Abstract:
An apparatus includes a backplate including at least one backplate contact, a cover, and a lock. The at least one backplate contact facilitates an electrical connection to a power source. The cover shields the at least one backplate contact when the cover is placed in a closed position. The cover is further translatable to an open position to conditionally expose the at least one backplate contact. The lock applies a force to the cover and positions the cover in the closed position unless a counter-force greater than the force is received by the lock.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/212,388 filed Aug. 31, 2015, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING LIGHTS, which is incorporated herein by reference in the entirety. 
         [0002]    The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/074,915 filed Mar. 18, 2016, entitled CONFIGURABLE DEVICE CONTROL NETWORK, which is incorporated herein by reference in the entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0003]    The present disclosure relates generally to device controllers and, more particularly, to a modular device control unit. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    The modification of an existing electrical wiring system in a commercial or residential building is often difficult and/or costly. An electrical wiring system in a commercial or residential building typically includes a multitude of electrical circuits in which electrical wires are routed between a mains power source and electrical junction boxes placed at fixed locations throughout the building. Based on known or anticipated needs, certain electrical junction boxes are wired to have direct access to electrical power (e.g. an electrical outlet), while other electrical junction boxes are wired such that access to electrical power is controlled by electrical switches (e.g. a light or a switched electrical outlet). The electrical wiring is typically installed during a construction phase of the building, secured to support structures according to electrical and building codes, and covered during a finishing phase. In this regard, a modification of the existing wiring system in response to changing needs is generally limited to minor alterations of electrical connections within accessible electrical junction boxes or the installation of new electrical wiring, which often requires remodeling and/or refinishing. 
         [0005]    Further, the replacement, repair, or alteration of the functionality of existing electrical wiring devices such as electrical outlets or switches connected to a mains power source is often performed by a journeyman due to safety concerns and/or uncertainty regarding proper wiring configurations. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    An apparatus is disclosed in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment, the assembly includes a backplate. In another illustrative embodiment, the backplate includes at least one backplate contact to facilitate an electrical connection to a power source. In another illustrative embodiment, the backplate includes a cover to shield the at least one backplate contact when the cover is placed a closed position. In another illustrative embodiment, the cover is further translatable to an open position to conditionally expose the at least one backplate contact. In another illustrative embodiment, the backplate includes a lock to apply a force to the cover and position the cover in the closed position unless a counter-force greater than the force is received by the lock. 
         [0007]    An apparatus is disclosed in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment, the assembly includes a backplate. In another illustrative embodiment, the backplate includes at least one backplate contact to facilitate an electrical connection to a power source. In another illustrative embodiment, the backplate includes a cover to shield the at least one backplate contact when the cover is placed a closed position. In another illustrative embodiment, the cover is further translatable to an open position to conditionally expose the at least one backplate contact. In another illustrative embodiment, the backplate includes a lock to apply a force to the cover and position the cover in the closed position unless a counter-force greater than the force is received by the lock. In another illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a device control assembly to be placed into a cavity defined on the backplate. In another illustrative embodiment, the placement of the device control assembly into the cavity defined on the backplate introduces a counter-force to the lock, forcing the lock to translate when the counter-force is greater than the force and allowing the cover to be translated into the open position. 
         [0008]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The numerous advantages of the disclosure may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a modular control unit configured to mount within an electrical junction box, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a device control assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3A  is an isometric view of a backplate with backplate contacts shielded by an air gap actuator, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of a backplate with backplate contacts shielded by an air gap actuator, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3C  is an isometric view of a backplate with backplate contacts available to an inserted device control assembly (not shown), in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3D  is a cross-sectional view of a backplate with backplate contacts available to an inserted device control assembly (not shown), in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3E  is an isometric view of a backplate board assembly to mount the backplate contacts, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3F  is an isometric view of a backplate board assembly illustrating a locking lever, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3G  is an isometric view illustrating the back side of a backplate, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3H  is an isometric view of a backplate with backplate contacts shielded by an air gap actuator, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3I  is a cross-sectional view of a backplate with backplate contacts shielded by an air gap actuator, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3J  is an isometric view of a backplate with backplate contacts available to an inserted device control assembly (not shown), in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3K  is a cross-sectional view of a backplate with backplate contacts available to an inserted device control assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3L  is an isometric view of a backplate board assembly to mount the backplate contacts, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3M  is an isometric view of the back side of a device control assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3N  is an isometric view of the back side of a backplate, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3O  is an isometric view of the back side of a backplate, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a device control assembly coupled to a backplate, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of components of a device control assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a configurable network of modular control unit for actuating one or more load devices, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of a configurable network, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8A  is an illustration of a configurable network in a household, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8B  is a table summarizing the pairings between device control assemblies, electrically-connected luminaires, network-connected luminaires, and sensors in a configurable network, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 8C  is a table summarizing physical pairings and addressable pairings between device control assemblies and electrically-connected luminaires in a configurable network, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0034]      FIG. 8D  is a table summarizing the state diagram of electrically-connected luminaires in a configurable network, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    Reference will now be made in detail to the subject matter disclosed, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0036]    Referring generally to  FIGS. 1 through 8D , a configurable network of device controllers is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the formation of a network of device controllers. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to pairing device controllers with one or more loads in which a device controller regulates one or more paired loads. Additional embodiments are directed to device controllers in a configurable network configured to regulate any load connected to any other device controllers on the configurable network. Further embodiments are directed to a network of backplates electrically connected to mains power to facilitate a network of modular device controllers. 
         [0037]    It is recognized herein that an electrical wiring system of a building typically includes multiple electrical circuits to route electrical power from a power source (e.g. mains power) to multiple electrical junction boxes located throughout the building. Typically, power cables containing electrical wires are routed from a power distribution panel such as, but not limited to, an electrical fuse box, to the multiple electrical junction boxes. The electrical junction boxes may further facilitate electrical connections between the power distribution panel and one or more electrical devices or device controllers by providing an enclosure in which the electrical devices may be connected to, or otherwise terminate, the electrical wires provided by the power cable. An electrical junction box may additionally provide structural support for mounting an electrical device. 
         [0038]    The topology of the configuration of wires between junction boxes as well as the number of wires routed between junction boxes may vary depending on the anticipated function of electrical devices to be installed within the junction boxes. Further, power cables associated with an electrical wiring system are typically routed between joists associated with walls and ceilings of the building and are typically secured according to building and electrical codes. Accordingly, modifications of the configuration and number of wires between electrical boxes may be difficult and/or undesirable. 
