Electrical wiring device

Abstract

A wiring device common in household circuits includes a flexible brush that is a separate piece from a screw plate that receives electrical power. A terminal screw can thread into the screw plate. The brush may be positioned between the screw plate and the head of the terminal screw and can have a clearance hole through which the threads if the terminal screw can pass. Good electrical and thermal conductivity is assured between the screw plate and the brush by tightening the screw. A ground strap can be employed to hold a cover to a base of the electrical device. The strap can include openings which engage snap tabs on the cover to lock all components into a complete assembly. The strap also can have hooks which engage the cover to prevent the cover from being pulled out of the strap. The wiring device can be an electrical switch, a receptacle, or any similar type of device.

1 . A wiring device comprising: 
 a switch for connecting and disconnecting a current to a load;    a receptacle adapted to receive at least one type of appliance plug;    a housing for mounting said switch and said receptacle therein; and    a cover for substantially concealing said switch and said receptacle wherein when said switch and said receptacle are assembled in combination with said housing and said cover, said switch and said receptacle form a combined device contained within a single housing    
   
   
       2 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein said housing comprises a single gang housing.  
   
   
       3 . The wiring device of  claim 1  wherein said switch is a rocker switch.  
   
   
       4 . The wiring device of  claim 3  wherein said rocker switch is a vertical axis rocker.  
   
   
       5 . The wiring device of  claim 3  wherein said rocker switch is a horizontal axis rocker.