Patent Publication Number: US-9842712-B2

Title: Switching device having terminal cover, and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a non-provisional application and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/129,218 filed Mar. 6, 2015 for “SWITCHING DEVICE HAVING TERMINAL COVER, AND METHOD”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The subject matter disclosed herein relates to switching devices, and more particularly refers to a terminal cover for a switching device. 
     Circuit breakers are switching devices widely used to protect electrical lines and equipment. Circuit breakers monitor current through an electrical conductor and “trip” to open the electrical circuit and thus interrupt current flow through the circuit provided that certain predetermined criteria are met, such as an over-current condition. A line side of the circuit breaker is connected to an electrical power line supplying electricity and a load side of the circuit breaker is connected to the circuit to be protected. Line and load straps extending from either the line side or load side of the circuit breaker must be connected to its source or load (such as to bus lines or cable lines). Terminals allow the circuit breaker to be connected to the source and load in a convenient way in relation to installation requirements. It is known to provide a wiring connector or lug on the terminals of the circuit breaker. The terminal lug can include a terminal lug screw used to secure a circuit breaker cable to each terminal lug. A terminal cover is sometimes fixedly attached to the circuit breaker enclosure for protection and aesthetic reasons, and is provided with the circuit breaker as a separate part with screws to attach the terminal cover to the enclosure. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     According to one aspect, a switching device is provided. The switching device includes a housing including a base and a switching device cover coupled to the base, a line side terminal positioned on a line side of the housing, a load side terminal positioned on a load side of the housing, wherein the line side is opposite the load side, a first terminal cover coupled to the switching device cover proximate the line side, a second terminal cover coupled to the switching device cover proximate the load side, wherein the first terminal cover is movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the first terminal cover covers the line side terminal in the closed position and provides access to the line side terminal in the open position, wherein the first terminal cover is attached to said switching device cover in both the closed and open positions, wherein the second terminal cover is moveable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the second terminal cover covers the load side terminal in the closed position and provides access to the load side terminal in the open position, and wherein the second terminal cover is attached to the switching device cover in both the closed and open positions, and a handle extending through a handle slot formed in the switching device cover, the handle disposed between the first and second terminal covers and operable to switch the switching device. 
     According to another aspect, a circuit breaker is provided. The circuit breaker includes a housing including a switching device cover, the housing having a line side and a load side, a terminal cover assembly including a first terminal cover coupled to the switching device cover proximate one of the line side and the load side of the housing, wherein the first terminal cover is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first terminal cover covers terminals at one of the line side and the load side in the closed position, wherein the first terminal cover provides access to the terminals in the open position, and wherein the first terminal cover is attached to the switching device cover in both the open and closed positions, and a handle extending through a handle slot formed in the switching device cover, the handle disposed between the line side and the load side and operable to switch the circuit breaker. 
     According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method of selectively covering and accessing a terminal in a switching device is provided. The switching device includes a housing and a switching device cover coupled to the housing. The method includes coupling a first terminal cover to the switching device cover, coupling a handle to the switching device cover, the handle extending through a handle slot formed in the switching device cover, said handle disposed between a line side and a load side of the housing and operable to switch the switching device, placing the first terminal cover in a closed position to cover the terminal, and moving the first terminal cover from the closed position to an open position to access the terminal, wherein the first terminal cover is attached to the switching device cover in both the closed and open positions. 
     These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a switching device including an embodiment of terminal covers in an open position; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the switching device of  FIG. 1  with the terminal covers in a closed position; 
         FIG. 3  is a side plan view of the switching device of  FIG. 1  with the terminal covers in the open position; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a switching device cover for the switching device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the terminal cover for the switching device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a portion of an alternate embodiment of a terminal cover; 
         FIG. 7  is perspective view of a portion of an alternate embodiment of a switching device cover; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective of the terminal cover of  FIG. 6  attached to the switching device cover of  FIG. 7 , with the terminal cover in an open position; 
         FIG. 9  is another perspective view of the terminal cover of  FIG. 6  attached to the switching device cover of  FIG. 7 , with the terminal cover in an open position; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a switching device including terminal covers of  FIG. 6  and the switching device cover of  FIG. 7 , with the terminal covers in a closed position; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the switching device of  FIG. 10  including the terminal cover of  FIG. 6  and the switching device cover of  FIG. 7 , with one terminal cover in an open position and one terminal cover removed; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a switching device including an embodiment of terminal covers in an open position; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the switching device of  FIG. 12  with one terminal cover in an open position and one terminal cover in a closed position; 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a terminal cover assembly; 
         FIG. 15  is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a switching device with the terminal cover assembly of  FIG. 14  prior to assembly on the switching device; 
         FIG. 16  is a partially exploded perspective view of the switching device of  FIG. 15  with the terminal cover assembly of  FIG. 14  assembled but not attached to the switching device; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the switching device of  FIG. 15  including the terminal cover assembly of  FIG. 14  attached thereon and the terminal cover in a closed position; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a switching device including an alternate embodiment of a terminal cover in a closed position; 
         FIG. 19  is a top plan view of the switching device of  FIG. 18  with the terminal cover in an open position; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective of the switching device of  FIG. 18  with the terminal cover in an open position; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the switching device of  FIG. 18  with the terminal cover in an open position; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the terminal cover for the switching device of  FIG. 18 ; and, 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an aperture plate for a terminal cover assembly including the terminal cover of  FIG. 22 . 
