IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC POWER OUTLET FITTINGS

1,269,497. Two-part couplings. BRITISH INSULATED CALLENDERS CABLES Ltd. 20 June, 1969 [22 March, 1968], No. 14004/68. Heading H2E. An electric power outlet fitting comprises at least two outlet contacts, to each of which may be independently secured at least two conductor ends. In one embodiment (Fig. 3) a conventional outlet socket is formed with contacts each including a contact tunnel 7 which receives an adaptor comprising a terminal block, two forms of which are illustrated, and an attached neck portion. Pinch screws 8 secure the neck portion in the tunnel 7. Alternatively, the outlet contacts may be formed integral with the terminal blocks. In a modified adaptor, a contact receiving bore extends through the neck portion, and a transverse bore receives the screw 8, which both secures and locates the block positively with respect to the tunnel 7. In a further modification, the neck portion is detachable and is secured in a larger bore in the head of the block by a pinch screw. In any embodiment in which the neck portion is solid, a tapped hole may be formed in its end-face, for receiving an elongate member, by means of which the neck portion can be drawn into the tunnel 7. This can also be achieved with a bored neck if a conductor is inserted to a sufficient extent. In all embodiments, a major part of the terminal block or adaptor may be enclosed in insulating material. Aluminium and copper conductors, for example, are suitable for receiving in the block, which is preferably of metal, and the conductor-receiving bores may be interconnected. Fused spur fittings, flex outlet fittings for ring mains, and certain lighting fittings may also utilize the invention.