Patent ID: 7307823

Claim:
A modular surge suppressor system comprising: a first alternating current surge suppressor module comprising: a power conductor; a ground conductor; a first housing including an opening, a plurality of sides and a plurality of means for electrically and mechanically mounting a corresponding surge suppressor module; and a first alternating current surge suppressor circuit housed by said first housing, said circuit receiving said power and ground conductors through the opening of said first housing, said circuit including a first ground and electrically connecting said ground conductor to said first ground and to said plurality of means for electrically and mechanically mounting a corresponding surge suppressor module; a second surge suppressor module comprising a second housing, a second surge suppressor circuit including a second ground, and a first means for electrical and mechanical connection to a first one of said means for electrically and mechanically mounting on a first one of said sides of the first housing of said first alternating current surge suppressor module, said second surge suppressor circuit electrically connecting said second ground to said first means for electrical and mechanical connection, in order that said second ground is electrically connected to said ground conductor through said first one of said means for electrically and mechanically mounting; and a third surge suppressor module comprising a third housing, a third surge suppressor circuit including a third ground, and a second means for electrical and mechanical connection to a second one of said means for electrically and mechanically mounting on a second one of said sides of the first housing of said first alternating current surge suppressor module, said third surge suppressor circuit electrically connecting said third ground to said second means for electrical and mechanical connection, in order that said third ground is electrically connected to said ground conductor through said second one of said means for electrically and mechanically mounting, wherein each of said first and second means for electrical and mechanical connection comprises: a first tongue, a channel parallel to said first tongue, said channel including a first ground bar electrically connected to a corresponding one of said second and third grounds, and a second tongue parallel to said channel, wherein said first alternating current surge suppressor module includes a pair of parallel grooves and a second ground bar, wherein said first and second tongues are adapted to be captured by said pair of parallel grooves of said first alternating current surge suppressor module, and wherein said first ground bar is adapted to electrically engage the second ground bar of said first alternating current surge suppressor module.