured to break the continuity between the first and second conductive paths upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition, e.g., a ground fault. To reset the device after breaking continuity, a reset portion is provided to make electrical continuity between the first and second conductive paths. Preferably, the circuit interrupting device includes a reset lockout portion that prevents the making of electrical continuity between the first and second conductive paths if the circuit interrupting portion is non-operational.
The circuit interrupting device may also include a trip portion that is configured to break the continuity between the first and second conductive paths independently of the circuit interrupting portion operation. The independent trip portion permits the device to be tripped even if the circuit interrupting portion is non-operational.
In one embodiment, the circuit interrupting portion includes a circuit interrupter used to facilitate making and breaking of electrical continuity between the first and second electrical conductive paths, and sensing circuitry used to sense the occurrence of the predetermined condition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present application are described herein with reference to the drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference characters, wherein:
FIG. 1
is a perspective view, with parts separated, of one embodiment of a modular electrical component according to the present application, illustrating a replaceable electrical device, a base unit and a mounting strap;
FIG. 2
is a perspective view, with parts separated, of an alternative embodiment of a modular electrical component according to the present application, illustrating a replaceable electrical device, a base unit and a mounting strap;
FIG. 3
is a perspective view, with parts separated, of another embodiment of a modular electrical component according to the present application, illustrating a replaceable electrical device, a base unit and a mounting strap;
FIG. 4
is a side elevational view of the base of the modular electrical component secured to a mounting strap;
FIG. 5
is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a terminal connection mounted within the base unit;
FIGS. 6 and 7
are front and side elevational views of a mounting strap used to mount the base of the modular electrical component to a junction box in an electrical wiring system;
FIG. 8
is a side elevational view of a modular electrical component according to the present application, in partial cross-section, illustrating the electrical connections between the base and the replaceable electrical device;
FIG. 9
is a perspective view of a base unit for a multi-gang modular electrical component according to the present application;
FIG. 10
is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular electrical component according to the present application, illustrating a replaceable circuit interrupting device mounted to a base unit;
FIG. 11
is a front elevational view of the circuit interrupting device of the modular electrical component of
FIG. 10
;
FIG. 12
is a side elevational view of the circuit interrupting device of the modular electrical component of
FIG. 10
;
FIG. 13
is a rear elevational view of the circuit interrupting device of the modular electrical component of
FIG. 10
;
FIG. 14
is side elevational view, partly in section, of a reset mechanism for the GFCI device shown in
FIG. 10
, illustrating components of the reset mechanism and the GFCI device in a set or circuit making position;
FIG. 15
is a side elevational view similar to
FIG. 14
, illustrating components of the reset mechanism for the GFCI device in a circuit breaking or interrupting position;
FIG. 16
is side elevational view similar to
FIG. 14
, illustrating components of the reset mechanism and the GFCI device in a reset lockout position;
FIG. 17
is a side elevational view similar to
FIG. 14
, illustrating the components of the reset mechanism after a reset button has been depressed; and
FIG. 18
is a schematic diagram of sense circuitry for detecting ground faults and resetting the GFCI device of FIG.
10
.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present application generally relates to modular electrical components suitable for use in electrical wiring systems, such as those existing in homes. In
FIG. 1
, the modular electrical component shown includes a removable circuit interrupting device that connects to a base unit. However, the modular electrical components contemplated by the present application include all of the various electrical devices that can be used in residential, industrial and/or commercial electrical wiring systems. Examples of such electrical devices include conventional grounded receptacles (seen in
FIG. 2
) and switches (seen in FIG.
3
). Examples of circuit interrupting devices include ground fault circuit interrupting devices, arc fault circuit interrupting (AFCI) devices and circuit interrupting devices with combined circuit protection features, such as combined GFCI/AFCI devices.
Referring now to
FIG. 1
, the modular electrical component
10
includes a removable electrical device
12
and a base unit
14
. The modular electrical component may also include a mounting member
16
that facilitates securing the modular electrical component to a junction box typically used in residential electrical wiring systems.
As noted above, the modular component concept according to the present application can be used with the various electrical devices that are used in electrical wiring systems. Examples of such devices include conventional grounded receptacles, switches, circuit interrupting devices (e.g., GFCI and AFCI devices), and circuit interrupting devices with combined circuit protection functions, such as combined GFCI/AFCI devices.
