Abstract:
An electrical wiring system comprises a box mount configured to attach to a wall stud. An electrical box is adapted to receive an electrical cable in communications with a power source, and the electrical box is slidably attached to the box mount so that the electrical box is movable between various positions. An opening defined in the electrical box is configured to accept an electrical device. Position indicators and a corresponding alignment guide visually indicate at which one of the positions the electrical box is located.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/024,790 filed Dec. 19, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,863,561, entitled Safety Electrical and Switch System, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/553,425 filed Apr. 19, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,981, which relates to and claims the benefit of prior U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/174,521 entitled Safety Electrical Wiring Assembly, filed Jan. 5, 2000, all of the aforementioned prior applications incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Installation of a standard AC electrical system in a new residence or commercial site occurs in three phases, corresponding to the building construction. The rough phase corresponds to rough framing of the building, prior to attachment of wall panels to the frame. During this phase, blue boxes or similar electrical boxes are mounted to wall studs at predetermined locations, so that outlets are 18″ and switches are 36″ from the floor. Various box types are available, such as single-, double-, triple- or quadruple-wide configurations, among others. After the boxes are installed, a journeyman electrician, following a predetermined layout, routes power cables through the framing to the appropriate boxes. A typical power cable has two solid core insulated conductors and a ground conductor, all surrounded by a non-metallic sheath. The power cable is fed through openings in the rear or sides of the electrical boxes. The journeyman typically labels the conductors by writing a code on the insulation that indicates the wiring connectivity and the type of module to be installed in each box. Then these cables are folded back into the boxes, unterminated, so as to be out of the way until the next phase. After all of the electrical wiring is routed in this manner, the electrical subcontractors leave the construction site, waiting for other subcontractors to finish their tasks. 
     The makeup phase corresponds to wall panel installation and painting. During this phase, the journeyman returns to the construction site to install modules into the electrical boxes. The journeyman retrieves the cable from each box, reviews the labeling, and connects the cable conductors to the appropriate module. One module choice is a duplex outlet that receives standard two-prong or three-prong grounded AC plugs. The outlet can be wired full-hot, where each outlet is always connected to power, or half-hot, where one outlet is connected to power under control of a wall switch. Another module choice is a switch, which can be a standard on/off switch, a three-way switch or a dimmer switch, for example. After conductors are wired to a module, the module and attached conductors are pushed into the electrical box and the module is attached to the top and bottom of the box with screws. Once all modules are installed, the general contractor verifies the dwelling wiring against the electrical plans. If all of the wiring is correct, power can be connected to the dwelling for the first time. 
     The final phase corresponds to construction trimming and finishing work. During the trim phase, face plates are mounted over the open-end of the electrical boxes, completing the standard electrical wiring process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of an electrical wiring system is a box mount configured to attach to a wall stud. An electrical box is adapted to receive an electrical cable in communications with a power source, and the electrical box is slidably attached to the box mount so that the electrical box is movable between various positions. An opening defined in the electrical box is configured to accept an electrical device. Position indicators and a corresponding alignment guide visually indicate at which one of the positions the electrical box is located. 
     Another aspect of an electrical wiring system is a method where a box mount is installed on a wall stud. An electrical box is slidably mounted to the box mount. The electrical box is movable between a first position and a second position along the box mount. A measured distance between the electrical box and the wall stud is indicated at the first and second positions. 
     A further aspect of an electrical wiring system comprises a box mount adapted to install within a wall. An electrical box is slidably mounted to the box mount so that the electrical box is movable along the mount between various positions. Position indicators and a corresponding alignment guide disposed on the box mount and the electrical box are capable of providing a distance measurement for the electrical box at each of the positions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art outlet electrical wiring assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a safety electrical outlet and switch system; 
         FIGS. 3A–B  are exploded perspective views of an outlet assembly and a switch assembly, respectively, of the safety electrical outlet and switch system, illustrating box mount, electrical box, wiring panel, snap-in electrical modules and face plate portions; 
         FIGS. 4A–F  are perspective views illustrating the removal and installation of snap-in electrical modules; 
         FIG. 4A  is a front perspective view of an installed snap-in outlet module; 
         FIG. 4B  is a front perspective view of an unfastened snap-in outlet module with extended extractor handles; 
         FIG. 4C  is a front perspective view of an uninstalled snap-in outlet module; 
         FIG. 4D  is a front perspective view of an uninstalled snap-in switch module; 
         FIG. 4E  is a front perspective view of an outlet module installed in a wiring panel; 
         FIG. 4F  is a front perspective view of a switch module installed in a wiring panel; 
         FIGS. 5A–B  are front and back perspective views, respectively, of a box mount; 
         FIGS. 6A–B  are front and back perspective views, respectively, of an electrical box; 
         FIGS. 7A–F  are perspective views of a wiring panel; 
         FIGS. 7A–B  are front and back perspective views, respectively, of an assembled wiring panel; 
         FIG. 7C  is a back perspective view of a wiring panel board; 
         FIG. 7D  is a front perspective view of a wiring panel back cover; 
         FIGS. 7E–F  are back and front perspective views, respectively, of wiring panel internal conductors; 
         FIGS. 8A–F  are perspective views of an outlet module; 
         FIGS. 8A–B  are front and back perspective views, respectively, of an assembled outlet module; 
         FIG. 8C  is a front perspective view of a mounting bracket; 
         FIG. 8D  is a back perspective view of an outlet module front cover; 
         FIG. 8E  is a front perspective view of an outlet module back cover; 
         FIGS. 8F–G  are back and front perspective views, respectively, of outlet module internal conductors; 
         FIGS. 9A–F  are perspective views of a switch module; 
         FIGS. 9A–B  are front and back perspective views, respectively, of an assembled switch module; 
         FIG. 9C  is a back perspective view of a switch module front cover; 
         FIG. 9D  is a front perspective view of a switch module back cover; 
         FIGS. 9E–F  are back and front perspective views, respectively, of switch module internal conductors; 
         FIGS. 10A–D  are perspective views of snap-on face plates; 
         FIGS. 10A–B  are front and back perspective views of a flared rectangular face plate; 
         FIG. 10C  is a front perspective view of a rectangular face plate; 
         FIG. 10D  is a front perspective view of an oval face plate; 
         FIGS. 11A–B  are front and back perspective views, respectively, of a protective cover; 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of a protective cover and a wiring panel illustrating installation of the protective cover over the wiring panel; 
         FIGS. 13A–C  are front perspective views of a mounted electrical box; 
         FIG. 13A  is a electrical-box-side front perspective view of a mounted electrical box illustrating the releasable latch inside the box; 
         FIGS. 13B–C  are mounting-bracket-side front perspective views of a mounted electrical box, illustrating the box in first and second positions, respectively, relative to the box mount; 
         FIGS. 14A–B  are front perspective views of a mounted electrical box and associated components installed on a wall stud; 
         FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of a mounted electrical box with an installed wiring panel, illustrating box mount alignment; 
         FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of a mounted electrical box with an installed protective cover illustrating plug accessibility to electrical power during the rough framing phase of construction; and 
         FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of an adapter wiring panel. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Overview 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of an installed safety electrical outlet and switch system  200 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the outlet and switch system  200  comprises a outlet assembly  310  and a switch assembly  360 . Each of these assemblies  310 ,  360  provide a user-accessible electrical function. The outlet assembly  310  is mounted in a wall  210  and functions to supply a user with electrical power through a conventional AC plug inserted into an outlet module  800 . The switch assembly  360  is also mounted in the wall  210  and functions to allow a user to control electrical power to an outlet, a light or any of various electrical devices (not shown) by actuating a switch module  900 . The installed outlet assembly  310  includes a face plate  1000  and an outlet module  800  mounted so that its visible portion is generally flush with the face plate  1000 . The installed switch assembly  360  includes a face plate  1000  and a switch module  900  mounted so that its visible portion is in a plane generally parallel with the face plate  1000 . The face plates  1000  are interchangeable between the outlet assembly  310  and switch assembly  360  and include a flared rectangular face plate, a rectangular face plate and an oval face plate, as described with respect to  FIGS. 10A–D , below. Conveniently, the face plates  1000  attach to or are removed from the outlet assembly  310  or switch assembly  360  without the need for separate fastening devices, such as screws, and associated tools, as described with respect to  FIG. 10B , below. 