         [0039]    Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a configurable network of device controllers connected to the electrical wiring system and further in data communication to provide control over the regulation of electrical loads. In this regard, data communication between device controllers supplements and/or expands the capabilities of wired electrical connections associated with the electrical wiring system to provide fully customizable control over load regulation. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to incorporating additional devices (e.g. sensors, luminaires, electrical appliances, or the like) to the configurable network of device controllers. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to modular control units with interchangeable device control assemblies for flexible modification of the configurable network of device controllers. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a modular control unit  100  configured to mount within an electrical junction box  102 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the modular control unit  100  includes a backplate  130  configured to mount within an electrical junction box  102  and provide an electrical connection to an electrical wiring system. In some embodiments, a modular control unit  100  includes a device control assembly  110  to control one or more load devices and is configured to removably couple with the backplate  130 . Further, the modular control unit  100  may include a faceplate  104  configured to cover the electrical junction box  102 . In this regard, a backplate  130  may provide a standardized mounting assembly for device control assemblies  110 . Further, device assemblies  110  may be removably and/or interchangeably connected to the electrical wiring system through the backplate  130 . 
         [0041]    For the purposes of the present disclosure, a load device may include any device directly or indirectly attached to the electrical wiring system. For example, a load device may include a wired load such as, but not limited to, a luminaire or a fan. As an additional example, a load device may include an electrical outlet into which loads may be removably connected. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, a device control assembly  110  includes electrical circuitry and/or mechanical components to actuate, regulate, or otherwise control one or more load devices connected to the electrical wiring system. For example, a device controller  110  may include, but is not limited to, one or more input devices, one or more buttons, mechanical switches, one or more electrical relays, one or more MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors) or one or more TRIACs (triode for alternating current). In this regard, a device control assembly  110  may include, but is not limited to, a toggle switch, a dimmer switch, an alternating current (AC) electrical outlet, a direct current (DC) electrical outlet (e.g. a universal serial bus (USB) outlet), or a multi-function keypad. Additionally, a device controller assembly  110  may include, but is not limited to, one or more display devices, one or more speakers, one or more microphones, or one or more sensors. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, the backplate  130  is configured to electrically connect to an electrical wiring system through the electrical junction box  102 . For example, the backplate  130  may connect to a power distribution panel through an electrical wiring system terminated at the electrical junction box  102 . Additionally, the backplate  130  may be configured to terminate a power cable with any number of conductors such as, but not limited to, a two-conductor power cable, a three-conductor power cable, or a four-conductor power cable. It is noted herein that the backplate  130  may be compatible with any electrical wiring system in any configuration. For example, the backplate  130  may, but is not limited to, be configured to accept a wire connected to a ground source (e.g. a “ground” wire), a wire connected to a power source (e.g. a “hot” wire), a wire connected to a neutral bar (e.g. a “neutral” wire), or one or more additional wires (e.g. one or more “traveler” wires). Further, the backplate  130  may be configured to accept any gauge of wire. In some embodiments, the backplate  130  accepts 14-gauge wire (e.g. from a 14/2 power cable or a 14/3 power cable). In some embodiments, the backplate  130  accepts 12-gauge wire (e.g. from a 12/2 power cable or a 12/3 power cable). It is recognized herein that electrical systems may include any number of switches or connections between components. As such, the description of electrical wiring systems above is presented solely for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting. 
         [0044]    A backplate  130  may be electrically connected to an electrical wiring system through the electrical junction box  102 . In some embodiments, a backplate  130  is configured to connect to an electrical wiring system through twist-on wire connectors. For example, a backplate  130  may include one or more wires suitable for connecting to a power cable through twist-on wire connectors. In some embodiments, the backplate  130  is configured to connect to an electrical wiring system through push-in wire connectors. For example, a backplate  130  may include one or more push-in connectors to connect to conductors in a power cable such as, but not limited to, a “hot” wire, a “neutral” wire, a “ground” wire, or a “traveler” wire. 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, a backplate  130  is configured to interchangeably couple to device control assemblies  110  without modification of the connection between the backplate  130  and the electrical wiring network. For example, a device control assembly  110  configured to operate as a toggle switch may be removed and replaced with a device control assembly configured to operate as a dimmer switch without modification to the backplate  130  or the associated electrical connections to the electrical wiring network. In this regard, the modular control unit  100  provides a semi-permanent element (e.g. a backplate  130  attached to an electrical junction box  102  via one or more screws) connected to the electrical wiring system and interchangeable functional units (e.g. a device control assembly  110 ). 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, a device control assembly  110  may be inserted into or removed from a backplate  130  while a backplate  130  is connected to live power from the electrical wiring assembly. For example, an electrical connection established between a backplate  130  and a device control assembly  110  may be configured to establish a ground connection prior to establishing a “hot” wire connection. 
         [0047]    A backplate  130  may be configured to occupy one or more device positions within an electrical junction box  102 . In some embodiments, a backplate  130  is configured to occupy one position within an electrical junction box  102 . In this manner, a single backplate  130  may be mounted to a 1-gang electrical junction box  102 , two backplates  130  may be mounted to a 2-gang electrical junction box  102 , or the like. Further, a backplate  130  may be mounted to an electrical junction box  102  alongside one or more additional devices. For example, a backplate  130  and a typical light switch may be mounted within 2-gang electrical junction box  102 . In some embodiments, a backplate  130  is configured to occupy two or more positions within an electrical junction box  102 . For example, a single backplate  130  may be configured to accept two or more device control assemblies  110  such that each device control assembly  110  effectively occupies a single position within the electrical junction box  102 . As an additional example, a backplate  130  occupying two or more positions within an electrical junction box  102  may accept one or more device control assemblies  110  of any size. In this regard, a single device control assembly  110  may effectively occupy any portion of an electrical junction box  102 . 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, the modular control unit  100  includes a faceplate  104  to cover a portion of the electrical junction box  102  not covered by the backplate  130  or the device control assembly  110 . In some embodiments, the faceplate  104  includes one or more openings  106  to provide access to one or more elements of the device control assembly  102 . For example, the faceplate  104  may include, but is not limited to, one or more openings  106  to provide access to one or more displays, one or more speakers, one or more microphones, one or more antennas, or one or more sensors associated with a device control assembly. In some embodiments, the faceplate  104  provides access to one or more elements of the device control assembly  110  while covering exposed areas of the electrical junction box. For example, a device control assembly  110  and/or a backplate  130  attached to an electrical junction box  102  may leave one or more areas of the electrical junction box exposed. In this regard, a faceplate  104  may cover the one or more exposed areas of the junction box. 
