Combination lead wire terminal

Claim 1

A combination lead wire terminal adapted for both back wiring and conventional loop wiring, said terminal comprising a base, a clamping plate spaced therefrom in parallel relation, a centrally connecting narrow strip integral with the base and clamping plate to flexibly connect same whereby the clamping plate is maintained parallel to the base throughout its movement, the base being provided with a centrally disposed threaded hole in a flat portion thereof, the clamping plate having an opening aligned with the threaded hole in the base, a terminal screw having a head and a threaded shank threadedly engaging the threaded hole in the base with the shank freely passing through the opening in the clamping plate and having the terminal screw head spaced therefrom, the base having a pair of parallel grooves one on either side of the threaded opening adapted to receive straight bare lead wires therein for back wiring, the clamping plate having protruding clamping portions transverse to the parallel grooves to grip the wires therein when the terminal screw is tightened to cause the head to engage the clamping plate and cause it to move toward and parallel to the base to grip the conductors between the clamping plate and the base, and further wherein when the terminal is to be used for loop wiring, a looped wire is adapted for positioning around the terminal screw shank between the screw head and the clamping plate whereby upon tightening of the screw the head engages the looped wire forcing it into contact with the clamping plate which is pressed downwardly toward and parallel to the base until the clamping plate abuts the base to provide a secure gripping connection between the screw head and the clamping plate; the screw head, the clamping plate and the base being parallel at all times thus making certain that the proper mechanical and electrical contact is maintained.