Patent Publication Number: US-11394157-B2

Title: Active cover plates

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application incorporates the following applications and patents by reference in their entireties: 
     U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/579,033, filed on Oct. 30, 2017; 
     U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/536,452, filed on Jul. 24, 2017; 
     U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/522,691, filed on Jun. 21, 2017; 
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     U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/081,539, filed on Nov. 18, 2014; 
     U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/027,784, filed on Jul. 23, 2014; 
     U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/906,651, filed on Nov. 20, 2013; 
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     U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/720,131, filed on Oct. 30, 2012; 
     U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/574,344, filed on Aug. 1, 2011; 
     U.S. Design Patent App. No. 29/676,104, filed on Jan. 8, 2019; 
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     BACKGROUND 
     Modern buildings include wiring to deliver electrical power to lights, outlets, and other devices. The electrical wiring typically terminates in an electrical box in a wall, ceiling, floor or the box may be connected to another structural element. Connections are made to the wiring in the electrical box. For example, electrical wiring may be connected to outlets and switches by stab-in connectors or with screw terminals on the sides of the outlet/switch body. After installation, a wall plate is placed over the outlet/switch body to cover the opening to the box while allowing access to the outlet receptacles and/or access to manually manipulate the switch(s). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of the principles described herein and are a part of the specification. The illustrated examples are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. 
         FIGS. 1A-1C  are drawings of GFCI outlet installations, according to one example of principles described herein. 
         FIGS. 2A-2K  are diagrams and images of an illustrative GFCI active cover plate and various prongs for use with the active cover plate, according to one example of principles described herein. 
         FIG. 3A-3C  are illustrations of a GFCI active cover plate installed over a GFCI outlet, according to one example of principles described herein. 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  are diagrams showing installation of a GFCI active cover plate over a GFCI outlet, according to one embodiment of principles described herein. 
         FIGS. 5A-5I  show various illustrative GFCI prongs for a GFCI active cover plate, according to one example of principles described herein. 
         FIGS. 6A-6I  are diagrams of illustrative GFCI prongs with adjustable contact positions, according to one example of principles described herein. 
         FIGS. 7A-7D  are diagrams of illustrative GFCI prongs with adjustable contact positions, according to one example of principles described herein. 
         FIGS. 8A-8E  are examples of illustrative GFCI prongs with dual contacts for a GFCI active cover plate, according to one example of principles described herein. 
         FIGS. 9A-9C  are examples of illustrative dual GFCI prongs for a GFCI active cover plate, according to one example of principles described herein. 
         FIGS. 10A-10G  show various illustrative examples of prongs for a GFCI active cover plate, according to one example of principles described herein. 
         FIGS. 11A-11H  show various illustrative examples of prongs for active cover plates, according to one example of principles described herein. 
         FIG. 12  shows an illustrative method for insertion of a prong of an active cover plate to touch an electrical terminal of an electrical receptacle, according to one embodiment of principles described herein. 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  show one illustrative embodiment for insulating the inboard side of prongs, according to one example of principles described herein. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  show various illustrative examples of prongs and insulation/support structures for active cover plates, according to one example of principles described herein. 
         FIGS. 15A-15E  show an illustrative example of a prong for active cover plates, according to one example of principles described herein. 
         FIGS. 16A-16E  show various illustrative examples of stiffening member/resilient insert for prongs on active cover plates, according to one example of principles described herein. 
         FIGS. 17A and 17B  show prongs that are hinged to reduce shipping and packaging volume, according to one embodiment of principles described herein. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present systems and methods. It will be apparent, however, that systems and methods may be practiced without these specific details. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. Reference in the specification to “an example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least that one example, but not necessarily in other examples. Additionally, features shown and/or described in connection with one figure may be combined with features shown and/or described in connection with other figures. 
       FIGS. 1A-1C  show various views of ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets  10 . GFCI outlets  10  are designed to quickly and automatically disconnect a circuit when they detect that the electric current is not balanced between the energized (line) conductor(s) and the return (neutral) conductor. Under normal circumstances, these two wires are expected to carry matching currents, and any difference may indicate that a short circuit or other electrical anomaly is present, such as leakage. There may be a variety of different configurations of the screw terminals and GFCI outlet geometry. For example, the hot and neutral wires may be on opposite sides of the GFCI outlet. Additionally, there may be load screw terminals that are connected to outlets “downstream/daisy chained” from the GFCI outlet. These downstream outlets may also be benefited by the GFCI protection. 
     Leakage may indicate a shock hazard (or shock in progress) which is a potential danger to a person. Current leakage may result in harm or death due to electric shock, especially if the leaking electric current passes through the torso of a human. A current of around 30 mA (0.030 amperes) may be sufficient to cause cardiac arrest or serious harm if it persists for more than a fraction of a second. 
     GFCI outlets  10  are designed to disconnect the conducting wires  12  quickly enough to prevent serious injury from such shocks. The buttons  14   a ,  14   b  on the face of the GFCI outlet  10  are “test” and “reset” buttons. The test button  14   a  may cause a small amount of power to be sent to ground or a neutral wire, simulating a short. When the test button  14   a  is depressed, the GFCI should disconnect (“trip”) and power to the outlet  10  should be disconnected. 
     After a trip event, the “reset” button  14   a  may be depressed to reset the GFCI configuration and reenergize the outlet  10 . The buttons  14   a ,  14   b  are shown in  FIG. 1A . In this example, the reset button  14   b  is the larger button and the test button  14   a  is the smaller button. Other GFCI outlets  10  may have different configurations. GFCI outlets  10  may also be known as “residual current devices”; ground fault interrupters “GFI”; and more sophisticated versions may include arc fault circuit interrupters (“AFCI,” “AFCI/GFCI” or “AF/GF”). 
       FIG. 1B  shows a GFCI outlet  10  installed in a wall with a tile wall covering  16 . GFCI outlets  10  may be wider (e.g., have wider shoulders  18 ) than standard outlets because of the additional circuitry and electrical components that they contain. Consequently, there may be a relatively small gap  20  between the sides of the outlet  10  and the sides of the electrical/receptacle box  22  in which the outlet  10  is installed. This can have significant consequences for active cover plates that use prongs to contact screw terminals  24  of GFCI outlets  10 . The prongs should fit in the open space  20  between the GFCI outlet  10  and the box  22  in order to reach the screw terminals  24  on the sides of the GFCI outlet  10 . The smaller the space  20 , the thinner the prongs must be to fit. 
       FIG. 1C  shows a side view of a GFCI outlet  10  installed in a receptacle box  22 . One side of the receptacle box  22  has been cut away to allow for a clear view into the box  22  and behind the GFCI outlet  10 . There are several things that can be noted from this picture. First, the screw terminals  24  are not located in the same position as a standard outlet. The screw terminals  24  are farther back and recessed into the body of the outlet  10  (i.e., there is a greater distance  26  between the front of the outlet  10  and the screw terminals  24 ). Presumably the designers recessed the screw terminals  24  to allow wires to make connections without causing the GFCI outlet width to increase beyond its already significant size. 
     GFCI outlets  10  typically include four screw terminals  24 , two on each side. A first set of opposing screw terminals  24   b  may be designated as “line” terminals. The house wiring  12  that supplies power to the outlet  10  may be connected there, with the hot line connected to one terminal and the neutral line connected to the other terminal. 
     A second set of opposing screw terminals  24   a  may also be located on the body of a GFCI outlet  10 . This other set of screw terminals  24   a  may be designated as the “load” screw terminals  24 . These load screw terminals  24   a  may not be used when the GFCI outlet  10  is used by itself. However, additional outlets may be connected to the GFCI outlet  10  (“daisy chained”) using the load screw terminals  24   a . These additional “daisy chained” outlets may be standard outlets, but because they are connected to power through the GFCI outlet  10  they may also be protected from ground faults by the GFCI outlet  10 . 
     In selected embodiments, an active cover plate designed for GFCI outlets  10  may be connected to either the line or load terminals  24 . If the active cover plate is connected to the line terminals  24   b  (the other line terminal may be on the opposite side of the GFCI outlet), it will be powered regardless of the operation of the GFCI outlet  10 . For example, if the GFCI were to detect a fault and trip, the active cover plate may remain on and functioning. The active cover plate may have its own internal current-limiting safeguards. Conversely, if the active cover plate were connected to the load terminals  24   a  (the other load screw terminal may be on the opposite side of the GFCI outlet  10 ), it may act like any other circuit that is connected through the GFCI outlet  10  and have additional protection against ground faults. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1C , there can be a large number of wires  12  packed behind a GFCI outlet  10 . Because the body of the GFCI outlet  10  may be larger than the bodies of standard outlets, the wires  12  may be more tightly packed behind it. In some embodiments, the prongs of the active cover plate may have specific features that are designed to avoid contacting the wires  12  behind the GFCI outlet  10 . 
     For example, the wires  12  may prevent the active cover plate/functional wall plate from installing because the prongs jam into the wires  12 . Additionally or alternatively, the prongs may be lifted off the screw terminals  24  as they encounter wires  12 . The setback distance  26  from the outlet mount to the screw terminal  24  is also designated in the figure. The setback distance  26  may change between various models of GFCI outlets  10  and can place additional compatibility requirements on prongs that are designed for use with a wide range of GFCI outlets  10 . 
     The remaining figures and associated text in the application show various embodiments of active cover plates and prongs that are configured to make contact with electrical receptacles. These electrical receptacles may include light switches and outlets. The examples given below specifically refer to GFCI outlets but the principles described are not limited to GFCI outlets and may be used in any of a variety of active cover plate and electrical receptacle configurations. There are several illustrative examples of nomenclature that can be used to describe the relationship of various elements to each other.  FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C  show one example of an illustrative coordinate system that can be used to define directions for the active cover plate. The three orthogonal axes are labeled “long.” for longitudinal, “lat.” for lateral, and “trans.” for transverse.  FIG. 2D  shows additional nomenclature that defines the direction “outboard” as being away from the centerline of the active cover plate and “inboard” as being toward the centerline of the cover plate. 