       FIGS. 3A–B  illustrate embodiments of a safety electrical outlet and switch system, comprising an outlet assembly  310  ( FIG. 3A ) and a switch assembly  360  ( FIG. 3B ). As shown in  FIG. 3A , an outlet assembly  310  comprises a box mount  500 , an electrical box  600 , a wiring panel  700 , an outlet module  800  and a face plate  1000 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , a switch assembly  360  comprises a box mount  500 , an electrical box  600 , a wiring panel  700 , a switch module  900  and a face plate  1000 . The box mount  500 , electrical box  600 , wiring panel  700 , outlet module  800  ( FIG. 3A ), switch module  900  ( FIG. 3B ), and face plate  1000  are described in detail below with respect to  FIGS. 5A–B ,  6 A–B,  7 A–F,  8 A–G,  9 A–F and  10 A–D, respectively. In one embodiment, the main structural components of the box mount  500 , electrical box  600 , wiring panel  700 , outlet module  800 , switch module  900 , face plate  1000  and protective cover  1100  ( FIG. 11 ) are composed of thermoplastics, such as nylon, polycarbonate or ABS. In that embodiment, the conductive components of the wiring panel  700 , outlet module  800  and switch module  900  are brass or copper alloys. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other materials can be used for the structural and conductive components. 
       FIGS. 4A–F  illustrate removal and installation of a snap-in outlet module  800  ( FIG. 4C ) or a snap-in switch module  900  ( FIG. 4D ).  FIG. 4A  shows an installed outlet assembly  310  with the face plate  1000  ( FIG. 3A ) removed. An outlet module  800  is removably attached to the wiring panel  700  ( FIG. 4C ) and secured with fasteners  809  to the electrical box  600 . 
       FIG. 4B  shows the outlet module  800  during removal from, or installation into, the electrical box  600 . During removal, the fasteners  809  are unfastened to release the outlet module  800  from the electrical box  600  and extend the extractor handles  824 , as shown. The extended extractor handles  824  are manually gripped and pulled to unsnap the outlet module  800  from the wiring panel  700  ( FIG. 4C ). The outlet module  800  is then removed from electrical box  600 , as shown in  FIG. 4C . During installation, the process is reversed. The extended extractor handles  824  are pushed into the outlet module  800 , and the outlet module  800  is secured to the electrical box  600 , as shown in  FIG. 4A , using the fasteners  809  to attach to the module mounting posts  620  ( FIG. 4C ) 
       FIG. 4C  shows an outlet module  800  during installation into or removal from the electrical box  600 . For installation, the outlet module  800  is placed at the electrical box open front face  602 , as shown. The outlet module  800  is then inserted into the module compartment  400  interior to the electrical box  600  between the front face  602  and the wiring panel  700 . The top module fixture  830  and bottom module fixture  840  engage the top panel fixture  710  and bottom panel fixture  720 , respectively. The outlet module  800  is then pressed against the wiring panel  700 , which snaps the outlet module  800  into the wiring panel  700 , electrically connecting the outlet module  800  and wiring panel  700 . The outlet module  800  is then secured to the electrical box  600 , as described above with respect to  FIG. 4B . 
       FIG. 4D  shows a switch module  900  during installation into or removal from the electrical box  600 . For installation, the switch module  900  is placed at the electrical box front face  602 , as shown. The switch module  900  is then inserted into the module compartment  400  interior to the electrical box  600 . The top module fixture  930  and bottom module fixture  940  engage the top panel fixture  710  and bottom panel fixture  720 , respectively. The switch module  900  is then pressed against the wiring panel  700 , which snaps the switch module  900  into the wiring panel  700 , electrically connecting the switch module  900  and wiring panel  700 . The switch module  900  is then secured to the electrical box  600 , in a manner similar to that described above with respect to  FIG. 4B . 
       FIG. 4E  shows the outlet module  800  installed into the wiring panel  700 . The outlet module back cover  804  faces the wiring panel front side  702 . The wiring panel top guides  712  fit within the outlet module top slots  834 , and the wiring panel bottom guides  722  fit within the outlet module bottom slots  844 . 
       FIG. 4F  shows the switch module  900  installed into the wiring panel  700 . The switch module back cover  904  faces the wiring panel front side  702 . The wiring panel top guides  712  fit within the switch module top slots  934 , and the wiring panel bottom guides  722  fit within the switch module bottom slots  944 . 
     Box Mount 
       FIGS. 5A–B  show a box mount  500 , which attaches to a framing stud and provides a slidable attachment for the electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ). As shown in  FIG. 5A , the box mount  500  has a stud plate  510 , fastener holders  520 , mounting brackets  530 , grooves  540 , a latch channel  550  and catch slots  560 . The stud plate  510  has a box side  512 , a stud side  518  ( FIG. 5B ), and a leading edge  502  that functions as a stud alignment guide. The fastener holders  520  receive and retain fasteners  522 , such as staples as shown. The box mount  500  is attached to a wall stud with the stud side  518  flush against the stud and with the leading edge  502  aligned with a stud edge. The fasteners  522  are hammered or otherwise driven into the stud through apertures  570  ( FIG. 5B ) on the stud side  518  ( FIG. 5B ). Attachment of the box mount to a wall stud is described in further detail with respect to  FIG. 14A , below. The electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ) is attached to the box mount  500  by placing the electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ) adjacent the area between the mounting brackets  530 , with the latch  650  ( FIGS. 6A–B ) adjacent the channel  550 . The slides  630  ( FIGS. 6A–B ) are inserted into the mounting brackets  530  and the guides  640  ( FIGS. 6A–B ) into the grooves  540 , as described in further detail with respect to  FIG. 13A , below. The catch slots  560  removably retain the electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ) at various fixed positions, as described in further detail with respect to  FIGS. 13B–C , below. 
     Electrical Box 
       FIGS. 6A–B  illustrate an electrical box  600 . The electrical box  600  has outer dimensions generally consistent with conventional electrical boxes. The electrical box  600  has an open front face  602  and a back face  604 . As shown in  FIGS. 6A–B , the electrical box  600  has a mounting side  606  and an opposite gripping side  608 . The mounting side  606  has slides  630 , guides  640 , a latch  650 , position indicators  660 , a finger grip  670  and apertures  680 . The slides  630  and guides  640  mate with corresponding brackets  530  ( FIG. 5A ) and grooves  540  ( FIG. 5A ) on the box mount  500  ( FIGS. 5A–B ), as described with respect to  FIG. 13A , below. The latch  650  has a spring portion  652  and a tab portion  654 . The spring portion  652  is attached to the electrical box  600  along the back face  604  and extends along the mounting side  606 , terminating with the tab portion  654 . The tab portion  654  extends from the spring portion  652  generally perpendicularly to the mounting side  606 , away from the electrical box  600 . When the electrical box  600  is attached to the box mount  500  ( FIGS. 5A–B ), the catch  654  is configured to engage in any of the catch slots  560  ( FIGS. 5A–B ). The finger grip  670  is utilized to manually grip and position the electrical box  600  relative to the box mount  500  ( FIGS. 5A–B ) according to the position indicators  660 , as described in further detail with respect to  FIGS. 13B–C , below. The apertures  680  are located on the back face  604  for routing power cable through the back face  604  and into the interior of the electrical box  600 . In another embodiment, a center aperture (not shown) is included, also for routing power cable into the interior of the electrical box  600 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A–B , the front face  602  and interior of the electrical box  600  are configured for installment of the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ), the protective cover  1100  ( FIGS. 11A–B ), the outlet module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ) and the switch module  900  ( FIGS. 9A–B ). The interior of the electrical box  600  includes panel mounting posts  610  located along each interior corner edge and module mounting posts  620  located along the center of the interior top and bottom faces. Each of the panel mounting posts  610  is recessed from the front face  602  and has a centered hole  612 . In one embodiment, the panel mounting posts  610  are recessed at least about 1.25 inches from the front face  602  to avoid damage to the installed wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) during the makeup phase of construction and, in particular, during wall panel installation. Each of the module mounting posts  620  is flush with the front face  602  and has a centered hole  622 . 
