Abstract:
A power distribution system, suitable for use in a building, comprising a junction box, a hub, a junction device, and a cover plate. Wiring from the building is connected to the hub using alternative means such as stab-in connections, set screws, or loop screws, and color coding facilitates proper wiring. Also, the junction device is a modular piece that can be attached to the junction box via interference there between. Furthermore, a cover plate can be attached to the junction device via interference there between, or the cover plate can be integrally attached to the junction device. One embodiment of the hub accommodates circuitry that functions with the junction device while simultaneously accommodates circuitry wholly independent of the junction device. As such, the power distribution system enables wiring to be completed more quickly and accurately, in a wider variety of applications, thereby advantageously reducing associated costs.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/198,567 entitled PREWIRED ELECTRICAL APPARATUS HAVING QUICK CONNECT COMPONENTS filed Jul. 18, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,511, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/479,632 entitled PREWIRED ELECTRICAL APPARATUS HAVING QUICK CONNECT COMPONENTS filed Jan. 7, 2000 now abandoned, the entirety of the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 

   STATEMENT RE. FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
   (Not Applicable) 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to electric circuit components and more particularly to switches, receptacles, and other junction components which can be quicky and safely installed, thereby advantageously reducing the time and cost associated with an electrician&#39;s services. 
   Building construction can be expensive and time consuming because buildings are often large and because a multitude of complex tasks must often be completed. Also, renovating an existing structure can be especially expensive and time consuming for the same reasons. 
   One time consuming task performed during construction is electrical circuitry installation. Conventionally, an electrician positions junction boxes on the exposed studs of the building at pre-determined locations throughout the building. These junction boxes will eventually hold junction devices such as switches and outlets as will be described in greater detail below. 
   Next, the electrician routes wires from the circuit breaker box to the individual junction boxes, and wires are also routed between the individual junction boxes. Then, the exposed ends of individual wires positioned within the junction boxes are covered in insulating material such as a wire nut. 
   At this point, the electrician&#39;s tasks are suspended until city or county officials conduct a rough electrical inspection. Subsequently, drywall is attached to the exposed studs of the building frame. Also, openings are formed in the drywall to allow access to the junction boxes. 
   Then, after waiting for the inspection and drywall installation to be completed, the electrician is able to resume working, and he or she moves from junction box to junction box, attaching junction devices (e.g., switches and outlets) to the wires. Finally, cover plates are manually installed over the junction devices typically after painting. 
   Once the junction devices and cover plates are installed, final electrical inspection occurs to ensure that the components have been attached to the wires properly. 
   Unfortunately, several inherent problems are associated with this conventional method of electrical system installation. First, this method of electrical system installation is unduly time consuming, mainly because the electrician works-both before and after the drywall is installed. Therefore, since most electricians are paid by the hour and are among the highest paid skilled laborers, electrical system installation can be very expensive. 
   In addition, the current prior art installation requires skilled, highly compensated electricians to install the junction devices. As such, labor costs associated with such installation is high as compared to labor costs associated with unskilled labor. Relatedly, if at a later date, the building owner wishes to change a junction device that is already installed, an electrician typically must be called on to change the junction device, and the building owner disadvantageously pays the higher labor costs for the skilled laborer. 
   Further, connecting and/or splicing wires using wire nuts may leave conductive material of the wires exposed. This condition may go unnoticed by the electrician during initial electrical testing, but may become more pronounced over time. Since the wires inside the junction boxes lie in close proximity, a short circuit or even a fire may result. Thus; this standard method of electrical system installation can produce unfit and unsafe electrical connections. 
   In addition, the junction boxes typically contain a plurality of wires, and the number of wires only increases when the circuitry is more complex, as in the case of 3-way or 4-way switched circuits. As the number of wires increases, the possibility that the electrician might incorrectly interconnect or splice the wires increases. Unfortunately, if the components are incorrectly wired, the electrician must spend costly time re-wiring. Relatedly, complex circuitry may not be able to fit inside a conventional junction box because of the number of wires and wire screws involved. In this case, a larger and more expensive junction box is disadvantageously used. 
   Several devices have addressed these concerns with limited degrees of success. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,443, issued Aug. 21, 1979, and invented by Figart, et al. discloses a power distribution system whose elements include a junction box, and a plurality of electrical bus plates contained within the junction box. As shown in Figart, the bus plates are aligned together in a stack, and a first and second set of conductive leaf springs extend from different areas of individual bus plates. Furthermore, the power distribution system also includes a junction device, such as a switch or an outlet, that comprises a plurality of conductive posts. 
