Method of assembling a ground fault interrupter wiring device
US6199264A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 1994 |
| Grant date | Mar 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49105
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A gfi wiring device is disclosed in the form of a duplex receptacle for receiving the blades of a plug connecting an electrical appliance or other load to the circuit wherein the gfi device is connected. The housing sections and components of the gfi are so configured and relatively arranged that the device may be automatically assembled by downward, vertical movement of the components and the front housing section in a predetermined sequence relative to the rear housing section as the latter is positioned on a horizontal support. The device is operationally tested after assembly is complete and, upon successful testing, the housing sections are permanently connected by heat deformation of portions of one section to form a rivet-like connection. Reliability of testing is improved by breaking the usual traces on a printed circuit board extending between terminals to which jumper cables are connected to provide a fail-safe indication of circuit continuity through the jumper cables. A deformable member movable to produce a fault condition for test purposes, as well as electrical leads of a condition-indicating lamp are connected in the circuitry by solderless means, being engaged betw…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.