Typically, the electrical devices
12
include a housing
18
having a front cover
20
which is user accessible when the device is connected to the base unit
14
, and a rear cover
22
. The rear cover
22
has a portion
22
a
that is, preferably, configured to mate with or rest within a portion of the base unit
14
. Internal electrical circuits, connections and/or conductors are provided to perform the particular function of the electrical device
12
. One or more phase or neutral (or power) contacts
24
and one or more ground contacts
26
extend from the rear cover
22
of the housing
18
. The power contacts
24
provide electrical connections to the base unit
14
as described below. Removable fasteners
28
are used to releasably secure the electrical device
12
to the base unit
14
. However, other types of releasable fastening devices or mechanisms may be employed to releasably secure the device
12
to the base unit
14
. An example of a releasable fastening mechanism is a quick disconnect snap lock that is normally biased in a locked position and is released when, for example, a button is depressed.
The base unit
14
is preferably configured and dimensioned to fit within a standard single gang junction box. However, the base unit can be dimensioned to fit as a single unit within multiple gang junction boxes such as a two gang junction box. The base unit
14
includes front and rear covers
30
and
32
which enclose terminal connections
34
. The covers can be connected together using, for example, adhesives, fasteners, snap-lock connections or ultrasonic welds. The covers
30
and
32
are preferably made of an electrically insulating material, such as nylon, polycarbonate, PVC, or polypropylene, so as to prevent short circuits from occurring when inserting and removing the removable electrical device
12
.
Continuing to refer to
FIG. 1
, the front cover
30
includes a device receiving portion
30
a,
which in the embodiment shown is a channel, configured to receive at least a portion
22
a of the electrical device
12
. The front cover
30
also includes one or more terminal connection retaining posts
36
which fit into channels
38
of the rear cover
32
as shown in FIG.
1
. When the covers
30
and
32
are joined together, the retaining posts
36
hold the terminal connections
34
within the channels
38
of the rear cover
32
, as seen in FIG.
4
.
The front cover
30
also includes one or more power contact through holes
40
and one or more ground contact through holes
42
. The through holes permit the power contacts
24
and ground contact
26
, extending from the rear cover
22
of the electrical device
12
, to pass through the front cover
30
and engage their corresponding terminal connection
34
or ground terminal connection
44
on mounting strap
16
. Optionally, the through holes have a sealing member or other structure that: 1) covers the through holes
40
and
42
when an electrical device is not connected to the base unit
14
; and 2) permits a contact inserted into the hole to pass therethrough when a device
12
is connected to the base unit.
Referring to
FIG. 5
, an exemplary embodiment of a terminal connection is shown. Each terminal connection
34
has a first connection member
50
for electrically connecting the removable electrical device
12
to the base unit
14
, and a second connection member
52
for electrically connecting the base unit to conductors in the electrical wiring system. In the terminal connection shown in
FIG. 5
, the first connection member
50
includes a pair of contact binding elements
54
and
56
. Preferably, the contact binding elements are normally biased toward each other to facilitate engagement with a power contact
24
so that an electrical connection between binding elements
54
and
56
and the power contact
24
is made. The second connection member
52
includes screw terminal
58
.
Referring to
FIGS. 1
,
6
and
7
, to mount the base unit
14
to a junction box, a mounting strap
16
is connected to the base unit at points A-D. The strap
16
can be secured to the base unit
14
using, for example, fasteners or rivets. However, those skilled in the art would recognize various different techniques can be used to mount the strap to the base unit. As noted, the mounting strap
16
includes a ground terminal connection
44
. In this embodiment, the ground terminal connection
44
includes a pair of contact binding elements
60
and
62
, which are normally biased toward each other to facilitate engagement with a ground contact
26
in the electrical device
12
. In this configuration an electrical connection between the device ground and the base unit ground is made. A second ground connection
64
secured to or formed into the mounting strap
16
is provided to electrically connect the base unit ground to ground conductors in the electrical wiring system.
As seen in
FIG. 1
, the ground terminal connection
44
extends through an opening
66
in the rear cover
32
of the base unit
14
so that the terminal connection
44
is aligned with the ground contact through hole
42
in the front cover
30
.
FIG. 8
shows a mounting strap
16
secured to a base unit
14
in which the ground terminal connection
44
is located to engage ground contact
26
extending from the rear cover
22
of the electrical device
12
. Similarly, power contacts
24
extending from the rear cover
22
of the electrical device
12
are aligned to engage terminal connections
34
in the base unit
14
.