       FIG. 2A  shows a front view of one embodiment of a GFCI active cover plate  28  (e.g., an active cover plate  28  suitable for use with one or more GFCI outlets  10 ). The GFCI active cover plate  28  may have a number of apertures  30 , including one or more screw apertures  30   a  and one or more aperture(s)  30   b  through which a GFCI outlet  10  and/or buttons  14  (e.g.  FIG. 1A ) thereof may be accessed. 
       FIGS. 2B and 2C  are front and rear perspective views, respectively, that show prongs  32  extending rearward (in the transverse direction) from a front plate  34  of an active cover plate  28 . The front plate  34  includes a front surface  31  and a back surface  33 . In some examples, a base of the prongs  32  may be sandwiched between a back plate  36  on an active cover plate  28  and a front plate  34  thereof. The back plate  36  and/or front plate  34  may include a number of additional features, including additional posts  38  that can be used to secure the back plate  36  to the front plate  34  and/or to secure different prongs  32  for connection to ordinary outlets. 
       FIG. 2D  shows a rear view of the GFCI active cover plate  28  with the prongs  32  extending rearward from the rear surface  33  of the front plate  34 . The prongs  32  may be secured to the front plate  34  in a variety of ways. For example, the base of the prongs  32  may fit over one or more of the posts  38  and may be sandwiched between the front plate  34  and the backplate  36 . The prongs  32  are lower on the front plate  34  for the GFCI active cover plate  28  than on a standard outlet active cover plate because of the lower placement of the screw terminals  24  on the GFCI outlet  10 . The two opposing prongs  32  may contact either the load or the line screw terminals  24  of a GFCI outlet  10 , depending on the configuration of the specific GFCI outlet  10  and installation orientation of the active cover plate  28  with respect to the GFCI outlet  10 . As discussed above, if the prongs  32  contact the line screw terminals  24 , an active cover plate  28  may draw electrical power from the house wiring  12  and may operate regardless of whether the GFCI outlet  10  is tripped. If the prongs  32  contact the load screw terminals  24 , an active cover plate  28  may not have power when the GFCI outlet  10  is tripped. 
       FIG. 2E  shows a side view of an active cover plate  28 . From the side, the structure of the GFCI prongs  32  shows that the prongs may be generally straight and extend from the front plate  34  in a perpendicular manner. However, this is only one example. The prongs  32  may have a variety of other configurations. For example, the prongs  32  may extend from the front plate  34  at any angle, including angles that bring the tips of the prongs  32  toward each other. 
       FIG. 2F  shows a bottom view of an active cover plate  28  and prongs  32  that extend rearward off the front plate  34 . The prongs  32  may include back element(s)  40 , a main ramp  42  at the terminal end of the prongs  32 , and front element(s)  44 . In some embodiments, the back element(s)  40  and front element(s) may be insulative components. In this example, a free/terminal end of a resilient contact (near the base of a prong  32 ) may be sandwiched between a front element  44  and a rear element  40 . The terminal end of the resilient contact may slide between these two insulative components  40 ,  44  to facilitate the compression of the contact as the corresponding prong  32  is inserted in the gap  20  between the edge of the GFCI outlet  10  and the outlet box  22  and its subsequent re-expansion to contact the screw  24 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2F , each of the prongs  32  may include a resilient contact  46  (in this illustrative embodiment the resilient contact can be described as a resilient bowed contact) and an auxiliary spring  48  (e.g. a cantilevered spring) beneath the resilient contact  46 . The resilient contact  46  may compress during insertion of the prongs  32  between the body of the GFCI outlet  10  and sides of the electrical receptacle box  22 . This results in a prong  32  that can pass through very thin/narrow openings/gaps. The contact  46  then expands/rebounds when the prong  32  reaches the recessed area containing the screw terminals  24  or other area with greater width. 
     The spring  48  may assist the contact  46  in expanding by providing additional force on the rear of the resilient contact  46 . This may assist in bringing the contact  46  inward, increasing the width of the prong  32 , and makes an electrical connection between the contact  46  and the screw terminal  24 . The spring  48  may or may not be present in a particular design. In general, the contact  46  may contain sufficient resilient force to rebound after compression. 
       FIGS. 2G, 2H, and 2I  show one embodiment of a metal clip  50  that can be incorporated into a prong  32  and may be configured to provide resilience, electrical conductivity, and a contact  46  for a prong  32 .  FIG. 2G  is a side view of the metal clip  50 , showing the base  52 , upright  54 , and resilient contact  46 . The spring  48  is also shown.  FIG. 2H  shows a perspective view of the metal clip  50 . In this example, the base  52  of the metal clip  50  has apertures  56  that are configured to fit over posts  38  that extend from the rear of the front plate  34 . The metal clip  50  may also include a number of other features. For example, there may be another cutout or aperture  67 . The resilient contact  46  may extend over this aperture  67  with a first fixed end  59  ( FIG. 2I ) on one side of the aperture and a second free end  60  on the other side of the aperture. In some embodiments, the aperture  67  may be generally rectangular and pass entirely through the upright. This aperture  67  may be behind the resilient contact  46 . This aperture  67  may have a first short side, a second short side, and a first long side and a second long side. The first fixed end  59  may be proximate to the first short side of the aperture and the free end  60  may be proximate to the second short side. The base  52  may also be secured by sandwiching it between the front plate  34  and the back plate  36 . 
     The upright portion  54  is configured to support the prong  32  and resiliently flex when forces are applied to the prong. For example, the flexure in the upright  54  may be configured to allow the prongs  32  to bend outward when placed over an electrical receptacle  10  that is wider than spacing between the two opposing resilient contacts  46 . The flexure and resiliency in the upright  54  then urges the prong  32  inward so that the contact  46  is brought into electrical and mechanical contact with the screw terminal  24  of the GFCI outlet receptacle  10 . The upright  54  may or may not be metal or conductive. In some embodiments, the upright may be formed from plastic or other material. 
     The contact  46  of the metal clip  50  may be formed by bending an extension  58  from the top of the upright  54  into a desired shape. For an example of an unbent prong with an extension  58 , see  FIG. 9A . In this example, the extension  58  is bent near its base and the extension  58  curves to form the rounded resilient contact  46  and place the end  60  of the extension  58  against a lower portion upright  54 . As discussed elsewhere in the present paper, in this embodiment, the end  60  can be configured to slide back and forth against the upright  54  as the curvature of the contact  46  changes, thereby increasing/decreasing the overall width of the prong  32 . 
     Thus, the prong  32  may be connected to the back surface  33  of the front plate  34  at a location outboard of the outlet aperture  30  and extend rearward away from the back surface  33  of the front plate  34  in the transverse direction. The prong  32  may include an upright  54  extending rearward away from the back surface  33  of the front plate  34  in the transverse direction and a resilient contact  46  located on an inboard side of the upright  54 . 
       FIG. 2I  shows an insulating back element  40  and an insulating front element  44  over a metal clip  50 . The outboard/back element  40  covers the rear of the metal clip  50  and the top curve of the resilient contact  46 . The front element  44  covers the bottom/end  60  of the extension  58  and has two posts  62  that extend through corresponding apertures  64  in the upright  54  and apertures in the back element  40 . These posts  62  may be compressed to secure the back and front elements  40 ,  44  in place on the metal clip  50 . The rear element  40  may also be secured by having shoulders  66  on the metal clip  50  slide into slots in the rear element  40 . In this example, the rear element  40  includes a ramp  42 . Both the front and rear elements in this example may be insulating. 
     Thus, as illustrated in  FIG. 2I , a resilient contact  46  may include a first end  59 , second end  60 , and middle portion  47 . The first end  59  and second end  60  may contact the upright  54  while the middle portion  47  extends inboard and away from the upright  54 . One of more of the ends  59 ,  60  may be free to move with respect to the upright  54 . In the example shown in  FIG. 2I , the first end  59  is connected to the upright  54  and the second end  60  is free to move with respect to the upright  54 . In other prong embodiments shown below, the prongs may have other configurations, with both ends of the contact being free to move or the end of the contact extending farthest away from the base of the prong may be free to move instead of the end closer to the base. 
     In some embodiments, the prong  32  may further include a front element  44  covering at least a portion of the inboard side of the upright  54 . The second end  60  of the contact  46  may be captured between the front element  44  and the inboard side of the upright  54  such that the second end  60  has a greater freedom of motion in the transverse direction than in the lateral direction or the longitudinal direction. 
     The examples discussed above are only illustrative. The principles described may take a variety of different forms and be combined with other principles or features described herein. For example, the prongs  32  and/or metal clips  50  described in  FIGS. 2J and 2K  may have different geometric implementations than other prongs than incorporate the principles described herein. For other examples of prongs with different geometries see  FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 . The prongs  32  are not limited to any specific embodiment shown, but can have a wide range of implementations of the principles described. 
     As discussed above, various models of GFCI outlets  10  may have different setback distances  26  from the mount. Consequently, the prongs  32  extending rearward from the front plate  34  of an active cover plate  28  may have various lengths or contact configurations to contact a wider range of GFCI outlets  10 . One approach to contacting screw terminals  24  with different setback distances  26  is to make prongs  32  with two different heights  68 . 
     If a particular GFCI outlet  10  has screws  24  that are set back farther than other GFCI outlets  10 , a taller prong  32  may be used to reach farther into the GFCI electrical outlet receptacle box  22  to reach the screw terminal  24 .  FIG. 2J  shows a shorter GFCI prong  32 .  FIG. 2K  shows a longer GFCI prong  32 . Also shown in  FIGS. 2J and 2K  are cantilever springs  48  that extend from an upper portion of an upright  54  rather than from a lower portion of an upright  54  as shown in  FIGS. 2B, 2C, 2F, and 2G-2I . 