     The wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) is installed in the interior of the electrical box  600  with panel back side  704  ( FIG. 7B ) abutting the panel mounting posts  340 . The wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) is secured within the electrical box  600  with fasteners  707  ( FIG. 7C ) threaded or otherwise inserted into the centered holes  612 , as described with respect to  FIG. 14A , below. Similarly, the protective cover  1100  ( FIGS. 11A–B ) is installed in the interior of the electrical box  600  against the panel mounting posts  340  and secured with fasteners  707  ( FIG. 12 ) inserted through the centered holes  612 , as described with respect to  FIG. 14B , below. The outlet module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ) and the switch module  900  ( FIGS. 9A–B ) are snapped into the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–D ) and secured to the module mounting posts  620  with the fasteners  809  ( FIGS. 4A–D ) threaded or otherwise inserted into centered holes  622 , as described with respect to  FIGS. 4A–D , above. 
     Wiring Panel 
       FIGS. 7A–F  illustrate the generally planar wiring panel  700 , which has a board  701 , internal conductors  703 , a back cover  705  and fasteners  707 . The board  701  ( FIG. 7C ) retains the internal conductors  703  ( FIGS. 7E–F ), the back cover  705  ( FIG. 7D ) and the fasteners  707  ( FIG. 7C ) of the assembled wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ).  FIGS. 7A–B  illustrate the assembled wiring panel  700 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7A–B , the wiring panel  700  has a front side  702  and a back side  704 . As shown in  FIG. 7A , the front side  702  has a top panel fixture  710 , a bottom panel fixture  720  and an socket  730 . The top panel fixture  710  and bottom panel fixture  720  are configured to accept, removably retain and electrically connect to an outlet module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ), a switch module  900  ( FIGS. 9A–B ) or similar module that provides a user-accessible electrical function. The top panel fixture  710  has top guides  712 , top latches  714 , top panel contacts  756 ,  766  and a ground connector  718 , all extending in a direction normal to the front side  702 . A ground panel contact  776  ( FIG. 7F ) is accessible through the ground connector  718 . The bottom panel fixture  720  has bottom guides  722 , bottom latches  724  and bottom panel contacts  757 ,  767 , also all extending in a direction normal to the front side  702 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 7A , the socket  730  has a hot slot  732 , a neutral slot  734  and a ground hole  736 . The socket  730  is configured to accept and electrically connect to a standard plug, which is inserted into the socket  730  so that the plug&#39;s hot prong, neutral prong and ground post enters the hot slot  732 , neutral slot  734  and ground hole  736 , respectively, and electrically connects with the hot socket contact  758  ( FIGS. 7E–F ), neutral socket contact  768  ( FIGS. 7E–F ) and ground socket contact  778  ( FIGS. 7E–F ), respectively. 
     One particularly advantageous feature of the wiring panel  700  is the socket  730 . The socket  730  allows power to be supplied to a construction crew after the wiring panel  700  has been wired and building electrical system tested and activated, prior to the makeup phase, as described in further detail with respect to  FIGS. 14A–B , below. Another particularly advantageous feature is that a user&#39;s exposure to the top panel contacts  756 ,  766  is minimized by the top guides  712 , top latches  714  and ground connector  718  that shield the top panel contacts  756 ,  766  on all four sides and the front. Further, the ground connector  718  separates the first top panel contact  756  from the second top panel contact  766 , reducing the possibility of a short between the top panel contacts  756 ,  766 . Similarly, the bottom guides  722  and bottom latches  724  shield the bottom panel contacts  757 ,  767  from the sides and the front. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7B , the wiring panel back side  704  has a back cover  705 , first buss cable connectors  752 ,  754 , second buss cable connectors  762 ,  764  and a ground buss cable connector  772 . A first buss breakaway  755  can be removed during wiring of the wiring panel  700  in order to isolate the first buss top cable connector  752  from the first buss bottom cable connector  754 . Similarly, a second buss breakaway  755  can be removed in order to isolate the second buss top cable connector  762  from the second buss bottom cable connector  764 . During installation of the wiring panel  700  into the electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ), described with respect to  FIG. 14A , below, one or more electrical cables, such as power or equivalent, are routed through the electrical box apertures  680  and the wires within the cables are attached to the cable connectors  752 ,  754 ,  762 ,  764 . The wire connections are made by hooking an uninsulated conductor portion of the wires around the respective screws of the cable connectors  752 ,  754 ,  762 ,  764  and tightening the screws so that the conductors are secured between the screws and their respective busses  750 ,  760 ,  770  ( FIGS. 7E–F ), as is well-known in the art. The particular wiring configuration is a function of a master wiring plan for the building under construction and the module type to be installed in the wiring panel  700 . Several wiring panel  700  wiring configurations are described below. 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates the back side  704  of the wiring panel board  701 , which has mounting post slots  706 , mounting holes  708  and grips  709 . These features are used to install the wiring panel  700  and secure it with fasteners  707  within the electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ), as described with respect to  FIG. 14A , below. The wiring panel board  701  also has raised chambers  782 ,  784 ,  786  that retain the internal conductors  703  ( FIGS. 7E–F ) and binding sockets  781 . 
       FIG. 7D  illustrates the front of the wiring panel back cover  705 . The back cover  705  has a connector aperture  792  that accommodates the ground buss cable connector  772  ( FIG. 7B ), prong apertures  794 ,  796  that accommodate the prongs of a standard plug inserted into the wiring panel socket  730  ( FIG. 7A ), and a ground post aperture  798  that accommodates the ground post of the inserted standard plug. Binding posts  791  press-fit into corresponding binding sockets  781  ( FIG. 7C ) on the panel back side  704  ( FIG. 7C ) for joining the back cover  705  to the wiring panel board  701  ( FIG. 7C ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7E–F , the internal conductors  703  include a first buss  750 , a second buss  760  and a ground buss  770 . The busses  750 ,  760 ,  770  are retained within the wiring panel board raised chambers  782 ,  784 ,  786 , respectively. The first buss  750  electrically connects the first top panel contact  756 , the first buss top cable connector  752 , the first buss breakaway  755 , the first bottom panel contact  757 , the first buss bottom cable connector  754  and the hot socket contact  758 . Similarly, the second buss  760  electrically connects the second top panel contact  766 , the second buss top cable connector  762 , the second buss breakaway  765 , the second bottom panel contact  767 , the second buss bottom cable connector  764  and the neutral socket contact  768 . The ground buss  770  electrically connects the ground panel contact  776 , the ground buss cable connector  772  and the socket ground contact  778 . If the first buss breakaway  755  is removed, the first top panel contact  756  and the first buss top cable connector  752  are electrically isolated from the first bottom panel contact  757 , the first buss bottom cable connector  754  and the hot socket contact  758 . Likewise, if the second buss breakaway  765  is removed, the second top panel contact  766  and the second buss top cable connector  762  are electrically isolated from the second bottom panel contact  767 , the second buss bottom cable connector  764  and the neutral socket contact  768 . The panel contacts  756 ,  766 ,  757 ,  767  provide contact surfaces for electrical connection to outlet module contacts  856 ,  866 ,  857 ,  867  or switch module contacts  956 ,  966 ,  957 ,  967  as described with respect to  FIGS. 8F–G  and  FIGS. 9E–F , below. 
