Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Safety and protection of systems and devices – With specific circuit breaker or control structure
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-06
2002-02-26
Jackson, Stephen W. (Department: 2836)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Safety and protection of systems and devices
With specific circuit breaker or control structure
C361S058000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06351365
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to electrical wiring devices and, in particular, to a device that substantially reduces the hazard associated with servicing a live electrical circuit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Servicing of an electrical appliance is most safely carried out with the electrical power is removed from the appliance. There are, however, circumstances where it is not feasible to turn off the power to the appliance. For example, in large retail stores, lighting fixtures or other electrical fixtures as represented by element
2
of
FIG. 1
of the drawings frequently need servicing, such a replacement the ballast of a fluorescent light. However, it is frequently not feasible to shut off the power at the power source
4
(
FIG. 1
) to permit such servicing. This is usually due to the fact that other electrical fixtures
8
powered by the source
4
need to remain operative.
In such cases, the service person will typically cut the live or hot wire
6
of wire pair
3
/
6
using insulated pliers at some location
5
adjacent the fixture
2
. The service person then carefully places a wire nut over the exposed end of the severed hot wire
6
on the power source
4
side. Once electrical fixture
2
is disconnected from the power source
4
, servicing can be carried out. When the servicing has been completed, the service person must electrically reconnect wire by stripping the insulation from both sections of live wire
6
and applying a wire nut to physically and electrically couple to the sections back together.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4109991 (1978-08-01), Evans
ABM Industries Incorporated
Flehr Hohbach Test Albritton & Herbert LLP
Jackson Stephen W.
LandOfFree
Electrical wiring device and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Electrical wiring device and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electrical wiring device and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2961614