Patent Publication Number: US-8113874-B2

Title: External quick connect modular plug for a wiring device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 12/627,487, titled “External Quick Connect Modular Plug For A Wiring Device,” filed Nov. 30, 2009, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to electrical installation and maintenance. More specifically, the present invention relates to the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring devices that include an external plug for quick connection to in-wall wiring. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Installing electrical wiring and electrical wiring devices, including, but not limited to, receptacles, switches, transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSS), ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI), thermostats, timer devices, and sensors and the like, in buildings is very labor intensive. Skilled electricians are often needed to complete the installation. For large scale installations, the need for skilled electricians results in a significant financial outlay. 
     The installation process is typically split into two phases, a “rough-in phase” and a “trim-out phase.” During rough-in, electrical wiring is routed throughout the building. Device boxes are installed at various points in the building. These device boxes house one or more types of electrical wiring devices. For conventional wiring installations, the electrical wiring is routed through an opening formed in the device box, making the wire leads visible and accessible for the trim-out portion of the project. 
     During trim-out, an electrical wiring device is coupled to the exposed wire leads in the device box. In conventional electrical installations, the wire leads are stripped to expose the conductive electrical wires. The electrical wiring device is then electrically coupled to the stripped wire leads using a jumper, such that one end of the jumper is electrically coupled to the exposed wire leads forming a pigtail connection and the other end of the jumper is terminated to the electrical wiring device using a wire nut. During this process, each exposed wire lead must be electrically coupled to the electrical wiring device in this manner. Typically this means a hot wire conductor is coupled to a hot wire contact for the electrical wiring device, a neutral wire conductor is coupled to a neutral wire contact for the electrical wiring device, and a ground wire conductor is coupled to a ground wire contact for the electrical wiring device. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that, while one example has been provided for the wire connections completed during the rough-in and trim-out phases, other wiring designs exist based on the electrical design for the building and user preferences. For example, the electrical wiring and the devices connected thereto can be configured to transmit three-phase power. 
     Following proper procedures, when work is being conducted on the electrical wiring device, whether it be during installation, maintenance, or preventative maintenance, the power should be turned off at the circuit breaker box to ensure that the exposed conductive electrical wires and the contacts disposed on the electrical wiring device are not live. However, proper procedures are not always followed and the power is not always turned off, thereby creating a hazardous environment for the person that is replacing and/or maintaining the electrical wiring device. This could be due to lack of care or the fact that the person performing the electrical work does not know which circuit breaker should be turned off. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, a modular electrical wiring device can include an electrical wiring device, an external plug, and at least one electrical wire. The electrical wire can have a first end and a second end. The first end of the electrical wire can be coupled to the wiring device and the second end of the wire can be coupled to the external plug. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, an electrical wiring system can include a modular electrical wiring device and a connector. The modular electrical wiring device can include an electrical wiring device, an external plug, and at least one electrical wire. The electrical wire can have a first end and a second end. The first end of the electrical wire can be coupled to the wiring device and the second end of the wire can be coupled to the external plug. The electrical wire can provide an electrical pathway between the electrical wiring device and the external plug. The connector can be electrically coupled to at least one building electrical wire. The building electrical wire can transmits power from a power source to the connector. The connector can be physically coupled to the external plug. This physical coupling of the connector and modular plug can create an electrical pathway from the building wire through the connector, modular plug and electrical wire to the electrical wiring device. 
     According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a method for installing electrical wiring can include installing at least one building electrical wire. The building wire can be electrically coupled to a connector. The connection between the building wire and the connector can be achieved by providing the connector with one or more electrical wires that a coupled to the connector. The method can further include providing a modular electrical wiring device having an electrical wiring device, the external plug, and at least one electrical wire. The connector can be coupled to the external plug. The electrical wire can have a first end and a second end. The first end of the electrical wire can be coupled to the wiring device and the second end of the wire can be coupled to the external plug. The electrical wire can provide an electrical pathway between the electrical wiring device and the external plug. 
     These and other aspects, features, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode for carrying out the invention as presently perceived. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a rear perspective view of an electrical wiring system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an electrical wiring system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the electrical wiring system of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the external plug and connector of  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  2  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of the connector in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative connector in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a feed-through connector in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative external plug and connector in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 7  is a system view illustrating two electrically installed modular electrical wiring devices in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, certain dimensions may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements throughout the several views. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is directed to electrical wiring devices and their installations. In particular, the application is directed to modular electrical wiring devices having an external plug and their installations. Although the description of exemplary embodiments is provided below in conjunction with a particular type of modular electrical wiring device, alternate embodiments of the invention may be applicable to other types and configurations of modular electrical wiring devices. The invention may be better understood by reading the following description of non-limiting, exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like parts of each of the figures are identified by like reference characters, and which are briefly described as follows. 