   As shown in the Figart reference, wires are threaded into the junction box, and the first set of conductive leaf springs on the bus plates bias against the wires in order to mechanically and electrically connect the wires to the bus plates. Similarly, the junction device is positioned into the junction box such that the second set of conductive leaf springs on the bus plates biases against the conductive posts of the junction device. As such, when the junction device is positioned within the junction box, the junction device is automatically connected in the proper manner because of the specific design of the leaf springs on the bus plates. Also, different junction devices comprise varying post configurations that contact different leaf springs on the bus plates. As such, the same power distribution system is capable of creating different circuit paths, depending on which junction device is inserted. Therefore, the device disclosed in the Figart patent advantageously allows the electrician to complete electrical wiring in a more efficient manner without the need for wire splicing. 
   However, the device disclosed in the Figart patent does not solve all problems associated with the prior art. For instance, the junction device is attached to the junction box via a plurality of screws, and threading the screws of the junction device to the junction box can be overly time consuming and expensive considering the fact that the electrician will likely complete this task. 
   Also, the wires that are threaded into the junction box of the Figart device are mechanically retained by the spring force of the first set of leaf springs. In other words, the Figart reference only discloses “stab-in” wire connections. Although this connection method may be quicker than other methods, stab-in connections may be insufficient for some applications. For instance, some applications may require that the wires be retained by set screws for greater retention strength. However, the Figart device fails to disclose such a connection means. 
   Thus, it is appreciated that there is an ongoing need for a power distribution system configured so as to allow quick and easy circuit completion, thereby reducing construction and labor costs. Specifically, there is a need for a power distribution system that allows junction devices, such as switches and outlets, to be installed without skilled labor. Finally, there is a need for a power distribution system that allows wires to be connected in a variety of ways. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the present invention, a power distribution system is disclosed, comprising a junction box and a hub mounted in the cavity of the junction box. Various embodiments of the hub comprise various means of mechanically and electrically connecting each of the plurality of wires thereto including stab-in connection capability, set screws, or loop screws. The hub also comprises at least one slot and a plurality of conductive paths capable of transmitting electricity between the plurality of wires and the slot. These slots can take on a variety of configurations, depending on the building application. Moreover, the power distribution system comprises a junction device capable of being attached to the junction box via interference there between. The junction device further comprises at least one post capable of being positioned within the at least one slot of the hub to thereby provide a conductive path between the plurality of wires and the junction device. Finally, the power distribution system comprises a cover plate. The cover plate can be attached to the junction device via interference there between or the cover plate can be integrally attached to the junction device. 
   Advantageously, the various embodiments of the power distribution system can be installed more quickly and easily, thereby reducing costs of construction and reducing the possibility of miswiring the circuit. Also, the embodiments of the power distribution system can be used in a wider variety of construction applications. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a power distribution system enabling wires and junction devices to be quickly connected; 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the assembled power distribution system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a power distribution system of the present invention that enables wires and junction devices to be quickly connected; 
       FIG. 4  is a rear view of a junction device that is suitable for use with the embodiment of the power distribution system illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a power distribution system of the present invention comprising an integrally connected faceplate; 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of a hub of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the assembled power distribution system of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a front view of the assembled power distribution system of  FIG. 5 ; and 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a hub comprising isolated circuitry and visual indicators. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate one embodiment of a power distribution system  100 . As shown, the power distribution system  100  comprises a junction box  102 , with a wiring hub  104  positioned therein. The power distribution system  100  also comprises a junction device  106  (i.e., a switch, duplex plug, dimmer, etc.) and a cover plate  108 . 
   As will be described in greater detail below, a plurality of wires  160  can be quickly connected electrically to the hub  104  through the junction box  102 . In one embodiment, color coding is included on the junction box  102  that indicates correct wire placement and advantageously-ensures proper wiring of the circuit. 
   Furthermore, as will be described in greater detail, the junction device  106  can be structurally connected to the junction box  102  via interference there between. This advantageously allows for quick installation of the junction device  106 . Also, a variety of junction devices  106  can be electrically connected to the same hub  104 . This process can be completed more quickly by an electrician, or can even be completed by non-electricians (i.e., unskilled laborers) to advantageously reduce labor costs. 