         [0049]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a device control assembly  110 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the device control assembly  110  includes a user interface  112  to accept one or more input signals. For example, the user interface  112  may include, but is not limited to, a touch-sensitive display. In some embodiments, the device control assembly  110  includes a sensor panel  114  for housing one or more sensors. For example, the sensor panel may, but is not limited to, house a microphone, a speaker, and/or an occupancy sensor. In some embodiments, the user interface  112  and/or the sensor panel  114  are exposed (e.g. to a user) through the one or more openings  106  of the faceplate  104 . 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, the device control assembly  110  includes a casing  116  to enclose one or more electronic and/or mechanical components (e.g. components associated with the user display  112 , components associated with load regulation, one or more sensors within the sensor panel  114 , or the like). In some embodiments, the casing  116  provides a sealed enclosure. Further, access to contents within the casing  116  may be provided via one or more removable panels (not shown). 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the device control assembly  110  includes one or more contact pads  118  to provide an electrical connection from the backplate  130  to the electronic components within the casing  116 . In this regard, the device control assembly  110  may be connected to the electrical wiring system through the backplate  130 . The contact pads  118  may be formed from any material known in the art suitable for providing an electrical connection between the device control assembly  110  and the backplate  130  such as, but not limited to, brass. In some embodiments, the device control assembly  110  includes one or more locking features  120  for securing the device control assembly  110  to the backplate  130  when an electrical connection between the device control assembly  110  and the backplate  130  is established. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A through 3G , in some embodiments, a backplate  130  is configured to interchangeably receive device control assemblies  110 . In some embodiments, the backplate  130  includes a casing  132  forming a partially enclosed opening  142  (e.g. a cavity, or the like) to receive a device control assembly  110 . In some embodiments, the backplate  130  includes a mounting plate  134 . The mounting plate  134  may include one or more mounting holes  136  configured to align with corresponding mounting holes on an electrical junction box  102  (e.g. see  FIG. 1 ). Further, a backplate  130  may be mounted to an electrical junction box  102  by one or more screws via the one or more mounting holes  136 . In this regard, the backplate  130  may be semi-permanently mounted to an electrical junction box  102 . 
         [0053]    The mounting plate  134  may be secured to the casing  132  by any mechanism known in the art. For example, the mounting plate  134  may be secured to the casing  132  through one or more screws  138 . As another example, the mounting plate  134  may be secured to the casing  132  using one or more catches. In this regard, a mounting plate  134  may “snap” onto the casing  132 . As a further example, a backplate  130  may include a combined mounting plate  134  and casing  132  such that the mounting plate  134  and casing  132  are formed from a continuous piece of the same material. 
         [0054]    In some embodiments, the backplate  130  includes one or more backplate contacts  140  to provide one or more electrical connections between an electrical wiring assembly (e.g. one or more power cables) and the one or more contact pads  118  of an inserted device control assembly  110 . In some embodiments, the one or more backplate contacts  140  are shielded (e.g. from a user) when no device control assembly  110  is present. In this regard, access to the backplate contacts  140  and, consequently, access to the electrical wiring system, is provided solely upon insertion of a device control assembly  110 .  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are isometric and cross-sectional views of a backplate  130  with backplate contacts  140  shielded by a backplate contact cover  144 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the backplate contact cover may be referred to as an air gap actuator. It is noted herein that the views presented in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  may illustrate a backplate  130  without an inserted device control assembly  110 .  FIGS. 3C and 3D  are isometric and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a backplate  130  with backplate contacts  140  available to an inserted device control assembly  110  (not shown for clarity). In this regard, the views presented in  FIGS. 3C and 3D  illustrate the coupling of the backplate  130  to an inserted device control assembly (not shown). In this regard, the backplate contacts  140  illustrated in  FIGS. 3C and 3D  are not exposed (e.g. to a user).  FIG. 3E  is an isometric view of a backplate board assembly  146  to mount the backplate contacts  140 .  FIG. 3F  is an isometric view of a backplate board assembly  146  illustrating a locking lever  152 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, the air gap actuator  144  provides access to backplate contacts  140  while engaged in an open position (see  FIGS. 3C and 3D ) and is further configured to prohibit access to backplate contacts  140  while engaged in a closed position (see  FIGS. 3A and 3B ). The air gap actuator  144  may translate between a closed position and an open position to regulate access to the backplate contacts  140 . 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, a position of the air gap actuator is maintained through friction associated with one or more adjacent elements (e.g. the casing  132 ). In some embodiments, the air gap actuator  144  is held in tension (e.g. by a spring) to force the air gap actuator  144  to remain in the closed position unless a counter-force is applied. In this regard, a force must be applied to translate the air gap actuator  144  from a closed position to an open position. In some embodiments, the position of the air gap actuator  144  is governed by a bi-stable system (not shown). For example, the air gap actuator  144  may be connected to a spring and one or more ratchets such that the air gap actuator  144  may be locked in either the open or a closed position. In this regard, an air gap actuator  144  in an closed position and held in tension by a spring may be transitioned to an open position by depressing the air gap actuator  144  past a center-point of a ratchet such that the ratchet locks the air gap actuator  144  in the open position. Similarly, the air gap actuator  144  locked in the open position may be transitioned to and locked in the closed position by depressing the air gap actuator  144  pas a center-point of a ratchet. 
         [0057]    The air gap actuator  144  may be formed from any material known in the art suitable for insulating electrical contacts. For example, the air gap actuator  144  may, but is not limited to, include acrylic, acetal, A.B.S. (acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene), polystyrene, nylon, P.E.T. (polyethylene terephthalate), polycarbonate, polyurethane, PVC, or PTFE (poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene). 
         [0058]    In some embodiments, a backplate contact  140  is formed from a conducting material such as, but not limited to, brass. In some embodiments, a backplate contact  140  maintains electrical contact with a contact pad  118  of a device control assembly  110  through pressure. In some embodiments, a backplate contact  140  is mounted to the backplate board assembly  146  in a cantilevered configuration. For example, a cantilevered portion of a backplate contact  140  may extend to a position in the opening  142  of the casing  132  (e.g. see  FIG. 3D ). In this regard, a device control assembly  110  inserted into the opening  142  of the casing  132  will provide pressure between the one or more contact pads  118  and the one or more backplate contacts  140  to establish and/or maintain an electrical connection. Further, the one or more backplate contacts  140  may be connected to the electrical wiring assembly through a circuit board  160 . 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, the backplate  130  includes an air gap actuator lock  148  configured to regulate the movement of the air gap actuator  144 . In some embodiments, the air gap actuator lock  148  is configured to translate between a locked position and an unlocked position. In some embodiments, a spring  150  is connected to the backplate board assembly  146  and the air gap actuator lock  148  to force the air gap actuator lock  148  into a locked position unless a counter-force is applied. In this regard, a force must be applied to translate the air gap actuator lock  148  to an unlocked position. 
