WO2010015830A1 - An electrical fitting - Google Patents

An electrical fitting Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010015830A1
WO2010015830A1 PCT/GB2009/001935 GB2009001935W WO2010015830A1 WO 2010015830 A1 WO2010015830 A1 WO 2010015830A1 GB 2009001935 W GB2009001935 W GB 2009001935W WO 2010015830 A1 WO2010015830 A1 WO 2010015830A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pattress
box
terminal connector
cable
switch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2009/001935
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
David Malone
Original Assignee
David Malone
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0814327A external-priority patent/GB2462437A/en
Application filed by David Malone filed Critical David Malone
Publication of WO2010015830A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010015830A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
    • H02G3/16—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes structurally associated with support for line-connecting terminals within the box

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electrical fitting.
  • the present invention relates to a light switch.
  • the present invention relates to a pattress or pattress box which is to be used, or associated, with a light switch.
  • A, pattress or pattress box is a container for housing electrical fittings such as a light switch. They are usually made of plastic or metal or any other suitable material. They can either be surface mounted on a wall or embedded within the wall or wall cavity; the latter being preferred for aesthetic purposes. Pattress boxes are usually provided with embedded bushings for the fixing of the front plate containing the switch.
  • a conventional pattress (1) box is illustrated in Figure 1. As can be seen, the pattress box (1) is provided with at least one aperture in its perimeter wall, thereby allowing connection between the switch and a mains supply via a switch cable (2). In the "on" position, the switch completes the circuit between the switch cable and the mains supply such that the lighting device or installation associated with the switch will light up.
  • conventional lighting circuits are based on the so-called "loop-in-loop-out” system in which a switch cable goes from each light installation, for example, a ceiling light, to its respective light switch.
  • a switch cable goes from each light installation, for example, a ceiling light, to its respective light switch.
  • the "loop-in-loop-out” system there will always be three cables that need to be connected to the light installation, namely, the mains cable, the switch cable and the "loop out” cable; the latter connecting the mains to another lighting installation and its associated circuit to the mains supply.
  • connection between the mains cable, switch cable and the "loop out” cable to the light installation's feed cable is effected by way of a terminal connector (also referred to as a “junction box” or “junction terminal”) sometimes in the form of a "loop-in-loop-out” terminal connector.
  • a terminal connector also referred to as a "junction box” or “junction terminal”
  • all junction boxes or terminals must be accessible for inspection and testing purposes.
  • this can prove difficult as terminal connectors are pushed up into the roof space or floor space, depending on which floor of a dwelling you are on, which is only accessible by either lifting the floor boards from above, or attempting to gain access into the roof space from the ceiling.
  • this makes it difficult to correctly test, inspect or find a fault in a circuit.
  • a light switch comprising a face plate associated with a pattress or pattress box, characterised in that the pattress or pattress box is further provided with a terminal connector such that the switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable can be connected within the pattress or pattress box.
  • a pattress or pattress box which, in use, is associated with a light switch, characterised in that the pattress box is further provided with a terminal connector such that the switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable can be connected within the pattress or pattress box.
  • a pattress or pattress box further comprising a terminal connector which is connectable to a switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable to connect a switch to a light installation.
  • a pattress box further comprising a terminal connector which is connectable to a switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable.
  • a pattress box which, in use, is connectable to a lighting circuit and which houses at least one light switch characterised in that the pattress further comprises a terminal connector which is connectable to a cable, a mains cable and a loop out cable.
  • the terminal connector is readily accessible, which means it can be tested or inspected without having to gain access to the floor or roof space. It also enhances safety in that it will dispense with the practice of "stuffing" the terminal connector into the confines of a roof or floor space, and moreover, assists with health and safety requirements in that the use of a ladder can be dispensed with to gain access to the terminal connector.
  • the terminal connector is configured such that the relevant cables can be readily connected and disconnected by simply gaining access to the confines of the pattress box.
  • Preferred features for use with the light switch and/or pattress or pattress box of the present invention are as follows:
  • the terminal connector is configured as a connecting block, which preferably has seven connectors each connector being connectable to a single wire.
  • the terminal connector is an integral part of the pattress box or pattress.
  • the terminal connector is integrally associated with a surface of the pattress' perimeter wall or a surface of the pattress' backplate.
  • the terminal connector is housed within the confines of the pattress box or pattress.
  • the terminal connector is releasably connectable to the pattress box.
  • the terminal connector is releasably connectable to a surface of the pattress' perimeter wall or a surface of the pattress' backplate.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a known pattress box or pattress
  • Figure 2 illustrates the number of cables that require connection to a terminal connector such as a "loop-in-loop-out" terminal box;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a pattress box or pattress in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the number of cables that need to be connected to the light installation by using the pattress box of the present invention.
  • a known (“conventional") pattress box or pattress (1) comprises a back plate (3) and a perimeter wall (2).
  • the perimeter wall (2) is further provided with at least one aperture (5) and bushings (6); the latter enabling the pattess (1) to be connected to, the face plate of a switch (not illustrated).
  • a conventional pattress box (1) only receives a switch cable (4) having 3 wires, earth (4a), live (4b) and neutral (4c).
  • Such wire is wired in a conventional manner to the switch installation within the confines of the patress box, which, and as touched upon above, can either be wall mounted or embedded within a wall.
  • a pattress box or pattress (10) in accordance with the present invention includes a terminal connector (9) in the form of a connector block, which is integrally associated with a surface of the pattress' perimeter wall.
  • the terminal connector (9) enables the connection between the switch cable (4), mains cable (7) and loop out cable (8) to be effected within the pattress box (10).
  • This dispenses with the need for, and disadvantages associated with, effecting such connection within the confines of the roof or ceiling space.
  • the switch cable (4) will be connected to the switch installation in a conventional manner.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
  • Connection Or Junction Boxes (AREA)

