Adjustable neutral rod and adjustable neutral rod assembly

Abstract

An adjustable neutral rod and an adjustable neutral rod assembly are provided. The rod and rod assembly can be adjusted according to the number of taps required. The rod and rod assembly can have mating rod ends or clips so that multiple rods can be easily connected to each other. In addition, the rod and rod assembly can have shear areas so that the rod can be easily separated at the desired location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a neutral rod and a neutral rod assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a neutral rod and a neutral rod assembly that can be adjusted according to the number of taps required. Background Art

[0002] The neutral is usually the circuit conductor that carries the current back to the source. The neutral is usually grounded (connected to earth) at the main distribution board, breaker box, street step-down, or meter, and may also be grounded at the source's final step-down transformer.

[0003] A neutral rod is a known device commonly used in main switchboards, circuit breaker boxes, or other electrical enclosures. The neutral rod is used to connect many different neutral conductors to different slots or taps ("taps") on the neutral rod. The neutral rod is made of a conductive material such as, but not limited to, copper, aluminum, other metals, and alloys of these or other metals.

[0004] Typically, each tap on the neutral pole includes two openings: a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is sized to receive one of the neutral conductors, while the second opening has a compression member (e.g., a tie screw) located therein. The first opening and the second opening are positioned relative to each other so that the compression member can be selectively tightened to mechanically secure the neutral conductor in the tap in an electrically conductive manner.

[0005] Like many electrical devices, neutral poles are subject to one or more different safety certifications. For example, Underwriters Laboratories ("UL") provides product safety testing and certification for electrical devices. Obtaining UL certification and maintaining that certification while installed is valuable in the marketing of such products.

[0006] While still maintaining the original safety certifications, many designs have been proposed to enable the end user to design an electrical enclosure with a neutral pole that has the desired number of taps. Many of these products require the use of multiple neutral poles that are electrically and structurally fixed together with a number of connectors and expanders. This enables the end user to configure an electrical enclosure with the desired number of taps.

[0007] However, the present applicant has determined that prior art designs often require a large number of cumbersome parts, the supply of which may be difficult to manage and the assembly of which may be problematic. The present disclosure has also determined that in other prior art designs, the neutral pole is often modified, thereby invalidating previous safety certifications.

[0008] Accordingly, the present disclosure has identified a need for an adjustable neutral rod and adjustable neutral rod assembly that can overcome, mitigate and / or mitigate one or more of the above-noted and other deleterious effects of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0009] An adjustable neutral rod is provided. The rod includes a wire-binding screw, a first opening, a second opening, a first rod end, and a second rod end. The first opening is sized to receive a corresponding neutral conductor. The second opening has a thread for receiving the wire-binding screw. The first opening and the second opening are positioned relative to each other so that the wire-binding screw can be selectively fastened in the second opening, thereby mechanically fixing the corresponding neutral conductor in the first opening in an electrically conductive manner. The first rod end has a first hole, and the second rod end has a second hole. The first rod end and the second rod end are positioned and shaped so that the first end of one neutral rod can mate with the second end of another neutral rod, and the first hole and the second hole are aligned with each other when mated.

[0010] In some embodiments, alone or together with any one or more of the preceding and / or following embodiments, the first end and the second end have a stepped shape.

[0011] In some embodiments, alone or together with any one or more of the foregoing and / or following embodiments, the first end has a concave shape, and the second end has a convex shape corresponding to the concave shape.

[0012] In some embodiments, alone or together with any one or more of the preceding and / or following embodiments, the first end and the second end form an interference fit when engaged.

[0013] In some embodiments, alone or together with any one or more of the preceding and / or following embodiments, an inner dimension of the first end is smaller than an outer dimension of the second end in at least one direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, alone or together with any one or more of the preceding and / or following embodiments, an inner diameter (IR) of the first end portion is smaller than an outer diameter (OR) of the second end portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, alone or together with any one or more of the preceding and / or following embodiments, the convex shape and the concave shape are quadrilateral shapes.

[0016] An adjustable neutral rod is also provided, the adjustable neutral rod having a wire tie screw, a first opening, a second opening, and a shearing region. The first opening is sized to receive a corresponding neutral conductor. The second opening has a thread for receiving the wire tie screw. The first opening and the second opening are positioned relative to each other so that the wire tie screw can be selectively fastened in the second opening, thereby mechanically fixing the neutral conductor in the first opening in an electrically conductive manner. The shearing region is respectively located between two first openings adjacent to each other in the first opening and / or two second openings adjacent to each other in the second opening.

