IMPROVED ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND PLUGS WITH LOCAL POWER ENABLING AND DISABLING

摘要

Improved electrical outlets and plugs that allow local power enabling and disabling are disclosed. One embodiment of an electrical outlet device includes a power socket (206) capable of receiving a plug (202) and a switch (216) that is in electrical communication with a power supply wire. When the switch is in a first position, no power is available at the power socket. When the switch is in a second position, power is available at the power socket. The electrical outlet device also includes a sensor (208) that is capable of detecting a signal from the plug. The plug includes a signal producing element. The sensor is in electrical communication with the switch such that when the sensor detects the signal from the plug, the sensor causes the switch to be in the second position thereby providing power at the power socket.