     Outlet Module 
       FIGS. 8A–G  illustrate an outlet module  800 , which has a front cover  802 , an attachment assembly  820 , a back cover  804  and internal conductors  806 .  FIGS. 8A–B  illustrate an assembled outlet module  800 ,  FIG. 8C  illustrates the front of the attachment assembly  820 ,  FIG. 8D  illustrates the back of the outlet module front cover  802 ,  FIG. 8E  illustrates the front of the outlet module back cover  804 , and  FIGS. 8F–G  illustrate the outlet module internal conductors  806 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , the front cover  802  and back cover  804  are glued, welded or otherwise attached together to form the body of the outlet module  800 . The attachment assembly  820  is retained by the front cover  802 , as described with respect to  FIG. 8C , below, and provides the means to secure the outlet module  800  to an electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ). The front cover  802  has a raised socket portion  810 , which includes a top socket  811  and a bottom socket  816 , each compatible with a standard AC plug. The top socket  811  has a hot slot  812 , a neutral slot  813  and a ground post hole  814 , which provide plug access to the top socket contacts  854 ,  864 ,  874  ( FIGS. 8F–G ). Similarly, the bottom socket  816  has a hot slot  817 , a neutral slot  818  and a ground post hole  819 , which provide plug access to the bottom socket contacts  855 ,  865 ,  875  ( FIGS. 8F–G ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 8B , the back cover  804  includes a top module fixture  830  and a bottom module fixture  840 . The top module fixture  830  includes top contact housings  832  and top slots  834 . The bottom module fixture  840  includes bottom contact housings  842 , bottom slots  844 , and a module key  846 . The top contact housings  832  contain top outlet contacts  856 ,  866 , and the bottom contact housings  842  contain bottom outlet contacts  857 ,  867 . A ground bar  876  extends from the back cover  804  between the top contact housings  832 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8C , the attachment assembly  820  includes a bracket  822  and extractor handles  824 . The bracket  822  is a one-piece conductive element that fits around the outside of the front cover  802 . The sides of the front cover  802  ( FIG. 8D ) include protruding cover catches  803  ( FIG. 8D ) that extend through bracket slots  823  to retain the attachment assembly  820  and to retain a cover plate  1000  ( FIGS. 10A–D ), as described with respect to  FIG. 10B , below. The extractor handles  824  are moveably retained by the bracket  822 , and each handle  824  has a crossbar  826  and arms  828 . At the tip of each handle arm  828  is a clasp  829 . In the center of each handle crossbar  826  is a fastener hole  827 . A fastener  809 , such as a screw or equivalent, is moveably retained within the fastener hole  827 . The extractor handles  824  each have a closed position, shown at the top of  FIG. 8C , and an open position, shown at the bottom of  FIG. 8C . In the closed position, the handles  824  are pushed in so that the crossbar  826  fits against the bracket  822 . In the open position, the handles  824  are pulled out so that they extend away from the bracket  822 , with the arm clasps  829  each clasping an edge portion of the bracket  822 . With the handles  824  in the closed position, the outlet module can be secured to an electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ), as described with respect to  FIG. 4A , above. With the handles  824  in the open position, the outlet module can be removed from a wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ), as described with respect to  FIGS. 4B–C , above. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8D , the front cover  802  has binding posts  883  that press-fit into corresponding binding sockets  893  ( FIG. 8E ) on the back cover  804  ( FIG. 8E ) for joining the front cover  802  and back cover  804  ( FIG. 8E ). The front cover  802  also has a raised portion  881  that retains the ground buss  870  ( FIGS. 8F–G ) and the adjacent top and bottom busses  851 ,  852 ,  861 ,  862  ( FIGS. 8F–G ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 8E , the back cover  804  has top recessed portions  891  within the top contact housings  832  that retain the top outlet contacts  856 ,  866  ( FIGS. 8F–G ). Similarly, the back cover  804  has bottom recessed portions  892  within the bottom contact housings  842  that retain the bottom outlet contacts  857 ,  867  ( FIGS. 8F–G ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8F–G , the internal conductors  806  of the outlet module  800  include a top hot buss  851 , a bottom hot buss  852 , a top neutral buss  861 , a bottom neutral buss  862 , and a ground buss  870 . The top hot buss  851  has a top socket hot contact  854  and a top hot module contact  856 . The bottom hot buss  852  has a bottom socket hot contact  855  and a bottom hot module contact  857 . The top neutral buss  861  has a top socket neutral contact  864  and a top neutral module contact  866 . The bottom neutral buss  862  has a bottom socket neutral contact  865  and a bottom neutral module contact  867 . The ground buss  870  has a ground bar  876 , a top socket ground contact  874  and a bottom socket ground contact  875 . 
     Outlet Module Installation 
     In reference to  FIG. 8B , an outlet module  800  is installed in an electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ) as described with respect to  FIGS. 4A–C , E above. An outlet module  800  and the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) are keyed to prevent the installation of an outlet module  800  into a module compartment  400  ( FIG. 4C ) with an incorrect, i.e. upside-down orientation. Specifically, the module key  846  must engage the bottom panel fixture  720  ( FIG. 7A ) and the ground bar  876  must engage the ground connector  718  ( FIG. 7A ) for proper module orientation. The module key  846  will not engage the top panel fixture  710  ( FIG. 7A ) and the ground bar  876  will not engage the bottom panel fixture  720  ( FIG. 7A ) in the improper orientation. That is, the module key  846  and ground bar  876  function as keyed structures of the outlet module  800 , and the ground connector  718  ( FIG. 7A ) and bottom panel fixture  720  ( FIG. 7A ), in particular the gap between the guides and latches  722 ,  724  ( FIG. 7A ), function as keyed structures of the wiring panel  700  ( FIG. 7A ). The keyed structures of the outlet module  800  and the corresponding keyed structures of the wiring panel  700  ( FIG. 7A ) insure proper orientation of the installed outlet module  800 . 
     In reference to  FIGS. 8F–G , when an outlet module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ) is attached to a wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ), the top hot module contact  856  is electrically connected to the first top panel contact  756  ( FIGS. 7E–F ), the top neutral module contact  866  is electrically connected to the second top panel contact  766  ( FIGS. 7E–F ), the bottom hot module contact  857  is electrically connected to the first bottom panel contact  757  ( FIG. 7E–F ), and the bottom neutral module contact  867  is electrically connected to the second bottom panel contact  767  ( FIGS. 7E–F ). In this configuration, if the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) is wired in a full-hot configuration, as described below, then the top  851  and bottom  852  hot busses are hot, the top  861  and bottom  862  neutral busses are neutral and the ground buss  870  is grounded. In this manner, the top socket contacts  854 ,  864 ,  874  provide power to a standard AC plug inserted into the top socket  811  ( FIG. 8A ) and the bottom socket contacts  855 ,  865 ,  875  provide power to a standard AC plug inserted into the bottom socket  816  ( FIG. 8A ). Similarly, if the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) is wired in a half-hot configuration, as described below, then a standard AC plug inserted into (typically) the bottom socket  816  ( FIG. 8A ) is provided power and a standard plug inserted into (typically) the top socket  811  ( FIG. 8A ) is provided switched power. 
