INTERLOCKING OUTLET AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

摘要

An interlocking outlet includes terminals configured to electrically connect to a power source; a receptacle structured to receive a plug; at least one sensor; and a control unit structured to determine whether an electrical condition is met and the plug is physically inserted into the receptacle based on outputs of the at least one sensor and to electrically connect the receptacle to the terminals when the electrical condition is met and the plug is physically inserted into the receptacle to energize the receptacle.

主权项

1. An interlocking outlet comprising:
terminals configured to electrically connect to a power source and to receive power from the power source; a receptacle structured to receive a plug; at least one sensor; and a control unit structured to determine whether an electrical condition is met and the plug is physically inserted into the receptacle based on outputs of the at least one sensor and to electrically connect the receptacle to the terminals when the electrical condition is met and the plug is physically inserted into the receptacle to energize the receptacle, wherein the control unit is structured to determine that the electrical condition is not met when a voltage of the power received from the power source is not within a first predetermined percentage of a predetermined normal operating voltage, and wherein the control unit is structured to determine whether the electrical condition is met and the plug is physically inserted into the receptacle without power being provided from the receptacle to the plug.