Patent ID: 8374729

Claim:
A method for use in power distribution, comprising the steps of: applying a power signal via an electrical receptacle to a device electrically coupled with said electrical receptacle; monitoring said power signal at said electrical receptacle at least during a first time period to acquire first electrical usage signature information for said device and during a second time period, different from said first time period, to acquire second electrical usage signature information for said device; determining at least first device classification information for said device according to said first electrical usage signature information and second device classification information for said device according to said second electrical usage signature information, each of said first and second classification information providing an independent indication relating to at least one of an identity of said device, a type of said device and a state or condition of said device; using at least said first device classification information and said second device classification information to determine a device classification; and controlling delivery of power via said electrical receptacle based on applying said device classification to a policy.