     Also in reference to  FIGS. 8F–G , the outlet module contacts  856 ,  857 ,  866 ,  867  are spring contacts each extending from busses  851 ,  852 ,  861 ,  862  and each having a generally V-shaped contact point. During installation, as the outlet module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ) is pressed against the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) the top and bottom module contacts  856 ,  857 ,  866 ,  867  press against the corresponding top latches  714  ( FIG. 7A ) and bottom latches  724  ( FIG. 7A ). These latches  714 ,  724  ( FIG. 7A ) are flexible, spring-like structures extending from the wiring panel board  701  ( FIG. 7A ) and having a hooked tip. When sufficient pressing force is applied, the spring contacts  856 ,  857 ,  866 ,  867  and the spring latches  714 ,  724  ( FIG. 7A ) flex until the contact points pass over and clear the hooked tips and connect with the contact surfaces of the panel contacts  756 ,  757 ,  766 ,  767  ( FIG. 7A ), with the hooked tip latches  714 ,  724  retaining the V-shaped module contacts  856 ,  857 ,  866 ,  867 . At the instant the contact points pass over the latch tips, the contacts  856 ,  857 ,  866 ,  867  and latches  714 ,  724  ( FIG. 7A ) quickly return to their unflexed positions with a mechanical action that is referred to herein as a snap, snapping or snap-in. A similar mechanical action occurs when the contacts  856 ,  857 ,  866 ,  867  and latches  714 ,  724  ( FIG. 7A ) are disconnected and is referred to herein as an unsnap, unsnapping or snap-out. 
     The snapping and unsnapping of the outlet module during installation and removal creates positive tactile feedback that both a mechanical and electrical connection has been made between the outlet module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ) and the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ). This is in contrast to a plug-in electrical connection, such as when the prongs of a standard AC plug are inserted into or removed from a standard socket, where the tactile feedback is that of slight, continual resistance to the movement of the plug rather than the build-up and quick release of resistance for the snap-in module installation into the module compartment  400  ( FIG. 4C ) and attached to the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) or the corresponding snap-out module removal. 
     Wiring Panel Outlet Module Wiring 
     In reference to  FIG. 7B , the wiring panel  700  is wired for a full-hot duplex outlet by connecting the black, white and green wires of a single power cable to, for example, the first buss bottom cable connector  754 , the second buss bottom cable connector  764 , and ground buss cable connector  772 , respectively. In this manner, both of the duplex sockets  811 ,  816  ( FIG. 8A ) of an installed outlet module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ) are always hot. 
     Also in reference to  FIG. 7B , the wiring panel  700  is wired for a half-hot duplex outlet by connecting the black and white wires of one power cable as described above. The black and white wires of a second power cable are connected to the top hot  752  and neutral  762  connectors, respectively. Break away portions  755 ,  765  of the hot buss  750  and neutral buss  760 , respectively, are removed, isolating the top hot connector  752  from the bottom hot connector  754  and the top neutral connector  762  from the bottom neutral connector  764 . This also isolates the top panel contacts  756 ,  766  ( FIG. 7A ) from the bottom panel contacts  757 ,  767  ( FIG. 7A ). In this manner, one of the duplex sockets  816  ( FIG. 8A ) of an installed outlet module  800  is always hot and the other duplex socket  811  ( FIG. 8A ) is on or off, as controlled by a nearby switch that routes power to the second power cable. 
     Switch Module 
       FIGS. 9A–F  illustrate a switch module  900 , which has a front cover  902 , a rocker switch  910 , an attachment assembly  820 , a back cover  904  and internal conductors  906 .  FIGS. 9A–B  illustrate an assembled switch module  900 ,  FIG. 9C  illustrates the back of a switch module front cover  902 ,  FIG. 9D  illustrates the front of a switch module back cover  904 , and  FIGS. 9E–F  illustrate the switch module internal conductors  906 . As shown in  FIG. 9A , the front cover  902  and back cover  904  are glued, welded or otherwise attached together to form the body of the switch module  900 . The attachment assembly  820  is retained by the front cover  802 , as described with respect to  FIG. 8C , above, and provides the means to secure the switch module  900  to an electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ). The front cover  902  incorporates a rocker switch  910 , which has an upper portion  912  with a raised button  913  and a lower portion  914  with an indented button  915 . The rocker switch  910  has a first position with the upper portion  912  proximate the front cover  902 , as shown, and a second position with the lower portion  914  proximate the front cover  902 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9B , the back cover  904  includes a top module fixture  930  and a bottom module fixture  940 . The top module fixture  930  includes top contact housings  932  and top slots  934 . The bottom module fixture  940  includes bottom contact housings  942 , bottom slots  944 , and a wiring panel key  946 . The top contact housings  932  contain top module contacts  956 ,  966 , and the bottom contact housings  842  contain bottom module contacts  957 ,  967 . A ground bar  976  extends from the back cover  904  between the top contact housings  932 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9C , the front cover  902  has a binding post  984  that press-fits into a corresponding binding socket  994  ( FIG. 9D ) on the back cover  904  ( FIG. 9D ) and binding sockets  983  that accept back cover binding posts  993 , all for joining the front cover  902  and back cover  904  ( FIG. 9D ). The front cover  902  also has a switch aperture  981  through which protrudes a lever portion  918  of the rocker switch  910 . The sides of the front cover  902  include protruding cover catches  903  that extend through bracket slots  823  ( FIG. 8C ) to retain the attachment assembly  820  ( FIGS. 9A–B ) and to retain a cover plate  1000  ( FIGS. 10A–D ), in a manner similar to that described with respect to  FIG. 8C , above. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9D , the back cover  904  has top recessed portions  991  within the top contact housings  932  that retain the top module contacts  956 ,  966  ( FIGS. 9E–F ). Similarly, the back cover  904  has bottom recessed portions  992  within the bottom contact housings  942  that retain the bottom module contacts  957 ,  967  ( FIGS. 9E–F ). The back cover  904  also has carrier supports  998  for the carrier  960  ( FIGS. 9E–F ), a buss support  997  for the second bottom buss  962  ( FIGS. 9E–F ), a support  996  for the top upper throw contact  967  ( FIGS. 9E–F ), as well as other raised structures (not shown) for supporting the first bottom buss  952  ( FIGS. 9E–F ) and the first top buss  951  ( FIGS. 9E–F ). A spring aperture  999  retains the slide spring  925  ( FIG. 9E ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9E–F , the switch module internal conductors  906  include a first top buss  951 , a second top buss  961 , a first bottom buss  952  and a second bottom buss  962 . The first top buss  951  electrically connects the first top module contact  956  and the top pole  954 . The first bottom buss  952  electrically connects the first bottom module contact  957  and the bottom pole  955 . The second top buss  961  electrically connects the second top module contact  966  and the carrier  960 . The carrier  960  has a top lower throw contact  964  and a bottom upper throw contact  968 . The second bottom buss  962  electrically connects the second bottom module contact  967  and the bottom lower throw contact  965 . A center buss  963  electrically connects the top upper throw contact  967  and the bottom lower throw contact  965 . 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 9E–F , a slide  920  has a switch lever aperture  921 , top stops  926  and bottom stops  927 . The rocker switch lever  918  ( FIG. 9C ) fits into the lever aperture  921 . The spring  925  provides resistance to movement of the slide  920  and a corresponding tactile tension to the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ). When the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) is in its first position (as shown in  FIG. 9A , the lever  918  ( FIG. 9C ) is in its down position (as shown in  FIG. 9C ), which moves the slide  920  in its down position. When the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) is in its second position, the lever  918  ( FIG. 9C ) is in its up position, which moves the slide  920  to its up position (as shown in  FIGS. 9E–F ). In the slide upper position, the lower portions of the stops  926 ,  927  move the poles  954 ,  955  so as to connect with the upper throw contacts  967 ,  968 . In the slide lower position, the upper portions of the stops  926 ,  927  move the poles  954 ,  955  so as to connect with the lower throw contacts  964 ,  965 . 
