Electric distribution systems and electrical take-off apparatus therefor

Abstract

An electric distribution system which includes an elongated generally channel-shaped busway having a top wall and a pair of side walls with bus bars secured to the interior of the side walls. An electrical take-off is slidably secured within the busway with the take-off having a housing, a pair of spaced rotatable electrical contact supports having a circuit selection portion for rotating the contact support. At least one electrical contact passing through a passageway in the support and a spring which surrounds a portion of the support adjacent the passageway, urging the electrical contact in a first direction. The contact support is structured to be rotated to a first position wherein the electrical contact is disposed within the take-off housing and a second position wherein it projects outwardly into contact with a bus bar. The spring, in a preferred form, is a spring clip which is positioned in surrounding relationship with a portion of the electrical contact support and urges an electrical contact, in the form of a pin having its head received within a recess adjacent to the spring into intimate contact with the bus bars. Electrical wires connect the electrical contact and emerge from the housing of the take-off to facilitate transfer of electric current from the bus bars to the desired location.