         [0060]    In some embodiments, the air gap actuator lock  148  includes a blocking feature  148 A (e.g. a portion of the air gap actuator lock  148 , or the like) configured to prevent the air gap actuator  144  from translating to the open position (e.g. to expose the electrical contacts  136 ) when the air gap actuator lock  148  is locked. In some embodiments, translation of the air gap actuator lock  148  to the unlocked position provides clearance for the air gap actuator  144  to translate to the open position. 
         [0061]    In some embodiments, the air gap actuator lock  148  includes a graded feature  148 B (e.g. a portion of the air gap actuator lock  148 , or the like) to provide contact with a device control assembly  110  during coupling between the device control assembly  110  and the backplate  130 . For example, contact between the casing  116  of the device control assembly  110  and the graded portion of the air gap actuator lock  148  may cause the air gap actuator lock  148  to slideably translate from a locked position to an unlocked position. The graded feature  148 B of the air gap actuator lock  148  may have any shape suitable for translating the air gap actuator lock  148  to a locked position upon insertion of a device control assembly  110  such as, but not limited to a flat graded surface (e.g. a surface at a 45 degree angle relative to the translation direction) or a curved surface. 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, the backplate  130  includes a locking lever  152  to secure a device control assembly to the backplate  130  when the air gap actuator  144  is in an open position (e.g. the backplate contacts  140  are in connection with the contact pads  118  of the device control assembly  110 ). For example, the locking lever  152  may couple to locking features  120  to secure an inserted device control assembly  110  to the backplate  130 . In some embodiments, the locking lever  152  is mounted to a rod  154  on the backplate board assembly  146  and held in tension against the air gap actuator  144  via a torsion spring  156 . Further, the motion of the locking lever  152  may be governed by the position of the air gap actuator  144 . For example, the air gap actuator  144  may include a graded portion  144 A to couple with a graded portion  152 A of the locking lever  152 . In this regard, the locking lever  152  may rotate to provide clearance for a device control assembly  110  (not shown) when the air gap actuator  144  is in a closed position (e.g. as illustrated in  FIG. 3B ). Similarly, the locking lever  152  may be rotated to couple with locking features  120  of a device control assembly  110  (not shown) as the air gap actuator  144  translates to an open position (e.g. as illustrated in  FIG. 3D ). 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, the casing  132  includes one or more keyed features  158  to facilitate alignment of a device control assembly  110  into a backplate  130 . For example, the one or more keyed features  158 . The one or more keyed features  158  may be of any type known in the art. For example, the one or more keyed features  158  may include, but are not limited to, raised features, recessed features, or grooves. In some embodiments, a keyed feature  158  is a raised feature with a height equal to or greater than a height of the air gap actuator lock  148  in a locked position. In this regard, air gap actuator lock  148  is accessible to objects with one or more corresponding keyed features (e.g. keyed features on a device control assembly  110 ). 
         [0064]      FIG. 3G  is an isometric view illustrating the back side of a backplate  130 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the backplate  130  includes one or more connection wires  162  to provide one or more electrical connections between the one or more backplate contacts  140  and the electrical wiring system (e.g. one or more power cables). For example, the one or more connection wires  162  may connect directly to the one or more backplate contacts  140 . As another example, the one or more connection wires  162  may connect to a circuit board  160 . In this regard, the backplate  130  may include one or more power control elements (one or more resistors, one or more capacitors, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or more TRIACs, or the like) to monitor or manipulate the flow of electricity between an installed device control assembly  110  and the electrical wiring system. 
         [0065]    In some embodiments, the one or more connection wires  162  may connect to one or more conductors associated with one or more power cables via twist-on wire connectors. In some embodiments, although not shown, the backplate  130  includes one or more push-in wire terminals to provide a connection to the electrical wiring system. In this regard, one or more conductors associated with one or more power cables may be inserted into the push-in wire terminals to provide an electrical connection between the backplate  130  and the electrical wiring system. 
         [0066]      FIGS. 3H through 3O  illustrate an additional, exemplary embodiment of a modular control unit  100  including a backplate  130  configured to interchangeably couple with device control assemblies  110 .  FIGS. 3H and 3I  are isometric and cross-sectional views illustrating a backplate  130  with an air gap actuator  140  in a closed position and including a recessed air gap actuator lock  148 ′ accessible through an opening  166  in an inner wall of the casing  132  of the backplate  130 .  FIGS. 3J and 3K  are isometric and cross-sectional views illustrating a backplate  130  with an air gap actuator  140  in an open position and a recessed air gap actuator lock  148 ′.  FIG. 3J  illustrates the backplate  130  without a coupled device control assembly  110  for illustrative purposes; however, it is noted that the backplate  130  may be configured (e.g. via the air gap actuator, the air gap actuator lock, the locking lever  152 , keyed elements  158 , or the like) such that the air gap actuator  140  may occupy an open position (e.g. to provide access to backplate contacts  140 ) when coupled to a device control assembly  110 .  FIG. 3K  illustrates the backplate  130  with a coupled device control assembly  110 .  FIG. 3L  is an isometric view of a backplate board assembly  146  to mount the backplate contacts  140  illustrating the recessed air gap actuator lock  148 ′. 
         [0067]      FIG. 3M  is an isometric view illustrating a back side of a device control assembly  110  including a coupling tab  168 . For example, the coupling tab  168  may pass through opening  166  of the backplate  130  to actuate the air gap actuator lock  148 ′ when coupling the device control assembly  110  to the backplate  130 . In another embodiment, the air gap actuator lock  148 ′ includes a blocking feature  148 A′ (e.g. a portion of the air gap actuator lock  148 ′, or the like). For example, the blocking feature  148 A′ of the air gap actuator lock  148 ′ may restrict the motion of the air gap actuator  144  (e.g. by occupying a portion of a translation path of the air gap actuator  144  as shown in  FIG. 3I , or the like). In this regard, the blocking feature  148 A′ may prevent the air gap actuator  144  from translating to the open position (e.g. to expose the electrical contacts  136 ) when the air gap actuator lock  148 ′ is locked. In some embodiments, translation of the air gap actuator lock  148 ′ to the unlocked position provides clearance for the air gap actuator  144  to translate to the open position. Further, the air gap actuator lock  148 ′ may be maintained in a locked position (e.g. to prevent the air gap actuator  144  from translating from a closed position to an open position) by a spring  150 . 
