Cam-lok Inc.

William M Hanks

Clifford C Brown

A safety system for an electrical panel assembly providing receptacles for use with cable connectors. The connectors and receptacles are of the known type having single contacts which lock together when the connector is mated with its receptacle and rotated a partial turn. Polarizing devices are provided in association with each receptacle and connector to assure proper mating. The panel assembly is provided with mechanical interlocking devices determining the order in which the connectors are connected to and disconnected from their receptacles to assure that ground makes first and breaks last. The safety system comprises an AC to DC converter/voltage regulator capable of converting 120 volts to 600 volts AC or DC to 12 volts and 115 volts DC. The converter/regulator has a pair of inputs connected to the contacts of any two power receptacles or the contacts of a neutral receptacle and a power receptacle of the panel. The 115 volt outputs of the converter/regulator are connected to first and second solenoids associated with the first and last receptacles, respectively. The solenoids have plungers which, when the panel receptacles have voltage applied thereto, shift from a retracted to an extended position wherein the plunger of the first solenoid precludes connection and locking of the ground connector with the first receptacle and the plunger of the second solenoid precludes disconnection of the power connector from the last receptacle, thus preventing powered connections or disconnections from the panel. The safety system also contemplates an alarm if the connnector for the last receptacle is not rotated and locked.

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Cincinnati, OH, United States of America

William M Hanks