[0017] In some embodiments, alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or later embodiments, the shearing region has a predetermined spacing between two first openings of the first openings and / or two second openings of the second openings.

[0018] In some embodiments, alone or in combination with any one or more of the foregoing and / or following embodiments, the shear region defines a shear plane for shearing the neutral rod.

[0019] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the foregoing and / or following embodiments, the shearing region is a physical locator capable of interacting with the module to ensure proper positioning of the module relative to the shearing region.

[0020] An adjustable neutral rod assembly is also provided, the adjustable neutral rod assembly comprising two neutral rods and a connector. Each rod has a wire tie screw, a first opening, a second opening, a first rod end, and a second rod end. The first opening receives a corresponding neutral conductor. The second opening has a thread for receiving the wire tie screw. The first opening and the second opening are positioned relative to each other so that the wire tie screw can be selectively fastened in the second opening, thereby mechanically fixing the neutral conductor in the first opening in an electrically conductive manner. The first rod end has a first hole, and the second rod end has a second hole. The connector mechanically and electrically fixes the first rod end of one of the two neutral rods and the second rod end of the other of the two neutral rods through the first hole of the first end and the second hole of the second end, and the first hole of the first end and the second hole of the second end are aligned with each other.

[0021] In some embodiments, alone or together with any one or more of the preceding and / or following embodiments, the first end and the second end have a stepped shape.

[0022] In some embodiments, alone or together with any one or more of the foregoing and / or following embodiments, the first end has a concave shape, and the second end has a convex shape corresponding to the concave shape.

[0023] In some embodiments, alone or together with any one or more of the preceding and / or following embodiments, the first end and the second end form an interference fit when engaged.

[0024] In some embodiments, alone or together with any one or more of the preceding and / or following embodiments, the convex shape and the concave shape are quadrilateral shapes.

[0025] An adjustable neutral rod assembly is also provided, the adjustable neutral rod assembly comprising two neutral rods and a clamp. Each neutral rod comprises a wire tie screw, a first opening, a second opening, a first rod end, and a second rod end. The first opening receives a corresponding neutral conductor. The second opening has a thread for receiving the wire tie screw. The first opening and the second opening are positioned relative to each other so that the wire tie screw can be selectively fastened in the second opening, thereby mechanically fixing the neutral conductor in the first opening in an electrically conductive manner. The clamp mechanically and electrically fixes the two neutral rods to each other so that the first rod end of one of the two neutral rods and the second rod end of the other of the two neutral rods face and / or abut each other.

[0026] In some embodiments, alone or in combination with any one or more of the foregoing and / or following embodiments, the clip comprises an upper portion having a first hole and a second hole. The first hole and the second hole are located on the upper portion such that the first hole is aligned with a second opening of one of the two neutral rods, and the second hole is aligned with a second opening of the other of the two neutral rods.

[0027] In some embodiments, alone or together with any one or more of the foregoing and / or following embodiments, a wire screw mechanically and electrically secures the clamp to one of the two neutral poles through a first hole, and another wire screw mechanically and electrically secures the clamp to the other of the two neutral poles through a second hole.

[0028] In some embodiments, alone or in combination with any one or more of the foregoing and / or following embodiments, the clip further comprises a lower portion having a first extension and a second extension. The first extension and the second extension are located on the lower portion such that the first extension is aligned with a first opening of one of the two neutral rods and the second extension is aligned with a first opening of the other of the two neutral rods.

[0029] Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand the above-described and other features and advantages of the present disclosure from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable neutral rod assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of one of the neutral rods in the assembly shown;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Side view of the neutral rod shown;

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view of another adjustable neutral rod assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A top view of one of the neutral rods in the assembly shown;

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Side view of the neutral rod shown;

[0036] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another adjustable neutral rod assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A top view of the adjustable neutral rod assembly is shown;

[0038] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A side view of the adjustable neutral rod assembly is shown;

[0039] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 an enlarged side view of a first side of the adjustable neutral rod assembly shown;

[0040] Fig.11 yes Figure 7 an enlarged side view of a second side of the adjustable neutral rod assembly shown;

[0041] Fig.12 is a first perspective view of another adjustable neutral rod assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 a second relative perspective view of the adjustable neutral rod assembly shown;