         [0068]    In some embodiments, the air gap actuator lock  148 ′ may be translated to an unlocked position by coupling with a coupling tab  168  of a device control assembly  110  during insertion. For example, the insertion of a device control assembly  110  into a backplate  130  may provide a force to translate the air gap actuator lock (e.g. via the coupling tab  168 ) to an unlocked position. Accordingly, the translation of the air gap actuator lock  148 A′ may translate the blocking feature  148 A′ out of the translation path of the air gap actuator  144  (e.g. as illustrated in  FIG. 3K ). In this regard, the air gap actuator may translate to an open position to expose the backplate contacts  144  to the inserted device control assembly  110 . 
         [0069]    In some embodiments, the opening  166  in the casing  132  of the backplate  130  is configured to restrict access to the air gap actuator lock  148 ′. For example, the opening  166  may have a restrictive size (e.g. smaller than a human fingertip, or the like) to prevent undesired objects (e.g. a human fingertip, or the like) from accessing the air gap actuator lock  148 ′. As another example, the opening  166  and the coupling tab  168  may operate as keyed features with corresponding shapes such that the coupling tab  168  may be inserted into the opening  166  only when the device control assembly  110  is properly oriented. 
         [0070]    In some embodiments, the air gap actuator  144  includes a shroud  164  to conceal the blocking feature  148 A′ of the air gap actuator  148 ′ when the air gap actuator  144  is in the closed position (e.g. as illustrated in  FIG. 3I ). In this regard, the shroud  164  restricts access to the blocking feature  148 A′ of the air gap actuator lock  1458 ′ (e.g. to a user, or the like). 
         [0071]    In some embodiments, the air gap actuator lock  148 ′ includes a graded feature  148 B′ (e.g. a portion of the air gap actuator lock  148 ′, or the like) to provide contact with a device control assembly  110  during coupling between the device control assembly  110  and the backplate  130 . For example, contact between the coupling tab  168  of the device control assembly  110  and the graded feature  148 B′ of the air gap actuator lock  148 ′ may cause the air gap actuator lock  148 ′ to translate from a locked position to an unlocked position (e.g. in a direction orthogonal to the motion of the coupling tab  168  as shown in  FIGS. 3I and 3K ). The graded portion  148 B of the air gap actuator lock  148 ′ may have any shape suitable for translating the air gap actuator lock  148 ′ to a locked position upon insertion of a device control assembly  110  such as, but not limited to a flat graded surface (e.g. a surface at a 45 degree angle relative to the translation direction) or a curved surface. 
         [0072]    In some embodiments, electrical connections between backplate contacts  140  and contact pads  118  of an inserted device control assembly  110  are provided in an ordered configuration. For example, a backplate contact  140  associated with a ground connection between the backplate  130  and the inserted device control assembly  110  (e.g. associated with a ground wire from the electrical wiring system, a common ground between the backplate  130  and the device control assembly  110 , or the like) may be provided prior to establishing one or more additional electrical connections (e.g. a “hot” connection, or the like). In this regard, providing an ordered configuration of electrical connections between the backplate  130  and the device control assembly  110  may facilitate the connection and/or disconnection of a device control assembly  110  from a backplate  130  when the backplate  130  is connected to a “live” power source. For example, an ordered configuration of electrical connections may prevent damage (e.g. due to arcing, or the like) to the backplate  130  and/or the device control assembly  110 . In some embodiments, the order in which electrical connections are made between pairs of contact pads  118  and backplate contacts  140  is determined by the relative positions of the backplate contacts  140  and/or the contact pads  118 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 3J and 3K , in some embodiments, one or more backplate contacts  140 ′ may extend further in a direction towards a front face of the backplate  130  than other backplate contacts  140 . Accordingly, an electrical connection between backplate contact  140 ′ and a corresponding contact pad  118  may be provided prior to other electrical connections between backplate contacts  140  and corresponding contact pads  118 . In some embodiments, though not shown, a position of one or more contact pads  118  may be configured to provide ordered electrical connections between backplate contacts  140  and contact pads  118 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 3N  is an isometric view of a back side of a backplate  130  illustrating the air gap actuator lock  148 ′, spring  150 , and circuit board  160 .  FIG. 3O  is an is an isometric view of a back side of a backplate  130  illustrating a circuit board cover  172  to restrict access to internal components of the backplate  110  (e.g. the air gap actuator lock  148 ′, spring  150 , circuit board  160 , or the like). In some embodiments, the circuit board cover  172  is removably accessible (e.g. to a user). For example, the circuit board cover  172  may be removably attached to the casing  132  of the backplate with one or more screws, one or more flexible tabs, or the like). 
         [0074]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a device control assembly  110  coupled to a backplate  130 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the device control assembly  110  securely fits within the opening  142  of the backplate  110  such that all electrical connections (e.g. the backplate contacts  140  and the contact pads  118 ) are inaccessible (e.g. to a user). 
         [0075]    It is noted herein that the above description of the modular control unit  100  is provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting. For example, the modular control unit  100  may include any combination of a device control assembly  110  and a faceplate  104  or a backplate  130 . In some embodiments, the modular control unit  100  includes a device control assembly  110  and a faceplate  106 . In this regard, the device control assembly  110  is configured to connect with the electrical wiring system without a baseplate  130 . In some embodiments, the modular control unit  100  includes a device control assembly  110  and a backplate  130 . In this way, the device control assembly  110  fully covers the electrical junction box when coupled with a backplate  130 . In some embodiments, the modular control unit  100  includes a device control unit  110  configured to directly connect to the electrical wiring system and fully cover the electrical box. 
         [0076]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of components of a device control assembly  110 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a device control assembly  110  includes power circuitry  504 . For example, the device control assembly may include elements to control the distribution of electrical power within the device control assembly including, but not limited to, a voltage regulator or an AC to DC converter to convert AC electrical power from the electrical wiring system to DC power suitable for powering one or more components on a circuit board  160 . 
         [0077]    In some embodiments, a device control assembly  110  includes control circuitry  502 . In some embodiments, the device control assembly  110  includes a mechanical input device  506 . For example, a device control assembly  110  may include, but is not limited a toggle switch, a button, or a dome switch. In some embodiments, the mechanical input device provides tactile feedback when actuated. In some embodiments, mechanical input device  506  provides audible and/or tactile (haptic) feedback when actuated. In this regard, actuation of the mechanical input device  506  is broadcast (e.g. to a user). In some embodiments, the mechanical input device  506  is coupled to input device circuitry  508  to provide an input signal associated with actuation of the mechanical input device  506 . 