       FIG. 1A  is a rear perspective view of an electrical wiring system  100  that includes a modular electrical wiring device  110  and a connector  160  not yet coupled to the modular electrical wiring device  110  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an electrical wiring system  100  that includes a modular electrical wiring device  110  and a connector  160  not yet coupled to the modular electrical wiring device  110  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the electrical wiring system  100  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  where the modular electrical wiring device  110  is coupled to the connector  160  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  2 , the electrical wiring system  100  includes a modular electrical wiring device  110  that couples to a connector  160 . 
     The modular electrical wiring device  110  includes an electrical wiring device  120  and an external plug  150  electrically coupled to the electrical wiring device  120 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the electrical wiring device  120  is a receptacle wiring device. However, according to alternative exemplary embodiments, the electrical wiring device  120  can include other types of electrical wiring devices including, but not limited to, a switch wiring device, a TVSS wiring device, a GFCI wiring device, a thermostat wiring device, a timer wiring device, and a sensor wiring device, in lieu of the receptacle wiring device without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The electrical wiring device  120  includes a body  122 , a strap element  130 , and a cover  135 . The body  122  includes one or more openings  124  along the body&#39;s  122  rear side  123  and is configured to house one or more device contacts  710 ,  712 , and  714  ( FIG. 7 ). The exemplary embodiment shown is a three-wire system that includes a device ground contact  714 , a device hot contact  710 , and a device neutral contact  712 . However, people having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that different wire systems, either greater than a three-wire system or less than a three-wire system, can be used. For example, a two wire system can be used. In another example, a five-wire system that uses a three-phase system also can be used. Additionally the one or more openings  124  can be positioned along the body&#39;s  122  side surfaces without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The openings  124  are configured to allow one or more device electrical wires  140 ,  142 , and  144  to proceed from the device contacts  710 ,  712 , and  714  to the exterior of the electrical wiring device  120 . In this exemplary embodiment, the device hot electrical wire  140  has a black colored coating surrounding the wire  140  and is coupled at one end to the device hot contact  712  and at the other end to the external plug  150 . The device hot electrical wire  140  proceeds through one of the openings  124 . The device neutral electrical wire  142  has a white colored coating surrounding the wire  142  and is coupled at one end to the device neutral contact  714  and at the other end to the external plug  150 . The device neutral electrical wire  142  proceeds through one of the openings  124 . The device ground electrical wire  144  has a green colored coating surrounding the wire  144  and is coupled at one end to the device ground contact  816  and at the other end to the external plug  150 . The device ground electrical wire  144  proceeds through one of the openings  124 . The color of the coatings for each of devices electrical wires  140 ,  142 , and  144  can be changed to any other color so long as the electrical code requirements are maintained. Additionally, although the exemplary embodiment has each of the device electrical wires  140 ,  142 , and  144  going through a separate and distinct opening  124 , each of the device electrical wires  140 ,  142 , and  144  can be grouped together so that they all proceed through a single opening  124 . In those embodiments, the device electrical wires  140 ,  142 , and  144  can be grouped together so that they are contained within a single conduit (not shown). 
     The device electrical wires  140 ,  142 , and  144  are twelve American Wire Gage (AWG), but can be any other gage suitable to the application requirements without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. The device electrical wires  140 ,  142 , and  144  are fabricated from either solid copper wire, stranded copper wire, or any other suitable material known to people having ordinary skill in the art. The device electrical wires  140 ,  142 , and  144  are coupled to their respective device contact by any method including, but not limited to, soldering that is known to people having ordinary skill in the art. Further, the device electrical wires  140 ,  142 , and  144  have a length that is greater than zero inches, but less than six inches so that the occupied volume within the device box  790  ( FIG. 7 ) is minimized. However, according to alternate exemplary embodiments, the length of device electrical wires  140 ,  142 , and  144  can be greater than six inches without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The body  122  includes an insulated door  126  positioned along one of its side surface. The insulated door  126  is configured to be rotationally opened and closed so that it provides access to conductive device contacts  710 ,  712 , and  714  positioned on the body&#39;s  120  side surface. The insulated door  126  provides an insulative barrier to protect a user from the conductive device contacts  710 ,  712 , and  714  when in its closed position. The insulated door  126  also provides a barrier to protect the conductive device contacts  710 ,  712 , and  714  from nearby dust and sheetrock powder when in its closed position. According to alternative exemplary embodiments, the insulated door  126  can be a sliding door without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The body  122  is substantially rectangular in shape; however, the body  122  can be formed in any geometric shape without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. The body  122  is fabricated using materials such as polymers, polycarbonates, nylon materials, or any other suitable material known to people having ordinary skill in the art. 
     The strap element  130  is coupled to the body  122  and extends above the top side of the electrical wiring device  120  and below the bottom side of the electrical wiring device  120 . The strap element  130  is used for at least mounting the modular electrical wiring device  110  to a device box  790 . According to some exemplary embodiments, the strap element  130  is fabricated as a single component; however, in other exemplary embodiments, the strap element  130  is fabricated in multiple components and thereafter coupled to the electrical wiring device  120 . The strap element  130  has a screw opening  132  at each end for receiving screws  133 , which thereby facilitates the coupling of the modular electrical wiring device  110  to the device box  790 . The strap element  130  is fabricated using a copper alloy, plated steel, or any other suitable material known to people having ordinary skill in the art. 
     The cover  135  is coupled to the body  122  at its front side. According to this exemplary embodiment, the cover  135  includes receptacle openings  137  configured for receiving a load plug (not shown) and hence providing power to a load (not shown). The load plug is configured to be electrically coupled with the device contacts  710 ,  712 , and  714  when inserted into the receptacle openings  137 . However, alternate exemplary embodiments can have different types of covers depending on the type of electrical wiring device  120 . The cover  135  is fabricated using materials such as polymers, polycarbonates, nylon materials, or any other suitable material known to people having ordinary skill in the art. 
     The external plug  150  is located external to the electrical wiring device  120  but is electrically coupled to the device contacts  710 ,  712 , and  714  positioned on or within the electrical wiring device  120 . The external plug  150  is configured to be coupled with the connector  160 . The external plug  150  includes a latch  152  that makes an audible sound once the external plug  150  is properly coupled to the connector  160 . As previously described, the device hot electrical wire  140  is coupled at one end to the device hot contact  710  and at the other end to the external plug  150 . The device neutral electrical wire  142  is coupled at one end to the device neutral contact  712  and at the other end to the external plug  150 . The device ground electrical wire  144  is coupled at one end to the device ground contact  714  and at the other end to the external plug  150 . The coupling of the device electrical wires  140 ,  142 , and  144  to the external plug  150  will be described in further detail with respect to  FIG. 3 . The external plug  150  is fabricated using materials such as polymers, polycarbonates, nylon materials, or any other suitable material known to people having ordinary skill in the art. 
     The connector  160  is configured to be coupled with the external plug  150 . A connector hot electrical wire  162  has a black colored coating surrounding the wire  162  and is coupled at one end to a building hot electrical wire  791  ( FIG. 7 ) and at the other end to the connector  160 . A connector neutral electrical wire  164  has a white colored coating surrounding the wire  164  and is coupled at one end to the building neutral electrical wire  792  ( FIG. 7 ) and at the other end to the connector  160 . A connector ground electrical wire  166  has a green colored coating surrounding the wire  166  and is coupled at one end to the building ground electrical wire  793  ( FIG. 7 ) and at the other end to the connector  160 . The coupling of the connector electrical wires  162 ,  164 , and  166  to the connector  160  will be described in further detail with respect to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 A, and  4 B. The coupling of the connector electrical wires  162 ,  164 , and  166  to the building electrical wires  791 ,  792 , and  793  will be described in further detail with respect to  FIG. 7 . 
     The connector  160  is fabricated using materials such as polymers, polycarbonates, nylon materials, or any other suitable material known to people having ordinary skill in the art. Further, the connector electrical wires  162 ,  164 , and  166  have a length that is greater than zero inches, but less than six inches. However, according to alternate exemplary embodiments, the length of connector electrical wires  162 ,  164 , and  166  can be greater than six inches without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Moreover, the connector electrical wires  162 ,  164 , and  166  are twelve AWG, but can be any other gage suitable to the application requirements without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. The connector electrical wires  162 ,  164 , and  166  are fabricated from either solid copper wire, stranded copper wire, or any other suitable material known to people having ordinary skill in the art. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the external plug  150  and the connector  160  of  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  2  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the device hot electrical wire  140 , the device neutral electrical wire  142 , and the device ground electrical wire  144  are coupled to the external plug  150  at one end and the external plug  150  is configured to be coupled to the connector  160  at its opposing end. Similarly, the connector hot electrical wire  162 , the connector neutral electrical wire  164 , and the connector ground electrical wire  166  are coupled to the connector  160  at one end and the connector  160  is configured to be coupled to the external plug  150  at its opposing end. 