[0043] Fig.14 yes Fig.12 a perspective view of the clamp of the adjustable neutral rod assembly shown;

[0044] Fig.15 is a perspective view of an adjustable neutral rod and a shear module according to the present disclosure;

[0045] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of an adjustable neutral bar with a shear module mounted thereon;

[0046] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 A top view of the adjustable neutral bar and shearing device is shown;

[0047] Fig.18 yes Fig.15 a side view of the adjustable neutral bar as shown; and

[0048] Fig.19 is with Fig.15 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a crimping tool for use with a shear die set is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] With reference to the drawings, and in particular with reference to Figures 1 to 3 , an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable neutral rod assembly according to the present disclosure is shown and generally designated by reference numeral 10. Advantageously, assembly 10 is configured to provide any desired number of taps by joining a plurality of neutral rods 12 to one another.

[0050] By way of example, the assembly 10 is shown as having two rods 12 that are secured to one another by way of example only. However, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is contemplated that the assembly 10 includes any desired number of rods 12 secured to one another.

[0051] Each rod 12 includes a first opening 14 and a second opening 16. Each first opening 14 (four are shown) is sized to receive a neutral conductor (not shown). Each second opening 16 has an internal thread 18 configured to threadably receive a harness screw 20 (one is shown) in the second opening. The first opening 14 and the second opening 16 are positioned relative to each other so that the screw 20 can be selectively tightened in the second opening, thereby mechanically fixing the neutral conductor in the first opening in an electrically conductive manner.

[0052] By way of example, the rod 12 is shown as having four sets of openings 16 / 18. Of course, according to the present disclosure, it is contemplated that the rod 12 has any desired number of sets of openings 16 / 18, such as, but not limited to, at least one set of openings and up to thirty sets of openings.

[0053] Each rod 12 also includes a first rod end 22 and a second rod end 24. The first end 22 has a first hole 26, and the second end 24 has a second hole 28. The ends 22, 24 are positioned and shaped so that the first end 22 of one rod 12 mates with the second end 24 of the other rod 12. When mated, the first hole 26 and the second hole 28 align with each other to receive a connector 30, which mechanically and electrically secures the rods to each other to form the assembly 10.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 30 is shown as a screw that threadably engages corresponding threads in one or both holes 26, 28. In this way, a user can easily and repeatedly form the assembly 10 by providing the number of rods 12 required for a particular application. Therefore, due to the ends 22, 24, the present disclosure identifies the rod 12 as an adjustable neutral rod.

[0055] It should be appreciated that the rod 12 is shown by way of example as having ends 22, 24, which are positioned so that the holes 26, 28 and the connector 30 are parallel to the second opening 16 and the screw 20. However, according to the present disclosure, it is also contemplated that the rod 12 is configured so that the ends 22, 24 are positioned so that the holes 26, 28 and the connector 30 are parallel to the first opening 14 and the neutral conductor (not shown). In some embodiments, the type and size of the connector 30 is the same as the type and size of the screw 20.

[0056] Moreover, the assembly 10 is shown by way of example as having a rod 12 with ends 22, 24 of the rod 12 configured such that the rods are fixed to each other along a straight line. However, according to the present disclosure, it is contemplated that the assembly 10 includes a rod 12 with ends 22, 24 of the rod 12 configured such that the rods are fixed to each other at an angle relative to each other. Moreover, the assembly 10 may include a rod 12 with ends 22, 24 of the rod 12 configured such that a user can select the angle of the rods relative to each other.

[0057] Advantageously, the assembly 10 incorporates two identically shaped rods 12, thereby minimizing the number of parts required to adjust (i.e., expand or reduce) the number of available taps. Furthermore, when the connector 30 is identical to the screw 20, the assembly 10 does not require more parts than would be required if only one rod 12 were installed. Since no modifications to the structure of the rod 12 are required, the assembly 10 is able to maintain any safety certifications in the installed state.

[0058] It should be appreciated that although the rods 12 are described as having the same shape, it is contemplated in accordance with the present disclosure that this means that the ends 22, 24 are shaped in a corresponding manner so that the rods can be connected as desired. In this way, rods 12 having different numbers of taps can be connected together to adjust the number of taps as desired.

[0059] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the ends 22, 24 have a stepped shape that enables the first end of one rod 12 to mate with the second end of the other rod. However, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure contemplates the rods 12 having the ends 22, 24 in any position and / or shape that enables the first end of one rod to mate with the second end of the other rod.