     
    
    
     The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of a switching device  10  that includes an embodiment of a terminal cover  200  of a terminal cover assembly  201 . In the illustrated embodiment, the switching device  10  includes first and second terminal covers  202 ,  204 . The switching device  10  may further include an information display system  12 . The illustrated switching device  10  is a circuit breaker  14 , although other switching devices  10  may incorporate the terminal covers  200 . While the circuit breaker  14  is illustrated as a 3 pole molded case circuit breaker (“MCCB”) having a particular size and shape, other types and sizes of circuit breakers  14  and switching devices  10  can be employed, and the illustrated circuit breaker  14  is presented for illustrative purposes only. Also, while the circuit breaker  14  is illustrated as having available components  16 , such as but not limited to an electronic trip unit “ETU”, on a cover  18 , also referred to herein as a switching device cover  18 , other components  16  may be provided. 
     The circuit breaker  14  includes a base  20  and may further include a midcover  22  between the base  20  and switching device cover  18 , and the midcover  22  and the base  20  could alternatively be combined, or the midcover  22  and the switching device cover  18  could alternatively be combined. The base  20 , midcover  22 , and switching device cover  18  provide a housing  188  (shown in  FIG. 18 ) of the switching device  10 . The midcover  22  may be provided with apertures  209 . A handle slot  24  is provided in a fixed member  30  for allowing passage of a handle  26  of the circuit breaker  14 . The switching device cover  18  may be a separable cover for removal from the base  20 , such as for inspection or repair of internal components (not shown) of the circuit breaker  14 . Internal components of the circuit breaker  14  may include, but are not limited to, a contact system having a set of fixed and movable contacts, movable contact arms supporting the movable contacts, an operating mechanism operating the movable contact arms, line and load straps supporting or electrically connected to fixed contacts, a current sensing unit, and arc chamber. In a normal “on” or closed condition of the circuit breaker  14 , such as when the handle  26  is moved to an opposite side of the handle slot  24 , the fixed and movable contacts are physically connected to each other. In an “off” or open condition of the circuit breaker  14 , such as when the handle  26  is in the position shown in  FIG. 1 , the movable contacts are separated, such as via an opening spring, from the fixed contacts. The circuit breaker  14  thus makes or breaks the circuit based on current conditions, and may further carry rated current without over heating, provide adequate contact pressure and depression to keep the contacts closed in normal conditions, provide sufficient force to open the contact system with desired velocity during abnormal conditions, and provide dielectric isolation when contacts are in an open condition. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the handle  26  is disposed between the first and second terminal covers  202 ,  204 . 
     The line and load straps are accessible on a line side  206  and a load side  208  of the switching device  10  at line side terminal  210  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ) and load side terminal  212 . Additionally, any type of terminal lugs  214 ,  216  may be positioned at the line side  206  and load side  208  to assist in connecting the circuit breaker  14  to the source and load. Connection to the line side terminal  210  and load side terminal  212  may be achieved such as via apertures  209 . Amongst the terminal covers  200 , the first terminal cover  202  may be a line side terminal cover provided on the line side  206  of the switching device  10 , and the second terminal cover  204  may be a load side terminal cover provided on the load side  208  of the switching device  10 . For reducing costs of manufacturing, the first and second terminal covers  202 ,  204  may be identical. 