Abstract

A light switch comprising a face plate associated with a pattress or pattress box, characterised in that the pattress or pattress box is further provided with a terminal connector such that a switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable can be connected within the pattress or pattress box.

Description

AN ELECTRICAL FITTING
The present invention relates to an electrical fitting. In particular, the present invention relates to a light switch. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pattress or pattress box which is to be used, or associated, with a light switch.
A, pattress or pattress box is a container for housing electrical fittings such as a light switch. They are usually made of plastic or metal or any other suitable material. They can either be surface mounted on a wall or embedded within the wall or wall cavity; the latter being preferred for aesthetic purposes. Pattress boxes are usually provided with embedded bushings for the fixing of the front plate containing the switch. A conventional pattress (1) box is illustrated in Figure 1. As can be seen, the pattress box (1) is provided with at least one aperture in its perimeter wall, thereby allowing connection between the switch and a mains supply via a switch cable (2). In the "on" position, the switch completes the circuit between the switch cable and the mains supply such that the lighting device or installation associated with the switch will light up.
As will be appreciated, conventional lighting circuits are based on the so-called "loop-in-loop-out" system in which a switch cable goes from each light installation, for example, a ceiling light, to its respective light switch. As will be appreciated, on using the "loop-in-loop-out" system there will always be three cables that need to be connected to the light installation, namely, the mains cable, the switch cable and the "loop out" cable; the latter connecting the mains to another lighting installation and its associated circuit to the mains supply. The connection between the mains cable, switch cable and the "loop out" cable to the light installation's feed cable is effected by way of a terminal connector (also referred to as a "junction box" or "junction terminal") sometimes in the form of a "loop-in-loop-out" terminal connector. As stated by the BS7671 IEE wiring regulations, all junction boxes or terminals must be accessible for inspection and testing purposes. However, in the case of conventional lighting circuits based on the "loop-in-loop-out" system this can prove difficult as terminal connectors are pushed up into the roof space or floor space, depending on which floor of a dwelling you are on, which is only accessible by either lifting the floor boards from above, or attempting to gain access into the roof space from the ceiling. As will be appreciated, this makes it difficult to correctly test, inspect or find a fault in a circuit. It will also be appreciated that it is not uncommon practice for such terminal connectors to be stuffed into the ceiling space without proper insulation thereby posing a fire risk.
In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light switch comprising a face plate associated with a pattress or pattress box, characterised in that the pattress or pattress box is further provided with a terminal connector such that the switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable can be connected within the pattress or pattress box.
In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pattress or pattress box, which, in use, is associated with a light switch, characterised in that the pattress box is further provided with a terminal connector such that the switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable can be connected within the pattress or pattress box.
There is also provided the use of a pattress or pattress box further comprising a terminal connector which is connectable to a switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable to connect a switch to a light installation.
In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a pattress box further comprising a terminal connector which is connectable to a switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pattress box, which, in use, is connectable to a lighting circuit and which houses at least one light switch characterised in that the pattress further comprises a terminal connector which is connectable to a cable, a mains cable and a loop out cable.
By providing a pattress or pattress box with a terminal connector addresses the problems identified above. In particular, the terminal connector is readily accessible, which means it can be tested or inspected without having to gain access to the floor or roof space. It also enhances safety in that it will dispense with the practice of "stuffing" the terminal connector into the confines of a roof or floor space, and moreover, assists with health and safety requirements in that the use of a ladder can be dispensed with to gain access to the terminal connector. One of the advantages of the present invention is that the terminal connector is configured such that the relevant cables can be readily connected and disconnected by simply gaining access to the confines of the pattress box.
Preferred features for use with the light switch and/or pattress or pattress box of the present invention, including the use thereof, are as follows:
Advantageously, the terminal connector is configured as a connecting block, which preferably has seven connectors each connector being connectable to a single wire.
Preferably, the terminal connector is an integral part of the pattress box or pattress. To this end, it is preferable that the terminal connector is integrally associated with a surface of the pattress' perimeter wall or a surface of the pattress' backplate.
Further preferably, the terminal connector is housed within the confines of the pattress box or pattress. Advantageously, the terminal connector is releasably connectable to the pattress box. Preferably, the terminal connector is releasably connectable to a surface of the pattress' perimeter wall or a surface of the pattress' backplate.
A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of reference to Figures 3 and 4, with Figures 1 and 2 being provided for information purposes only:
Figure 1 : is a perspective view of a known pattress box or pattress;
Figure 2: illustrates the number of cables that require connection to a terminal connector such as a "loop-in-loop-out" terminal box;
Figure 3: is a perspective view of a pattress box or pattress in accordance with the present invention; and
Figure 4: illustrates the number of cables that need to be connected to the light installation by using the pattress box of the present invention.
As stated above, and with further reference to Figure 1 , a known ("conventional") pattress box or pattress (1) comprises a back plate (3) and a perimeter wall (2). The perimeter wall (2) is further provided with at least one aperture (5) and bushings (6); the latter enabling the pattess (1) to be connected to, the face plate of a switch (not illustrated).