[0060] For example, Figures 4 to 6 Another embodiment of an adjustable neutral rod assembly according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 3 Functionally similar and / or equivalent components discussed are indicated by an increment of one hundred.

[0061] Likewise, the assembly 110 is configured to provide any desired number of taps by engaging a plurality of neutral rods 112 with one another. The rod 112 includes a first opening 114 and a second opening 116 having internal threads 118 configured to threadably receive a harness screw 120. The first opening 114 and the second opening 116 are positioned relative to one another to enable the screw 120 to be selectively tightened in the second opening, thereby mechanically securing the neutral conductor in the first opening in an electrically conductive manner.

[0062] Each rod 112 includes a first rod end 122 and a second rod end 124 having a first hole 126 and a second hole 128, respectively. The ends 122, 124 are positioned and shaped so that the first end 122 of one rod 112 mates with the second end 124 of the other rod 112. When mated, the first hole 126 and the second hole 128 align with each other to receive a connector 130 that mechanically and electrically secures the rods to each other to form the assembly 110. In this embodiment, the end 122 has a concave shape and the end 124 has a convex shape so that the first end of one rod 112 fits within the second end of the other rod.

[0063] In some embodiments, it is contemplated according to the present disclosure that the first end 122 has an inner dimension (ID) that is smaller in at least one direction than an outer dimension (OD) of the second end 124. In this manner, the ends 122, 124 can form an interference fit when engaged, with the connector 130 adding pressure to the engagement to form a secure mechanical and electrical connection.

[0064] It should be appreciated that the rod 112 is shown by way of example as having ends 122, 124 positioned such that the holes 126, 128 and connector 130 are parallel to the second opening 116 and the screw 120. However, according to the present disclosure, it is also contemplated that the rod 112 is configured such that the ends 122, 124 are positioned such that the holes 126, 128 and connector 130 are parallel to the first opening 114 and the neutral conductor (not shown).

[0065] Moreover, the assembly 110 is shown by way of example as having a rod 112, with the ends 122, 124 of the rod 112 configured so that the rods are fixed to each other along a straight line. However, according to the present disclosure, it is contemplated that the assembly 110 includes a rod 112, with the ends 122, 124 of the rod 12 configured so that the rods are fixed to each other at an angle relative to each other. Moreover, the assembly 110 may include a rod 112, with the ends 122, 124 of the rod 112 configured so that a user can select the angle of the rods relative to each other.

[0066] Advantageously, assembly 110 incorporates two identically shaped rods 112, thereby minimizing the number of parts required to adjust (i.e., expand or reduce) the number of available taps. Furthermore, when connector 130 is identical to screw 120, assembly 110 does not require more parts than would be required if only one rod 112 were installed. Since no modifications to the structure of rod 112 are required, assembly 110 is able to maintain any safety certifications in the installed state.

[0067] Likewise, it should be appreciated that although the rods 112 are described as having the same shape, it is contemplated in light of the present disclosure that this means that the ends 122, 124 are shaped in a corresponding manner so that the rods can be connected as desired. In this way, rods 112 having different numbers of taps can be connected together to adjust the number of taps as desired.

[0068] Therefore, due to the ends 122 , 124 , the present disclosure identifies the rod 112 as an adjustable neutral rod.

[0069] exist Figures 4 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the ends 122, 124 have a generally quadrilateral-shaped relief that allows the first end of one rod 112 to fit into the second end of the other rod. However, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure contemplates rods 12 having ends 122, 124 in any position and / or shape that allows the first end of one rod to fit into the second end of the other rod.

[0070] For example, Figures 7 to 11 Another embodiment of an adjustable neutral rod assembly according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 3 Functionally similar and / or equivalent components discussed are indicated by adding two hundred.

[0071] Likewise, assembly 210 is configured to provide any desired number of taps by engaging a plurality of neutral rods 212 with one another. Rod 212 includes a first opening 214 and a second opening 216 having internal threads 218 configured to threadably receive a harness screw 220. First opening 214 and second opening 216 are positioned relative to one another to enable screw 220 to be selectively tightened in the second opening, thereby mechanically securing the neutral conductor in the first opening in an electrically conductive manner.

[0072] Each rod 212 includes a first rod end 222 and a second rod end 224, which are positioned and shaped so that the first end 222 of one rod 212 mates with the second end 224 of the other rod 212. In the present embodiment, the first end 222 has at least a first hole 226; in some embodiments, the first end 222 also has a second hole 228. When mated, the connector 230 can be threadedly received in the first hole 226 and / or the second hole 228, thereby mechanically or electrically securing the rods to each other to form the assembly 210. In the present embodiment, the end 222 has a concave shape and the end 224 has a convex shape, which allows the first end of one rod 212 to mate with the second end of the other rod.

[0073] In some embodiments, Figure 10 to Figure 11As shown, the inner dimension (ID) and inner diameter (IR) of the first end 222 are respectively smaller than the outer dimension (OD) and outer diameter (OR) of the second end 224. In this way, the ends 222, 224 can form an interference fit when engaged, with the connector 230 adding pressure to the engagement to form a secure mechanical and electrical connection.

[0074] As in the embodiments discussed above, the ends 222, 224 can be positioned so that the holes 226, 228 and the connector 230 are parallel to the second opening 216 and the screw 220, or can be positioned so that the holes and the connector are parallel to the first opening 214 and the neutral conductor (not shown). Likewise, the assembly 210 can also include a rod 212 having the ends 222, 224 configured so that a user can select the angle of the rods relative to each other.

[0075] Advantageously, assembly 210 incorporates two identically shaped rods 212, thereby minimizing the number of parts required to adjust (i.e., expand or reduce) the number of available taps. Furthermore, when connector 230 is identical to screw 220, assembly 210 does not require more parts than would be required if only one rod 212 were installed. Since no modifications to the structure of rod 212 are required, assembly 210 is able to maintain any safety certifications in the installed state.

[0076] It should be appreciated that although the rods 212 are described as having the same shape, it is contemplated in accordance with the present disclosure that this means that the ends 222, 224 are shaped in a corresponding manner so that the rods can be connected as desired. In this way, rods 212 having different numbers of taps can be connected together to adjust the number of taps as desired.

[0077] Therefore, due to the ends 222 , 224 , the present disclosure identifies the rod 212 as an adjustable neutral rod.

[0078] Although not shown, according to the present disclosure, it is conceivable that: Figures 1 to 11 One or more of the first and / or second ends of the embodiments of the present invention have teeth or crenulations that can bite into and / or form scores on the surface of the opposing end. In this way, these ends can cut through any oxidized or non-conductive material to ensure conductivity between the rods.

[0079] Now go to Figure 12 to Figure 14, another exemplary embodiment of an adjustable neutral rod assembly according to the present disclosure is shown and generally indicated by reference numeral 310. Advantageously, assembly 310 is configured to couple a plurality of neutral rods 312 to one another using clips 340 to provide any desired number of taps.

[0080] Each rod 312 includes a first opening 314 and a second opening 316. Each first opening 314 is sized to receive a neutral conductor (not shown). Each second opening 316 has an internal thread 318 configured to threadably receive a harness screw (not shown) in the second opening. The first opening 314 and the second opening 316 are positioned relative to each other so that the harness screw can be selectively tightened in the second opening, thereby mechanically fixing the neutral conductor in the first opening in an electrically conductive manner.

[0081] The clip 340 includes an upper portion 342 having a first hole 344 and a second hole 346. The holes 344, 346 are positioned on the upper portion 342 so that when the two rods 312 are placed end to end, the first hole 344 is aligned with the second opening 316 of one rod, and the second hole 346 is aligned with the second opening 316 of the other rod. In this way, the clip 340 and the two rods 312 can be mechanically and electrically secured together using a screw 330 (e.g., a harness screw commonly used to secure a neutral conductor in the first opening 314).

[0082] The clip 340 includes a lower portion 348 having a first extension 350 and a second extension 352. The extensions 350, 352 are positioned on the lower portion 348 such that when the two rods 312 are placed end to end, the first extension 350 is aligned with the first opening 314 of one rod and the second extension 352 is aligned with the first opening 314 of the other rod. In this manner, the extensions 350, 352 further mechanically and electrically secure the two rods 312 and the clip 340 to each other, with the ends of the rods facing and / or abutting each other.

[0083] In some embodiments, the clip 340 is configured such that the extensions 350 , 352 resiliently bias the two rods 312 toward each other.

[0084] Advantageously, the clip 340 is configured to mechanically and electrically secure the two rods 312 to each other without any modification to the rods. Thus, the clip 340 and an existing neutral rod can be used to form an assembly 310 having a desired number of taps.