     The switching device cover  18  may include a first cover portion  218  and a second cover portion  220 . The first cover portion  218  is included in the information display system  12  and supports the faceplate  28 . The second cover portion  220 , or trip unit cover portion, supports the components  16  including the ETU. The first and second cover portions  218 ,  220  together may complete the switching device cover  18  for the circuit breaker housing  188 . While shown and described as two separate portions  218 ,  220 , alternatively the first and second portions  218 ,  220  of the switching device cover  18  may be integrally combined. The terminal covers  200  of the terminal cover assembly  201  are pivotally attached to the switching device cover  18 .  FIG. 1  depicts the terminal covers  200  in an open position, while  FIG. 2  depicts the terminal covers  200  in a closed position. As shown in  FIG. 2 , when the terminal covers  200  are closed, the terminal covers  200  and the switching device cover  18  substantially extend the length L of the circuit breaker housing  188 . That is, a length of the base  20  is substantially equal to a combined length of the two terminal covers  200  assembled with the switching device cover  18  when the terminal covers  200  are in the closed position. Thus, when the terminal covers  200  are in the closed position, the lugs  214 ,  216  are covered and the terminals  210 ,  212  of the switching device  10  may be protected. The terminal covers  202 ,  204  each include a hinged portion  224  connected to the switching device cover  18  and a free end  226 . The hinged portion  224  of the first terminal cover  202  is positioned between the handle  26  and the line side  206 , and the hinged portion  224  of the second terminal cover  204  is positioned between the handle  26  and the load side  208 . More particularly, in one embodiment, and in the closed position shown in  FIG. 2 , the hinged portion  224  of the first terminal cover  202  is positioned between the handle  26  and the free end  226 , and the hinged portion  224  of the second terminal cover  204  is positioned between the handle  26  and the free end  226 . When arranged in this manner, and as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , when the terminal covers  202 ,  204  are in an open position to provide an operator access to the lugs  214 ,  216  on the line side  206  and the load side  208 , the terminal covers  202 ,  204  at least partially block access to the handle  26 . That is, when in the open position, the terminal covers  202 ,  204  form temporary walls with the handle  26  positioned between the temporary walls so that while an operator is working on the line side  206  or the load side  208 , the handle  26  is not inadvertently shifted from an off position to an on position. In an embodiment, a height H 1  of the terminal covers  202 ,  204  in an open position, as measured from the bottom of the base  20  to the free end  226 , is greater than a height H 2  of the handle  26  as measured from the bottom of the base  20  to an outer end of the handle  26 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , thus further shielding the handle  26  between the terminal covers  202 ,  204 , when in the open position. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , additional details of an embodiment of the switching device cover  18 , and more particularly the first cover portion  218 , are shown. With reference to  FIG. 5 , additional details of an embodiment of the terminal cover  200  are shown. The details shown for the terminal cover  200  may be identical in either terminal cover  202 ,  204 . The first cover portion  218  includes first and second opposite sides  64 ,  66 , corresponding to first and second opposite sides  228 ,  230  ( FIG. 1 ) of the switching device  10 . The first cover portion  218  also includes third and fourth opposite sides  232 ,  234 , which may extend substantially parallel to the line side  206  and load side  208  of the switching device  10 . The first and second opposite sides  64 ,  66  may each include a hinge area  236  for pivotally connecting to the hinged portion  224  of the terminal covers  200 . The hinge area  236  of the switching device cover  18  is illustrated as including an aperture or recess  238  for receiving a pivot protrusion  240  of the terminal covers  200 , however in an alternative embodiment the switching device cover  18  may include a pivot protrusion and the hinged portion  224  of the terminal covers  200  may include an aperture or recess sized to receive the pivot protrusion of the switching device cover  18 . The location of the pivot protrusion  240  serves as a pivot point  241  for the terminal covers  200 . The hinge area  236  of the switching device cover  18  is provided in an indented section  242  indented from the first and second opposite sides  64 ,  66 , such that a width W 1  of the switching device cover  18  from the indented section  242  on the first side  64  to the indented section  242  on the second side  66  is less than a width W 2  of the switching device cover  18  from the first and second opposite sides  64 ,  66 . A ridge  244  extends at an angle, such as perpendicularly, from the indented section  242  to the sides  64 ,  66 . The ridge  244  may include a first part  246  substantially parallel to the exterior surface  122  of the switching device cover  18 , and a second part  248  substantially perpendicular to the first part  246 . The transition area  250  between the first part  246  and the second part  248  is substantially rounded. 
     The terminal covers  200  include fingers  252  receivable within the indented sections  242  and having the hinged portion  224 . The terminal covers  200  further include a cover panel  254  sized to adequately cover the lugs  214 ,  216  on the line and load sides  206 ,  208  of the switching device  10 . Although the cover panel  254  need not be planar, the fingers  252  may extend substantially perpendicularly from the cover panel  254  such that, in a closed position of the terminal covers  200 , the cover panel  254  extends across at least a portion of a top surface  256  ( FIG. 1 ) of the switching device  10 , and the fingers  252  extend along sides  228 ,  230  of the switching device  10 . In an embodiment, an interior surface  258  of the terminal covers  200  may further include a plurality of baffles  260 . 