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the external plug  150  houses three male contacts  310 ,  312 , and  314 , wherein each male contact  310 ,  312 , and  314  is accessible through a respective male contact opening  320 ,  322 , and  324 . In this exemplary embodiment, the male contacts  310 ,  312 , and  314  are disposed substantially horizontally with respect to the width of the external plug  150 . However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the male contacts  310 ,  312 , and  314  can be disposed at a substantially ninety degree angle with respect to the width of the external plug  150  or at any angle between zero degrees and  180  degrees. The hot plug contact  310  is a blade contact and is electrically coupled to the device hot electrical wire  140 . The neutral plug contact  312  also is a blade contact and is electrically coupled to the device neutral electrical wire  142 . The ground plug contact  314  also is a blade contact and is electrically coupled to the device ground electrical wire  144 . The male contacts  310 ,  312 , and  314  can be electrically coupled to the device electrical wires  140 ,  142 , and  144  using a screw clamp method, which is illustrated with respect to  FIG. 4A , a wire push-in clamping method, which is illustrated with respect to  FIG. 4B , or any other method known to people having ordinary skill in the art. The external plug  150  has one or more plug markings  330 ,  332 , and  334  on its exterior surface to indicate which device electrical wire  140 ,  142 , and  144  should be electrically coupled to which male contact  310 ,  312 , and  314 . According to one example, an “H” plug marking  330  is used to designate the hot plug contact  310 , a “W” plug marking  332  is used to designate the neutral plug contact  312 , and a ground plug marking  334  is used to designate the ground plug contact  314 . These plug markings  330 ,  332 , and  334  also assist a user to determine the orientation of how the external plug  150  is to be coupled to the connector  160 . Although one example has been provided for the plug markings, the plug markings can include, but is not limited to, any letter(s), any word(s), or any symbol(s) without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The hot plug contact  310  is accessible through the hot male contact opening  320 . The neutral plug contact  312  is accessible through the neutral male contact opening  322 . The ground plug contact  314  is accessible through the ground male contact opening  324 . As previously mentioned, the latch  152  is configured to produce an audible signal once the external plug  150  is properly coupled to the connector  160 . Additionally, a user can visibly determine that the external plug  150  and the connector  160  are properly coupled to one another. Although the latch  152  is used for providing a signal to indicate a properly coupled external plug  150  and connector  160 , other devices capable of producing an audible and/or visible signal, for example, a light indicator on the electrical wiring device&#39;s  120  cover  135 , can be used in conjunction with the latch  152  or in lieu of the latch  152  without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Although three contacts  310 ,  312 , and  314  are illustrated within the external plug  150 , greater or fewer contacts can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The connector  160  houses three female contacts  405  ( FIG. 4A ). Each of the female contacts  405  is housed at least partially within a respective connector protrusion  350 ,  352 , and  354  located at the end of the connector  160  which is configured to be coupled with the external plug  150 . The female contacts  405  are further described with respect to  FIGS. 4A and 4B . The hot connector contact (not shown) is one of the female contacts and is electrically coupled to the connector hot electrical wire  162 . The neutral connector contact  405  is one of the other female contacts and is electrically coupled to the connector neutral electrical wire  164 . The ground connector contact (not shown) is the remaining female contact and is electrically coupled to the connector ground electrical wire  166 . The female contacts  405  can be coupled to the connector electrical wires  162 ,  164 , and  166  using a screw clamp method, which is illustrated with respect to  FIG. 4A , a wire push-in clamping method, which is illustrated with respect to  FIG. 4B , or any other method known to people having ordinary skill in the art. The connector  160  has one or more connector markings  380 ,  382 , and  384  on its exterior surface to indicate which connector electrical wire  162 ,  164 , and  166  should be electrically coupled to which female contact  405 . According to one example, an “H” connector marking  380  is used to designate the hot connector contact, a “W” connector marking  382  is used to designate the neutral connector contact  405 , and a ground connector marking  384  is used to designate the ground connector contact. These connector markings  380 ,  382 , and  384  also assist a user to determine the orientation of how the connector  160  is to be coupled to the external plug  150 . Although one example has been provided for the connector markings, the connector markings can include, but is not limited to, any letter(s), any word(s), or any symbol(s) without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. For example, markings may include references for line, load, traveler, in, and out depending on the electrical device and its intended use 
     The hot connector contact is accessible through a hot female contact opening  360 , which is disposed at one end of the hot contact connector protrusion  350 . The neutral connector contact  405  is accessible through a neutral female contact opening  362 , which is disposed at one end of the neutral contact connector protrusion  352 . The ground connector contact is accessible through a ground female contact opening  364 , which is disposed at one end of the ground contact connector protrusion  354 . Although three contacts are described within the connector  160 , greater or fewer contacts can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The hot contact connector protrusion  350  is configured to be inserted within the hot male contact opening  320 . Once inserted the hot plug contact  310  is electrically coupled to the hot connector contact. The neutral contact connector protrusion  352  is configured to be inserted within the neutral male contact opening  322 . Once inserted the neutral plug contact  312  is electrically coupled to the neutral connector contact  405 . The ground contact connector protrusion  354  is configured to be inserted within the ground male contact opening  324 . Once inserted the ground plug contact  314  is electrically coupled to the ground connector contact. The connector protrusions  350 ,  352 , and  354  and the male contact openings  320 ,  322 , and  324  are keyed in such a manner to allow the hot contact connector protrusion  350  to be inserted only within the hot male contact opening  320 , the neutral contact connector protrusion  352  to be inserted only within the neutral male contact opening  322 , and the ground contact connector protrusion  354  to be inserted only within the ground male contact opening  324 . One or more chamfers  390  and/or notches  392  are used to appropriately key the connector protrusions  350 ,  352 , and  354  and the male contact openings  320 ,  322 , and  324  so that the connector  160  is configured to be coupled to the external plug  150  in a single orientation. 
     Although the external plug  150  has been described to include male contacts  310 ,  312 , and  314  and the connector  160  has been described to include female contacts  405 , the external plug  150  can have female contacts and the connector  160  can have male contacts without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Alternatively, the external plug  150  can have a combination of male and female contacts and the connector  160  can have a combination of male and female contacts, so long as each of the contacts in the external plug  150  is complementary to each of the contacts of the connector  160 . 
     While the exemplary embodiment of Figure three describes the external plug having three male contacts and three male contact openings and the connector having three female contacts and three connector protrusions, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the external plug and the connector are capable of being modified to include a fewer or greater number of contacts, contact openings and connector protrusions. For example, the number of contacts, contact openings and connector protrusions can range from one to twenty, based on the use of the electrical wiring device and the electrical system. One such example is a thermostat, which can include anywhere between three and ten wires, and as such, the external plug can have between three and ten male contacts and openings and the connector can have between three and ten female contacts and protrusions. In one exemplary embodiment, the electrical wiring device is a single-pole switch or timer that includes a line, load, and ground instead of a hot, neutral, and ground. The single-pole switch is coupled by a line wire, a load wire and a ground wire to the external plug. The external plug includes three openings and three male contacts: a line contact, a load contact, and a ground contact. The connector includes three protrusions and three female contacts: a connector line contact, a connector load contact and a connector ground contact. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the electrical wiring device is a 3-way switch that includes a hot, two travelers, and a ground. The 3-way switch is coupled by a hot wire, a first traveler wire, a second traveler wire and a ground wire to the external plug. The external plug includes four openings and four male contacts: a hot contact, a first traveler contact, a second traveler contact, and a ground contact. The connector includes four protrusions and four female contacts: a hot connector contact, a first traveler connector contact, a second traveler connector contact, and a ground connector contact. 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment, the electrical wiring device is a 4-way switch that includes a first in, a second in, a first out, a second out and a ground. The 4-way switch is coupled by a first in wire, a second in wire, a first out wire, a second out wire and a ground wire to the external plug. The external plug includes five openings and five male contacts: a first in contact, a second in contact, a first out contact, a second out contact, and a ground contact. The connector includes five protrusions and five female contacts: a connector first in contact, a connector second in contact, a connector first out contact, a connector second out contact, and a connector ground contact. 
       FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  160  illustrating a screw clamp method  400  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4A , the screw clamp method  400  is illustrated and described with respect to the neutral connector contact  405  and the connector neutral electrical wire  164 . However, the screw clamp method  400  can be used with respect to each of the remaining contacts used within the connector  160  and/or the external plug  150 . 
     The neutral connector contact  405  is disposed within the connector  160  and extends a substantial portion of the connector&#39;s  160  length. At one end of the neutral connector contact  405  is a three-prong female portion  407  which is configured to receive the external plug&#39;s  150  neutral plug contact  312 . At the opposing end of the neutral connector contact  405  is an L-shaped portion  408  which is integrally formed with the three-prong female portion  407 . The L-shaped portion  408  is configured to limit the length of connector neutral electrical wire  164  that is inserted within the connector  160 . The L-shaped portion  408  also is configured to receive a screw  410  so that the connector neutral electrical wire  164  can be securely coupled to the L-shaped portion  408  and be electrically coupled to the three-prong female portion  407 . 
     The screw  410  is accessible through a screw opening  414  using a screwdriver or other similar tool. The screw  410  is rotated in one direction to increase the volume of a connector wire cavity  412 . A stripped portion of the connector neutral electrical wire  164  is inserted within the connector wire cavity  412 . The screw  410  is rotated in an opposite direction to clamp the L-shaped portion  408  to the connector neutral electrical wire  164 ; thereby reducing the volume of the connector wire cavity  412  and ensuring a secure electrical coupling between the connector neutral electrical wire  164  and the neutral connector contact  405 . According to some exemplary embodiments, a screw cover  420  is coupled to the connector  160  and is configured to cover the screw opening  414  so that there is no exposed conductive surface, for example, the screw head. According to the exemplary embodiment, the screw cover  420  is non-removably coupled to the connector  160 . The screw cover  420  is fabricated from a polymer material or any other insulating material known to people having ordinary skill in the art. Although one type of screw cover  420  has been illustrated and described, other types of screw covers can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, although one form of the screw clamp method  400  is described and illustrated, other forms of the screw clamp method  400  known to people having ordinary skill in the art can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  160  illustrating a wire push-in clamping method  450  in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4B , the wire push-in clamping method  450  is illustrated and described with respect to the neutral connector contact  455  and the connector neutral electrical wire  164 . However, the wire push-in clamping method  450  can be used with respect to each of the remaining contacts used within the connector  160  and/or the external plug  150 . 
