Relocatable wiring connection devices

Abstract

Wiring components of a relocatable wiring system including a converter device having respectively identical male and female terminal housings used respectively in male and female ports of the wiring components, the relocatable wiring system formed of the respective wiring components having particular utility in above-ceiling air handling spaces for electrical connection of lighting fixtures inter alia. The converter device forms an interface between hardwiring, such hardwiring being enclosed by a junction box or forming part of a switch, and the relocatable wiring system. Each male port of each wiring component is configured according to the invention to include a male terminal housing including latching structure preferably formed of a plenum-rated polymeric material, each male port having a male terminal housing which is preferably identical to the male terminal housing in each of the other male ports. Similarly, each female port of each wiring component includes a female terminal housing formed of polymeric material with all of the female terminal housings being preferably identical. The male and female terminal housings preferably and respectively mount pin contacts and socket contacts of cooperating electrical terminals in the respective male and female ports to facilitate rapid connection and disconnection of system wiring components. The male and female terminal housings provide structure which snap lock the terminals thereinto and which prevent axial dislodgement of the terminals from the terminal housings. The converter device of the invention is rapidly installable to a junction box or a switch with simple tools from externally of the junction box or switch.