         [0078]    In some embodiments, a device control assembly  110  includes a touch-sensitive input device  510  coupled with touch-sensing circuitry  512 . The touch-sensitive input device  510  provides a means for user input in which a user may contact (e.g. with a finger) a portion of the touch-sensitive input device  510  to generate an input signal. The touch-sensitive input device  510  may include any touch-sensitive input device  510  known in the art including, but not limited to, capacitive-type or resistive-type devices. Further, the input signal may provide information to the control circuitry  502  such as, but not limited to, a number of contact points on the touch-sensitive device  510  (e.g. a number of fingers in contact), a location of one or more contact points on the touch-sensitive input device  510 , or a pressure of one or more contact points. 
         [0079]    In some embodiments, a device control assembly  110  includes at least one of a microphone  514  or a speaker  516  coupled with an audio codec  518 . In this regard, the device control assembly  110  may accept and/or emit audio signals. 
         [0080]    In some embodiments, a device control assembly  110  includes a display device  522  coupled to display circuitry  520  for driving the display device  522 . The display device  522  may be any type of display device known in the art suitable for displaying visual information including, but not limited to, a light-emitting diode (LED), a LED display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin-film transistor (TFT) display, or an electronic ink (E-ink) display. In some embodiments, the display device  522  uses a deadfronting technique to display visual information. For example, images printed with an opaque medium positioned adjacent to a semi-transparent medium may only appear visible when illuminated with a backlight (e.g. a LED backlight). In some embodiments, the display device  522  and the touch-sensitive input device  510  are integrated into a single unit (e.g. a user interface  112 ). 
         [0081]    In some embodiments, the device control assembly  110  includes load control hardware  526  coupled to load-control circuitry  524 . In some embodiments, the load control hardware  526  actuates, regulates, or otherwise controls a connected load. As described above, a device control assembly  110  (e.g. as part of a modular control unit  100 ) connected to a power distribution panel in an electrical wiring system may control the electrical power to load device connected to the electrical wiring system. Accordingly, the load control hardware may include, but is not limited to, one or more mechanical relays, one or more electrical relays, one or more diodes, one or more TRIACs, one or more MOSFETs, one or more resistors, one or more capacitors, or one or more integrated circuits. 
         [0082]    For the purposes of the present disclosure, in this regard, a device control assembly  110  provides a physical function. Further, the physical function of a device control assembly (e.g. regulating a current and/or a voltage to a load device) is performed by electrical and/or mechanical elements (e.g. switches, relays, or the like) within the casing  116  of the device control assembly  110 . In some embodiments, a device control assembly  110  provides a physical function upon actuation of a user input device (e.g. a mechanical input device  506  or a touch-sensitive input device  510 . For example, a device control assembly  110  may operate as a dimmer switch to regulate electrical power to one or more connected luminaires by swiping a finger along a linear path on a touch-sensitive input device  510 . In this regard, an input signal generated by the touch-sensing circuitry  512  including a location of a finger contact may determine the relative brightness of the connected luminaires. Further, an input signal generated by the touch-sensing circuitry  512  including a location of a finger contact may determine the color output of a multi-color luminaire. 
         [0083]    In some embodiments, the device control assembly  110  includes one or more sensors (e.g. sensor hardware  530 ) coupled to sensor circuitry  528 . For example, a device control assembly  110  may include, but is not limited to, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, an active infrared sensor, or a thermopile sensor. In this regard, the sensor circuitry  528  may generate one or more sensor input signals associated with an environment proximate to the device control assembly  110 . In some embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g. one or more occupancy sensors) determine occupancy of a room in which the device control assembly  110  is located. 
         [0084]    In some embodiments, a device control assembly  110  includes network hardware  534  coupled to network circuitry  532  for data communication. In some embodiments, the network circuitry  532  is coupled to an antenna to provide wireless data communication. In this regard, the antenna may be configured to operate in any frequency band known in the art. In some embodiments, the network circuitry and the antenna are configured to operate in a Radio Frequency (RF) band. In this regard, the network circuitry  532  may be compatible with any wireless protocol known in the art, such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), WiFi, RFID, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, 802.15.4, or the like. It is noted herein that the antenna (e.g. a portion of the network hardware  534 ) may be of any type known in the art, including, but not limited to, an embedded antenna or an external antenna. 
         [0085]    In some embodiments, the network circuitry  532  is coupled to network hardware  534  to provide wired data communication. In some embodiments, the network circuitry  532  and network hardware  309  provide data communication over one or more electrical wires associated with the electrical wiring system (e.g. one or more wires in a power cable connected to the modular control unit  100 ). In this regard, the network circuitry  532  may be compatible with any wired protocol known in the art such as, but not limited to, universal powerline bus, X10, LonTalk, Homeplug AV, or Powerline AV. 
         [0086]    In some embodiments, a device control assembly  110  forms a configurable network for data communication with one or more devices through the network circuitry  532  and network hardware  534 . For example, a device control assembly  110  may form a network including one or more data connection pathways to at least a second device control assembly  110 . As another example, a device control assembly  110  may form a network including one or more wireless devices (e.g. one or more wireless sensors, one or more wireless luminaires, one or more wireless electrical sockets, or the like). As a further example, a device control assembly  110  may form a network including one or more wired devices (e.g. one or more powerline devices). Additionally, a device control assembly  110  may form a network with any combination of device control assemblies  110 , wireless devices, or wired devices. In this regard, a device control assembly  110  may transmit or receive data over one or more data pathways associated with the configurable network. 
         [0087]    It is noted herein that the configurable network may have any topology known in the art including, but not limited to a mesh topology, a star topology, a ring topology, a line topology, or a bus topology. It is further noted herein that data pathways between device control assemblies  110  within the configurable network may include single-hop (e.g. a direct connection) or multi-hop pathways (e.g. a connection including one or more additional nodes to repeat and/or facilitate the data connection). For example, the configurable network may have a flood mesh topology. In this regard, data sent from a first device (e.g. one node) on the network intended for a second device (e.g. a second node) is sent to all nodes on the network. Further, any additional nodes on the network may repeat or retransmit the data such that the data is received by the second device by one or more data pathways. As another example, the configurable network may have a routed mesh topology in which routing information describing data pathways for data communication between nodes of the network is defined and stored (e.g. by any of the nodes on the network or a controller). 
