Panel power connector

An operable wall for use in a building having a building power or communications supply, the operable wall comprising:

• a first panel movable between a deployed condition and a stowed condition, the first panel including an electrical or communications conduit having first and second opposite ends, the first end of the conduit being in operable communication with the building power or communications supply;
• a second panel movable between a deployed condition and a stowed condition, the second panel including an electrical or communications conduit having first and second opposite ends;
• and
• a connector comprising a first part having a first face and operably communicating with the second end of the conduit of the first panel and a second part having a second face and operably communicating with the first end of the conduit of the second panel, the second part having a degree of freedom of movement with respect to the second panel,
• wherein the first and second faces of the connector are drawn into abutment with each other by a magnetic force when the first and second panels are in the deployed condition to place the conduit of the first panel in operable communication with the conduit of the second panel, and
• wherein the first and second faces of the connector disengage from each other when the first and second panels are in the stowed condition to disconnect the conduit of the first panel from communication with the conduit of the second panel.

A moveable wall for use in a structure having a power or communications supply configured to send a primary signal, the moveable wall comprising:

• a first panel coupled to the structure for movement with respect to the structure between a stowed position and a deployed position, the first panel having a first electrical connection and a second electrical connection, the first electrical connection of the first panel configured to receive said primary signal from the power or communications supply and to direct said primary signal to the second electrical connection;
• and
• a second panel coupled to the structure for movement with respect to the structure between a stowed position and a deployed position, the second panel having a third electrical connection and a fourth electrical connection, the third electrical connection configured to electrically connect to the second electrical connection to receive said primary signal from the second electrical connection and to direct said primary signal to the fourth electrical connection,
• wherein one of the second electrical connection and the third electrical connection has a degree of freedom to move relative to the respective panel,
• wherein the first electrical connection is configured to send a first confirmation signal to the power or communications supply,
• wherein the second electrical connection is configured to send a second confirmation signal to the power or communications supply,
• wherein when the third electrical connection is electrically connected to the second electrical connection, the third electrical connection is configured to send a third confirmation signal to the power or communication supply, and
• only upon receiving the first, second and third confirmation signals, the power or communications supply is configured to send the primary signal to the first electrical connection, to the second electrical connection, and to the third electrical connection.