   Referring in more detail to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the junction box  102  comprises a rectangular box comprising a top wall  120 , a bottom wall  122 , and a first and second side wall  124 ,  126 , that collectively define a cavity  130  and a front opening  128  leading thereto. 
   The junction box further may include an interference strip  132 . In the embodiment shown, the interference strip  132  comprises a plurality of unidirectional ridges  133 . In one embodiment, the typical ridge  133  is a short, triangular shaped step that extends outwardly from the bottom wall  122  or top wall  120  toward the cavity  130  of the junction box  102 . Preferably, the interference strip  132  comprises a plurality of ridges  133 , each equally spaced apart and aligned. As will be described in greater detail below, the interference strip  132  is a means for connecting the junction device  106  to the junction box  102  in a time saving manner. 
   Furthermore, the junction box  102  comprises a plurality of openings  121 . The openings  121  are formed in various walls of the junction box  102  and are rectangular in shape. In the embodiment shown, the openings  121  are formed by removing a predetermined rectangular section of the junction box  102 . These openings.  121  are commonly referred to as. “punch out holes.” As such, when the user needs an opening in the junction box  102  to accommodate additional wiring, the user is able to punch out an additional opening  121 . Therefore, the openings  121  provide a path for a plurality of wires  160  to extend into the cavity  130  of the junction box  102 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , insulative cables  117  enclosing plural wires  160  (i.e., a ground wire  161 , a neutral wire  162 , and a hot wire  163 ) extend through the openings  121  in the junction box  102 . Subsequently, the individual wires  160  may be electrically connected to the hub  102  in a manner to be described in greater detail below. 
   As stated, the electrical circuit shown includes three wires  160 . These include a ground wire  161 , a neutral wire  162 , and a hot wire  163 , as is widely known in the art. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention additionally contemplates four-wire or specialty wiring connections. 
   As stated, the power distribution system  100  further comprises a hub  104  which is sized to fit within the junction box  102 . In the embodiment shown, the wires  160  extend out of the insulative cables  117  and into the hub  104  in order to form the conductive circuit in the power distribution system  100 . In one embodiment, the wires  160  extend into various openings  177  in the hub  104  to be retained by a biased piece of metal (not shown) to complete what is widely known as a conventional “stab-in connection.” As is well known, this stab-in connection quickly completes both mechanical and electrical connection for the wires  160  to the hub  104 . 
   It should be noted that once the wires  160  are inserted into the openings  177  of the hub  104 , the electrician-required hard wiring to the junction box  102  and hub  104  is completed and rough and final electrical inspection can be performed. Thus, the electrician&#39;s services are not subsequently needed. It follows then that labor costs are advantageously reduced because the electrician is needed for less time as compared with prior art methods. 
   Also as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the power distribution system  100  may also comprise a plurality of color coding patches  145 . In the embodiment shown, the patches  145  are generally square with different colors, and are individually located adjacent to respective openings  177 . In the embodiment shown, there are three different color coding patches  145 , and each of the three colors corresponds with the three different wires. More specifically, in one embodiment, a black color coding patch  145  corresponds with the hot wire  163 , a white color coding patch  145  corresponds with the neutral wire  162 , and a green color coding patch  145  corresponds with the ground wire  161 . The different colored patches  145  are placed adjacent the different openings  177  to visually indicate where the individual wires  160  are to be placed in order to correctly complete the pre-determined circuit. Alternatively, indicia such as letters (not shown) may be used in place of or in addition to color coding patches  145 . For instance, an “H” could be placed adjacent to openings  177  for the hot wires  163 , an “H” could be placed adjacent to openings  177  for the neutral wires  162 , and a “G” could be placed adjacent to openings  177  for the ground wire  161 . In either embodiment, the electrician likely requires less time to install the wires  160 , and is less likely to place wires  160  incorrectly. As a result, installation costs are advantageously reduced and risks associated with miswiring are also advantageously reduced. 
   The hub  104  also comprises a plurality of slots  140  which in the embodiment shown, comprise thin, rectangular openings that extend perpendicularly into a front wall  136 , of the hub  104 . Conventional electrically conductive spring contacts  138  (schematically shown in  FIG. 2 ) are disposed behind each slot  140 . The contacts  138  are each hard wired via conventional conductors  139  to respective wire apertures  121  such that a conductive path is formed between the contacts  138  and wires  160 . In the preferred embodiment, the routing of the conductive material is formed according to a pre-determined circuit layout such that different junction devices  106  (e.g., switches, duplex plugs, etc.) can be inserted into the same hub  104  without having to change the wiring pattern. For instance, a switch  150  can be replaced by a duplex outlet and function without having to change the wire  160  connections. This modular capability allows an electrician to complete the circuit in less time. Also, the modular capability allows a non-electrician (i.e., unskilled labor) to complete the circuit because the wiring is not being changed and because electrical hazards are minimal. In either case, the power distribution system  100  advantageously reduces labor costs. 
