摘要 |
A replaceable wall plate is disclosed. It includes a replaceable portion and a wall plate portion. The wall plate portion is typically screwed to a wall to form the cover of a wall outlet whereas the replaceable portion is removably attached to the wall plate portion. The removable attachment scheme is preferably accomplished for the two portions using the methods of prong insertion, button coupling or channel sliding. The replaceable portion further contains built-in electronics such as a surge protection device. It is configured in the replaceable portion for protecting electrical devices plugged or connected to the receptacles of this wall outlet. Accordingly, the replaceable portion along with its built-in surge protection device could be replaced such as in the case of electronics failure after an abnormal electrical event, for example, a voltage spike. In addition, in order to lengthen operation life, the replaceable portion is configured such that the surge protection device receives electricity only when a plug is inserted through the receptacle.
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