     The neutral connector contact  455  is disposed within the connector  160  and extends a substantial portion of the connector&#39;s  160  length. At one end of the neutral connector contact  455  is a three-prong female portion  457  which is configured to receive the external plug&#39;s  150  neutral plug contact  312 . At the opposing end of the neutral connector contact  455  is an L-shaped portion  458  which is integrally formed with the three-prong female portion  457 . The L-shaped portion  458  is formed having an acute angle between the legs of the L-shaped portion  458 . 
     A fastening clip  460  is disposed within the connector  160  above the L-shaped portion  458 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the fastening clip  460  is S-shaped; however, other geometric or non-geometric shapes can be used for the fastening clip without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. The fastening clip  460  is configured for clamping the connector neutral electrical wire  164  to the neutral connector contact  455  and for securing the connector neutral electrical wire  164  within the connector  160  so that the connector neutral electrical wire  164  is not unintentionally removed from the connector  160 . Thus, once the connector neutral electrical wire  164  is coupled to the L-shaped portion  458 , the connector neutral electrical wire  164  also is electrically coupled to the three-prong female portion  457 . 
     A stripped portion of the connector neutral electrical wire  164  is inserted into the connector  160  between the L-shaped portion  458  and the fastening clip  460 . The fastening clip  460  is configured to allow the connector neutral electrical wire  164  to be easily inserted but is configured to provide added friction when the connector neutral electrical wire  164  is attempted to be removed. Although one form of the wire push-in clamping method  450  is described and illustrated, other forms of the wire push-in clamping method  450  known to people having ordinary skill in the art can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. It also is envisioned that a combination of the screw clamp method  400  and the wire push-in clamping method  450  can be used to couple the electrical wires to the contacts within either the connector  160  and/or the external plug  150 . 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a feed-through connector  500  in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the hot connector contact  510 , the neutral connector contact  512 , and the ground connector contact  514  are electrically coupled to the connector hot electrical wire  162 , the connector neutral electrical wire  164 , and the connector ground electrical wire  166 , respectively, at one end using the screw clamp method  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4A . According to alternative exemplary embodiments, the wire push-in clamping method  450  can be used either alone or in combination with the screw clamp method  400 . The opposing ends of each of the connector hot electrical wire  162 , the connector neutral electrical wire  164 , and the connector ground electrical wire  166  are electrically coupled to the proper building electrical wires  791 ,  792 , and  793 . The feed-through connector  500  also electrically terminates one end of a feed-through hot electrical wire  540  to the hot connector contact  510 , one end of a feed-through neutral electrical wire  542  to the neutral connector contact  512 , and one end of a feed-through ground electrical wire  544  to the ground connector contact  514 . The opposing ends of each of the feed-through hot electrical wire  540 , the feed-through neutral electrical wire  542 , and the feed-through ground electrical wire  544  are electrically coupled to the appropriate contacts of a downstream electrical wiring device (not shown), thereby creating a daisy-chain for providing power to multiple electrical wiring devices that are oriented in series. According to the exemplary embodiment, the external plug for one of the electrical wiring devices can be disconnected from its respective connector without disrupting the power supply to any of the remaining electrical wiring devices that are positioned on the daisy-chain configuration. This feature is accomplished because the feed-through connection occurs on the connector and remains connected when the external plug is removed from the connector. In some exemplary embodiments, a second connector ground electrical wire  550  is coupled to the ground connector contact  514  using a crimp  552 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an external plug  600  and a connector  650  in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. The external plug  600  and the connector  650  are similar to the external plug  150  and the connector  160  of  FIG. 3 , except for the orientation of the male contacts  610 ,  612 , and  614  and the male contact openings  620 ,  622 , and  624  of the external plug  600  and the orientation of the female contacts (not shown) and the connector protrusions  660 ,  662 , and  664  of the connector  650 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , the male contacts  610 ,  612 , and  614  and the male contact openings  620 ,  622 , and  624  are disposed substantially vertically with respect to the width of the external plug  600 . Similarly, the female contacts (not shown) and the connector protrusions  660 ,  662 , and  664  are disposed substantially vertically with respect to the width of the connector  650 . The connector protrusions  660 ,  662 , and  664  are configured to be received within male contact openings  620 ,  622 , and  624 . Also, the male contacts  610 ,  612 , and  614  are configured to be electrically coupled to the female contacts. The exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6  can be used in conjunction with one type of electrical wiring device, while the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3  can be used in conjunction with another type of electrical wiring device, thereby preventing the wrong type of electrical wiring device to be electrically coupled to an improper connector type. For example, the horizontally oriented protrusions and male contact openings can be used with respect to receptacle wiring devices, while vertically oriented protrusions and male contact openings can be used with respect to switch wiring devices. Additionally, or alternatively, the dimensions of the external plug  600  and the connector  650  can be varied depending upon the type of electrical wiring device that the external plug  600  and the connector  650  will be used with. 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic system view illustrating two electrically installed modular electrical wiring devices  110  and  750  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Although one exemplary method has been illustrated for electrically installing the modular electrical devices  110  and  750 , other electrical installation methods, for example, using a daisy chain installation, can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the modular electrical wiring device  110  is electrically coupled to building electrical wires  791 ,  792 ,  793  and the modular electrical wiring device  750  is electrically coupled to building electrical wires  794 ,  795 ,  796 . 