   As stated above, the power distribution system  100  further comprises at least one junction device  106 . In the embodiment shown, the junction device  106  comprises a conventional switch  150  that is widely known in the art. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the junction device  106  includes a plurality of contact posts  156 . In the embodiment shown, the posts  156  comprise long, thin, rectangular members of conductive material that extend outwardly from a rear side  153  of the switch  150 . Preferably, the posts  156  are sized, positioned and registered according to the size and position of the slots  140  of the hub  104 . Thus, the posts  156  can be slidingly inserted into the slots  140 , and as such, be electrically connected to the hub  104 . 
   Also, it is noted that the switch  150  shown in  FIG. 1  can be replaced by another junction device  106  such as a duplex outlet, a dimmer switch and the like. The replacement junction device  106  preferably has similar posts  156  that are inserted into the slots  140 . This modularity allows an electrician to complete the circuit in less time, or alternatively allows a non-electrician (i.e., unskilled labor) to complete the circuit. In either case, labor costs advantageously decrease. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the junction device  106  includes a pair of interference spring arms  170 . Each interference arm  170  comprises an elongate spring member  172  and a head  174 . A first end  176  of each arm  170  is attached to a top surface  190  and a bottom surface  192  of the switch  150 . Each arm  170  preferably extends outwardly at a slight angle from its respective surface  190 ,  192 . Preferably, the connection between the arm  170  and the switch  150  allows the arm  170  to flex toward and away from the switch  150 . The head  174  of each of the interference arms  170  includes a triangular shaped barb sized to engage the ridges  133  of the interference strip  132  formed on the junction box  102 . 
   In the preferred embodiment, when the posts  156  of the junction device  106  are inserted into the slots  140  of the hub  104 , interference between the heads  174  and the ridges  133  cause the interference arms  170  to flex inwardly toward each other. When the junction device  106  is further advanced into the hub  104 , the flexure is enough to allow the heads  174  to slide over the ridges  133 . Further advancement of the junction device  106  causes interference arms  170  to return to an unflexed state where the heads  174  reside between individual ridges  133 . In this position, removal of the junction device  106  is impeded by interference between the heads  174  and the ridges  133 . Preferably, the posts  156  of the junction device  106  are advanced completely within the slots  140  to complete the circuit, and the interference arms  170  further retain the junction device  106 . As such, the interference arms  170  allow the junction device  106  to be assembled into the power distribution system  100  quickly and easily. Thus, if an electrician performs this task, labor costs will be advantageously reduced due to time savings. Alternatively, if unskilled labor performs this task, the installation will be advantageously more convenient. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the power distribution system  100  further contemplates a cover plate  108  that is widely known in the art. The cover plate  108  also comprises a plurality of retention holes  182  through which screws (not shown) attach the cover plate  108  to the junction device  106 . Once attached, the cover plate  108  substantially limits access to the internal components of the power distribution system  100  and makes the fu lly assembled power distribution system more aesthetically pleasing. 
   In summary of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; the color coding and the stab-in connection means on the hub  104  allows an electrician to quickly wire the hub  104  and complete the circuitry work in a manner that reduces the chances of miswiring the circuit. At this point, the electrician&#39;s services are no longer necessary. Thus, the power distribution system  100  reduces labor costs by allowing quick installation, reducing the chances of miswiring, and by reducing the time that an electrician is needed. Also, the interference arms  170  and the modular nature of the junction device advantageously a variety of junction devices  106  to be quickly installed. Thus, the circuitry can be advantageously completed more conveniently and quickly, usually by non-electricians. 
   Turning now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an additional embodiment of the power distribution system  100  is illustrated. As shown, this embodiment of the power distribution system  100  also comprises a junction box  102 , a hub  104 , a junction device  106 , and a cover plate  108 . 
   Furthermore, the hub  104  comprises a plurality of slots  140 . In this embodiment, the slots  140  are shaped as arcuate slots and the slots  140  are arranged in a circle. 
   Additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in this embodiment, the junction device  106  is illustrated as a duplex outlet  115 , which is widely known in the art. It will be appreciated, however., that the outlet  115  could be interchanged with a switch  150  or other similar component without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
   Also, as shown in  FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, the posts  156  on the junction device  106  comprise arcuated members, and are arranged in a circle so as to register with the slots  140 . Preferably, the posts  156  of various junction devices  106  are capable of being inserted to the same slot  140  configuration. As such, if an electrician performs the installation, then the electrician advantageously spends less installation time, and installation costs are advantageously reduced. Also, this enables a person that is not trained as an electrician to change the junction device  106 , and installation costs are likely eliminated. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the junction device  106  further includes a pair of cover plate slots  166 . In one embodiment, the cover plate receptacles  166  are rectangular slots that extend perpendicularly from a front side  151  of the junction device  106 . In the embodiment shown, there are two cover plate receptacles  166 , located at a top end  167  and a bottom end  168  of the junction device  106 , respectively. As will be described in more detail below, the cover plate receptacles  166  provide a convenient means for attaching the cover plate  108 . 
   The cover plate  108  of  FIG. 3  is substantially similar to the cover plate  108  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  except that the cover plate  108  comprises a plurality of engagement spring arms  195 . The engagement arms  195  are rectangular members which extend outwardly from the back side  196  of the cover plate  108  such that the engagement arms  195  are able to align with the cover plate receptacles  166 . In one embodiment, the engagement arms  195  each include a barbed head  197 , which is short and thicker than the other portions of the engagement arms  195 . Each head  197  is located at a first end  194  of the engagement arms  195 . As such, when the engagement arms  195  are aligned with the cover plate receptacles  166 , and the cover plate  108  is moved toward the junction device  106 , the heads  197  contact the periphery of the receptacles  166 , causing the engagement arms  195  to flex. As the cover plate  108  is advanced further, the flexure in the engagement arms  195  allows the heads  197  to move into the receptacles  166 , and the engagement arms  195  unflex once the heads  197  enter the receptacles  166 . In the preferred embodiment, the internal cross section of each receptacle  166  is such that the engagement arms  195  effectively lock into the receptacles  166  due to interference there between. 
   As such, the cover plate  108  can be assembled into the power distribution system  100  in a timely manner, without the need for screws or other separate retaining devices. Thus, installation time and costs associated therewith advantageously decrease. 
   Turning now to  FIGS. 5 through 8 , an additional embodiment of the power distribution system  100  is illustrated. As shown, the power distribution system  100  comprises a conventional junction box  102  and a removably mounted hub  104 . The hub  104  is mounted via conventional threaded fasteners  103  to the conventional junction box  102 . Also, in this embodiment, the cover plate  108  is integrally formed or attached to the junction device  106 . 
   As such, assembly of the junction device  106  takes less time because the cover plate  108  does not require separate attachment. Thus, installation time and associated costs advantageously decrease. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , the hub  104  includes a set of slots  140  with various sizes. Although the slots  140  vary in size, shape, and arrangement, these slots  140  function in the same manner as the slots  140  of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
   As shown, the slots  140  of  FIG. 6  are arranged according to a standard duplex outlet, such that conventional power tools and appliances can be readily plugged into the hub  104  directly. As such, since the circuit is completed once the wires  160  are inserted into the hub  104 , construction-workers can advantageously draw power directly from the hub  104  both before and after drywall is installed, thereby adding convenience at the construction site. 
   Moreover, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the hub  104  may include a plurality of set screws  148 . The set screws  148  are widely known in the art for being rotatably mounted on a surface wherein rotation of the set screw  148  advances the set screw  148  toward or away from the mounting surface. When a wire  160  is positioned within the hub  104 , rotation of the set screw  148  presses the wire  160  against a conductive surface. As such, the wire becomes electrically and mechanically attached within the circuit. 
   It is appreciated that the set screws  148  could be replaced with conventional loop screws terminals (not shown) without departing from the spirit of the invention. In one embodiment, the loop screws would be arranged in the same position as the set screws  148 , and each wire  160  would be partially wound around each loop screw. Rotation of the typical loop screw would cause the associated wire  160  to be compressed between the loop screw and a conductive surface to thereby mechanically and conductively attach the wire  160  and complete the pre-determined conductive path of the circuit. 
   Turning now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the power distribution system  100  of  FIGS. 5 and 6  is shown in an assembled state. After the hub  104  is joined to the junction box  102  as described above, the junction device  106  with the integrally attached cover plate  108  is mounted to the hub  104 . In the embodiment shown, screws  199  attach the junction device  106  to the hub  104 . More specifically, a single screw  199  is threaded through one or both of a plurality of ground receptacles  110  on the outlet  115 . As such, the screws  199  involved in assembling the power distribution system  100  are shielded from view. Thus, the surfaces of the power distribution system  100  are more uniform in appearance, and are likely more aesthetically pleasing. 
   Also, it is noted that the cover plate  108  does not require separate attachment because it is integrally attached to the junction device  106 . Thus, time needed to assemble the power distribution system  100  is likely reduced. Advantageously, electrician costs are reduced if an electrician performs the installation, or the assembly becomes more convenient if another performs the installation. 
   Finally, turning to  FIG. 9 , an additional embodiment of the hub  104  is illustrated. The hub  104  is preferably dimensioned so that it can be positioned within the junction box  102  similar to the embodiments described above. Also, the hub  104  comprises a first set of wires  202  that are mechanically and electrically connected to the hub  104 . The first set of wires  202  is similar to the wires  160  illustrated in previous Figures and described above. Furthermore, the hub comprises a slot  140  by which a junction device  106  may be electrically connected to the hub  104 . A first set of conductive paths  250  are also included inside the hub  104  in a manner that allows electricity to flow between individual wires in the first set of wires  202  and the slot  140 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 9 , the hub  104  also comprises a second set of wires  204 . In the embodiment shown, the second set of wires  204  include three different input wires  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  and two pair of related output wires  211   a ,  211   b ,  211   c . The second set of wires  204  are mechanically and electrically attached to the hub  104  via a stab-in connection a set screw connection, a loop screw connection or another similar means. The hub  104  further comprises a second set of conductive paths  252  that allow electricity to flow from the input wires  210   a ,  210   b ,  210   c  to their respective output wires  211   a ,  211   b ,  211   c.    
   In the preferred embodiment, the second set of, conductive paths  252  are electrically insulated from the first set of conductive paths  250 . As such, electricity in the first set of wires  202  flows independently of the electricity in the second set of wires  204 . Thus, the hub  104  shown in  FIG. 9  allows two distinct circuits to be formed (i.e., one circuit that includes the first-set of wires  202  and a second circuit that includes the second set of wires  204 ). Advantageously, the hub  104  adds convenience to the electrical wiring process because the hub  104  can be used to connect the second set of wires  204  quickly and easily and with a lesser chance of wiring the system incorrectly. It is understood that one skilled in the art could modify the hub  104  to include additional isolated circuits without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
   In the embodiment shown, the hub is split into a first area  220  and a second area  222 . The first area  220  is defined by the lower portion of the hub  104 , and the first set of wires  202  are grouped and attached adjacent to the first area  220 . In contrast, the second area  222  is defined by the upper portion of the hub  104 , and the second set of wires  204  are grouped and attached adjacent to the second area  222 . Also, in the embodiment shown, the first area  220  is visually distinguishable from the second area  222  to thereby allow a user to distinguish between the two associated circuits. In the embodiment shown, the first area  220  is colored differently than the second area  222  to thereby allow the user to visually distinguish between the areas  220 ,  222 . In another embodiment, printed symbols are included over one of the areas  220 ,  222  to thereby distinguish the two areas  220 ,  222 . Advantageously, the distinction between the first and second areas  220 ,  222  reduces the likelihood of incorrect wiring. 
   Also, the hub  104  comprises a plurality of wiring schematics  254 . In one embodiment, the wiring schematics  254  are lines that are painted on the exterior surface of the hub  104 , and the wiring schematics  254  are oriented according to the orientation of the conductive paths  250 ,  252  located inside the hub  104 . As such, the wiring schematics  254  effectively indicate the interconnections among the wires  160  and, advantageously, incorrect wiring becomes less likely. 
   Moreover, the hub  104  comprises a writable area  230 . In the embodiment shown, the typical writable area  230  is a surface on the exterior of the hub  104  upon which a user may make marks with a writing utensil. As such, the writable area  230  allows a user to make notes directly on the hub  104 . Advantageously, when the user wires the power distribution system  100 , the user is very likely to see important notes that might be marked in the writable area  230  because the notes are directly on the hub  104 . 
   This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the specification, such as variations in structure or dimension, may be implemented by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure.