GB2325353A

GB2325353A - Adaptor socket-outlet

Info

Publication number: GB2325353A
Application number: GB9709574A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lorne Mccallum
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-05-13
Filing date: 1997-05-13
Publication date: 1998-11-18
Also published as: GB9709574D0

Abstract

An electrical accessory, eg a complete adaptor socket-outlet assembly 11 has integral electrical connections 12 providing power from the lower sockets to the upper sockets so that existing single and double socket-outlets can be replaced with 2 and 4 socket-outlets respectively, while retaining and connecting to the existing backbox 14 and mains wiring 13. The adaptor is secured by the lower part of the assembly to the existing backbox by means of screw connections 16, with additional fixing of the upper part by appropriate means. The profile of the assembly allows the lead of the upper plug to pass downward, clear of the lower plug.

Description

ADAPTOR SOCKET-OUTLET This invention relates to an adaptor socket-outlet.

13A socket-outlets to BS 1363 are well known electrical accessories found in domestic and commercial installations. The typical standard configuration is either single or double outlet, connected to the mains wiring and secured to a backbox which is recessed into the wall.

The requirements of a typical domestic installation in terrns of the number of electrical appliances used and hence socket-outlets needed has increased substantially, leading to instances of existing installations having an insufficient number of outlets.

The provision of additional sockets usually requires either adaptor plugs, or rewiring works involving additional cabling and disruption to decor.

According to the present invention there is provided a complete adaptor socket-outlet assembly comprising upper and lower sockets with integral electrical connection which will replace an existing single or double socket, retain and connect to the existing wiring and backbox, and provide 2 or 4 socket-outlets respectively.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which : Figure 1 Shows in perspective the double adaptor socket-outlet, Figure 2 Illustrates the adaptor socket-outlet in cross-section showing component layout and connection configuration, Figure 3 Shows in perspective the single adaptor socket-outlet; Figure 4 Shows in perspective the double adaptor socket-outlet with four 13A plugs inserted Referring to the drawings the adaptor socket-outlet comprises a complete assembly 11 with upper and lower sockets 15. An integral set of electrical connections 12 allows the upper socket assembly to derive power from the lower assembly which in turn provides connection to the mains electrical wiring 13. The lower part of the assembly fits to the existing recessed backbox 14 with the upper part of the assembly being surface mounted.

The adaptor is a direct replacement for existing single and double socket-outlets which fit flush to the wall. The electrical connections to the mains wiring are the same as the standard BS 1363 socket-outlet arrangement. The adaptor is secured to the wall by means of the lower assembly screw connections 16 to the existing backbox 14 , with additional fixing of the upper part by appropriate means, for example drilled and plugged holes in the wall with screw fixings 17.

A standard 13A plug 10 connects into each sockets in the normal way, with the profile of the assembly 11 allowing the lead from the upper plug to pass downwards clear of the lower plug. The integral electrical connections 12 are conductors of sufficient cross-sectional area to allow full utilisation of the upper sockets. Furthermore, the connections 12 are shaped as part of the lower socket assembly 15 mains connections, fit within the profile of the complete assembly 11, and have suitable mechanical connection to the upper sockets, for example a splined interference push-fit into the upper socket connection.

Claims

1 A complete adaptor socket-outlet assembly comprising upper and lower sockets with integral electrical connection which will replace an existing single or double socket, retain and connect to the existing wiring and backbox, and provide 2 or 4 socket-outlets respectively.

2 An adaptor socket-outlet as claimed in Claim 1 wherein integral electrical connections means are provided having conductors of sufficient cross-sectional area to allow full utilisation of the upper sockets.

3 An adaptor socket-outlet as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the integral electrical connection means comprise shaped conductors having permanent connection to the lower socket assembly and mechanical push-fit connection to the upper socket assembly.

4 An adaptor socket-outlet as claimed in Claims 1 or Claim 2 wherein the connections are suitable for existing mains cabling.

5 An adaptor socket-outlet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lower part of the assembly utilises the screw fixings to the existing backbox and having additional means of fixing the upper part of the assembly.

6 An adaptor socket-outlet as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the profile of the assembly allows the leads of the upper plugs to pass downwards clear of the lower plugs.

7 An adaptor socket-outlet as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the complete assembly is provided with switched or non-switched socket-outlets.

8 An adaptor socket-outlet substantially as described herin with reference to Figures 14 of the accompanying drawings.