     A latching system  262  to at least temporarily lock and selectively hold the terminal cover  200  in an open or closed position as desired may be further provided. The latching system  262  may include a latching protrusion  264  on the switching device cover  18  located at the transition area  250  between the first part  246  and the second part  248  of the ridge  244 . The latching system  262  may further include first and second latching detents  266 ,  268 , with a latching cam  270  interposed between the first and second latching detents  266 ,  268 , provided at the end  272  of the fingers  252  of the terminal covers  200 . The fingers  252  of the terminal covers  200  may be sized to fit within the indented sections  242  of the switching device cover  18 . For example, when the pivot protrusions  240  of the fingers  252  are received within the apertures  238  of the switching device cover  18 , and the terminal covers  200  are in a closed position, an exterior surface  274  of the fingers  252  may be substantially flush with an exterior surface of the sides  64 ,  66 . The fingers  252  further include a first edge  276  and a second edge  278 , with the first edge  276  extending from the first latching detent  266  and the second edge  278  extending from the second latching detent  268 . In the closed position of the terminal covers  200 , the latching protrusion  264  of the switching device cover  18  is seated within the first latching detent  266  and the first edge  276  of the fingers  252  interfaces with the first part  246  of the ridge  244 . Also in the closed position, the latching cam  270  and the second latching detent  268  are positioned adjacent the second part  248  of the ridge  244 . The latching cam  270  can prevent the terminal cover  200  from being accidentally opened or from opening due to gravity if the switching device is vertically mounted, however, when access to the terminal lugs  214 ,  216  is desired, the terminal cover  200  can easily be pivoted about the hinge area  236 . The latching cam  270  will ride over the latching protrusion  264  until the second latching detent  268  rests on the latching protrusion  264 , with the latching protrusion  264  nested within the second latching detent  268 . In the open position, the terminal cover  200  will be prevented from falling back to a closed position by the latching system  262 . In one embodiment, the fingers  252  extend substantially perpendicularly to the switching device  10  in the open position, by pivoting approximately 90 degrees in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, for maximizing the space for an operator to work, however other opening angles are possible. The first and second terminal covers  202  and  204  are connected to the switching device cover  18  such that movement to an open position from a closed position will require movement in first and second rotational directions  170 ,  172 , where the second direction  172  is opposite the first direction  170 . Due to the latching system  262 , an operator can work on the terminal lugs  214 ,  216  until it is desired to close the terminal covers  200  again. Further, because the terminal covers  200  do not need to be detached from the housing  188  in order to access the terminals  210 ,  212 , the chance of losing the terminal covers  200  is greatly reduced. 
     The terminal covers  200  and the switching device cover  18  may be formed of a durable plastic suitable for use in the switching device  10 . In one embodiment, the plastic employed may be the same type as used for the remainder of the housing  188  of the MCCB  14 . The inherent flexibility of the material used for the switching device cover  18  and terminal covers  200  may assist in enabling the latching system  262  to perform the task of retaining the terminal cover  200  in either the closed position or open position relative to the switching device cover  18 . While the terminal covers  200  are advantageously retained on the switching device cover  18  even during the open position, it may further be possible to remove the terminal covers  200  from the switching device  10  if needed or desired. 