       FIGS. 2J and 2K  also show the resilient contacts  46 , the uprights  54 , the insulation including the front element(s)  44  and rear/back element  40  with terminal ramps  42 . The bases  52  may include a number of features to retain the prong on the face plate and to make an electrical connection with circuitry that is included in the active cover plate. For example, conductive material may connect the resilient contact to the electronic circuitry. In this example wires may connect to the base of the prong and then to a circuit board sandwiched between the front plate and back plate. However, the prongs, circuitry and the method of connecting the circuitry to the prongs may vary in other embodiments. For example, the prong may have an integral extension of metal that connects to the circuit. Additionally or alternatively, the resilient contact may be conductive while other elements, such as the upright  54  may not be conductive. A wire or other conductive element may connect directly to the contact and the circuit. In some embodiments, the circuitry may include a light source such as LEDs. 
       FIG. 3A  shows a rear view of a GFCI outlet  10  with an active cover plate  28  installed over the GFCI outlet  10 .  FIG. 3B  shows a front view of the GFCI outlet  10  with the active cover plate  28  installed.  FIG. 3C  is a rear perspective view that shows a prong  32  extending along the side of the GFCI outlet  10 , which enables a corresponding resilient contact  46  to extend into recesses  53  and contact an inset screw terminal  24 . 
     In one example, an active cover plate  28  may include at least one prong  32  configured to contact a screw terminal  24  of an electrical receptacle  10  such as a GFCI outlet or other receptacle. This prong  32  may include a front element  44  that may serve as insulator and/or bottom cover on the inboard side of prong  32  and back element  40  on the outboard side of the upright  54 . The back element may have a number of functions including insulation, structural support, or other functions. The prong  32  also may include a resilient contact  46  (e.g. a bowed or resilient contact) extending beyond the front element  44  (e.g. bottom cover) to make contact with the screw terminal  24  of an electrical receptacle  10 . The active cover plate  28  may include a circuit and an electrical connection between the at least one prong  32  and the circuit, wherein the at least one prong  32  may supply the circuit with electrical power from the screw terminal  24 . 
     In one example, the resilient contact  46  (e.g. bowed contact) may compress under a normal or lateral force of less than ten newtons to less than one quarter of its uncompressed height. The resilient contact  46  may also be secured between the front element  44  (e.g. insulating and/or bottom cover) and the back element  40  (e.g. insulating cover). Additionally or alternatively, the resilient contact  46  may be configured to compress to less than half of its uncompressed height. 
     For example, the resilient contact  46  may be configured to be compressed to less than half of its uncompressed height under manual pressure during installation of the active cover plate  28  over an electrical receptacle  10 . In some embodiments, the resilient contact  46  may be configured to rebound to at least 80% of its original height after being compress to half of its uncompressed height. 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  are diagrams that show various illustrative stages of an installation and removal of an active cover plate  28  over a GFCI outlet  10 . In  FIG. 4A  the active cover plate  28  with its prongs  32  extending rearward has been placed over the GFCI outlet  10  so that there is one prong  32  on either side of the GFCI outlet  10 . The prongs  32  in this example are secured between the front plate  34  and back plate  36  with posts  38  extending through the base of the prongs  32 . Electrical power to the GFCI outlet  10  is supplied through wires  12  that are connected by screw terminals  24 . 
     As shown, the width  70  of the prong  32  exceeds the width  72  of the narrow gap  20  between the body of the GFCI outlet  10  and the electrical box  22 . In this case a shoulder  18  on the GFCI outlet  10  protrudes to create the narrowest portion of the gap  20 . In this embodiment, the prong  32  must compress to pass through the gap  20 . However, in other embodiments the prong  32  may flex or contract to pass through the gap  20 . 
     In this embodiment, the prongs  32  also include a main ramp  42  that is configured to engage with the body of the GFCI outlet  10  and guide the prongs  32  around the GFCI outlet  10 . However, in other designs, the ramp  42  may be configured to engage with the electrical box  22  and have an incline in the other direction. For example, the prongs  32  in  FIGS. 2J and 2K  have ramps that are inclined in the opposite direction of those shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D . Before the contacts  46  begin to enter the gap  20 , the end  60  of the contact  46  does not extend all the way into the cavity  74  between the outboard insulation/rear element  40  and the inboard insulation/front element  44 . This leaves space in the cavity  74 . 
       FIG. 4B  shows the active cover plate  28  being installed over the GFCI outlet  10  and the prongs  32  compressing to enter the narrow gap  20 . The free end  60  of the contact  46  extends into the cavity  74 ,  FIG. 4A  and allows the face/profile of the contact  46  to straighten, thereby narrowing the overall width  70  of the prong  32 . The auxiliary spring  48  also bends, thereby allowing the overall width  70  of the prong  32  to narrow. Also, the back of the prong  32  is in contact with the inner wall of the electrical box  22 . In this example, the main ramp  42  is in contact with the inner wall of the electrical box  22  as well. 
       FIG. 4C  shows the active cover plate  28  in place over the GFCI outlet  10  and the free end  60  of the contact  46  retracting out of the cavity  74  and the contact  46  rebounding/recovering its width  70  after passing through the gap  20  to contact the screw terminal  24 . The auxiliary spring  48  may provide some portion of the recovery force to assist the contact  46  in recovering. However, there are embodiments of the GFCI prongs  32  that do not include the auxiliary spring  48  or the auxiliary spring  48  may have a different geometry. For example, the auxiliary spring  48  may be a cantilever spring as shown in  FIG. 4C  or may have a different geometry as shown in  FIG. 4D . The prong  32  may also have a variety of other auxiliary spring  48  types, sizes, and/or geometries that assist with rebound of the contact  46 . For example, a compression spring may be under the contact  46  or may otherwise support the contact  46 . In some embodiments, the front of the prong  32  may be in contact with the screw terminal  24  and at least a portion of the outboard side of the prong may be in contact with the inner wall of the box  22 . For example, the ramp  42  and/or other portions of the prong may be in contact with the electrical box  22 . 
       FIG. 4D  shows removal of the active cover plate  28  from the GFCI outlet  10 . In this configuration, friction between the contact  46  and the shoulder  18  of the GFCI outlet  10  may tend to prevent contact  46  from being withdrawn. In some embodiments, this may tend to pull the terminal end  60  of the contact  46  out of the cavity  74  and to bunch up the contact  46  rather than having it collapse and narrow to pass through the gap  20 . To mitigate this, the free end  60  of the contact  46  may be captured in the cavity  74  to prevent the end  60  of the contact  46  from being pulled from the cavity  74  during removal of the active cover plate  28 . This concept is described in greater detail in  FIGS. 5G-5I  and associated text. The auxiliary spring  48  may have an additional purpose in that it may prevent the contact  46  from bunching up as the active cover plate is withdrawn. 
     As discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4D , a first end  59  of the resilient contact  46  may be secured with respect to the rear element  40  (e.g. insulating cover) and a second end  60  of the resilient contact  46  may be configured to slide with respect to the rear element  40 . The second end  60  of the resilient contact  46  may be configured to slide between the rear element  40  and the front element  44 . The second end  60  of the resilient contact  46  may be configured to slide into a slot between the rear element  40  and the front element  44  when the contact  46  is compressed and to retract at least partway out of the slot when the contact  46  relaxes (see e.g.  FIG. 4C ). Additionally, the prong  32  may include an additional spring  48  configured to provide a restoring force to the resilient contact  46  to restore the height of the resilient contact  46  after compression. The spring  48  may be a cantilever spring  48  or other appropriate spring  48  configured to press against an underside of the resilient contact  46 . 
     Prongs  32  in accordance with the present invention may have a number of features and benefits that are described with respect to  FIGS. 5A-5F .  FIG. 5A  is a front view of a prong  32  showing the base  52 , a bottom cover  44 , a contact  46 , a rear element  40 , which acts as an insulating cover, extending upward from the base  52  and supporting the contact  46  and main ramp  42  extending from or as part of the rear element  40 . 
       FIG. 5B  is a top view of the prong  32  with the contact  46  extending/bowing outward from the insulating cover  40 . The base  52  is shown with securing elements formed therein. In this example, the securing elements are apertures  56  that are configured to accept mounting posts such as mounting posts  38  shown in  FIGS. 2D-2F . 
       FIG. 5C  shows a bottom view of the prong  32  with the contact  46 , bottom/front cover  44  and base  52 . As a force is applied (during insertion of the prong  32  between the GFCI outlet  10  and the receptacle box  22 ), the contact  46  may compress by sliding one end  60  further into the bottom cover  44 . This allows the ends of the contact  46  to move away from each other and for the contact  46  to collapse or flatten. When the force is removed (i.e. the prong  32  reaches the side of the GFCI outlet  10  where the screw terminal  24  is located), the auxiliary spring  48  may assist the contact  46  in resiliently springing back to contact the often recessed screw terminal  24 . 
       FIG. 5D  shows a side view of a prong  32  that includes spring  48 , contact  46  and base  52 . In one embodiment, the base  52 , spring  48  and contact  46  may all be stamped/formed from the same piece of resilient sheet metal. The bottom/terminal end  60  of the contact  46  may slide in a pocket, space, and/or cavity in the front element  44 . This allows the bowed contact to compress to have a flatter profile. The front element  44  may be connected to the rear element  40  in this example by two joining posts  62 . However, this and other connections could be made in a variety of different ways.  FIG. 5E  shows a rear view of the illustrative prong  32 .  FIG. 5F  shows a perspective view of a prong  32 . 
       FIGS. 5G-5I  show a prong  32  that includes end-capture of the contact  46 .  FIG. 5G  shows a front view of the prong  32  with the front element  44  partially cut away to show the end  60  of the contact  46  captured within the cavity  74 .  FIG. 5H  shows that during compression, the end  60  of the contact  46  extends further into the cavity  74  and during expansion of the contact  46  (i.e. retraction of the prong) the end  60  (e.g. a retention feature  76  of the end  60 ) contacts a blocking feature  78  to prevent the end  60  of the contact  46  from leaving the cavity  74 . Figure SI shows that during expansion or retraction of the prong  32  the blocking feature  78  contacts the retention feature  76  and prevents the end  60  of the contact  46  from leaving or being pulled out of the cavity  74 . 
     In some situations, there may be different GFCI outlet  10  configurations that have such different geometries that it could be difficult for a single prong  32  to contact the full range of GFCI outlets  10  and outlet configurations. For example, the GFCI outlet  10  may be installed upside down or right side up. If the screw terminals  24  are symmetrical, then the same prong  32  in the same position would contact the screw terminals  24  in both orientations. However, if the screw terminals  24  were not symmetrical about a midpoint of the outlet  10 , then the prong  32  may not be able to contact the screw terminal  24  in one of the configurations. 
     Additionally, the GFCI outlets  10  may have screw terminals  24  at a range of depths. Some screw terminals  24  may be a shorter distance from the face of the outlet  10 , while others may be a greater distance from the face of the outlet  10 . Additionally, sometimes a GFCI cover plate is installed so that the front surface of the GFCI outlet  10  is flush with the front surface of the cover plate. In other situations, the GFCI outlet  10  may extend as much as a ¼ of an inch beyond the front surface of the active cover plate  28 . This means that there may be variation of as much as a quarter inch in the depth or location of the screw terminal  24  with respect to the active cover plate  28  based solely on the way the GFCI outlet  10  is installed. 
       FIGS. 6A-6I  are diagrams showing prongs  32  with contacts  46  that can be moved to better contact screw terminals  24  with varying depths.  FIG. 6A  shows a prong  32  with a contact  46  in a lower position. The contact  46  is touching some part of a screw terminal  24  (in this case a screw head of a GFCI outlet  10 , although it could be touching any other electrified surface of any type of electrical receptacle). 
     As discussed above it can be desirable for the same prong  32  to be configured to contact a wide range of electrical receptacles  10 , including electrical receptacles  10  that have screw terminals  24  that are deeper into an electrical box  22  (i.e. see  FIG. 6C  where the recessed screw terminal  24  is farther from the base  52  of the prong  32 ).  FIG. 6B  shows that the contact  46  can be moved from one position  80  (for shallow terminals) to another position  82  (for deeper terminals).  FIG. 6C  shows the contact  46  in a position  82  suitable for contacting a recessed screw terminal  24  while avoiding a shoulder  18  of the GFCI outlet  10 . 
     The prong  32  may be configured in a variety of ways to allow the contact  46  to be moved from one position  80  to another position  82 . For example, the contact  46  may be a separate piece and “float” while still remaining captured. The contact  46  may be formed from metal and move up and down/in and out in a conductive track in the face of the prong  32 . This may allow for motion of the contact  46  while still maintaining electrical conductivity between the contact  46  and other conductors in the prong  32 . 
       FIGS. 6D-6I  show one embodiment of a mechanism that may allow a position of a contact  46  on the face  84  of a prong  32  to be adjusted.  FIG. 6D  shows an illustrative contact  46  and a prong face  84  that allow for the contact  46  to be moved and “locked” into place. In this example, the contact  46  may include a convex contact portion  86 , an upper base  88  and a lower base  90 . The contact  46  may be formed in a variety of ways and from a variety of materials. For example, the contact  46  may be formed from a conductive sheet and stamped into the desired shape/geometry. 
       FIG. 6E  shows a face  84  of a prong  32  that includes an outer layer  92  with an aperture  94 . The aperture  94  may include four slots  96   a ,  96   b ,  96   c ,  96   d  spaced along one side  98 , two upper slots  96   a ,  96   c  with the same spacing as the upper and lower bases  88 ,  90  of the contact  46  and two lower slots  96   b ,  96   d , also with the same spacing as the upper and lower bases  88 ,  90  of the contact  46 . The aperture  94  may be backed by an inner layer  100 . The outer layer  92  (e.g., front insulation element  44 ) and inner layer  100  may be formed from a variety of materials including conductive and nonconductive materials. In one example, both the outer and inner layers  92 ,  100  are formed from conductive metal. In other embodiments the outer layer  92  is an insulator and the inner layer  100  is a conductor. 
       FIG. 6F  shows the contact  46  in place in the face  84  of the prong  32 , with the upper and lower bases  88 ,  90  sandwiched between the inner and outer layers  100 ,  92  and the convex contact portion  86  extending away from the face  84  of the prong  32  (toward the viewer). By moving the contact  46  down and to the left into the lower set of slots  96   b ,  96   d , the contact  46  may be secured in a lower position  80 , with the slots  96   b ,  96   d  preventing the contact  46  from moving vertically. 
     The upper and lower bases  88 ,  90  may be sandwiched between the inner and outer layers  100 ,  92  and are in electrical contact with at least one of the layers  92 ,  100  that is conductive. This allows for an electrical path from the contact  46  through the prong  32 .  FIG. 6G  shows the contact  46  locked into position in the two lower slots  96   b ,  96   d . However, the contact  46  may still be able to compress because one or more of the ends may be able to slide (e.g. in the slots  96   b ,  96   d ) to flatten an arch formed by the convex contact portion  86 . Conversely, if the contact  46  is moved up and to the left as shown in  FIG. 6H , the contact  46  may be locked or secured in an upper position  82  in the face  84  of the prong  32  as shown in  FIG. 6I . 
     The description given above is only one example. There are many different embodiments of the contact  46  and prong  32  that could be used to make the position of a contact  46  adjustable on the face  84  of the prong  32 . The principles described above can be combined with other principles, features, and descriptions in this document or documents that are incorporated by reference. 
       FIGS. 7A-7D  show another illustrative embodiment of a prong  32  with a movable contact  46 .  FIG. 7A  is a side view of the prong  32 , showing the base  52  of the prong  32 , an upright  54  extending at an angle from the base  52  and a ramp  42  at the distal end of the upright  54 . A movable contact  46  extends from the inboard face  84  of the prong  32 .  FIG. 7B  is a front view (of the inboard side of the prong  32 ) that shows the resilient contact  46  and the upright  54  at least partially covered by insulative material  40 ,  44 .  FIG. 7C  is an upper perspective view of the prong  32  and  FIG. 7D  is a lower perspective view of the prong  32 . 
     In this embodiment, the contact  46  has a lower base  90  and upper base  88  that are captured between an outer layer  92  (e.g., front insulation  44 ) and an upright  54 . The lower base  90  may slide vertically within a lower aperture  102  or slot  102  in the outer layer  92 . The upper base  88  may also slide within an upper aperture  104  in the outer layer  92 . However, the upper aperture  104  in the outer layer  92  may have a number of locking features  106   a ,  106   b  that are configured to secure the upper base  88  in at least two vertical positions. 
     By securing only the top of the contact  46  (the upper base  88 ), the bottom base  90  may be free to slide within the lower aperture  102  to allow the contact  46  to compress/flex to pass through restricted locations such as narrow gaps  20  between GFCI outlets  10  and electrical boxes  22 . In one embodiment, the upper base  88  has a tooth  108  that selectively engages the locking features  106   a ,  106   b  of the upper aperture  104  in the outer layer  92 . Accordingly, the tooth  108  may engage or reside within an upper locking feature  106   a  when the corresponding contact  46  is in a more distal position with respect to the base  52  and may engage or reside within a lower locking feature  106   b  when the corresponding contact  46  is in a more proximal position with respect to the base  52 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8E  show several illustrative examples of prongs  32  that have multiple contacts  46   a ,  46   b  to accommodate a wider range of variations in GFCI outlets  10 .  FIG. 8A  is a side view of a prong  32  that includes an insulating rear element  40 , a base  52 , a front element  44 , and two resilient contacts  46  (e.g., a first contact  46   a  and a second contact  46   b ). In this embodiment, the first and second resilient contacts  46   a ,  46   b  are bowed contact that slide in cavities  74  in the lower cover/front element  44 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8B , there are a number of shapes that the contacts  46  may have. In this figure, the contacts  46   a ,  46   b  are more rounded and protrude farther than the contacts  46   a ,  46   b  in  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8C  shows a front view of a prong  32 , with the first contact  46   a  offset laterally and vertically from the second contact  46   b .  FIG. 8D  shows a side view of a GFCI outlet  10  with an obstruction  110  above the screw. 
     In selected applications or situations, a single contact  46  may encounter an obstruction  110  and be lifted away from the screw terminal  24 . However, with prongs  32  having multiple independent contacts  46  (i.e. a first contact  46   a  and a second contact  46   b ) the first contact  46   a  may independently contact the obstruction  110  while the second contact  46   b  may contact the screw terminal  24 . Conversely, if there is a shoulder  18  or other obstruction on the GFCI outlet  10  as shown in  FIG. 6C  and  FIG. 8E , the second contact  46   b  may engage with the shoulder  18  while the first contact  46   a  may engage with a recessed screw  24 . Thus, the independence of the two contacts  46   a ,  46   b  provides for greater compatibility with a wider range of GFCI outlets  10  and outlet configurations. 
     Thus, there may be one or more resilient contacts  46  (e.g. first and second contacts  46   b ,  46   a  as shown in  FIGS. 8A-8E  or dual contacts  46   a ,  46   b  corresponding to dual prongs  32   a ,  32   b  as shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C ). The first and second resilient contacts  46   a ,  46   b  may be vertically and laterally offset in the prong  32  (see e.g.  FIGS. 8A-8E ). In other examples, the first and second resilient contacts  46   a ,  46   b  may only be laterally offset in the prong  32  (see e.g.  FIGS. 9A-9C  and associated text). The first and second resilient contacts  46   a ,  46   b  may be only vertically offset in the prong  32 , but not laterally offset. The first and second resilient contacts  46   a ,  46   b  may be able to compress independently. For example, one of the resilient contacts  46   a ,  46   b  may be configured to compress or reform dependent on the compression of the other contact  46   b ,  46   a.    
       FIGS. 9A-9C  show an alternative configuration with double prongs  32   a ,  32   b .  FIG. 9A  shows a metal clip  50  suitable for use with double prongs  32   a ,  32   b . The metal clip  50  may begin as stamped or otherwise cutout sheet metal that has not yet been bent or formed. The metal clip  50  may include a base  52  with apertures  56  to both receive mounting post  38  and apertures  64  through which the joining posts  62  can pass to secure insulating elements  40 ,  44 . Extensions  58  are formed to make the contacts  46   a  and  46   b  and their free ends  60 . The portions that form the upright  54  and cantilevered sprint  48  are also labeled. 