         [0088]    The configurable network may include (e.g. as nodes of the network) one or more additional connected devices in addition to device control assemblies  110  such as, but not limited to, sensors, luminaires, or configurable electrical sockets. The connected devices may be connected to the configurable network through wired pathways (e.g. via a data connection provided by power cables associated with the electrical wiring system) or wireless pathways (e.g. via Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), WiFi, RFID, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, 802.15.4, or the like). Further, the configurable network may include one or more electrical appliances connected (e.g. via wired or wireless pathways) such as, but not limited to, connected televisions, connected set-top boxes (e.g. Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, or the like), connected thermostats (e.g. Nest, Ecobee, or the like), or connected speakers audio devices (e.g. Amazon Echo, Sonos, or the like). Additionally, the configurable network may include one or more mobile devices (e.g. phones, tablets, wearable devices, or the like). 
         [0089]    In some embodiments, a device control assembly  110  is directed to perform a physical function (e.g. control one or more load devices using load control circuitry  524  coupled to load control hardware  526 ) by at least one other device (e.g. a second device control assembly  110 ) on a configurable network via data communication. Accordingly, a device control assembly  110  may have an addressable function in which the device control assembly  110  directs one or more additional device control assemblies to perform their associated physical functions. In some embodiments, the physical and addressable functions of a device control assembly  110  are independent. In this regard, a device control assembly  110  may perform a physical function without actuation of an input device of the device control assembly  110  (e.g. a mechanical input device  506  or a touch-sensitive input device  510 ). 
         [0090]    Similarly, a device control assembly  110  may provide an addressable function by directing at least a second device control assembly  110  to perform a physical function via data communication. For the purposes of the present disclosure, For example, a device control assembly  110  may be configured to direct a second device control assembly to actuate a load (e.g. toggle the state of a connected electrical device) upon actuation of an input device (e.g. a mechanical input device  506  or a touch-sensitive input device  510 ). In this way, actuation of a device control assembly  110  (e.g. via a mechanical input device  506  or a touch-sensitive input device  510 ) may cause the regulation of a load device by another device control assembly  110 . In this regard, a device control assembly  110  may perform an addressable function without performing a physical function. 
         [0091]    In some embodiments, a device control assembly  110  provides multiple functions including one more physical functions and one or more addressable functions. For example, a device control assembly  110  is configured to provide a physical function upon actuation of a first portion of a touch-sensitive input device  510  and is further configured to provide an addressable function upon actuation of a second portion of the touch-sensitive input device  510 . In this regard, a device control assembly  110  may operate as a multi-function keypad. 
         [0092]    For the purpose of the present disclosure, a device control assembly  110  is paired with a load device if the device control assembly  110  is configured to control the load through a physical or an addressable function. It is noted herein that a device control assembly  110  may be configured to exclusively perform one or more addressable functions by only pairing the device with one or more loads not regulated by a physical function of the device control assembly  110  (e.g. not pairing the device control assembly  110  with a load associated with a physical function). 
         [0093]    In some embodiments, pairings between device control assemblies  110  and load devices within a configurable network are dynamically assignable. In some embodiments, device pairings are defined and stored locally on each device control assembly  110  within the network. Accordingly, a device control assembly  110  is physically paired with a load if the device control assembly  110  is configured to regulate electrical power to the load device through load control circuitry  524  and associated hardware  526  (e.g. as a physical function). Similarly, a device control assembly is addressably paired with a load device if the device control assembly  110  is configured to direct one or more additional device control assemblies  110  to regulate the load device through load control circuitry  524  and associated load control hardware  526  of the one or more additional device control assemblies. 
         [0094]    In some embodiments, a pairing for a device controller  110  and a load is determined by the device control assembly  110  itself. In some embodiments, pairings between device control assemblies  110  and load devices within a configurable network are determined by a controller associated with the configurable network. The controller may have any type of architecture known in the art such as, but not limited to a centralized architecture or a distributed architecture. In some embodiments, one device controller within the configurable network operates as the controller (e.g. to define, store, and distribute device pairings to device control assemblies  110  on the network). In some embodiments, a controller for assigning device control assembly pairings  110  is distributed. In this regard, one or more device control assemblies  110  operate together as the controller. In a further embodiment, a controller is an element on the network other than a device control assembly such as, but not limited to, a hub, a centralized server, or a distributed server. 
         [0095]    In some embodiments, the controller includes one or more processors. Further, the one or more processors may be configured to execute a set of program instructions maintained in a memory medium, or memory. The one or more processors of a controller may include any processing element known in the art. In this sense, the one or more processors may include any microprocessor-type device configured to execute algorithms and/or instructions. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may consist of a stand-alone device hub, a desktop computer, a mainframe computer system, a workstation, or any other computer system (e.g., networked device) configured to execute a program configured to operate the configurable network, as described throughout the present disclosure. It is further recognized that the term “processor” may be broadly defined to encompass any device having one or more processing elements, which execute program instructions from a non-transitory memory medium. 
         [0096]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a configurable network  600  of modular control unit  100  for actuating one or more load devices, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted herein that the network  600  described herein is provided solely for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure. In some embodiments, device control assemblies  602 - 608  are communicatively coupled within the network  600  via one or more data connections  622 . Further, the network  600  may include one or more load devices  610 - 614 . The load devices may be any type of load devices including, but not limited to, luminaires, fans, or electrical outlets configured to provide power to one or more attached electrical devices. 
         [0097]    In some embodiments, device control assembly  606  is physically paired with load device  612  such that actuating device control assembly  110  regulates electrical power to load device  612  via one or more wires  620 . In some embodiments, device control assemblies  602  and  604  are physically paired with load device  610 . Further, device control assemblies  602  and  604  are connected to load device  610  via wires  616  and  618  in a three-way switch configuration. In this regard, wire  618  may be a “traveler” wire associated with a power cord within an electrical wiring system. In some embodiments, device control assembly  608  is not physically paired with any load device. In some embodiments, load device  614  is not physically paired with any device control assembly  602 - 608  on the network. Further, load device  614  is directly connected to the configurable network  600  (e.g. via a data pathway  622 ). Load device  614  may be connected to the configurable network  600  via a wired or wireless data pathway  622 . 
         [0098]    It is noted herein that pairings between device control assemblies  602 - 608  and load devices  610 - 614  may be dynamically modified or updated. For example, device control assembly  608  may be paired with any load device  610 - 612  on the network. As another example, device control assembly  608  may be paired with load device  612  such that device control assemblies  606  and  608  operate as a three-way switch to control load device  612 . 
