Monroe Olga Alger

US Patent:

46324771, Dec 30, 1986

Filed:

Mar 11, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/710122

Inventors:

Monroe E. Alger - Manassas VA

International Classification:

H01R 466

US Classification:

339 14R

Abstract:

A grounding device for electrical connectors includes, in a first variation, lay-in grounding lugs for use on existing wall receptacles and on clamps, and, in a second variation, automatic grounding connections between the ground socket and back plate of an electrical receptacle. The lay-in grounding lugs comprise a channeled body and a clamping plate for releasable attachment to the body to clamp a ground wire therebetween. The body and clamping plate have interfitting flanges which react against a clamping screw threaded through the clamping plate into engagement with a wire laid in the channel of the body. In use, a ground wire can be easily laid into the channel and the clamping plate and screw then fitted, substantially increasing the ease and speed of making ground connections. The automatic ground connections comprise a first form in which the screw that secures the ground socket to the receptacle also extends through the back plate of the receptacle, establishing a ground connection between the ground socket and the back plate. In a second form, an extension is provided from the ground wire clamping plate of the ground socket to the back plate of the receptacle, establishing a ground connection therebetween.