Power pedestal with breakaway pedestal base

Abstract

A power pedestal for electrical outlets is mountable to a mounting surface by means of a pedestal base. The pedestal base incorporates at least one stress relief feature that will allow the power pedestal to break away from the pedestal base in response to an external force acting on the power pedestal so as to induce stresses in the pedestal base exceeding a predetermined breaking point. The power pedestal may then be remounted to the mounting surface using a new pedestal base replacing the broken pedestal base. Optionally, the power pedestal may be provided with protective apparatus for protecting electrical outlets installed in the power pedestal from exposure to weather. The protective apparatus may comprise an angled hood having an angled top surface, at least two side panels, and an angled bottom surface having an aperture.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present disclosure relates to outdoor electrical outlets or receptacles and more particularly to protective apparatus for protecting the outlets from a wide range of weather conditions. In particular, electrical outlets provided on power pedestals are considered.BACKGROUND[0002]Conventional outdoor receptacles are typically protected by flip covers that are positioned over individual receptacles or outlets, or by outlet covers with hinged doors that lift to provide access to the outlets. Such flip covers may include gaskets for weather sealing, typically either on the covers themselves, or around the perimeter of the base frame against which the flip cover will rest.[0003]While generally functional during fair weather, prior art protective devices for outdoor electrical outlets or receptacles suffer from a number of limitations. For example, in temperatures at or below freezing, the flip covers are often sealed by ice against the frame such that the f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a hood that protects an electrical outlet from moisture, including rain and snow. The hood has a top surface that extends to a suitable horizontal distance to cover the outlet. The hood may always remain open through an aperture in its bottom surface. The patent also describes a ventilation grill on the pedestal that allows air to circulate within the cabinet and prevents moisture from entering. This grill promotes airflow to control moisture. The technical effect of this invention is to provide better protection against moisture for electrical outlets and to prevent damage from weather conditions.

Problems solved by technology

While generally functional during fair weather, prior art protective devices for outdoor electrical outlets or receptacles suffer from a number of limitations.

For example, in temperatures at or below freezing, the flip covers are often sealed by ice against the frame such that the flip covers cannot be lifted to access the outlet.

Even if the flip covers can be lifted to plug into an outlet, ice and snow may accumulate while the flip cover is lifted, exposing a significant area of the electrical outlet to accumulation of ice and snow.

Furthermore, the flip cover itself may be frozen in the open position, making it difficult or impossible to close.

In addition, over time, the weather sealing gasket on or around the flip cover may deteriorate, and no longer keep out moisture from the electrical outlet, possibly allowing moisture to seep into the electrical outlet and potentially causing an electrical safety problem.

While use of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles, may help avoid serious electrical shocks, the electrical outlet may nevertheless become damaged from the moisture, and have to be replaced at significant cost.

Even a minor collision may result in major damage to power pedestals, resulting in sufficient damage requiring replacement of the housing, or the entire unit.

As well, power pedestals are often subjected to adverse weather, and moisture trapped within or around the pedestals may damage them and cause them to fail or become unsightly prematurely.

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