Cover plates for electrical utility and other boxes as used in concealed wiring system of buildings

Abstract

Abstract Cover plates, for electrical utility, junction or similar boxes as used in concealed low voltage 2-wire (live phase, neutral) wiring system in old buildings, have one or more suitable bosses with small knock-out holes or only U-shaped or circular knock-out holes with suitable field-installed buildings on the flat surfaces or have suitable arc-shaped dimples on the side-walls. These knock-out openings are used, as necessary, to provide an obstruction-free passage of grounding wires into the boxes; thus the metal boxes and all non-current-carrying metal parts of receptacles, switches and other electrical devices as used, are bonded to system grounding. The grounding wires are installed in an unconcealed or semi-concealed manner, thus converting the 2-wire wiring system of a building into conventional 3-wire (live phase, neutral, ground) system. To promote safety from electrical hazards, all previously installed 2-pin receptacles can now be replaced by 3-pin grounding type ones and the grounding pin of each 3-pin receptacle can now be bonded to system grounding. When this 3-wire wiring system is fully established in all buildings, manufacturers of all domestic equipment, as applicable, will be encouraged to include the grounding feature in their products. This will make their products more reliable, safer and cheaper as far as design, manufacturing and other indirect costs are concerned. This device will further promote safety of life and property from electrical hazards; however its use and application will depend on the decision of the Authorities concerned.

Inventors

• 👤 Biswa N. Bose

Bibliographic Details