       FIG. 9B  shows double prongs  32   a ,  32   b  forming part of an active cover plate  28  that is installed over a GFCI outlet  10 . In  FIG. 9B , the active cover plate  28  with double prongs  32   a ,  32   b  is installed over a GFCI outlet  10  with the GFCI outlet  10  in a “right side up” orientation. The active cover plate  28  is shown without the back plate  36 , circuitry, or other prongs  32  (prongs  32  for engaging the other side of the GFCI outlet  10 ). The first contact  46   a  of the double prongs  32   a ,  32   b  is contacting the screw terminal  24 , while the second contact  46   b  is not contacting the screw terminal. 
       FIG. 9C  shows an active cover plate  28  with double prongs  32   a ,  32   b  installed over a GFCI outlet  10  with the GFCI outlet  10  in an “upside down” orientation. In this example, the GFCI outlet  10  is not symmetrical. Consequently, the second bowed contact  46   b  makes contact with the screw terminal  24  instead of the first bowed contact  46   a . Thus the double prongs may increase the compatibility of the active cover plate  28  with a wider variety of outlets and outlet configurations. 
     In one example, an active cover plate includes at least one prong configured to contact a screw terminal of an electrical receptacle. The prong may include front electrical insulation on a first side of the prong, rear insulation on a second side of the prong; and a compressible contact extending beyond the front insulation to make contact with the screw terminal of an electrical receptacle. The active cover plate may also include a circuit and an electrical connection between at least one prong and the circuit. At least one prong may supply the circuit with electrical power from the screw terminal(s). The compressible contact may be secured between the front insulation and the rear insulation and a free end of the compressible contact may be configured to move with respect to the front and/or rear insulation. For example, the free end of the compressible contact may be configured to move in a cavity between the front insulation and rear insulation. In one embodiment, a first end of the compressible contact is secured with respect to the rear insulation and a second end of the compressible contact is configured to slide with respect to the rear and/or front insulation. For example, the second free end of the compressible may be configured to slide into a slot or cavity between the rear insulation and the front insulation when the contact is compressed and to retract at least partway out of the slot or cavity when the contact relaxes. The prong may include additional contacts. For example, the prong may include two or more compressible contacts that are horizontally or laterally offset from one another on the prong. These two or more compressible contacts may compress independently. In some embodiments, the contacts on the prong may not be compressible and there may be multiple contacts present on a single prong. For example, an active cover plate may include at least one prong extending rearward from the face plate. The prong may include multiple electrically conductive contacts. These contacts may be connected to each other using one or more fuse elements. 
     In one embodiment, an active cover plate may include a face plate, at least one prong extending rearward from the face plate. The prong may include an electrically conductive contact that includes a dielectric substrate with a plurality of electrically conductive patches supported by the dielectric substrate and connected to one another by one or more fuse elements. 
       FIGS. 10A-10G  show various examples of principles or features that may be applied to prongs  32  for GFCI outlets  10  or other situations where prongs  32  need to pass through narrow openings and then expand to make electrical contact with elements beyond the narrow opening.  FIG. 10A  shows a resilient conductive plastic or metal prong  32  that may or may not be paired with an insulator (in this case a separate insulating wall  112 ) on the outboard side of the prong  32 . The conductive prong  32  may have a fairly narrow profile and be flexible enough to compress to pass through a narrow opening. 
       FIG. 10B  shows a flexible prong  32  with a rear element/insulator  40  coupled to its outboard side. For example, the flexible prong  32  may be formed by dual injection molding. First a conductive plastic may be injected to form the base  52 , upright  54  and contact portions  46 . The insulating plastic  40  on the upper and outboard sides of the conductive plastic could then be formed. Additionally or alternatively, the conductive plastic could be partially or completely replaced with flexible metal. 
       FIGS. 10C and 10D  show a prong  32  that has an internal structure that expands after the active cover plate  28  is installed. For example, the prong  32  may include a base element  114  that is compressed as the active cover plate  28  is installed over the electrical receptacle  10 . As the base element  114  is compressed, it may expand, broaden, alter the shape, or the like of a distal end of the prong  32  so that the prong  32  is brought into contact with the screw terminal  24 . The front plate  34  and back plate  36  are shown in each of the embodiments. 
       FIG. 10E  shows a prong with a spring or resilient joint  116  between the base  52  the upright  54 . The spring or resilient joint  116  may urge the upright portion  54  of the prong  32  in an inboard direction  118  (toward the screw terminal  24  of an outlet  10 ). The profile of the upright  54  may be relatively narrow so that the prong  32  can extend into the narrow openings. After passing through the narrow opening the spring or resilient joint  116  may urge the contact  46  to the screw terminal  24 . The conductivity of the prong  32  may be maintained through the spring or resilient joint  116 . 
       FIG. 10F  shows a prong  32  that includes an upright  54  that may or may not be conductive and an electrical contact  46  located on an upper/distal portion of the prong  32 . The upright  54  may or may not be flexible and/or resilient. For example, the upright  54  may be made of a plastic material that may or may not be resilient or provide spring force. A conductor  120  may be connected to the contact  46  and pass into the internal space (e.g., to an electrical circuit) of the active cover plate  28 . 
       FIG. 10G  shows one embodiment where the electrical contact  46  is a magnet that is attached to a flexible upright  54 . For example, the flexible upright  54  may be made of any material and have any of a number of different geometries. In one embodiment, the flexible upright  54  has a bending moment (stiffness, resistance to bending) that is small in one direction and significantly greater in another direction. For example, the magnet may be on the end of a sheet that can easily bend toward or away from the screw terminal  24 , thereby allowing the magnetic force between the magnet and the screw terminal  24  to bring the magnet into contact with the screw terminal  24 . In other dimensions or axes of rotation, the upright  54  may be more rigid to allow the magnet and corresponding prong  32  to be more accurately or easily maneuvered into position. For example, the upright  54  may be relatively rigid for motion that is in and out of the page. This would allow the upright  54  to support the weight of the magnet during installation of the active cover plate  28  over a wall mounted GFCI outlet  10 . 
       FIGS. 11A-11F  are various illustrative embodiments of prongs  32  for active cover plates  28 .  FIGS. 11A and 11B  show a prong  32  that includes an upright, conductive element  54  and a rear insulating element  40  that includes slots  122  or slits  122  to increase its flexibility. The upright, conductive element  54  may be any of a number of different elements, including conductive plastic or metal. It may be resilient and may or may not have its inboard side partially covered by insulation. It may have any shape that is appropriate. The slots  122  allow the thickness of the insulation  40  to be maintained while increasing the flexibility of the prong  32  overall. 
       FIGS. 11C and 11D  show prongs  32  comprising a number of joints  124  and stiffer segments  126  that work together to increase the flexibility and resilience of the prong  32 . This embodiment and the following embodiment includes a base  52  and a segmented upright  54 .  FIG. 11C  shows the prong  32  in its rest position with the contact  46  extending inward/inboard. During insertion or the application of forces that tend to straighten the prong  32 , it straightens and elongates using the flexure provided by the joints  124 . When the force(s) are removed, the prong  32  may return to its rest position to urge or initiate contact with the screw terminal  24  of the GFCI outlet  10 .  FIGS. 11E and 11F  show an illustrative embodiment with different joints  124 . In general, there could be any number of joints  124  in the prong and they could be located anywhere within the prongs  32  to facilitate the function of the prongs  32  and electrical contact between the contact(s)  46  and the screw terminals  24 . 
     As used in the specification and appended claims, the term “free end” means free to move in at least one translational direction. For example, in  FIG. 10B , the insulated end  60  of the contact  46  is a free end because it can extend or move in the transverse direction as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . Similarly, the prongs  32  shown in  FIG. 11C-11F  can extend or move in the transverse direction when forces are applied (compare for example  FIGS. 11C and 11E  with  FIGS. 11D and 11F ). The illustrative prongs  32  shown in  FIGS. 2A-2K  have a contact  46  with a free end  60  (see e.g.  FIG. 2H ) that can translate in the transverse plane that is generally parallel to the front of the upright  54 . The free end  60  of the contact  46  may be on the far end of the contact  46  (relative to the base  52  of the prong  32 ) as shown in  FIGS. 11G and 11H . Additionally or alternatively, the free end  60  may be on the near side of the contact  46  (relative to the base  52  of the prong  32 ) as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2K . Further, both ends of the contact  46  may have limited freedom as shown in  FIG. 6D-6I . 
     In addition to the steps and description of principles described above,  FIG. 12  shows an illustrative method  200  for insertion of a prong of an active cover plate to touch an electrical terminal of an electrical receptacle. The method includes obtaining an active cover plate with a first prong (step  202 ). The active cover plate may include a front plate and a first prong extending away from a backside of the front plate. The first prong is inserted into a first gap between a first side of an electrical receptacle and a first wall of an electrical box in which the electrical receptacle is installed (step  204 ). The method may also include contacting, by the first prong during the inserting, the first side and first wall simultaneously (step  206 ). As a result of the contacting, the first prong deflects to a reduced width (step  208 ). After inserting, the first prong may rebound to a second width greater than the reduced width (step  210 ). After rebounding the first prong may touch a first electrical terminal located on the first side of the electrical receptacle (step  212 ). 
     In some embodiments, the first prong may further comprise a first electrical contact, where the touching may include physical contact between the first electrical contact and the first electrical terminal. The active cover plate may further comprise electronic circuitry connected to the front plate and conductive material extending to connect the first electrical contact to the electronic circuitry. 