     During the rough-in phase, an electrician runs building electrical wires  791 ,  792 ,  793 ,  794 ,  795 , and  796  through conduits  797  and  798  and into a device box  790 . According to one exemplary embodiment, a first building hot electrical wire  791 , a first building neutral electrical wire  792 , and a first building ground electrical wire  793  are run through a first conduit  797  and into device box  790 . The first conduit  797  is coupled to the device box  790  and is configured to allow the first building hot electrical wire  791 , the first building neutral electrical wire  792 , and the first building ground electrical wire  793  to enter the device box  790 . Similarly, a second building hot electrical wire  794 , a second building neutral electrical wire  795 , and a second building ground electrical wire  796  are run through a second conduit  798  and into device box  790 . The second conduit  797  is coupled to the device box  790  and is configured to allow the second building hot electrical wire  794 , the second building neutral electrical wire  795 , and the second building ground electrical wire  796  to enter the device box  790 . Although two conduits  797  and  798  are used to run building electrical wires  791 ,  792 ,  793 ,  794 ,  795 , and  796 , greater or fewer conduits can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, although this exemplary embodiment uses a three-wire system, alternate wire systems, for example, a five-wire system and a two-wire system, can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Also during the rough-in phase, the electrician electrically couples the connectors  160  and  780  to building electrical wires  791 ,  792 ,  793 ,  794 ,  795 , and  796 . First connector  160  includes a first connector hot electrical wire  162 , a first connector neutral electrical wire  164 , and a first connector ground electrical wire  166 . The first connector hot electrical wire  162 , the first connector neutral electrical wire  164 , and the first connector ground electrical wire  166  are electrically coupled to the first connector  160  according to the descriptions provided above. The electrician couples the first building hot electrical wire  791  to the first connector hot electrical wire  162  using a first wire nut  702 . The electrician couples the first building neutral electrical wire  792  to the first connector neutral electrical wire  164  using a second wire nut  704 . The electrician couples the first building ground electrical wire  793  to the first connector ground electrical wire  166  using a third wire nut  706 . 
     Second connector  780  includes a second connector hot electrical wire  782 , a second connector neutral electrical wire  784 , and a second connector ground electrical wire  786 . The second connector hot electrical wire  782 , the second connector neutral electrical wire  784 , and the second connector ground electrical wire  786  are electrically coupled to the second connector  780  according to the descriptions provided above. The electrician couples the second building hot electrical wire  794  to the second connector hot electrical wire  782  using a fourth wire nut  708 . The electrician couples the second building neutral electrical wire  795  to the second connector neutral electrical wire  784  using a fifth wire nut  709 . The electrician couples the second building ground electrical wire  796  to the second connector ground electrical wire  786  using the third wire nut  706 , which was also used for coupling the first building ground electrical wire  793  to the first connector ground electrical wire  166 . According to one exemplary embodiment, the second building ground electrical wire  796  is routed through a screw  799  which is coupled to the device box  790 . The grounding wiring scheme shown in this exemplary embodiment is one method for grounding the ground electrical wires  166 ,  793 ,  786 , and  796 ; however, alternate grounding methods can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     During the trim-out stage, a non-skill electrician can be used to complete the installation of the modular electrical wiring devices  110  and  750  to lower installation costs and add more convenience to the installation process. The first modular electrical wiring device  110  includes a first electrical wiring device  120 , a first external plug  150 , and first device electrical wires, which include a first device hot electrical wire  140 , a first device neutral electrical wire  142 , and a first device ground electrical wire  144 , electrically coupling the first electrical wiring device  120  to the first external plug  150 . The coupling of the first device electrical wires  140 ,  142 , and  144  from the first external plug  150  to the first electrical wiring device  120  has been previously described above. According to one exemplary embodiment, the first electrical wiring device  120  is a receptacle wiring device. 
