Patent ID: 8350406
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: H01R,H02J

Abstract:
1. An electrical power distribution system comprising: at least one power outlet receptacle; at least one power cable assembly comprising (i) a main power cable subassembly having at least two power conductors, at least two signal conductors, and first and second electrical connectors at opposite end portions of said main power cable subassembly, (ii) an electrical impedance element electrically coupled to at least one of said signal conductors, and (iii) an outlet feed cable configured to be electrically coupled to said power outlet receptacle and to said power conductors in said main power cable sub assembly; a control unit in electrical communication with said power conductors and said signal conductors of said main power cable subassembly, said control unit comprising an electrical switch associated with at least one of said power conductors and operable to selectively prevent a flow of electricity through said power conductors, and a controller in electrical communication with said signal conductors and said electrical switch; wherein said controller is operable to detect a number of main power cable subassemblies coupled together in said electrical power distribution system by measuring a voltage in said signal conductors, and wherein said control unit is operable to close said electrical switch so as to permit a flow of electricity through said at least two power conductors when the number of main power cable subassemblies in said electrical power distribution system is detected by said controller as being less than or equal to a predetermined number.