As noted above, the modular component concept according to the present application contemplates using the various electrical devices that are used with electrical wiring systems. Examples of such devices include conventional grounded receptacles, switches, circuit interrupting devices (e.g., GFCI and AFCI devices), and circuit interrupting devices with combined circuit protection functions, such as combined GFCI/AFCI devices. The base unit
14
can also be configured as a multiple gang unit capable of mating with more than one electrical device. For example,
FIG. 9
shows a three gang base unit
14
that can mate with three electrical devices, such as switches and/or receptacles. The remainder of the present application describes in detail embodiments of the removable electrical device as a GFCI receptacle.
Turning now to
FIGS. 10-13
, the removable GFCI receptacle
100
has a housing
102
with a face or cover portion
104
and a rear portion
106
which is preferably dimensioned to fit within channel
30
a
in the face cover
30
of the base unit
14
(seen in FIG.
1
). The face portion
104
has entry ports
108
for receiving normal or polarized prongs of a male plug of the type normally found at the end of a lamp or appliance cord set (not shown), as well as ground-prong-receiving openings
110
to accommodate a three-wire plug. Power and ground contacts
116
and
118
, respectively, extend from the rear portion of the housing
102
. The contacts are configured to electrically connect to corresponding terminal connections
34
and ground terminal connections
44
in the base unit
14
.
A test button
112
extends through an opening in the face portion
104
of the housing
102
. The test button is used to activate a test cycle, which test the operation of a circuit interrupter disposed in the device. The circuit interrupter, to be described in more detail below, is used to detect ground faults and break electrical continuity between input and output conductive paths when a ground fault is detected. It should be noted, that the input conductive path is typically associated with a line side of the device, and the output conductive path is typically associated with the load side of the device.
A reset button
114
forming a part of a reset mechanism extends through an opening in the face portion
104
of the housing
102
. In this embodiment of the GFCI receptacle, the reset button
114
is used to activate a reset cycle in which electrical continuity between the input and output conductive paths or conductors is mechanically reestablished. In this embodiment, the internal components, e.g., the sense circuitry used to detect ground faults and test the device, the electrical contacts and the mechanical components used to reset the GFCI receptacle are substantially similar to those in conventional GFCI receptacles. A more detailed description of a conventional GFCI receptacle is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,894, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
In an alternative embodiment of the GFCI receptacle, a reset lockout feature is provided that prevents resetting the receptacle if the circuit interrupter is non-operational. This alternative embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 14-18
. The housing of this alternative is substantially similar to housing described above for the conventional GFCI receptacle. In this embodiment, a trip button
115
is substituted for the test button
112
. Additional differences between the conventional GFCI receptacle and this embodiment of the GFCI receptacle include the internal structure and operational features described below.
FIGS. 14-18
show mechanical components of trip and reset mechanisms in various positions. Although the trip and reset mechanisms shown in the drawings are electro-mechanical in nature, the present application also contemplates using semiconductor type trip and reset mechanisms, as well as other mechanisms capable or making and breaking electrical continuity.
The trip mechanism includes a coil assembly
130
, a plunger
132
responsive to the energizing and de-energizing of the coil assembly and a banger
134
connected to the plunger
132
. The banger
134
has a pair of banger dogs
136
and
138
which are used to set and reset the connection between input and output conductors. The trip mechanism is activated in response to the sensing of a ground fault by, for example, the sense circuitry shown in FIG.
18
.
FIG. 18
includes conventional circuitry for detecting ground faults that includes a differential transformer that senses current imbalances between phase and neutral conductors and a ground transformer that senses ground to neutral current. If either of these sensed currents meet predefined thresholds, the event is classified as a ground fault. As noted, the trip mechanism and fault sensing circuitry are included in the circuit interrupter.
The reset mechanism includes reset button
114
, movable latching member
140
connected to the reset button
114
and reset contacts
142
and
144
that temporarily activate the trip mechanism when the reset button is depressed. Preferably, the reset contacts
142
and
144
are normally open momentary contacts.