     Additionally, the active cover plate may include a second prong with a second electrical contact. In some embodiments, the inserting further comprises inserting the second prong into a second gap between a second side of the electrical receptacle and a second wall of the electrical box. The contacting may further include contacting, by the second prong during the inserting, the second side and the second wall simultaneously. The deflecting may further comprise deflecting by the second prong as a result of the contacting to the reduced width. The touching may further comprise touching, by the second prong after the rebounding, a second electrical terminal located on the second side of the electrical receptacle. 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  show rear perspective views of an illustrative two-prong active cover plate ( 1300 ) for use with a decor light switch. The principles described herein have wide applicability and can be used with a variety of different active cover plate and electrical receptacle designs. In this example, the active cover plate ( 1300 ) has a large aperture ( 1307 ) in the face plate ( 1305 ) to accommodate the rocker on the face of a rocker light switch. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the two prongs ( 1315 ) are connected to the face plate ( 1305 ) and are configured to contact side screw terminals of a décor light switch. However, they will also contact screw terminals on many three-way and four-way light switches. But because there are only two prongs instead of three, four or more, complete electrical contact with all the screw terminals of three and four-way switches is not made. The two prongs extend rearward from the face plate and include both front and back insulation. The front insulation may be configured to insulate against electrical contact with the metal yoke of light switches and the rear insulation may be configured to insulate against electrical contact with electrical conductors in the electrical box. 
     The prongs ( 1315 ) also include a number of ramps surrounding the contact. As discussed previously, the ramps may allow the active cover plate ( 1300 ) to be installed more easily. The side ramps allow for vertical motion of the active cover plate ( 1300 ) to align the prongs ( 1315 ) with the screw terminals and the aperture in the face plate ( 1305 ) with the light switch toggle and/or rocker. The prongs ( 1315 ) can be inserted on the appropriate side of the light switch and then the active cover plate ( 1300 ) moved into place to align the aperture ( 1307 ) in the face plate ( 1305 ) of the cover plate with the toggle or rocker of the light switch. 
     As discussed above, prongs may have a number of different insulation configurations, including insulation/support that is integrally molded into the face plate. In one example,  FIGS. 13A and 13B  show various rear perspective views of an active cover plate ( 1300 ) that uses a protrusion ( 1317 ) molded into a rear surface of the face plate ( 1305 ) to insulate and/or support prongs ( 1315 ). In this example, the prong hood/insulation ( 1310 ) may leave a gap between the bottom of the insulation and the face plate. Consequently, this may leave some portion of the conductive material exposed. Additional insulation can be formed on the face plate. This is accomplished by molding a protrusion ( 1317 ) into the face plate ( 1305 ). In this embodiment, the protrusion ( 1317 ) extends upward/rearward to insulate a gap ( 1316 ) the otherwise exposed portion of the electrical conductor. In this example, the protrusion ( 1317 ) is an integrally molded feature in the face plate ( 1305 ) and the prongs ( 1315 ) fit onto the face plate ( 1305 ) such that the prongs ( 1315 ) are insulated on their inboard side by the protrusion ( 1317 ). 
     Thus, the active cover plate has front insulation that includes a protrusion on the face plate extending rearward to cover at least a portion of the inboard side of the prong. The protrusion on the face plate may cover a conductive metal portion of the prong. The conductive metal portion of the prong may include a formed metal sheet where the protrusion on the face plate may at least partially covers an inboard side of the bend of the formed metal sheet. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  show an alternative embodiment of an active cover plate with spring clips that extract power from screw terminals on the sides of outlet or switch bodies.  FIG. 14A  shows a rear perspective view of an active cover plate ( 1400 ) that includes a face plate ( 1402 ), a sandwich or back plate ( 1408 ) with two integral “U” channels ( 1404 ) and spring clips ( 1406 ). This view illustrates that the U channel/rear insulation ( 1404 ) surrounds the rear and sides of the spring clips ( 1406 ) and prevents accidental contact with the spring clips ( 1406 ). The spring clips ( 1406 ) and rear insulation ( 1404 ) may have any of a variety of configurations and geometries, including those shown in other documents that are incorporated by reference. For example, the insulation of the rear and/or sides of the prong may take a variety of configurations, including a three-dimensional shape such as the “U” channel described above, a two dimensional shape, such as a wall (see e.g. 61/720,131, FIGS. 1B, 9E, 10B, 18, 39), a shape that the conductive elements fit or slide into (see e.g. 61/720,131, FIGS. 9C, 24, 42C; present disclosure, FIGS. 5A-5I, 15A-15E), or other appropriate geometry. The rear insulation may be an integral feature of the back plate or may be separate element. 
       FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of the spring clip ( 1406 ). The spring clip ( 1406 ) includes a convex base curve, a concave mid curve, angled wings, an angled end portion, and a folded end. As discussed above, the angled end portion directs the spring clip ( 1406 ) outward as the active cover plate ( 1400 ) is initially brought into contact with the outlet or switch body. Folding the end of the spring clip ( 1406 ) creates a smooth end shape that is configured not to gouge or snag on surrounding materials. 
     The structure of the spring clip is designed to allow for large amounts of flexibility without permanent deformation. For example, the spring clip can be formed from a variety of different materials including copper, copper alloys, beryllium copper alloys, spring steels, beryllium alloys and other metal alloys. As discussed above, the spring clips are designed to make electrical contact with screw terminals on the sides of the outlet body. The screw terminals may have a variety of different widths, depending on the width of the outlet body and whether the screws are screwed out of the body or into the body. In one design, for small amounts of deformation, the spring clips primarily move outward by cantilever bending with most of the rotation occurring in and around the base curve. For larger amounts of deformation, the back portions of the spring clip can begin to contact the inner wall of the rear insulation. This changes the bending locations within the spring clips and prevents the base curve from being plastically deformed. The back portions that may contact the rear insulation include the back portion of the mid curve and the folded end of the prong. These portions are designed to slide within the rear insulation during deformation. For example, the rounded back portion of the mid curve and folded end both present smooth rounded surfaces that will slide easily in the rear insulation without becoming caught. The spring becomes much stiffer when the back of the mid curve and folded end contact the back of the rear insulation. The bending then occurs in different areas than the base curve. For example, a significant amount of the additional bending may occur in regions that are immediately above and below the angled wings. 
     The U channel provides a number of benefits as it interacts with the spring clip. It shields the screw terminal from accidental contact with exterior devices or components. The rear insulation also prevents undesirable plastic bending of the spring clip by supporting the spring clip. For example, when folded end of the spring clip is between the side walls of the rear insulation, lateral forces (for example forces exerted on the spring clip during vertical motion relative to the outlet body) may not bend the spring clip to the side because the spring clip will contact the side walls of the rear insulation. 
     Embodiments that use the U channel or other similar insulating shielding or tab may not require insulation placed directly on the spring clip. In the example shown in  FIG. 14B , the spring clip does not have any insulating coating because it is protected and insulated from the surroundings by the rear insulation. In other embodiments, the rear insulation may be used in conjunction with an insulated spring clip or front insulation. The concepts described above can be broadly applied to prongs with a variety of geometries. For example, the concept of using rear insulation surrounding the prong on two or more sides can be applied with a wide range of prong and insulation geometries. This may accomplish a variety of purposes, including protecting and insulating the prong. 
       FIG. 15A  shows a front perspective view of the conductive spring clip element ( 1500 ). The element includes a contact ( 1505 ) designed to make contact with a side screw terminal, a base ( 1515 ), and a curved flexure/flexible conductive element ( 1510 ) connecting the contact ( 1505 ) to the base ( 1515 ).  FIG. 15B  shows a side view of the conductive spring clip element ( 1500 ), with the contact ( 1505 ), curved flexure/flexible conductive element ( 1510 ), and base ( 1515 ). The curved flexure ( 1510 ) includes an elbow curve ( 1512 ) and a base curve ( 1516 ). The combination of these two curves may be configured to allow the element to bend around shoulders of light switches or outlet bodies. The base ( 1515 ) in this example shows a wire retention feature ( 1520 ). 
       FIG. 15C  shows a rear perspective view of the spring clip element ( 1500 ). This view shows barbed retention features ( 1525 ) along the sides of the contact ( 1505 ). The contact ( 1505 ) in this example is stamped out of the same piece of metal and is concave on the back side of the conductive element and convex on the front/inboard side (the side facing the screw terminal). The curved flexure ( 1510 ) also may include features to retain the insulating element. In this example, there is a hole ( 1530 ) through the curved flexure that allows a front portion and a rear portion of the insulating element to be connected together. The base ( 1515 ) may include wire retention features ( 1520 ) as discussed above and other retention features ( 1535 ) that assist in securing the base to the face plate. For example, the other retention features ( 1535 ) may include apertures configured to accept posts extending from the face plate. The features described above are only examples. 
       FIG. 15D  shows various views of spring clips for use in guidelights for light switches.  FIG. 15D  is an exploded assembly view of one example of a spring clip. As discussed above, the spring clips include an insulating portion or hood ( 1540 ). The hood in this example is formed from a single piece of electrical insulating material and includes an upper portion ( 1590 ), a rear insulating portion ( 1555 ), and a front insulating portion ( 1570 ). The upper portion ( 1590 ) includes a main ramp ( 1545 ), and two side ramps ( 1550 ). It also includes a cavity ( 1562 ) to receive the contact ( 1505 ). The barbed features ( 1525 ) are designed to secure the insulating element over the conductive element. For example, the conductive element may slide into slots in the cavity ( 1562 ). The barbed features ( 1525 ) may engage with the sides of the slots to secure the insulating element over the conductive element. 
     The rear insulating portion ( 1555 ) is directly connected to the upper portion ( 1590 ). The rear insulating portion ( 1555 ) is connected to the front insulating portion ( 1570 ) by a flexible portion ( 1565 ). For example, the flexible portion ( 1565 ) may be a joint or a living hinge. The rear insulating portion ( 1555 ) includes an aperture ( 1530 ) that is configured to receive a post ( 1575 ) on the front insulating portion ( 1570 ). 
