Modular Electrical System with Interchangeable Functional Components

Abstract

A modular electrical housing for building electrical systems is disclosed. The housing includes an internal void defined by two or more walls. A plurality of receiving terminals, including corresponding conductors, are located within the void and are configured to interface with a modular electrical component when it is inserted. The housing also includes wire ports configured to connect to a building's electrical wiring, thereby providing an electrical connection between the building wiring and the conductors of the receiving terminals. This configuration allows the housing to be permanently installed and wired, while a functional electrical component, such as a physical switch, a power outlet, or an intelligent networked controller, can be removably inserted into the housing's void at a later time without direct manipulation of the building wiring. The receiving terminals can include isolation channels, and at least one channel may be keyed to ensure proper orientation of the inserted component.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.