Ground fault receptacle with unitary support of GFCI module and switching mechanism

In an electrical receptacle having a base and cover, wherein at least one socket means is incorporated in the base and accessible through a front wall thereof for reception of an appliance cord plug, and wherein stationary contacts electrically connected to the socket means are mounted in the base, a ground fault circuit interrupter assembly comprising, in combination:

• A. a support plate having means for cooperating with the base in positionally mounting said plate in the base proximate its junction with the cover, said plate having a front surface for disposition in spaced, parallel relation to the front wall of the base and a rear surface;
• B. a ground fault circuit interrupter module including a differential current transformer having a wound toroidal core and a pair of conductor segments extending through the central aperture of said core, a circuit board, electronic components mounted on said board in electrical interconnection, and leads connected between said transformer and said circuit board;
• C. first means integrally formed with said plate in outstanding relation with its rear surface providing a cavity accommodating said transformer;
• D. second means integrally formed with said plate in outstanding relation with its rear surface supporting said board in spaced, parallel relation with said rear surface;
• E. a pair of spaced pedestals integrally formed with said plate in outstanding relation with its front surface;
• F. a mounting block secured on said pedestals;
• and
• G. a switch operating mechanism including an arm mounted by said block for movement between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position, movable contacts carried by said arm, leads connecting said movable contacts to said conductor segments, a latch detaining said arm in its closed circuit position, and a solenoid mounted by said block and electrically connected to said circuit board, said solenoid having a plunger arranged to engage said latch and release said arm for movement to its open circuit position;
• 1. whereby the receptacle is capable of being tested for operability in affording ground fault protection prior to positionally mounting said assembly in said base.