     The terminal covers  202  and  204  may be identical, and therefore the second cover portion  220  may include the same or substantially the same indented section  242  with ridge  244 , hinge area  236 , and latching protrusion  264  as the first cover portion  218  shown in  FIG. 4 . Additionally, the terminal covers  200  may include a reflective surface  280  on the interior surface  258  of the terminal covers  200  such that light coming from the ETU  16  or additional light, such as from a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) or an additional light emitting diode (“LED”) on the trip unit cover  220  or coming from the operator can be reflected back on the terminal lugs  214 ,  216  when the terminal covers  200  are in the open position to assist the operator in a dark environment. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 6-11 , another embodiment of a latching system  290  for a terminal cover  200  for the switching device  10  is shown, where like elements or substantially like elements are shown with the same reference numerals.  FIG. 7  shows a second cover portion  220  containing the latching system  290 , however it should be understood that the first cover portion  218  can contain the same latching system  290 , and therefore the second cover portion  220  will be referred to as the switching device cover  18 . The indented section  242  includes a latching recess  292  sized to receive a latching protrusion  294 , such as a latching post, on an interior surface  296  of the fingers  252  of the terminal cover  200  when the terminal cover  200  is in the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 10 . The terminal covers  200  can be rotated to the open position shown in  FIGS. 8, 9, and 11  by rotating the terminal covers  200  about the pivot point  241  of the hinged portion  224  forcing the latching protrusion  294  out of the latching recess  292 . The latching protrusion  294  will be pushed against the indented section  242 , pushing the fingers  252  slightly outwardly and creating interference tension, until the terminal covers  200  are in the fully open position ( FIGS. 8, 9, and 11 ). When in the fully open position, the latching protrusion  294  can return the fingers  252  to a biased position (no longer flexed outwardly) and the latching protrusion  294  will rest against the exterior surface  122  of the switching device cover  18 . At the moment the latching protrusion  294  passes the edge  298  of the switching device cover  18 , an operator may feel a positive snap. The latching protrusion  294  enables the terminal covers  200  to be latched in the open position, preventing the terminal covers  200  from freely falling back onto the terminal lugs  214 ,  216 , thus providing ample space for an operator to work on the terminal lugs  214 ,  216  during maintenance. When closing the terminal covers  200 , the operator may be provided with the same positive snap feeling when the latching protrusion  294  re-enters the latching recess  292  in the indented section  242  of the switching device cover  18 . The positive latching system  290  prevents the terminal covers  200  from opening due to gravity, particularly on one side of the switching device  10 , such as but not limited to the line side  206  of the switching device  10  when vertically mounted in a panel. Without the latching system  290 , or the previously described latching system  262  or other terminal cover latching system, the terminal cover  200  may have a tendency to open about the hinged portion  224  when the switching device  10  is mounted vertically in the panel. Also, as with the prior embodiment, the terminal covers  200  may be removable and  FIG. 11  demonstrates an embodiment where one terminal cover  204  has been removed. Alternatively, the terminal covers  200  may be integrally attached to the switching device  10 . 
     A method of covering and accessing the terminal  210  in the switching device  10  includes attaching the first terminal cover  202  to the housing  188  of the switching device  10  about a hinge area  236 ; covering the terminal  210  with the first terminal cover  202  in the closed position of the first terminal cover  202 ; and, accessing the terminal  210  by pivoting the first terminal cover  202  to the open position. The aesthetic terminal covers  200  are rotational to hide the lugs  214 ,  216  and provide a finished look when installed. The customer does not have to remove the covers  200  to access lugs  214 ,  216 , however, if needed, the terminal covers  200  can be removed from the switching device  10  since the terminal covers may be mounted with a pivot protrusion  240  that may be retained with the help of self-retention force of plastic. Latching systems, such as but not limited to the latching systems  262 ,  290 , may be added so the terminal covers  200  can be latched open, providing the full space for the operator to work on the lugs  214 ,  216  without the terminal covers  200  falling in the way of maintenance. The switching device with terminal covers  200  avoids the requirement of separate parts or sub-assemblies, and no screws, other attachment devices, or hardware are required. Also, the switching device with terminal covers  200  reduces the possibility of losing the terminal cover  200  or misapplying the terminal cover  200  by the user because the terminal cover  200  can be provided as an integral part of the switching device  10 . The terminal cover  200  can also be the same for the line and load sides  206 ,  208 , thus reducing manufacturing expenses. The terminal cover  200  is easy to operate, and the latching systems  262 ,  290  provide more ingress protection for users from live parts. The arrangement of the terminal covers  200  further avoids accidental operation of the handle  26  when tightening cables via the lugs  214 ,  216 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the terminal covers  200  may include one or more knockouts  300 , such as in the cover