     Switch Module Installation 
     In reference to  FIG. 9B , a switch module  900  is installed in an electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ) as described with respect to  FIGS. 4D  and F, above. A switch module  900  and the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) are keyed to prevent the installation of a switch module  900  into a module compartment  400  ( FIG. 4D ) with an incorrect, i.e. upside-down orientation. Specifically, the module key  946  must engage the bottom panel fixture  720  ( FIG. 7A ) and the ground bar  976  must engage the ground connector  718  ( FIG. 7A ) for proper module orientation. The module key  946  will not engage the top panel fixture  710  ( FIG. 7A ) and the ground bar  976  will not engage the bottom panel fixture  720  ( FIG. 7A ) in the improper orientation. That is, the module key  946  and ground bar  976  function as keyed structures of the switch module  900 , and the ground connector  718  ( FIG. 7A ) and bottom panel fixture  720  ( FIG. 7A ), function as keyed structures of the wiring panel  700  ( FIG. 7A ), as described with respect to the outlet module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ), above. The keyed structures of the switch module  900  and the corresponding keyed structures of the wiring panel  700  ( FIG. 7A ) insure proper orientation of the installed switch module  900 . 
     In reference to  FIGS. 9E–F , when a switch module  900  ( FIGS. 9A–B ) is attached to a wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ), the first top module contact  956  is electrically connected to the first top panel contact  756  ( FIGS. 7E–F ), the second top module contact  966  is electrically connected to the second top panel contact  766  ( FIGS. 7E–F ), the first bottom module contact  957  is electrically connected to the first bottom panel contact  757  ( FIG. 7E–F ), and the second bottom module contact  967  is electrically connected to the second bottom panel contact  767  ( FIGS. 7E–F ). 
     Also in reference to  FIGS. 9E–F , the switch module contacts  956 ,  957 ,  966 ,  967  are spring contacts and each having a generally V-shaped contact point. During installation, as the switch module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ) is pressed against the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) the top and bottom module contacts  956 ,  957 ,  966 ,  967  press against the corresponding top latches  714  ( FIG. 7A ) and bottom latches  724  ( FIG. 7A ) and eventually snap together, in a manner similar to that described with respect to the outlet module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ), above. The snapping and unsnapping of the switch module during installation and removal creates positive tactile feedback that both a mechanical and electrical connection has been made between the switch module  900  ( FIGS. 9A–B ) and the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) within the module compartment  400  ( FIG. 4D ). 
     Switch Module Configurations and Associated Wiring Panel Wiring SPST Switch 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9E–F , the internal conductors  906  can be configured as a SPST (single-pole, single-throw) switch, a DPST (double-pole, single-throw) switch, a three-way switch, and a four-way switch. If the top upper throw contact  967 , the lower throw contact  964  and the bottom upper throw contact  968  are removed, the lower pole  955  and bottom lower throw contact  965  form a SPST switch. When the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) is moved to its first position, causing the slide  920  to move to its lower position, the pole  955  connects with the bottom lower throw contact  965 , electrically connecting the first bottom module contact  957  with the second bottom module contact  967 . Likewise, when the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) is moved to its second position, causing the slide  920  to move to its upper position, the pole  955  disconnects from the bottom lower throw contact  965 , electrically disconnecting the first bottom module contact  957  with the second bottom module contact  967 . Thus, movement of the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) between its first and second positions alternately makes and breaks an electrical connection between the bottom module contacts  957 ,  967 . 
     In reference to  FIG. 7B , the wiring panel  700  is wired for a SPST switch, as described above, by connecting the black (hot) wire of a first power cable to the first buss bottom cable connector  754  and the black wire of a second power cable to the second buss bottom cable connector  764 . In this manner, when the first bottom module contact  757  is switched to the second bottom module contact  767  via an installed SPST switch module  900  ( FIGS. 9A–B ), as described with respect to  FIGS. 9E–F , above, power is switched between the first and second power cables. 
     DPST Switch 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9E–F , if the top upper throw contact  967  and the bottom upper throw contact  968  are removed, the upper pole  954  in conjunction with the top lower throw contact  964  and the lower pole  955  in conjunction with the bottom lower throw contact  965  form a DPST switch. When the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) is moved to its first position, causing the slide  920  to move to its lower position, the poles  954 ,  955  connect with the corresponding lower throw contacts  964 ,  965  electrically connecting the top module contacts  956 ,  966  and, also, electrically connecting the bottom module contacts  957 ,  967 . Likewise, when the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) is moved to its second position, causing the slide  920  to move to its upper position, the poles  954 ,  955  disconnect with the corresponding lower throw contacts  964 ,  965  electrically disconnecting the top module contacts  956 ,  966  and, also, electrically disconnecting the bottom module contacts  957 ,  967 . Thus, movement of the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) between its first and second positions alternately makes and breaks an electrical connection between the top module contacts  956 ,  966  and, also, alternately makes and breaks an electrical connection between the bottom module contacts  957 ,  967 . 
     In reference to  FIG. 7B , the wiring panel  700  is wired for a DPST switch, as described above, by removing the first  755  and second  765  buss breakaways to isolate the top panel contacts  756 ,  766  ( FIGS. 7E–F ) from the bottom panel contacts  757 ,  767  ( FIGS. 7E–F ) and, hence, isolating the top module contacts  956 ,  966  ( FIGS. 9E–F ) from the bottom module contacts  957 ,  967  ( FIGS. 9E–F ) of an installed DPST switch module. The black and white wires of a first power cable are connected to the first buss bottom  754  and top  752  cable connectors, respectively. The black and white wires of a second power cable are connected to the second buss bottom  764  and top  762  cable connectors, respectively. In this manner, when the first top panel contact  756  is switched to the second top panel contact  766  and the first bottom panel contact  757  is switched to the second bottom panel contact  767  via an installed DPST switch module  900  ( FIGS. 9A–B ), as described with respect to  FIGS. 9E–F , above, an electrical load can be switched between the first and second power cables. 
     Three-Way Switch 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9E–F , if the top upper throw contact  967  is removed, the upper pole  954  in conjunction with the top lower throw contact  964  and the lower pole  955  in conjunction with the bottom lower and upper throw contacts  965 ,  968  form a three-way switch. When the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) is moved to its first position, causing the slide  920  to move to its lower position, the poles  954 ,  955  connect with the corresponding lower throw contacts  964 ,  965  electrically connecting the top module contacts  956 ,  966  and, also, electrically connecting the bottom module contacts  957 ,  967 . When the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) is moved to its second position, causing the slide  920  to move to its upper position, the top pole  954  is disconnected. The bottom pole  955 , however, is connected with the bottom upper throw contact  968 , which is connected to the second top module contact  966  via the carrier  960  and the second top buss  961 . Thus, movement of the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) between its first and second positions alternately makes and breaks an electrical connection between the bottom module contacts  957 ,  967  and, also, electrically connects the second top module contact  966 , alternately, with the first top module contact  956  and the first bottom module contact  957 . 
     Four-Way Switch 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9E–F , if all of the conductors  906  are in place, the upper pole  954  in conjunction with the top lower and upper throw contacts  964 ,  967  and the lower pole  955  in conjunction with the bottom lower and upper throw contacts  965 ,  968  form a four-way switch. When the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) is moved to its first position, causing the slide  920  to move to its lower position, the poles  954 ,  955  connect with the corresponding lower throw contacts  964 ,  965  electrically connecting the top module contacts  956 ,  966  and, also, electrically connecting the bottom module contacts  957 ,  967 . When the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) is moved to its second position, causing the slide  920  to move to its upper position, the poles  954 ,  955  connect with the corresponding upper throw contacts  967 ,  968 , electrically connecting the top first module contact  956  with the bottom second module contact  967  via the center buss  963  and, also, electrically connecting the bottom first module contact  957  with the top second module contact  966  via the carrier  960  and the second top buss  961 . Thus, movement of the rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) between its first and second positions makes an electrical connection between the bottom module contacts  957 ,  967  and, also, between the top module contacts  956 ,  966 , and, alternately, makes an electrical connection between the first top module contact  956  and the second bottom module contact  967  and, also, between the first bottom module contact  957  and the second top module contact  966 . 
     The outlet module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ) and switch module  900  ( FIGS. 9A–B ) are described above as having top and bottom contacts at the back side of the back covers  804  ( FIG. 8B ),  904  ( FIG. 9B ), with corresponding contact placement on the wiring panel front side  702  ( FIGS. 7A–B ). Other contact placements are feasible. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that side contacts along the back side of the back covers or contacts along the edges or sides of the module covers also would be feasible. Further, the modules  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ),  900  ( FIGS. 9A–B ) are described above as having spring contacts, with corresponding latches and contact surfaces located on the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ). Other contact types and combinations are feasible. For example, contact surfaces and latches mounted in the modules  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ),  900  ( FIGS. 9A–B ), with corresponding spring contacts mounted in the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) are also feasible. 
     Face Plates 
       FIGS. 10A–D  illustrate a face plate  1000 , which provides the wall trim for an installed electrical outlet  310  or switch  360 , as described with respect to  FIG. 2 , above. As shown in  FIGS. 10A–B , one embodiment of a face plate  1000  has a flared-rectangular-shaped cover plate  1010  and a cover aperture  1020 . In another embodiment, the face plate  1000  has a rectangular-shaped cover plate  1080  ( FIG. 10C ). In yet another embodiment, the face plate  1000  has an oval-shaped cover plate  1090  ( FIG. 10D ). The cover plate  1010  has a front side  1012 , which is the visible trim when installed, and a back side  1014 , which is not visible when installed flush against a wall. The cover aperture  1020  has straight edges and semi-circular ends and fits over the similarly shaped raised portion  810  ( FIG. 8A ) of an outlet module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ) or the similarly shaped rocker switch  910  ( FIG. 9A ) of a switch module  900  ( FIGS. 9A–B ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 10B , the face plate  1000  is installed onto and removed from an installed module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ),  900  ( FIGS. 9A–B ) without the use of separate fasteners, such as conventional screws. The plate back side  1014  has protruding tabs  1030 , each with an indented portion  1032  that latch onto an outlet module catch  803  ( FIG. 8D ) or switch module catch  903  ( FIG. 9C ). The tabs  1030  releasably retain the face plate  1000  when pressed onto an installed outlet module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ) or switch module  900  (FIGS.  9 A–B). In this manner, the face plate  1000  covers the wall-mounted electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ) and the modules installed therein. 
     Protective Cover 
       FIGS. 11A–B  illustrate a protective cover  1100 , which protects the interior of the electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ), the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ), and the associated power cables installed within the electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ) during the makeup phase, as described with respect to  FIG. 14B , below. The protective cover  1100  has a shield plate  1110 , a top sleeve  1120  and a bottom sleeve  1130 . The shield plate  1110  is generally planar and dimensioned to closely conform to the interior of the electrical box  600  ( FIG. 6A ) and the wiring panel front side  702  ( FIG. 7A ). The top sleeve  1120  extends perpendicularly from the shield plate  1110  so that the top sleeve inside  1122  fits over the top panel fixture  710 . The bottom sleeve  1130  also extends perpendicularly from the shield plate  1110  so that the bottom sleeve inside  1132  fits over the bottom panel fixture  720 . The shield plate has post slots  1140 , cutouts  1150 , mounting holes  1160 , and a plug opening  1170 . The post slots  1140  allow the protective cover  1100  to slide over the module mounting posts  622  ( FIG. 6B ) during installation in the electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ). The cutouts  1150  and the mounting holes  1160  work in conjunction to allow the protective cover  1100  to be easily secured to and removed from the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) without unfastening the wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) from the electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ), as described with respect to  FIG. 12 , below. The plug opening  1170  allows a standard AC plug to access the wiring panel socket  730  when the protective cover is in place, as described with respect to  FIG. 14B , below. 
     Protective Cover Installation 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a protective cover  1100  during installation over a wiring panel  700 . The protective cover  1100  is installed in the interior of the electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ) and positioned so as to shield the exposed front side  702  of the wiring panel  700 , as described with respect to  FIG. 14B , below. The fasteners  707  corresponding to the mounting holes  1160  are removed from the wiring panel  700 . The fasteners  707  corresponding to the cutouts  1150  are not removed during installation or removal of the protective cover  1100 , allowing the wiring panel  700  to remain secured inside the electrical box (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 12 , the protective cover  1100  is positioned within the electrical box (not shown) adjacent the wiring panel  700  so that the protective cover front side  1112  is away from the wiring panel front side  730  and the protective cover plug opening  1170  aligns with the wiring panel socket  730 . In this position, the protective cover  1100  is simply pressed against the wiring panel  700  so that the top panel fixture  710  fits within the top sleeve  1120 , the bottom panel fixture  720  fits within the bottom sleeve  1130  and the cutouts  1150  fit around the remaining fasteners  707 . The protective sleeve  1100  then may be secured to the wiring panel  700  with the removed fasteners  707  threaded through the protective cover mounting holes  1160 , the wiring panel mounting holes  708  ( FIG. 7C ) and the electrical box panel mounting posts  620  ( FIGS. 6A–B ). Removal of the protective cover  1100  from the wiring panel  700  prior to module installation simply proceeds in the reverse of the above-described steps. The top sleeve  1120  and bottom sleeve  1130  provide a gripping surface for removing the protective sleeve  1100 . 
     Box Mount and Electrical Box Installation 
       FIGS. 13A–C  illustrate an electrical box  600  mounted on a box mount  500 . The electrical box  600  is typically mounted after the box mount  500  is installed on a wall stud, as described with respect to  FIG. 14A , below.  FIG. 13A  illustrates the installation of the electrical box  600  on the box mount  700  and illustrates the releasable latch  650  within the electrical box  600  used to lock the electrical box  600  in a fixed position relative to the box mount  500  and, correspondingly, release the electrical box  600  so that it can be moved to another fixed position.  FIGS. 13B–C  illustrate the various fixed positions of the electrical box  600 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13A , the electrical box  600  is mounted so that the slides  630  are movably retained within the mounting brackets  530  and the guides  640  are moveable within box mount grooves  540  ( FIGS. 6A–B ). The releasable latch  650  has a tab portion  654  ( FIGS. 6A–B ) that fits within box mount catch slots  560  ( FIGS. 13B–C ) to lock the electrical box  600  at various fixed positions. The latch  650  is released and the electrical box  600  moved to different positions by inserting a screwdriver tip or similar tool into a latch release portion  1310 . The screwdriver is then twisted so that the screwdriver tip pushes the release portion  1310  away from the electrical box wall, temporarily lifting the tab portion  654  from a catch slot  560  ( FIGS. 13B–C ). With the latch  650  released, the electrical box  600  can be repositioned along the box mount  500  or removed from the box mount  500  utilizing the finger grip  670  to pull or push the electrical box  600  along the mounting brackets  530 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13B–C , the electrical box  600  can be releasably locked in any one of several fixed positions. Each of these fixed positions locates the front face  602  a specific distance from the box mount leading edge  502 . The box mount  500  is installed on a wall stud, and the leading edge  502  functions as an alignment guide along an edge of the wall stud, as described with respect to  FIG. 14A , below. The tab portion  654  of the electrical box latch  650  ( FIG. 13A ), releasably engages any one of several catch slots  560 , which are located at measured positions along the box mount  500 . In this manner, the electrical box  600  is positioned so that its open front face  602  is flush with an installed wall panel, advantageously accommodating various wall panel thicknesses. Position indicators  660  align with the leading edge  502  to visibly indicate the distance from the leading edge  502  to the open face  602  associated with the various catch slots  560  and, hence, the various fixed positions of the electrical box  600 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13B , the electrical box  600  is locked in a first position. A particular catch slot  1324  retains the latch tab portion  654 , and a corresponding position indicator  1322  aligns with the leading edge  502 , visibly indicating 1.25 inches. Thus, the electrical box front face  602  extends from the box mount leading edge  502  and, hence, a wall stud edge, by 1.25 inches. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13C , the electrical box  600  is locked in a second position. A particular catch slot  1334  retains the latch tab portion  654 , and a corresponding position indicator  1332  aligns with the leading edge  502 , visibly indicating 1.75 inches. Thus, the electrical box front face  602  extends from the box mount leading edge  502  and, hence, a wall stud, by 1.75 inches. In a particular embodiment, the electrical box front face  602  can be extended from the box mount leading edge  502 , and hence a wall stud edge, at specific distances in the range of between 0.5 inches and 1.75 inches. In another particular embodiment, the electrical box front face  602  can be extended from the box mount leading edge  502 , and hence a wall stud edge, at specific distances of 0.5, 0.625, 1.25 and 1.75 inches. 