     The front insulating portion ( 1570 ) is folded upward as shown by the curved arrow. The cavity ( 1562 ) in the upper portion ( 1590 ) of the hood slips ( 1540 ) over the contact ( 1505 ) and the barbs ( 1525 ) engage with the sides and/or slots in the cavity ( 1562 ) to secure the hood onto the conductive element ( 1500 ). The front insulating portion ( 1570 ) is then rotated about the joint/flexible portion ( 1565 ) until the post ( 1575 ) fits through the aperture ( 1530 ) in the conductive portion/curved flexure ( 1510 ) and through the aperture ( 1572 ) in the rear insulating portion ( 1555 ). The post ( 1575 ) is then secured in place. For example, the post ( 1575 ) may be pressed so that it expands to fill the apertures ( 1530 ) and secure the front insulating portion ( 1570 ) to the rear insulating portion ( 1555 ) and additionally secure the hood ( 1540 ) to the flexible element ( 1500 ). A variety of configurations could be used to apply the principles described. For example, the front insulation, and the rear insulation may be secured in a variety of ways including an interference fit, sonic welding, or other appropriate joining technique. 
       FIG. 15E  shows a perspective view of a spring clip ( 1585 ). In this view, the hood ( 1540 ) is installed over the flexible conductive element ( 1500 ) by sliding the contact ( 1505 ) into the cavity ( 1562 ) and the barbs ( 1525 ) into slots on either side of the cavity. This positions the ramps ( 1550 ,  1545 ) to facilitate during the installation of the active cover plate such that the contact ( 1505 ) moves into place over the screw terminal. The front insulating portion ( 1570 ) covers the front of the flexible conductive portion ( 1510 ) and the rear insulating portion ( 1555 ) covers the rear of the flexible conductive portion. The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe examples of the principles and features described. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit these principles to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. For example, the front insulation ( 1570 ) may include a number of additional components such the protrusions from the face plate as discussed above. 
       FIGS. 16A-16E  are diagrams describing various resilient support ( 1612 ,  1614 ,  1616 ) that can be used to prevent or mitigate permanent deformation of plastic or other materials used to support electrical contacts.  FIGS. 16A and 16B  show a prong or clip ( 1600 ) for an active cover plate with a plastic support structure that includes a base ( 1608 ), a curve ( 1610 ), and an upright ( 1606 ). A contact ( 1602 ) is mounted on the upright ( 1606 ) and the conductor ( 1604 ) is electrically connected to the contact ( 1602 ).  FIG. 16A  shows the prong ( 1600 ) in its neutral position. In one example shown in  FIG. 16B , when the prong ( 1600 ) comes into contact with a screw terminal or other part of an electrical receptacle, the prong ( 1600 ) is bent backwards. This bending can occur anywhere along the upright ( 1606 ) but, as illustrated in  FIG. 16B , the flexure may primarily occur in the curve ( 1610 ). Because the support structure is plastic or other deformable material, it will deform over time and assume a position that is closer to the deflected position than the neutral position. This may be undesirable because it reduces the normal force between the contact and the screw terminal. Further, if the active cover plate is ever removed from that receptacle to a different receptacle, the deformed prongs may not even contact the electrical receptacle. 
     There are a variety of other ways the prong could be deformed. For example, the prong may be deformed during packaging, handling or installation. A resilient support/insert can improve the prong resiliency and robustness and assist in returning the prong to a desired configuration. 
       FIGS. 16C, 16D and 16E  show various resilient supports ( 1612 ,  1614 ,  1616 ) that may prevent or mitigate deformation over time. In essence, the internal resilient supports can be deflected without significant plastic deformation and consequently tend to return the prong to its original neutral position. These resilient supports may be internal or external to the support structure.  FIG. 16C  shows an example of a prong ( 1600 ) that includes an internal resilient support ( 1612 ) that is not electrically connected to the contact ( 1602 ). In this example, the resilient support or stiffening member may be embedded or sandwiched into the upright. Further, the resilient support ( 1614 ) may be a strip or sheet of metal or other material as shown in  FIG. 16D , or resilient support/insert ( 1616 ) with a different cross section such as wire. These or other embodiments of resilient supports could be shaped in any of a variety of ways to secure them to a base/back plate/front plate and to support the prong upright in returning a position that is closer to a neutral or other desired position. 
     According to one embodiment, an active cover plate may include a face plate, an electrical load and at least one clip extending rearward from the face plate. The clip may include a contact, an upright mechanically supporting the contact, where the contact may be joined to the main upright and passes through the main upright and a rear insulator covers a rear side of the contact and an electrical connection between the clip and the electrical load. The clip may further comprise a stiffening member disposed between the main upright portion and the rear insulator. The stiffening member may be formed from a resilient metal such as a resilient wire or resilient strip. The stiffening member may be a resilient metal that follows the contours of the main upright and moves with the main upright. The stiffening member may include any or all of the following: a base portion, a bent portion, an upright portion and a head portion. The head portion may be narrower than the base portion and the bent portion. 
     In one example, the active cover plate may include a face plate, an electrical load and at least one clip extending rearward from the face plate. The clip may include a mechanical support and a contact supported by the mechanical support. For example, the mechanical support may be formed from a plastic material that may be permanently deformed. The clip may further comprise a stiffening member joined to the mechanical support that provides additional resilient force to return the mechanical support to a neutral position. As discussed above, the stiffening member may be formed from a resilient metal such as a resilient wire or resilient strip and may be encapsulated, sandwiched, or otherwise joined to the mechanical support. The stiffening member may or may not be connected to the contact. 
     The figures shown above are only illustrative examples. The concept of a resilient support or stiffening member can be broadly applied to many different prong and clip geometries. 
       FIGS. 17A and 17B  show various cross sectional diagrams of an active cover plate that includes vertically adjustable spring clips with hinge joints. The hinge joints allow the spring clips to be packaged and shipped flat. This can provide a number of advantages including lowering the cost of shipping, decreasing the size and weight of packaging, and protecting the spring clips from damage.  FIG. 17A  shows a cross sectional view of an active cover plate ( 1700 ) that has two hinged spring clips ( 1715 ,  1720 ) that are folded down for shipping or storage. In this simplified diagram, the active cover plate ( 1700 ) includes a face plate ( 1705 ) and hinges ( 1710 ,  1725 ). Before the active cover plate ( 1700 ) is installed, the spring clips ( 1715 ,  1720 ) can be brought into the upright position so that they extend rearward from the face plate as shown in  FIG. 17B . 
     In some examples the hinges are designed to be conductive throughout their range of motion. In other examples, the hinges may only be conductive in their raised position. Alternatively, the hinges may not be conductive. In this case the contact and the moving part of the spring clip may be connected to circuitry in the active cover plate by a flexible wire or make an electrical contact in their upright position. In one implementation, the spring clips lock into their upright position. In this example, a latching mechanism ( 1712 ,  FIG. 17B ) engages with the spring clip when the spring clips are raised. The latching mechanism holds the spring clip in the upright position and prevents the hinge joint from rotating after the latch engages with the spring clip. In other implementations, the spring clips may be held in their raised position by pressure from the contact on the outlet/switch body. 
     In this example, the latching mechanism ( 1712 ) may include a ramp and a slot. When the spring clip is raised, it engages with the ramp on the latching mechanism and then clicks into the slot. This secures the spring clip ( 1720 ) in the desired upright position. Although the figures above show hinges that allow the spring clips to lay flat and be raised, there are a variety of other mechanisms that could be used, including flexures, joints, or other suitable rotational mechanisms. 
     Thus, in some embodiments, an active cover plate may include a face plate and a prong extending from the face plate. The prong may include an upright comprising at least one aperture and a resilient contact comprising a fixed end and a free end. For example, the upright shown in  FIG. 2H  shows a number of apertures ( 56 ,  64 ) and an aperture ( 67 ) behind the resilient contact ( 46 ). The upright may be wider than the resilient contact, where the resilient contact may be disposed on an inboard side of the upright; and where the fixed end of the resilient contact may be secured to the upright and at least a portion of the resilient contact extends over the aperture in the upright. In some examples the active cover plate may include a resilient contact with a middle portion between the fixed end and the free end, where at least a part of the middle portion may extend over the aperture in the upright. 
     In some embodiments, lateral compression of the resilient contact brings the middle portion closer to the aperture and moves the free end with respect to the upright. The prong may also include a base extending at an angle from the upright with the base comprising a wire connection feature. For example, the base may be generally parallel to the plane of a back surface of the face plate. The upright, resilient contact, and base may be formed from a single piece of sheet metal. For example, the metal may be formed using stamping processes. The active cover plate may further comprise a circuit and a wire, where the wire may form a connection to the base to make an electrical connection between the circuit and the prong. The aperture may be generally rectangular aperture through the upright and may include a first short side, a second short side, a first long side and a second long side. The first end of the resilient contact may be connected to the upright proximate to a first short side of the aperture and may extend over the aperture with a free end of the resilient contact more proximate to the second short side than the first short side of the rectangular aperture. 
     The active cover plate may also include electrical insulation and the upright may include at least one additional aperture and the upright may be at least partially secured to the electrical insulation using at least one additional aperture. For example, a portion of the electrical insulation may extend through an additional aperture in the upright. The upright may include edges that engage with the electrical insulation to at least partially secure the upright to the electrical insulation. The upright may include shoulders proximal to the face plate that are wider than portions of the upright that are more distal from the face plate. 
     In some embodiments there may be multiple resilient contacts on a prong. For example, the resilient contact may include a first resilient contact and the prong may include a second aperture and a second resilient contact extending over the second aperture. The second resilient contact may be longitudinally spaced from the first resilient contact. The active cover plate may also include a rear insulator that includes a wall outboard from the upright, where an outboard surface of the upright and the inboard surface of the outboard wall may be substantially flat, parallel, contiguous and fixed relative to each other. 