panel  254 , to route one or more accessory wires  302  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) to or from the switching device  10 . The knockouts  300  may have any size or shape, and may, prior to being knocked out, include a partially stamped opening, such as knockout ring  304 , through the cover panel  254 . Several knockouts  300  may be provided along the cover panel  254  so that an operator can select the knockout  300  that is most convenient to pass the accessory wires  302 . Also, one or more or the knockouts  300  may include one or more nested or concentric knockout rings  304  so that a correct size for one or more of the accessory wires  302  can be chosen. If required, a user can remove or “knock out” a conveniently located and suitably sized knockout  300 . Removal of the knockout  300  may be simplified by moving the terminal covers  200  to the open position shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 14-17 , another embodiment of a terminal cover  400  for the switching device  10  is shown as part of a terminal cover assembly  401 . As in the previous embodiments, this embodiment of the terminal cover  400  employs a hinged cover panel  402  that is pivotal with respect to the housing  188  of the switching device  10 . The hinged cover panel  402  may also include knockouts  300  as previously described with respect to the terminal cover  200  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . This embodiment, however, may differ from previous embodiments in that a hinge  404  ( FIG. 16 ) extends along a first longitudinal side  406  of the cover panel  402 . An aperture plate  408  of the terminal cover assembly  401  may further be provided that includes apertures  410  alignable with apertures  209  in the midcover  22  when the terminal cover is installed on the switching device  10 . In lieu of the apertures  209  in the midcover  22 , the apertures  410  may provide direct access to the terminals  210 ,  212  and any lugs  214 ,  216  connected to the terminals  210 ,  212 . The aperture plate  408  includes a first longitudinal side  412  for the hinge  404 . When assembled, the first longitudinal side  406  of the cover panel  402  and the first longitudinal side  412  of the aperture plate  408  extend substantially parallel to the line side  206  and load side  208 . The hinge  404  may include at least one pin  414  extending along at least a portion of the first longitudinal side  406 . In the illustrated embodiment, two end pins  414  on ends of the cover panel  402  are provided, and the embodiment may further include a central pin  414 . The aperture plate  408  includes a mating profile  416  cut along the first longitudinal side  412  for receiving the pin or pins  414  of the cover panel  402 . Together, the profile  416  of the aperture plate  408  and the pin or pins  414  of the cover panel  402  form a hinge  404  of the terminal cover assembly  401 . In an alternate embodiment, a pin may be provided on the aperture plate  408  and a mating profile may be provided on the cover panel  402  to form the hinge  404  that extends along the first longitudinal sides  406 ,  412  of the cover panel  402  and aperture plate  408 . The aperture plate  408  may include one or more screw holes  418  (two shown) for securing the aperture plate  408  to the housing  188 , and the cover panel  402  may be provided with notches  420  to accommodate the screw holes  418 . In the illustrated embodiment, the screw holes  418  are provided along the first longitudinal side  412  of the aperture plate  408 . The terminal cover assembly  401  further includes a latching mechanism  422  to latch the terminal cover  400  in a closed position as shown in  FIG. 17 . As illustrated, the latching mechanism  422  may include a latching protrusion  424 , such as a latching pin, protruding from an exterior surface  426  of the aperture plate  408  adjacent a second longitudinal side  428  of the aperture plate  408 , and the cover panel  402  may further include a latching recess  430 , such as a mating profile, cut adjacent a second longitudinal side  432  of the cover panel  402 , with the latching protrusion  424  press-fitted into the latching recess  430  in the closed position. The second longitudinal side  432  of the terminal cover  400  may further include a lip  434  to assist a user in moving the cover panel  402  to an open position. The aperture plate  408  may include end ramps  436  and the cover panel  402  may be corresponding ramped to provide a substantially smooth outer surface of the switching device  10  when the terminal cover  400  is in the closed position. As shown, line side and load side terminal cover assemblies  401  may be substantially the same, and may further be identical for reducing manufacturing expenses. 
     The terminal cover  400  may be secured to the aperture plate  408  to form the terminal cover assembly  401  prior to assembling onto the switching device  10 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . With the terminal cover  400  in an open position, screws  438  may be passed through the screw holes  418  in the aperture plate  408  into corresponding screw holes in the housing  188  to secure the terminal cover assembly  401  to the housing  188 . When the terminal cover  400  is closed, the screws  438  may be substantially hidden from a top view of the switching device  10  as shown. While a screw-connection is described, the terminal cover assembly  401  may be alternately secured to the housing  188 . For illustrative purposes, the terminal covers  400  are shown assembled with respect to the switching device  10  in such a manner that the terminal covers  400  rotate away from the handle  26  in an open position, as opposed to towards the handle  26  in the open position as in the previous embodiments. While not protecting the handle  26  from accidental movement as in the previous embodiments, the illustrated arrangement of terminal covers  400  on the switching device  10  still