         [0099]    As another example, device control assembly  606  may be paired exclusively with load device  614  and device control assembly  608  may be paired with load device  612 . In this regard, device control assembly  608  may provide an addressable function (e.g. controlling load device  614 ) but not a physical function (e.g. control of load device  612 ) when actuated. However, device control assembly  606  may facilitate the control of load device  612  by device control assembly  608  via a data pathway  622 . 
         [0100]    As a further example, device control assembly  602  may be paired with load device  612  and not paired with load device  610 . Accordingly, device control assembly  602  may control load device  612  via a data connection  622  to device control assembly  304 . Further, device control assemblies  602  and  606  may operate as a three-way switch to control load device  612 . 
         [0101]    It is noted herein that any number of device pairings between device control assemblies  602 - 608  and load devices  610 - 614  may be established via the configurable network  600 . Accordingly, the descriptions of pairings above are intended solely for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting. 
         [0102]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of a configurable network  700 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted herein that the network  700  described herein is provided solely for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the network includes device control assemblies  702 - 710  and a connected mobile device  712  (e.g. a phone, a tablet, a wirelessly-connected computer, or the like) configured to control one or more load devices  720 - 740 . 
         [0103]    In some embodiments, device control assemblies  702  and  704  are physically paired to load devices  720  and  722  and are configured to operate as a three-way switch. In some embodiments, device control assembly  706  is physically paired to load devices  726 - 730  and is configured to operate as a multi-function keypad to operate load devices  726 - 728  and load device  730  independently. In some embodiments, device control assemblies  708  and  710  are physically paired to load devices  732 - 736  and are configured to operate as a three-way switch. Further, device control assembly  708  is configured to operate as a dimmer switch and device control assembly  710  is configured to operate as a toggle switch. In some embodiments, load devices  724 ,  738 , and  740  are wirelessly connected to the network  700  and are further not physically paired with any device control assembly  702 - 710 . 
         [0104]    In some embodiments, device control assemblies  702 - 710  are wirelessly connected within the network  700  via one or more data pathways. In some embodiments, network circuitry  532  and associated network hardware  534  of the device control assemblies  110  are configured to connect via a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol in a mesh network topology (e.g. a flood mesh topology). Further, mobile device  712  and load devices  724 ,  738 , and  740  are nodes within the mesh network  700 . In this regard, each node on the mesh network may transmit or retransmit mesh network traffic such that all nodes of the mesh network may communicate (e.g. via single-hop or multi-hop paths). Accordingly, mobile device  712  can be paired with load devices  738  and  740  via the network  700 . For example, mobile device  712  may have a data range  718  insufficient to reach load device  738 . However, device control assembly  708  may serve as a repeater (e.g. in a flood mesh network). In this regard the data range  716  overlaps with data range  718  of mobile device  712  and data range  714  of load device  738  to provide data communication. In some embodiments, the mobile device  712  connects to a device control assembly (e.g. device control assembly  706 ) for communication with load devices within the network  700 . In this regard, device control assembly  706  may operate as a bridge to communicate data between the mobile device  712  and any device on the network  700 . It is noted herein that mobile device  712  or, alternately any connected device (e.g. a connected television, a connected electrical appliance, a wearable device, or the like), may not include appropriate hardware to properly communicate on the network  700 . However, a device control assembly (e.g. device control assembly  706 ) may simultaneously connect with the network  700  on a first protocol (e.g. a flood mesh protocol) and a connected device on a second protocol (e.g. a Bluetooth protocol) to provide a bridge for data communication between the connected device and one or more devices on the network  700 . 
         [0105]    It is noted herein that any number of device pairings between device control  702  assemblies  702 - 710 , mobile device  712 , and load devices  720 - 740  may be established via the configurable network  700 . Accordingly, the descriptions of pairings above are intended solely for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting. 
         [0106]      FIG. 8A  is an illustration of a configurable network  800  in a household, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted herein that the network  800  described herein is provided solely for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure. For example, a configurable network may be employed in any environment including, but not limited to industrial buildings, commercial buildings, multi-family households, or outdoors. 
         [0107]    In some embodiments, the configurable network  800  includes as nodes device control assemblies DC 1 -DC 11 , electrically-connected luminaires EC 1 -EC 14  (e.g. luminaires physically paired to one or more device control assemblies), network-connected luminaires ML 1 -ML 3  (e.g. mesh-connected luminaires), and window/door sensors S 1 -S 8 . In some embodiments, all nodes of the configurable network  800  are communicatively coupled via data connections. In some embodiments, the pairings between device control assemblies, electrically-connected luminaires, network-connected luminaires, and sensors are summarized in  FIG. 8B . Further, the pairing type (e.g. physical or addressable) between connected devices is summarized in  FIG. 8C . It is noted herein that device control assemblies  110  may be simultaneously paired with multiple device types (e.g. DC 7  and DC 9  are paired with electrically-connected luminaires, network-connected luminaires, and sensors), as shown in  FIG. 8B . Further, connected devices may be simultaneously paired with multiple device control assemblies, as shown in  FIG. 8C . For example, EC 2  is physically paired with DC 2  and addressably paired with DC 3 . Similarly EC 3  is physically paired with DC 3  and addressably paired with DC 2 . Together, DC 2  and DC 3  operate, via data pathways of the network  800 , as a three-way switch to simultaneously control EC 2  and EC 3 . 
         [0108]    As another example, custom switching patterns may be defined through defined pairings of device control assemblies and load devices. For example, DC 5  and DC 6  are paired to luminaires EC 5 , EC 6 , and EC 12 , and an exemplary state diagram is provided in  FIG. 5D . Further, EC 12  is additionally paired to DC  9 . In this regard, EC 5  and EC 6  are controlled by DC 5  and DC 6  in a traditional three-way switch configuration. Accordingly, actuating either DC 5  or DC 6  will actuate both EC 5  and EC 6 . However, the state of EC 12  is dependent on the current state and on the actuating device (e.g. DC 5 , DC 6 , or DC 12 ), as shown in  FIG. 8D . 
         [0109]    It is noted herein that any number of device pairings between device control assemblies DC 1 -DC 11 , electrically-connected luminaires EC 1 -EC 14 , and network-connected luminaires ML 1 -ML 3  may be established via the configurable network  800 . Accordingly, the descriptions of pairings above are intended solely for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting. 
         [0110]    The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “connected”, or “coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “couplable”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of couplable include but are not limited to physically interactable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interactable and/or logically interacting components. 
         [0111]    It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the appended claims.