With further reference to Figure 1 , a conventional pattress box (1) only receives a switch cable (4) having 3 wires, earth (4a), live (4b) and neutral (4c). Such wire is wired in a conventional manner to the switch installation within the confines of the patress box, which, and as touched upon above, can either be wall mounted or embedded within a wall.
As illustrated in Figure 2, in order to connect a switch to a light installation such as a decorative luminary or down light an electrician will need to effect connection between a switch cable (4), a mains cable (7) and a loop out cable (8); and the light installation, usually by way of the light installation's feed cable. Such a connection is usually effected by way of a terminal connector within the confines of a ceiling or floor space. Due to the number of cables and respective wires involved, it will be appreciated that to effect such a connection will be cumbersome, not least because the whole task will usually need to be carried out up a set of ladders.
With reference to Figure 3, a pattress box or pattress (10) in accordance with the present invention is provided. As can be seen, same includes a terminal connector (9) in the form of a connector block, which is integrally associated with a surface of the pattress' perimeter wall. As illustrated, the terminal connector (9) enables the connection between the switch cable (4), mains cable (7) and loop out cable (8) to be effected within the pattress box (10). This dispenses with the need for, and disadvantages associated with, effecting such connection within the confines of the roof or ceiling space. As will be appreciated, the switch cable (4) will be connected to the switch installation in a conventional manner.
When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.
The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A light switch comprising a face plate associated with a pattress or pattress box, characterised in that the pattress or pattress box is further provided with a terminal connector such that a switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable can be connected within the pattress or pattress box.
2. The light switch of claim 1 , wherein the terminal connector is configured as a connecting block.
3. The light switch of claim 2, wherein the connecting block has seven connectors each connector being connectable to a single wire.
4. The light switch of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal connector is an integral part of the pattress box or pattress.
5. The light switch of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminal connector is housed within the confines of the pattress box or pattress.
6. The light switch of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminal connector is releasably connectable to the pattress box.
7. The light switch of claim 6, wherein the terminal connector is releasably connectable to a surface of the pattress' perimeter wall.
8. The light switch of claim 6, wherein the terminal connector is relasably connectable to a surface of the pattress' backplate.
9. A pattress box, which, in use, is connectable to a lighting circuit and which houses at least one light switch characterised in that the pattress further comprises a terminal connector which is connectable to a switch cable, a mains cable and a loop out cable.
10. A pattress or pattress box, which, in use, is associated with a light switch, characterised in that the pattress box is further provided with a terminal connector such that a switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable can be connected within the pattress or pattress box.
11. A pattress box further comprising a terminal connector which is connectable to a switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable and switch installation.
12. The pattress of any one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the terminal connector is configured as a connecting block.
13. The pattress or pattress box of claim 12, wherein the connecting block has seven connectors each connector being connectable to a single wire.
14. The pattress of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the terminal connector is an integral part of the pattress box or pattress.
15. The pattress of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the terminal connector is housed within the confines of the pattress box or pattress.
16. The pattress of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the terminal connector is releasably connectable to the pattress box.
17. The pattress of claim 17, wherein the terminal connector is releasably connectable to a surface of the pattress' perimeter wall.
18. The pattress of claim 17, wherein the terminal connector is releasably connectable to a surface of the pattress' backplate.
19. The use of a pattress or pattress box further comprising a terminal connector which is connectable to a switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable to connect a light switch to a light installation.
20. The use of claim 19, wherein the terminal connector is configured as a connecting block.
21. The use of claim 20, wherein the connecting block has seven connectors each connector being connectable to a single wire.
22. The use of any one of claims 19 to 21 , wherein the terminal connector is an integral part of the pattress box or pattress.
23. The use of any one of claims 19 to 21 , wherein the terminal connector is housed within the confines of the pattress box or pattress.
24. The use of any one of claims 19 to 21 , wherein the terminal connector is releasably connectable to the pattress box.
25. The use of claim 24, wherein the terminal connector is releasably connectable to a surface of the pattress' perimeter wall.
26. The use of claim 24, wherein the terminal connector is releasably connectable to a surface of the pattress' backplate.
27. A method of wiring a light installation to a light switch, the method comprising the step of effecting connection of a switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable within a pattress box or pattress associated with the light switch.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of effecting connection of the switch cable, mains cable and loop out cable is effected by utilising a pattress box or pattress as claimed by any one of claims 9 to 18.
29. A light switch substantially as hereinbefore described by way of reference to Figures 3 and 4.
30. A pattress box or pattress substantially as hereinbefore described by way of reference to Figures 3 and 4.
31. The use of a pattress box or pattress substantially as hereinbefore described by way of reference to Figures 3 and 4.
32. A light switch substantially as hereinbefore described and claimed.
30. A pattress box or pattress substantially as hereinbefore described and claimed.
31. The use of a pattress box or pattress substantially as hereinbefore described and claimed.
PCT/GB2009/001935 2008-08-06 2009-08-06 An electrical fitting WO2010015830A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0814327.3 2008-08-06
GB0814327A GB2462437A (en) 2008-08-06 2008-08-06 Junction back box having terminals therein
GB0904211.0 2009-03-11
GB0904211A GB2462336A (en) 2008-08-06 2009-03-11 Pattress box containing electrical terminals