FIGS. 14-17
show the mechanical components of the trip and reset mechanisms in various stages of operation. In
FIG. 14
, the GFCI receptacle is shown in a set position where movable contact arm
150
is in a stressed condition so that movable contact
152
is in electrical engagement with fixed contact
154
of contact arm
156
. Referring to
FIG. 15
, if the sensing circuitry of the GFCI receptacle senses a ground fault or if the trip button
115
is depressed, the coil assembly
130
is energized to draw plunger
132
into the coil assembly
130
so that banger
134
moves upwardly. As the banger moves upwardly, the banger front dog
138
strikes the latch member
140
causing it to pivot in a counterclockwise direction about the joint created by the top edge
158
and inner surface
160
of finger
162
. The movement of the latch member
140
removes the latching finger
141
from engagement with side R of the remote end
151
of the movable contact arm
150
, and permits contact arm
150
to return to its pre-stressed condition opening contacts
152
and
154
. It should be noted that the description thus far has been in terms of a single latch member
140
and a single contact arm
150
. However, there are preferably two sets of latch members
140
and contact arms
150
: one set for the phase (or hot) conductors; and the other set for the neutral conductors. Further, the banger
134
preferably has two sets of banger dogs: one set for the phase conductors; and the other set for the neutral conductors.
After tripping, the coil assembly
130
is de-energized so that spring
133
returns plunger
132
to its original extended position and banger
134
moves to its original position releasing latch member
140
. At this time the latch member
140
is in a lock-out position where latch finger
141
inhibits movable contact
152
from engaging fixed contact
154
, as seen in FIG.
16
. In this embodiment, latching finger
141
acts as an active inhibitor that prevents the contacts from touching. Alternatively, the natural bias of movable arm
150
can be used as a passive inhibitor that prevents contacts
152
and
154
from touching.
To reset the GFCI receptacle so that contacts
152
and
154
are closed and continuity between the input and output conductors is reestablished, the reset button
114
is depressed sufficiently to overcome the bias force of return spring
164
and move the latch member
140
in the direction of arrow A, seen in FIG.
15
. While the reset button
114
is depressed, latch finger
141
contacts side L of the movable contact arm
150
and continued depression of the reset button
114
forces the latch member
140
to overcome the stress force exerted by the arm
150
causing the reset contact
142
on the arm
150
to close on reset contact
144
. Closing the reset contacts completes a test circuit so that the test cycle is activated so that a ground fault condition is simulated. During the test cycle the plunger
132
moves the banger
134
upwardly so that the banger strikes the latch member
140
pivoting the latch finger
141
while the latch member
140
continues to move in the direction of arrow A. As a result, the latch finger
141
is lifted over side L of the remote end
151
of the movable contact arm
150
onto side R of the remote end of the movable contact arm, as seen in
FIGS. 14 and 17
.
After tripping, the coil assembly
130
is de-energized so that so that plunger
132
returns to its original extended position, and banger
134
releases the latch member
140
so that the latch finger
141
is in a reset position, seen in FIG.
14
. Release of the reset button causes the latching member
140
and movable contact arm
150
to move so that contact
152
electrically engages contact
154
.
As described, in this embodiment, the GFCI receptacle is prevented from resetting if the circuit interrupter is non-operational. To replace a non-operational GFCI receptacle, a homeowner, for example, simply removes the GFCI receptacle
100
from the base unit
14
and inserts a new GFCI receptacle. A more detailed description of a GFCI device with reset lockout and independent trip functions is provided in commonly, copending application Ser. No. 09/369,759 filed Aug. 6, 1999, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
It will be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present application described herein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the application, but merely as preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the application as defined by the claims appended hereto.
Claims
- 1. A modular electrical component, comprising:a base unit having a plurality of first terminal members, and a plurality of second terminal members connectable to conductors in an electrical wiring system; a mounting strap secured to a rear cover of said base and capable of connecting said base to a junction box in the electrical wiring system; and a removable electrical device having a plurality of power contacts extending from a rear cover and capable of releasably connecting to said plurality of first terminal members, such that at least one of said plurality of contacts releasably connects to one of said plurality of said first terminal members, wherein said removable electrical device comprises a circuit interrupting device, and wherein said circuit interrupting device comprises: a housing; a line side conductive path disposed at least partially within said housing and connected to at least one of said plurality of power contacts; a load side conductive path disposed at least partially within said housing and connected to at least one of said plurality of power contacts; a circuit interrupting portion disposed at least partially within said housing and configured to break the continuity between said line side and load side conductive paths upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition; and a reset portion disposed at least partially within said housing and configured to make electrical continuity between said line side and said load side conductive paths.
- 2. The modular electrical component according to claim 1 further comprising a reset lockout that prevents the making of electrical continuity between said line side and load side conductive paths if said circuit interrupting portion is non-operational.
