| 摘要 |
<p>A utility control device, such as a light socket, a switch or a plug socket, is designed with universal terminals so that when plugged into a pre-wired utility box (box socket), the terminals will make the proper electrical connections with the premises wiring. In one embodiment, a "shell" is inserted into a common utility box. The shell would then be wired to the building wiring on the "back-side" of the shell a nd when the shell is installed within the utility box the wiring is sandwiched inside th e box and behind the shell and therefore not easily seen. A standard socket is positioned within the shell and provides a quick no-wiring required connection to the mating terminals on the actual device, for example a light-switch, or plug, or thermostat, or any other device normally installed and wired as a permanent fixture. Systems and methods are disclosed for arranging the premises power grid such that any device type can be "plugged" into the shells that are pre-wired inside the utility box. In one embodiment, the grid is constructed exactly as it has always been with each box pre-established for a particular type of control but with a plug/play adapter. In another embodiment, the gri d is universally wired and each device instructs the system as to its type and as to its intended use. In operation, such a universal plan would allow a device, for example, to "announce" what light, or set of lights, it will control. The system can handle power wiring as well as control wiring.</p> |