provides for a terminal cover  400  that remains attached to the switching device  10  in both open and closed positions of the terminal cover  400 . Also, because the terminal covers  400  are hinged at the line side  206  and load side  208 , the terminal covers  400  can flap open towards the line side  206  and load side  208  in the open position and thus not be in the way when an operator is accessing the terminals  210 ,  212  through the apertures  209  in the housing  188 . Nonetheless, while the terminal covers  400  are shown assembled with the hinges  404  along the line side  206  and load side  208 , in an alternative embodiment, the terminal covers  400  may be assembled onto the housing  188  in a 180 degree repositioning such that the second longitudinal sides  428 ,  432  are instead adjacent the line side  206  and load side  208  and the terminal covers  400  pivot towards the handle  26  in the open position. While the terminal covers  400  are disclosed as opening in opposite rotational directions  170 ,  172 , the first and second terminal covers  400  may be arranged such that they open in a same rotational direction. Further, while the terminal cover assemblies  401  are described as having the aperture plate  408 , the housing  188  may alternatively be molded or otherwise provided with the cooperating features for the hinge  404  and latching mechanism  422  so that the terminal cover  400  may be directly secured to the housing  188  in lieu of utilizing the aperture plate  408 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 18-23 , another embodiment of terminal covers  500  of a terminal cover assembly  501  for the switching device  10  is shown. Instead of a pivoting movement, such as in the previously described rotational directions  170 ,  172  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 16 , the terminal covers  500  move between the closed position shown in  FIG. 18  to the open position shown in  FIGS. 19-21  using a sliding movement, such as in opposite first and second sliding directions  174 ,  176 . That is, the terminal covers  500  are slidable with respect to the housing  188  of the switching device  10 . A first terminal cover  500  would be movable in the first direction  174  to close and the second direction  176  to open, however a second terminal cover  500  would be movable in the second direction  176  to close and the first direction  174  to open. The terminal cover  500  includes at least a cover panel  502  that is movable from the open position to the closed position. As further shown in  FIG. 22 , the cover panel  502  may include a ramped surface  504  to provide a substantially smooth outer surface of the switching device  10  when the terminal cover  500  is closed. The cover panel  502  further includes a first longitudinal side  506  and a second longitudinal side  508 . The first longitudinal side  506  may be substantially aligned with the line side  206  (and load side  208  for a second terminal cover) in the closed position shown in  FIG. 18 . Also in the closed position, the second longitudinal side  508  abuts a portion of the switching device cover  18 , such as the second cover portion  220  shown in  FIG. 18 , but can also abut the first cover portion  218  when a second terminal cover  500  is employed. As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , when the terminal cover  500  is in the closed position, the apertures  509  are blocked and access to the terminals  210 ,  212  is prevented. 
     To enable the sliding movement of the terminal cover  500  with respect to the housing  188 , the terminal cover  500  is provided with a tongue  510  ( FIG. 22 ), while an aperture plate  512  of the terminal cover assembly  501  is provided with a groove  514  ( FIG. 23 ). Alternatively, the groove may be provided on the terminal cover  500  and the tongue may be provided on the aperture plate  512 . The tongue  510  may be rectangular shaped as shown, or may have any other shape such as a dovetail shape, so long as it remains trapped when inserted into the groove  514  of the aperture plate  512 . The groove  514  may include a neck portion to trap the tongue  510  therein. Together, the tongue  510  and the groove  514  form a tongue and groove connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the tongue  510  is provided at the second longitudinal side  508  of the terminal cover  500 , but not at the first longitudinal side  506 . The groove  514  extends substantially from a second longitudinal side  516  of the aperture plate  512  to a first longitudinal side  518  of the aperture plate  512 , however the groove  514  is blocked by obstruction  520 , such as but not limited to a wall, at the first longitudinal side  518 . Thus, when the terminal cover  500  is assembled onto the aperture plate  512 , the tongue  510  of the terminal cover  500  can move in directions  174 ,  176  within the groove  514 , but is prevented from sliding off the first longitudinal side  518  of the aperture plate  512  by the obstruction  520 . When assembled onto the switching device  10 , the terminal cover  500  is also prevented from sliding off the second longitudinal side  516  of the aperture plate  512  by a sidewall  522  of the switching device cover  18  ( FIGS. 20 and 21 ). The terminal cover  500  may further include a latching mechanism to latch the terminal cover in the open and closed positions, such as, but not limited to, one or more latching devices, such as but not limited to spring clips, at the second longitudinal side  516  of the aperture plate  512  to retain the terminal cover  500  in the closed position, and one or more latching devices, such as but not limited to spring clips, at the first longitudinal side  518  of the aperture plate  512  to retain the terminal cover  500  in the open position. Other alternate latching mechanisms may be included, such as, but not limited to, those that take advantage of a retention force using the plastic material of the terminal cover  500 . 