     In some embodiments, the active cover plate may extend in longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions that are orthogonal to one another. The active cover plate may include a front plate comprising a front surface, a back surface, and an electrical receptacle aperture. The electrical receptacle aperture may extend through the front plate in the transverse direction. The prong may be connecting to the back surface of the front plate at a location outboard of the electrical receptacle aperture. The prong may extend rearward away from the back surface of the front plate in the transverse direction. A back plate may include a protrusion extending from a back surface of the back plate in the transverse direction and the protrusion may include an outboard wall and lateral walls joined to opposite edges of the outboard wall. The protrusion may be an integrally molded feature of the back plate and the outboard wall and lateral walls may define a partially enclosed volume. The protrusion may include insulation that covers at least a portion of an outboard side of the prong. In some embodiment, the outboard and lateral walls of the protrusion may form a U channel with the prong at least partially disposed within an interior volume enclosed by the U channel. Lateral compression of the prong may bring the prong into contact with the protrusion. For example, the lateral compression of the prong may bring the prong into direct contact with the inner side of the outboard wall of the protrusion. 
     The prong may include a cantilever comprising a fixed end connected to a support and a free end, where the free end of the prong may be configured to contact the inner side of the outboard wall of the protrusion when the cantilever is deformed. The contact may also increase bending stiffness of the prong between the free end of the cantilever when the prong contacts the inner wall of the protrusion. The contact between the free end of the cantilever and inner wall of the protrusion may change the bending behavior of the cantilever or resilient strip. In some examples, the fixed end may be fixed with respect to the protrusion. 
     In some embodiments, the protrusion may include at least one partially open face on its inboard side, where the prong may extend from and may compress into the partially open face. The protrusion may also include an open top side that is in a transverse direction opposite the face plate. The back plate and protrusion may be connected to the face plate by posts molded into the surface of the face plate and the posts may pass through corresponding apertures in the back plate. 
     In some embodiments, a wall-plate system may extend in longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions that are orthogonal to one another and the wall-plate system may include a front plate comprising a front surface, a back surface. The front plate may include an electrical receptacle aperture that extends through the front plate in the transverse direction. The wall-plate system may further comprise a first prong connecting to the back surface of the front plate at a location outboard of the electrical receptacle aperture. The first prong may extend rearward away from the back surface of the front plate in the transverse direction. The first prong may include a first upright extending rearward away from the back surface of the front plate in the transverse direction and a first insulating back element. The first insulating back element may cover an outboard side of the first upright and left and right edges of the upright. The first insulating back element may be secured to the upright through at least one aperture in the upright. The first resilient contact may be located on an inboard side of the first upright and the first resilient contact may include a first end, second end, and middle portion; and where the first end of the first resilient contact may be fixed with respect to the first upright. 
     A second prong may connect to the back surface of the front plate at a location outboard of the outlet aperture. The second prong may extend rearward away from the back surface of the front plate in the transverse direction. There may be a second insulating back element that may cover an outboard side of the second upright and left and right edges of the upright. The second insulating back element may be secured to the upright through at least one aperture in the upright. The second resilient contact may be located on an inboard side of the second upright and may include a first end, second end, and middle portion; and where the first end of the second resilient contact may be fixed with respect to the second upright. The second prong may connect to the back surface of the front plate at a location outboard of the outlet aperture. The second prong may be opposite the first prong across the electrical receptacle aperture. The wall plate system may include the first and second prongs each with two resilient contacts. The two resilient contacts may be spaced such that a first resilient contact on each of the first and second prongs contacts a first screw terminal of an electrical receptacle when the wall plate system is fastened over the electrical receptacle in a first orientation and the second resilient contact on each of the first and second prongs contacts the first screw terminal when the wall plate system is fastened over the electrical receptacle in a second orientation. The two resilient contacts on each of the first and second prongs may be spaced such that the wall plate is configured to receive power when the wall plate system is placed over an electrical receptacle in at least two different orientations. The two resilient contacts are longitudinally offset from each other and are configured to compress independently, where there may be a gap between the two resilient contacts that is greater than longitudinal width of the resilient contacts. 
     In some embodiments, an active cover plate may include a face plate with an aperture and a prong extending from the face plate. The prong may include rear insulation and front insulation. The rear insulation and front insulation may define an opening with an electrical contact extending through the opening. In some embodiments, the rear insulation may include at least three sides define an interior space. The prong may include an upright and the rear insulation may cover at least three sides of the upright. The rear insulation may cover at least a portion of the back of the upright, at least a portion of the sides of the upright, and at least a portion of the front of the upright. Additionally or alternatively, the active cover plate may include a hinged connection between the face plate and the prong. The prong and hinged connection may be configured to allow the prong to rotate toward the plane of the face plate for shipping and rotate away from the plate of the face plate for installation. Additionally or alternatively, the prong may also include a resilient insert that may include resilient metal that is not electrically connected to the contact. The front insulation and rear insulation may be joined in a variety of ways including being joined by posts passing through a conductor supporting the electrical contact. In some embodiments, the electrical contact may include a bowed contact extending through the opening with a terminal end of the bowed contact extending into a cavity in prong. The terminal end of the bowed contact may be configured to move farther into the cavity when the bowed contact is compressed. 
     The prong may further comprise an upright wherein a first end of the bowed contact is connected to the upright and a second end of the bowed contact is not connected to the upright and is free to move with respect to the upright. The active cover plate of claim  1 , wherein the prong comprises a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, wherein the first contact and second contact are transversely or longitudinally offset from each other. The first contact and second contact may include a first bowed contact and a second bowed contact. In some embodiments, the prong may include one support supporting both the first contact and second contact. The support includes a conductive base and wherein the first contact and second contact are electrically connected to each other by circuitry or electrically connected by the conductive base. In some embodiments the front insulation and rear insulation may interface to form the opening. 
     Some examples of active cover plates that are configured to interface with an electrical receptacle that include principles described herein may include a face plate comprising an aperture, at least one prong extending from the face plate and configured to make electrical contact with an electrified terminal of an electrical receptacle. The prong may include a conductor that may include an upright and a contact and insulation that may include at least three solid sides and an open side. The three solid sides may cover at least a portion of the at least three sides of the upright and the contact may extend out of the open side. The active cover plate may also include a back plate that may be joined to the face plate and at least a portion of the insulation may be an integrally formed element of the back plate. In some examples, the insulation may include rear insulation and front insulation wherein the front insulation may include a protrusion on the face plate extending rearward to cover at least a portion of the inboard side of the conductor. The conductor may include a formed metal sheet with a base connected to and in plane with the face plate, a bend, and the upright. In one example, the contact may be connected to and extend from the upright. In some embodiments, the protrusion on the face plate may at least partially cover an inboard side of the bend of the formed metal sheet. In one example, the insulation may substantially cover four sides of the upright and/or the insulation may substantially covers an outboard side, a left side, a right side and at least a portion of an inboard side of the upright. The insulation may include a slot and the upright may engage with the slot to secure the contact with respect to the insulation. 
     Additionally or alternatively, an active cover plate configure to interface with an electrical receptacle may include a face plate comprising an aperture configured to accept an electrical receptacle and at least one prong extending from the face plate. The prong may include insulation that includes a cavity and an electrical conductor that may include a support at least partially disposed in the cavity, and a contact where at least a portion of the contact may extend from the support through an opening in the insulation. The contact and the support may be formed from a single piece of sheet metal. The opening may include an aperture in a side of the cavity and at least a portion of the support may be secured in the cavity. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the contact may extend from the support through an opening in the cavity. The insulation may include front and rear insulation wherein the front and rear insulation interface to form the cavity. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the support may be disposed in and secured in the cavity. The contact may include a first end secured to the support, a middle portion extending from the opening in the insulation, and an opposite free end extending into the cavity and configured to move within the cavity. The contact may include a bowed contact with one end secured to the support and an opposite end of the bowed contact extending into the cavity. The opposite end of the bowed contact may be configured to extend deeper into the cavity when the bowed contact is compressed and to retract when the contact relaxes. The insulation may include a slot and wherein the support is configured to engage with the slot. The contact may include a bowed contact and the support may be secured in a slot in the insulation and the bowed contact may extend from the support and may terminate in a free end that may be captured in the cavity and is may be configured to move within the cavity. 
     In other embodiments, active cover plates may be used as glass break detectors. As discussed above, the active cover plates may include microphones. Glass breaking has an identifiable sound that could be detected by these microphones. The active cover plate or a device in communication with the active cover plate could filter the sounds detected by the microphone to determine if the signals indicate that glass is breaking. If the microphones in the active cover plates indicate that glass is breaking, an alarm can be sounded and the room where the breaking glass was detected can be indicated. Appropriate action and notifications can then be taken to secure the room or building. 
     In some implementations, the active cover plates could be used to direct individuals during an emergency situation. For example, during a fire, individuals can become easily confused when trying to exit a building. The outlets are ideally situated, not only to detect fires, but to give visual or audio instructions about what actions should be taken. For example, a mother could record a message for a child&#39;s bedroom that would be played for the child through the outlet cover... “Robby, the fire alarms are going off. Shut your door. Go to the window and wait, I′ll come and get you if I can.” If the outlets detect rising temperatures near the bedroom, the message could change, “Open the window, push out the screen and climb onto the roof.” Thus, very individualized instruction could be given based on location and situation. 
     Further, the active cover plates could be used to show an individual the way out of the fire or other emergency situation. The lights on the active cover plate, in addition to providing emergency lighting, could have a visual or audio indicator of the action the individual should take. One or more LEDs on the active cover plates could blink green, indicating that the area near the cover plate is safe and an exit is near by. Yellow blinking could indicate a region that the user should move out of, while red blinking indicates that the region near the active cover plate is unsafe. For example, if a glass break sensor in an active cover plate in the living room has been triggered, the active cover plates throughout the house could guide the owners away from the living room and the potential intruder. If a fire is detected, the active cover plates on wall outlets could be particularly valuable because they are close to the ground where the smoke and heat are less. Individuals who are exiting the house from a fire are advised to crawl on the floor to avoid smoke inhalation. The wall outlets are typically located about a foot from the floor and are ideally situated to provide lighting and direction for a person crawling out of a burning or smoke filled building. 
     One example of an active cover plate may be an active cover plate with rear illumination. Active cover plates can extract power from outlet and switch bodies to provide illumination in a variety of ways. In one example, the active cover plate illuminates an image from the rear. When the image is illuminated, image becomes visible to the occupants of the room. 
     The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe examples of the principles and features described. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit these principles to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.