     The electrical box  600  is described above as having a latch with a tab portion that engages catch slots located along the box mount  500 . Other mechanisms for locking the electrical box  600  at various fixed positions relative to the box mount  500  are also feasible. For example, the electrical box  600  could have various catch slots, with a latch located on the box mount  500 . The catch slots could be any shaped aperture, which is engaged with a correspondingly shaped tab portion of the latch. 
     The box mount  500  is described above as having a leading edge that functions as an alignment guide. Other features of the box mount could also function as an alignment guide. For example, a feature, such as an arrow or similar indicator could be molded or otherwise attached to the box mount and used as an alignment guide. 
     Installation at Rough Framing Phase 
       FIGS. 14A–B  illustrate a mounted electrical box and associated components installed on a wall stud.  FIG. 14A  illustrates a partial electrical box assembly  1400  including a box mount  500  attached to a wall stud  1402 , a mounted electrical box  600  and an installed wiring panel  700 .  FIG. 14B  illustrates a shielded partial electrical box assembly  1460  including a protective cover  1100  installed over the wiring panel  700  ( FIG. 14A ) of the partial electrical box assembly  1400  ( FIG. 14A ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 14A , the box mount  500  is attached to a wall stud  1402  by aligning the box mount leading edge  502  as a guide along the stud&#39;s wall-facing edge  1404  and hammering in the fasteners  522 , which can be staples, nails or similar devices. The electrical box  600  is then attached to the box mount  500 , as described with respect to  FIG. 13A , above. This alignment in conjunction with the box mount fixed positions  560  ( FIGS. 13B–C ) provides a specific distance from the wall stud to the electrical box opening  602 , allowing the electrical box to be installed flush with a wall panel finished exterior surface, i.e. the surface typically painted during the makeup phase, as described with respect to  FIGS. 13B–C , above. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 14A  is an installed wiring panel  700 . The wiring panel  700  is installed within the electrical box  600  by positioning the wiring panel  700  at the box open front  602  so that the mounting post slots  706  fit over the mounting posts  620 . The wiring panel  700  is then inserted into the electrical box  600  until the wiring panel back side  704  ( FIG. 7B ) abuts the panel mounting posts  610  ( FIGS. 6A–B ). The wiring panel  700  is secured within the electrical box  600  against the panel mounting posts  610  ( FIGS. 6A–B ) by inserting fasteners  707 , which are screws or equivalent devices, through the mounting holes  708  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) and into the panel mounting post centered holes  612  ( FIGS. 6A–B ). The grips  709  are used to manually grasp and position the wiring panel  700  during installation. One grip  709  also allows access to the electrical box latch  650  ( FIG. 13A ), for positioning the electrical box after installation of the wiring panel  700 . 
       FIG. 14A  shows the partial electrical box assembly  1400  as it would appear in the rough phase or during replacement of a defective module. The wiring panel  700  partitions the electrical box interior into a user accessible module compartment  400  between the front face  602  and the wiring panel front side  702  and a user inaccessible wiring compartment (not visible) between the back face  604  ( FIG. 6B ) and the wiring panel back side  704  ( FIG. 7B ). The term user accessibility as used herein is understood to mean access without removal of the wiring panel  700 . The module compartment  400  is dimensioned for installation of an outlet module  800  ( FIGS. 8A–B ), switch module  900  ( FIGS. 9A–B ) or similar module, such as a dimmer switch. The wiring compartment contains cable connectors for installation of power cables by a journeyman electrician. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14A , the partitioning of the electrical box interior advantageously allows access only to the module compartment  400 , which is physically separated from the exposed wiring of the power cables within the wiring compartment (not visible). There is no access to the building electrical wiring without physical removal of the wiring panel  700 , preserving the integrity of the electrical wiring from third-party tampering and protecting third-parties from the shock hazard of exposed high voltage conductors. Further, there are no external parts to interfere with wall panel installation, and there are no exposed cables within the module compartment  400  susceptible to fouling or damage during the makeup building phase. Access to the module compartment, however, which has shielded, snap-in contacts, as described with respect to  FIG. 7B , above, allows easy and comparatively safe installation or replacement of modules by unskilled personnel. 
     Prior to module installation, which would typically occur after the makeup phase is complete, a socket  730  is available for accepting a standard AC plug, providing electrical power at the construction site after verification that the wiring panel  700  is properly wired. Punch-outs or other panel markings (not shown) indicate how the panel  700  is wired, such as full hot, half hot, SPST switch, DPST switch, 3-way switch, 4-way switch as described with respect to  FIGS. 15–16 , below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14B , the protective cover  1100  shields the interior of the electrical box  600  and, in particular, the exposed front side of the wiring panel  700  ( FIG. 14A ). In this manner, the electrical box  600  and wiring panel  700  ( FIG. 14A ) are advantageously protected from drywall compound, paints and other materials used during wall panel installation. Prior art wiring assemblies, during this makeup phase, have exposed power cables simply coiled up and pushed into bare electrical boxes, exposing the wires to fouling and damage from routers used during wall panel installation, as described above. On the other hand, nothing is exposed to fouling or damage in the partial wiring assembly  1460 . After the makeup phase is complete, the shield  1100  can be easily removed, as described with respect to  FIG. 12 , above. The protective cover  1100  has a plug opening  1170  ( FIG. 11 ) corresponding to the wiring panel socket  730  ( FIG. 14A ), allowing a standard AC plug  1490  to be inserted through the protective cover  1100  and into the socket  730  ( FIG. 14A ) for access to electrical power without removal of the protective cover  1100 , e.g. during the makeup phase. 
     Adapter Wiring Panel 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an adapter wiring panel  1500 , which has a wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) modified with adapter brackets  1510 . The adapter brackets  1510  each have a post  1520 , an end piece  1530  and a clip  1540 . The post  1520  is fixedly attached to the board  701 , extending perpendicularly away from the front face  702 . The end piece  1530  is attached to the end of the post  1520  distal the board  701 . The clip  1540  is attached to the end piece  1530  perpendicularly to the post  1520 . Mounting holes  1532  are provided in each end piece  1530 . The adapter wiring panel  1500  is installed within a standard electrical box  100  ( FIG. 1 ) with the clips  1540  attached along the top and bottom box edges and secured with screws  130  ( FIG. 1 ) or equivalent fasteners inserted through the mounting holes  1532  and into the mounting posts at the top and bottom of the electrical box  100  ( FIG. 1 ). In this manner, a standard electrical box  100  ( FIG. 1 ) can be converted to a safety electrical outlet and switch system that accepts snap-in outlet and switch modules. Conveniently, the adapter board can be installed in lieu of a wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) in the electrical box  600  ( FIGS. 6A–B ) utilizing the clips  1540  rather than securing a wiring panel  700  ( FIGS. 7A–B ) with fasteners  707  ( FIG. 7C ). 
     An electrical wiring system has been disclosed in detail in connection with various embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed by way of examples only and are not to limit the scope of the claims that follow. One of ordinary skill in art will appreciate many variations and modifications.