     Thus, the terminal cover  500  provides an alternate embodiment of providing an open position and a closed position while maintaining an attachment of the terminal cover  500  to the housing  188  in both positions. While various embodiments of the terminal covers  200 ,  400 , and  500  have been described, each of the embodiments provide movable terminal covers  200 ,  400 ,  500  that are movable from an open position and a closed position while maintaining an attachment of the terminal covers  200 ,  400 ,  500  to the housing  188  in both positions. The terminal covers  200 ,  400 ,  500  all provide access to the terminals  210 ,  212  in the open position, and block access in the closed position. When closed, the switching device  10  is provided with a finished look due to the aesthetic design of the terminal covers  200 ,  400 ,  500 , in addition to protecting the terminals  210 ,  212 . Various embodiments have been described to move the terminal covers  200 ,  400 ,  500  to an open condition, including those involving a pivoting motion and a sliding motion, however alternate embodiments may include a combination of linear and circular motions, translatory motion, and rotary motion. 
     Thus, a switching device includes a housing and a terminal cover assembly. The terminal cover assembly includes a first terminal cover movable between an open position and a closed position. The first terminal cover is attached to the housing in both the open position and the closed position. 
     The switching device may further include a terminal, wherein the first terminal cover covers the terminal in the closed position and provides access to the terminal in the open position. 
     The first terminal cover may be pivotally connected to the housing. 
     The first terminal cover may include two fingers and a cover panel connected between the two fingers, wherein the two fingers are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the housing. 
     The first terminal cover may include a longitudinal side, and the switching device may further include a hinge extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the longitudinal side, the hinge including a pin and mating profile. 
     The switching device may further include a handle, wherein the first terminal cover includes a hinged end and a free end, and, in the closed position of the first terminal cover, the hinged end is disposed between the free end and the handle. 
     The switching device may further include a latching system operatively arranged to selectively latch the first terminal cover in the open position and in the closed position. 
     The latching system may include a latching protrusion and a latching recess, the latching protrusion disposed in the latching recess in the closed position of the terminal cover, and the latching protrusion disposed outside of the latching recess in the open position of the terminal cover. 
     The latching system may include a latching cam, first and second detents, and a latching protrusion. The terminal cover may include the latching cam and the first and second detents, the latching cam disposed between the first and second detents, and the housing may include the latching protrusion. 
     The latching protrusion may be disposed within the first detent in the closed position of the first terminal cover and the latching protrusion may be disposed within the second detent in the open position of the first terminal cover. 
     The first terminal cover may further include a reflective surface. 
     The housing may include a line side and a load side, and the terminal cover assembly may further include a second terminal cover connected to the housing, wherein the first terminal cover is adjacent the line side and the second terminal cover is adjacent the load side. 
     The switching device may further include a line side terminal and a load side terminal. The first terminal cover may be movable in a first direction from a closed position to cover the line side terminal to an open position to provide access to the line side terminal, and the second terminal cover may be movable in a second direction from a closed position to cover the load side terminal to an open position to provide access to the load side terminal, wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction. 
     The switching device may further include a tongue and groove connection between the first terminal cover and the housing, and the first terminal cover may be slidably connected to the housing via the tongue and groove connection. 
     The terminal cover may include a cover panel, which may include at least one knockout. 
     In other embodiments, a switching device includes a housing including a base and a switching device cover; a line side terminal; a load side terminal; a first terminal assembly including a first terminal cover movably connected to the switching device cover; and, a second terminal assembly including a second terminal cover movably connected to the switching device cover. The first terminal cover is movable from a closed position to cover the line side terminal to an open position to provide access to the line side terminal, and the second terminal cover is movable from a closed position to cover the load side terminal to an open position to provide access to the load side terminal. 
     The switching device may further include a latching system arranged to selectively latch the first terminal cover in the closed position and the open position of the first terminal cover, and a latching system arranged to selectively latch the second terminal cover in the closed position and the open position of the second terminal cover. 
     The first and second terminal covers may be pivotally attached to the housing. 
     The first and second terminal covers may be slidably attached to the housing. 
     In other embodiments, a method of covering and accessing a terminal in a switching device includes attaching a first terminal cover to a housing of the switching device; covering the terminal with the first terminal cover in a closed position of the first terminal cover; moving the first terminal cover to an open position to access the terminal; and, retaining an attachment of the first terminal cover to the housing in the open position. 
     Moving the first terminal cover to an open position may include pivoting the first terminal cover with respect to the housing. 
     Moving the first terminal cover to an open position may include sliding the first terminal cover with respect to the housing. 
     Covering the terminal may further include latching the first terminal cover to the housing in the closed position. 
     Accessing the terminal may further include latching the first terminal cover to the housing in the open position. 
     The method may further include reflecting light onto the terminal from a reflective surface on the first terminal cover. 
     The method may further include knocking out a knockout portion in the first terminal cover. 
     While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.