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010015830A1 true WO2010015830A1 (en) 2010-02-11

Family

ID=41264250

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2009/001935 WO2010015830A1 (en) 2008-08-06 2009-08-06 An electrical fitting

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2462336A (en)
WO (1) WO2010015830A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103594985A (en) * 2013-11-13 2014-02-19 常熟市宝华建筑装璜材料有限公司 Junction box with temperature monitor
BR102013032114A2 (en) * 2013-12-13 2015-10-13 Dilnei João Da Rosa adapter for connecting conductors to ceiling light boxes

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0544499A1 (en) * 1991-11-28 1993-06-02 Hawke Cable Glands Limited Junction box
US5747737A (en) * 1996-02-16 1998-05-05 Keith D. Waehner Internally connected junction box
DE19906465A1 (en) * 1999-02-16 2000-10-19 Krone Gmbh Power junction box for low voltage power distribution lines, has clamping contacts cut to independent clamping connector blocks which are mechanically and electrically executed in touch safe manner
EP1047170A1 (en) * 1999-04-21 2000-10-25 Eljo AB Connection box for electrical installations
GB2416629A (en) * 2004-07-23 2006-02-01 Andrew Neil Mountain Junction box having integral routing connections
FR2873862A1 (en) * 2004-07-29 2006-02-03 Gilles Andre Besson Distribution box functionality adding device for e.g. electrical installation of office, has double sided printed circuit with connection terminals opposite to partitions of equipment housing case, and conductors for connection of equipment
US20060105625A1 (en) * 2004-11-16 2006-05-18 Scott James L Electrical receptacle and junction box free of wire-nuts

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060285278A1 (en) * 2005-06-20 2006-12-21 Tankersley Jay C DLB electrical box system
US7497273B2 (en) * 2007-03-07 2009-03-03 Optimal Innovations, Inc. Plug and play utility control modules

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0544499A1 (en) * 1991-11-28 1993-06-02 Hawke Cable Glands Limited Junction box
US5747737A (en) * 1996-02-16 1998-05-05 Keith D. Waehner Internally connected junction box
DE19906465A1 (en) * 1999-02-16 2000-10-19 Krone Gmbh Power junction box for low voltage power distribution lines, has clamping contacts cut to independent clamping connector blocks which are mechanically and electrically executed in touch safe manner
EP1047170A1 (en) * 1999-04-21 2000-10-25 Eljo AB Connection box for electrical installations
GB2416629A (en) * 2004-07-23 2006-02-01 Andrew Neil Mountain Junction box having integral routing connections
FR2873862A1 (en) * 2004-07-29 2006-02-03 Gilles Andre Besson Distribution box functionality adding device for e.g. electrical installation of office, has double sided printed circuit with connection terminals opposite to partitions of equipment housing case, and conductors for connection of equipment
US20060105625A1 (en) * 2004-11-16 2006-05-18 Scott James L Electrical receptacle and junction box free of wire-nuts

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2462336A (en) 2010-02-10
GB0904211D0 (en) 2009-04-22

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