- 3. The modular electrical component according to claim 2 further comprising a trip portion disposed at least partially within said housing and configured to break the continuity between said line side and load side conductive paths independently of said circuit interrupting portion operation.
- 4. The modular electrical component according to claim 2 wherein said circuit interrupting portion comprises sensing circuitry used to sense the occurrence of said predetermined condition, and wherein said reset portion comprises:a reset button operatively coupled to said reset lockout; and a reset contact electrically connected to said sensing circuitry, such that depression of said reset button causes one of said line side or load side conductive path to contact said reset contact and activate said circuit interrupting portion to break the continuity between said line side and load side conductive paths upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition.
- 5. The modular electrical component according to claim 1, wherein said circuit interrupting device comprises a GFCI receptacle, and wherein said predefined condition comprises a ground fault.
- 6. The modular electrical component according to claim 1, wherein said circuit interrupting portion includes a circuit interrupter used to facilitate making and breaking of electrical continuity between said line side and load side conductive paths, and sensing circuitry used to sense the occurrence of said predetermined condition.
- 7. A modular electrical component, comprising:a removable electrical device having a plurality of power contacts extending from a rear cover of said removable electrical device; a base unit configured to fit within a junction box of an electrical wiring system, said base unit having a plurality of terminal connections, wherein each terminal connection is connectable to at least one conductor in the electrical wiring system and to at least one of said power contacts; and a mounting strap secured to a rear cover of said base unit and capable of connecting said base unit to the junction box in the electrical wiring system, wherein said removable electrical device comprises a circuit interrupting device, and wherein said circuit interrupting device comprises: a housing; a first electrical conductive path disposed at least partially within said housing and connected to at least one of said plurality of power contacts; a second electrical conductive path disposed at least partially within said housing and connected to at least one of said plurality of power contacts; a circuit interrupting portion disposed at least partially within said housing and configured to break the continuity between said first and second conductive paths upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition; and a reset portion disposed at least partially within said housing and configured to make electrical continuity between the first and second conductive paths.
- 8. The modular electrical component according to claim 7 further comprising a reset lockout portion that prevents the making of electrical continuity between said first and second conductive paths if said circuit interrupting portion is non-operational.
- 9. The modular electrical component according to claim 8 further comprising a trip portion disposed at least partially within said housing and configured to break the continuity between said first and second conductive paths independently of said circuit interrupting portion operation.
- 10. The modular electrical component according to claim 7, wherein said circuit interrupting portion includes a circuit interrupter used to facilitate making and breaking of electrical continuity between said first and second electrical conductive paths, and sensing circuitry used to sense the occurrence of said predetermined condition.
- 11. The modular electrical component according to claim 7, wherein said circuit interrupting device comprises a GFCI receptacle and said predefined condition comprises a ground fault.
- 12. A modular electrical component, comprising:a removable electrical device having a plurality of power contacts extending from a rear cover of said removable electrical device; connecting means configured to fit within a junction box of an electrical wiring system for connecting said plurality of power contacts to at least one conductor in the electrical wiring system; and mounting means associated with said connecting means for mounting said connecting means to the junction box in the electrical wiring system, wherein said removable electrical device comprises a circuit interrupting device, wherein said circuit interrupting device comprises: a housing; means associated with said plurality of power contacts for conducting electricity between a line side and a load side of said circuit interrupting device; circuit interrupting means for breaking continuity between said line side and said load side of said circuit interrupting device upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition; and reset means for reestablishing electrical continuity between said line side and said load side of said circuit interrupting device; and further comprising reset lockout meant for preventing said reset means from reestablishing electrical continuity between said line side and said load side of said circuit interrupting device when said circuit interrupting portion is non-operational.
- 13. The modular electrical component according to claim 12 further comprising trip means for breaking continuity between said line side and said load side of said circuit interrupting device independently of the operation of said circuit interrupting means.
- 14. The modular electrical component according to claim 12, wherein said circuit interrupting device comprises a GFCI receptacle and said predetermined condition comprises a ground fault.
- 15. The modular electrical component according to claim 12, wherein said circuit interrupting means comprises a circuit interrupter used to facilitate making and breaking of electrical continuity between said line side and said load side of said circuit interrupting device, and sensing circuitry used to sense the occurrence of said predetermined condition.
US Referenced Citations (5)