[0085] Assembly 310 incorporates two identically shaped rods 312, thereby minimizing the number of components required to expand or reduce the number of available taps, namely, only clips 340. Since no structural modifications to rods 312 are required, assembly 310 is able to maintain any safety certifications when installed.

[0086] Reference now Figures 15 to 19 , another exemplary embodiment of an adjustable neutral rod assembly is shown and generally designated by reference numeral 410. Advantageously, assembly 410 can be configured to provide any desired number of taps by shearing a shearable neutral rod 412 using a set of shear dies 460.

[0087] Rod 412 includes a first opening 414 and a second opening 416 having an internal thread 418 configured to threadably receive a tie screw (not shown). The first opening 414 and the second opening 416 are positioned relative to each other so that the tie screw can be selectively tightened in the second opening, thereby mechanically fixing the neutral conductor in the first opening in an electrically conductive manner.

[0088] The rod 412 also includes a shearing region 462 defined between the two first openings 414. Here, the rod 412 is configured such that the spacing (S) between the openings 414 having the region 462 is sufficient so that after the region is sheared, the rod maintains the desired safety certification. In the illustrated embodiment, a rod 412 having two regions 462 is shown. However, it is contemplated according to the present disclosure that the rod 412 has at least one or up to thirty regions 462.

[0089] Therefore, due to the presence of region 462, the present disclosure identifies rod 412 as an adjustable neutral rod.

[0090] It should be appreciated that the rod 412 is shown by way of example as having the region 462 positioned parallel to the second opening 416. However, it is also contemplated in accordance with the present disclosure that the rod 412 be configured such that the region 462 is parallel to the first opening 414.

[0091] The rods 412 can be easily sheared using shearing modules 460 or other means, thereby minimizing the number of parts required for adjusting the number of available taps. Since the rods 412 are modified at the area 462 with the spacing (S), these rods can maintain any safety certification in the installed state.

[0092] In some embodiments, the rod 412 can be assembled with the shear module 460 to form the assembly 410. Fig.19As shown, shear die set 460 is used in conjunction with a crimping tool such as, but not limited to, 464, which may be purchased from Hubbell Incorporated.

[0093] The shear module 460 includes a first set of shear blocks 466 and a second set of shear blocks 468. Blocks 466 are located on one side of a region 462 around the rod 412, while blocks 468 are located on the opposite side of the region around the rod. In this way, the region 462 defines a shear plane for shearing the rod 412 by movement of the blocks 466, 468 in opposite directions (D).

[0094] In some embodiments, region 462 can act as a physical locator that interacts with one or more portions of module 460 to ensure proper positioning of the module relative to the rod. Additionally, in some embodiments, module 460 can include a retaining spring 470 configured to help retain and / or retain rod 412 in the module during use of tool 464.

[0095] It should also be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third", "upper", "lower", etc. may be used herein to modify various elements. Unless specifically stated, these modifying terms do not imply a spatial, sequential or hierarchical order to the modified elements.

[0096] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable neutral rod assembly, comprising: Two neutral rods, each neutral rod includes: Multiple harness screws; a plurality of first openings, each first opening being sized to receive a corresponding neutral conductor; a plurality of second openings, each second opening having threads configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of tie screws in the second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are positioned relative to each other to enable the plurality of tie screws to be selectively tightened in the plurality of second openings to mechanically secure the corresponding neutral conductor in the plurality of first openings in an electrically conductive manner; a first rod end; and a second rod end; and A clamp that mechanically and electrically fixes the two neutral rods to each other so that a first rod end of one of the two neutral rods and a second rod end of the other of the two neutral rods face and / or abut each other, wherein the clamp comprises an upper portion having a first hole and a second hole, the first hole and the second hole being located on the upper portion so that the first hole is aligned with the second opening of one of the two neutral rods and the second hole is aligned with the second opening of the other of the two neutral rods, and wherein one of the plurality of wire tie screws mechanically and electrically fixes the clamp to one of the two neutral poles through the first hole, and wherein another of the plurality of wire tie screws mechanically and electrically fixes the clamp to the other of the two neutral poles through the second hole.

2. The adjustable neutral rod assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The clip also includes a lower portion having a first extension and a second extension, wherein the first extension and the second extension are located on the lower portion so that the first extension is aligned with the first opening of one of the two neutral rods and the second extension is aligned with the first opening of the other of the two neutral rods.

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