     The second modular electrical wiring device  750  includes a second electrical wiring device  760 , a second external plug  770 , and second device electrical wires, which include a second device hot electrical wire  762 , a second device neutral electrical wire  764 , and a second device ground electrical wire  766 , electrically coupling the second electrical device  760  to the second external plug  770 . The coupling of the second device electrical wires  762 ,  764 , and  766  from the second external plug  770  to the second electrical wiring device  760  has been previously described above. According to one exemplary embodiment, the second electrical wiring device  760  is a switch wiring device. 
     The first external plug  150  is coupled to the first connector  160  in a manner where the first device hot electrical wire  140  is electrically coupled to the first connector hot electrical wire  162 , the first device neutral electrical wire  142  is electrically coupled to the first connector neutral electrical wire  164 , and the first device ground electrical wire  144  is electrically coupled to the first connector ground electrical wire  166 . Once the first external plug  150  is properly coupled to the first connector  160 , an audible signal is produced by a first latch  152 , located on the first external plug  150 , to notify an installer that the coupling is properly completed. As previously mentioned, the first external plug  150  and the first connector  160  are configured so that the first external plug  150  and the first connector  160  are coupled in a single orientation. This ensures that the hot wires  140  and  162 , the neutral wires  142  and  164 , and the ground wires  144  and  166  are properly electrically coupled to one another. 
     The second external plug  770  is coupled to the second connector  780  in a manner where the second device hot electrical wire  762  is electrically coupled to the second connector hot electrical wire  782 , the second device neutral electrical wire  764  is electrically coupled to the second connector neutral electrical wire  784 , and the second device ground electrical wire  766  is electrically coupled to the second connector ground electrical wire  766 . Once the second external plug  770  is properly coupled to the second connector  780 , an audible signal is produced by a second latch  772 , located on the second external plug  770 , to notify an installer that the coupling is properly completed. As previously mentioned, the second external plug  770  and the second connector  780  are configured so that the second external plug  770  and the second connector  780  are coupled in a single orientation. This ensures that the hot wires  762  and  782 , the neutral wires  764  and  784 , and the ground wires  766  and  786  are properly electrically coupled to one another. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, the first connector  160  is uniquely designed according to the type of first modular electrical wiring device  110  that it is to be coupled to. Similarly, the second connector  780  is uniquely designed according to the type of second modular electrical wiring device  750  that it is to be coupled to. For example, the first modular electrical wiring device  110  includes a receptacle wiring device. Thus, according to one example, the first connector  160  is designed to have horizontally oriented female contacts and the first external plug  150  is designed to have horizontally oriented male contacts. According to one exemplary embodiment, the width of the first external plug  150  is a first width  724  and the width of the first connector  160  also is a first width  724 . In the same example, the second modular electrical wiring device  750  includes a switch wiring device. Thus, in one example, the second connector  780  is designed to have vertically oriented female contacts and the second external plug  770  is designed to have vertically oriented male contacts. According to one exemplary embodiment, the width of the second external plug  770  is a second width  774  and the width of the second connector  780  also is a second width  774 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the first width  724  and the second width  774  are not the same. 
     According to the exemplary embodiment provided above, the first connector  160  is coupleable to the first external plug  150 , but not the second external plug  770 . Similarly, the second connector  780  is coupleable to the second external plug  770 , but not the first external plug  150 . This feature allows non-skilled electricians to properly complete the trim-out phase without accidentally coupling the modular electrical wiring device  110  and  750  to an improper connector. 
     According to some of the exemplary embodiments, skilled electricians no longer are needed to create pig tails in the device box during the trim-out phase. Additionally, some of the exemplary embodiments provide proper assurance that electrical wiring device is properly electrically coupled to the building wires during the trim-out phase and/or subsequent installations of replacement electrical wiring devices. Further, some of the exemplary embodiments allow electrical wiring devices to be replaced safely without a user or homeowner having to turn the power off at the breaker (not shown) because none of the electrical contacts on the external plug, the connector, or the electrical wiring device are exposed. Many homeowners or users are not skilled at selecting the correct breaker or choose not to turn the power off at the breaker. 
     Although each exemplary embodiment has been described in detail, it is to be construed that any features and modifications that are applicable to one embodiment are also applicable to the other embodiments. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, these descriptions are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art upon reference to the description of the exemplary embodiments. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures or methods for carrying out the same purposes of the invention. It should also be realized by those of ordinary skill in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. It is therefore, contemplated that the claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention.