Insulated wire

Abstract

An insulated wire (102) includes an elongated covering member (12) and at least two elongated electrical conductors (14, 16) held within the covering member (12). The insulated wire (102) also includes an elongated load-bearing member (20) held within the covering member (12). The insulated wire (102) also includes an elongated flexible cutting member (22) held within the covering member (12). The elongated electrical conductors (14, 16), the elongated load-bearing member (20), and the elongated flexible cutting member (22) extend longitudinally through the covering member (12). The elongated flexible cutting member (22) extends through the covering member (12) adjacent to the elongated load-bearing member (20). The cutting member (22) is capable of cutting the covering member (12) to allow a portion of the load-bearing member (20) to be removed from the covering member (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to insulated wires. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to flexible insulated wires. Various embodiments of the present invention relate to flexible wires for bearing loads. The present invention also relates to electrical devices and methods of installing electrical devices. Background Art

[0002] Standard insulated electrical flexible wires include several conductors that carry electrical current, insulating material that prevents the conductors from making electrical contact with each other, and insulating sheath material that protects the insulating material. Some wires can be used to hang a light fixture from a ceiling if the light fixture does not exceed a maximum weight. Other wires have embedded load-bearing members that can be used to cut through the insulating sheath and bear the load of the light fixture. However, the inventors have recognized that a problem with such wires is that the load-bearing members curl up when removed from the insulating sheath. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insulated wire, comprising:

[0004] An elongated covering member;

[0005] at least two elongated electrical conductors retained within the cover member, the elongated electrical conductors extending longitudinally through the cover member;

[0006] an elongated load-bearing member retained within the covering member, the elongated load-bearing member extending longitudinally through the covering member;

[0007] an elongated flexible cutting member retained within the cover member, the elongated flexible cutting member extending longitudinally through the cover member adjacent the elongated carrier member;

[0008] Therein, the cutting member is capable of cutting the covering component, thereby allowing a portion of the carrying member to be removed from the covering component.

[0009] The cutting member may cut an end region of the covering component.The portion of the load-bearing member thus removed may be an end of the load-bearing member.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insulated wire for suspending an electrical device from a load-bearing member, the insulated wire comprising:

[0011] An elongated covering member;

[0012] at least two elongated electrical conductors for electrically connecting the electrical device to mains power wiring at the load bearing member, the elongated electrical conductors being retained within the cover member and the elongated electrical conductors extending longitudinally through the cover member;

[0013] an elongated load bearing member having first and second opposite ends, the first end being securable to a first connector of the device and the second end being securable to a second connector of the load bearing member, the load bearing member being retained within the covering member, the load bearing member extending longitudinally through the covering member;

[0014] an elongated flexible cutting member retained within the covering member, the cutting member extending longitudinally through the covering member adjacent the elongated carrier member; and

[0015] The cutting member is capable of cutting opposite end regions of the covering component, thereby allowing the opposite first and second ends of the load-bearing member to be removed from the covering component and connected to the aforementioned load-bearing connectors, respectively.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical device, comprising:

[0017] Insulated wire as described above;

[0018] an electrical device having a first connector and a load bearing member having a second connector;

[0019] The first elongated electrical conductor and the second elongated electrical conductor connect the electrical device to a wiring of a mains power source at the load bearing member;

[0020] An elongated load bearing member is connected at a first end thereof to a first connector of the device and the elongated load bearing member is connected at an opposite second end thereof to a second connector of the load bearing member.

[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for installing an electrical device using the insulated wire as described above, the method comprising:

[0022] providing a first connector for the electrical device;

[0023] Provide load-bearing components;

[0024] providing a second connector;

[0025] cutting a portion of the covering at the first end of the load bearing member using a cutting member;

[0026] removing the first end portion of the load-bearing member from the covering component; and

[0027] securing the first end of the load bearing member to the first connector;

[0028] cutting a portion of the covering at an opposite second end of the load bearing member using a cutting member;

[0029] removing the second end of the load-bearing member from the covering component;

[0030] fastening the second end of the load-bearing member to the second connector; and

[0031] The first elongated electrical conductor and the second elongated electrical conductor are electrically connected to a power source at the load bearing member.

[0032] The second connector may be disposed on the load bearing member. The method may include electrically connecting the first elongated electrical conductor and the second elongated electrical conductor to the electrical device. The step of electrically connecting the first elongated electrical conductor and the second elongated electrical conductor to the electrical device may be performed after the step of securing the first end and the second end of the load bearing member to the first connector and the second connector.

[0033] The insulated wire may include a flexible insulated wire. The covering member may be an elongated insulating sheath.

[0034] The covering member may be flexible.The covering member may have a substantially circular cross-sectional end profile.

[0035] The cover member may define an elongate cavity extending longitudinally through the cover member.The elongate electrical conductor may extend through the elongate cavity.

[0036] The insulated electrical wire may include a third elongate electrical conductor retained within the covering member. Each elongate conductor may be embedded in the material of the covering member. The third elongate electrical conductor may extend through the elongate cavity.

[0037] The flexible cutting member may extend through the cover component adjacent the load bearing member.The flexible cutting member may be disposed between the load bearing member and the electrical conductor.

[0038] The cover component may have a longitudinal central axis.The carrier member may extend through the cover component offset relative to the central axis of the cover component.

[0039] The flexible cutting member may be disposed between the carrier member and the center of the covering component.The flexible cutting member may be disposed between the carrier member and the elongated cavity.

[0040] The elongated cavity may have a generally triangular end profile. Each of the individual conductors may be disposed at a respective apex of the triangle. A central axis may extend through the cavity.

[0041] Each conductor may include an elongated conductive core, which may be formed of a metal (e.g., copper). Each conductor may include an elongated insulator extending around the conductive core. The insulator may be formed of a synthetic material, which may be an elastic synthetic material, such as a polymer material. Each insulator may be plastically deformable. The synthetic material may include PVC.

[0042] The load bearing member may be a wire rope, such as a 7×7 wire rope or a steel rope.

[0043] The insulating sheath may be formed of a synthetic material, which may be electrically insulating and may be a resilient synthetic material, such as a polymer material. The insulating sheath may be plastically deformable.

[0044] The first connector may include a first non-electrical load-bearing connector. The first connector may include a clamping member. The clamping member may include a body defining a main passage, and one of the ends of the load-bearing member, such as the first end of the load-bearing member, may be accommodated in the main passage. The clamping member may be disposed in the body to clamp the load-bearing member in the main passage, thereby securing the wire to the first connector.

[0045] The clamping member may be screwed into a clamping passage in the body. The clamping passage may communicate with the main passage, thereby allowing the clamping member to engage the carrier member.

[0046] The clamping passage may extend transversely to the main passage. The clamping passage may extend at right angles to the main passage. The clamping passage may be threaded. The clamping member may be a screw that can be screwed into the clamping passage. The clamping member may be a grub screw.

[0047] The body may define at least one conductor receiving passage for receiving an electrical conductor. The body may include a securing structure for securing the body to an electrical device. The securing structure may be a thread on which a nut may be screwed to securely connect the first connector to the electrical device. The electrical device may be a lighting device or other suitable electrical device.

[0048] The second connector may include a second non-electrical load-bearing connector. The second connector may include a clamping member. The second connector may include a main portion that may define a channel to receive one of the ends of the load-bearing member, such as the second end of the load-bearing member. The second connector may include a clamping member retained in the channel. The second connector may include a pushing member for pushing the clamping member into a clamping position engaged with the load-bearing member.

[0049] The second connector may comprise a plurality of clamping members, for example two or three clamping members, which may be urged by the urging member into a clamping position in which each clamping member engages the carrier member.

[0050] The second connector may include a release member for releasing the carrier member from the second connector. A user may press the release member to release the carrier member from the second connector.

[0051] The release member can be pressed by a user to release the engagement of the or each clamping member with the load bearing member. The user can press the release member to move the or each clamping member to an unclamped position. In the unclamped position, the engagement of the or each clamping member with the load bearing member can be released.

[0052] The second connector may include a retainer for retaining the or each clamping member. A release member may be provided on the retainer. A user may depress the release member to move the retainer, thereby moving the or each clamping member to a non-clamping position.

[0053] The main part may include a fixing structure for fixing the main part to the load-bearing member. The fixing structure may be a thread on which a nut may be screwed to fix the second connector to the load-bearing member.

[0054] The load bearing member may include a bracket. The load bearing member may have an attachment structure to allow the load bearing member to be attached to a support. The support may be, for example, a beam in the ceiling of a building or a roof of a building. The attachment structure may cooperate with an attachment member such as a screw.

[0055] The attachment structure may be an aperture defined by the load bearing member.The attachment member may be inserted into the support portion through the attachment structure.

[0056] The load bearing member may have two attachment structures. A respective one of the attachment members may be provided for each attachment structure.

[0057] The load bearing member may include a recessed attachment portion for attaching the load bearing member to the support portion. The attachment structure may be provided at the attachment portion. The attachment structure may be an aperture defined by the attachment portion.

[0058] The load bearing member may comprise two recessed attachment portions. A respective one of the attachment formations may be provided at each attachment portion. The or each attachment portion may comprise a generally planar member.

[0059] The load bearing member may have a securing portion, which may be a central securing portion. The securing portion may comprise a generally planar member.

[0060] The securing portion may be spaced apart from the or each attachment portion. In use, the securing portion may be spaced apart from the support portion. In the embodiments described herein, the spacing of the securing portion from the or each attachment portion provides the advantage of allowing the second connector to be secured thereto.

[0061] A respective bridging portion may extend between the or each attachment portion and the securing portion.Each bridging portion may comprise a generally planar member.

[0062] Each bridging portion may extend transversely to the attachment portion and the securing portion. Each bridging portion may extend substantially at right angles to the securing portion and the attachment portion.

[0063] The load bearing member may also include end members at each of its opposite ends. Each end member may define a hole. A corresponding fastening member may be disposed in each of these holes.

[0064] The second connector can be received by the securing portion and secured thereto by the main portion and a nut screwed thereon. The main portion of the second connector can have a flange member extending radially outward therefrom. The nut can be screwed onto the main portion to engage the load-bearing member at the securing portion.

[0065] The method may include attaching a load bearing member to a support. The support may be an elevated support. After attaching the first and second ends of the load bearing member to the first and second connectors, the method may include suspending the electrical device from the load bearing member attached to the support.

[0066] The method may include securing the load bearing member to the first connector.Securing the load bearing member to the first connector may include clamping the load bearing member with a clamping member.

[0067] The method may comprise securing the load bearing member to the second connector.Securing the load bearing member to the second connector may comprise feeding the load bearing member into the second connector and allowing the or each clamping member to clamp the load bearing member.

[0068] The method may include releasing the load bearing member from the second connector. The step of releasing the load bearing member from the second connector may include pressing a release member. The step of pressing the release member may release the engagement of the clamping member with the load bearing member, thereby releasing the load bearing member to allow the position of the load bearing member to be adjusted relative to the second connector.

[0069] The electrical device may include a top cover, and the top cover may be arranged on the load-bearing member.

[0070] After the load bearing member is connected to the second connector, the top cover can be fastened to the load bearing member. The top cover can be in the form of a shallow cylinder. The top cover can have a side wall, which can be cylindrical. The top cover can have a base member, which can be circular. The side wall can have a recess, which can be L-shaped to receive a fastening member. The fastening member can be fastened to the top cover to fasten the top cover to the load bearing member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0072] Figure 1 is an end view of an insulated wire;

[0073] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an end region of an insulated wire;

[0074] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing opposite end regions of an insulated wire;

[0075] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a first step of connecting the insulated wire to the first connector;

[0076] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a second step of connecting the insulated wire to the first connector;

[0077] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a third step of connecting the insulated wire to the first connector;

[0078] Figure 7 is a top perspective view showing a first connector to be connected to an electrical device;

[0079] Figure 8 is a bottom view showing a first connector connected to an electrical device;

[0080] Fig. 9 is a side view showing a load bearing member and a second connector, wherein the insulated wire is to be connected to the second connector;

[0081] Fig.10 is a side view showing a load bearing member and a second connector, wherein the insulated wire is connected to the second connector;

[0082] Fig.11 is a side view showing a second connector having an insulated wire fixedly connected thereto;

[0083] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of a second connector view showing an insulated wire connected to the second connector;

[0084] Fig.13 shows the first steps in the installation of electrical equipment;

[0085] Fig.14 The second step of the electrical equipment installation is shown;

[0086] Fig.15 The third step of electrical equipment installation is shown;

[0087] Fig.16 The fourth step of electrical equipment installation is shown;

[0088] Fig.17The fifth step of electrical equipment installation is shown;

[0089] Fig.18 is a side view of an insulated wire secured to another first connector and a second connector;

[0090] Fig.19 is a perspective view from above of another first connector secured to an insulated wire;

[0091] Fig. 20 is another first connector similar to Fig.19 , showing its cap;

[0092] Fig.21 is a perspective view from below of another first connector and cap;

[0093] Fig. 22 This is a view from below another first connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] The drawing shows an electrical device 100 comprising a flexible insulated wire 102 and a first connector 104 for connecting the insulated wire 102 to an electrical device 106. The electrical device disclosed in this specification is a lighting device, such as a lamp, but may be in the form of other electrical devices.

[0095] The electrical device 100 further comprises a second connector 108 for connecting the insulated wire 102 to a load bearing member 110 secured to a support 112 in the form of, for example, a ceiling or roof beam.

[0096] Figure Figure 1 A flexible insulated wire 102 is shown in FIG. The insulated wire 102 comprises a flexible elongate covering member in the form of an insulating sheath 12 formed of a suitable plastically deformable synthetic material, such as PVC.

[0097] The insulated wire 102 further comprises three electrically insulated elongated conductors 14 , 16 , 18 , which are a live wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire. The three conductors 14 , 16 , 18 are embedded in the flexible insulating sheath 12 .

[0098] The insulated wire 102 also includes an elongated load-bearing member 20 embedded within the insulating jacket 12. The conductors 14, 16, 18 and the load-bearing member 20 extend through the entire length of the insulating jacket 12 in the longitudinal direction.

[0099] The load bearing member 20 comprises a plurality of elongated strands of a load bearing material (eg steel). The elongated strands are intertwined to form a wire.

[0100] The insulating jacket 12 has a central axis X and defines an elongated longitudinally extending cavity 30 about the central axis X. The conductors 14, 16, 18 are disposed within the elongated cavity 30. The elongated cavity 30 extends longitudinally through the entire length of the insulating jacket 12.

[0101] The elongated cavity 30 has a generally triangular cross-sectional end profile and has a part-circular elongated recess 32 at each apex of the triangle. The conductors 14, 16, 18 are held within a respective one of the recesses 32. The conductors 14, 16, 18 are arranged at the apex of the cavity 30.

[0102] An elongated cutting member 22 is embedded within the insulating sheath 12 between the load bearing member 20 and the cavity 30 .

[0103] The insulated electric wire 102 is manufactured such that opposite ends of the cutting member 22 extend from opposite ends of the insulating sheath 12 .

[0104] Reference Figure 2 , one end of the cutting member 22 can be grasped by a user and pulled toward the insulating sheath 12, thereby cutting through the insulating sheath 12 from the interior of the insulating sheath 12. Cutting the insulating sheath 12 in this manner forms a slit 34 along the end region of the insulating sheath 12. The first end 20A of the load-bearing member 20 can be removed from the insulating sheath 12 through the slit 34.

[0105] refer to Figure 3 The cutting of the insulating jacket 12 discussed above may then be repeated at the opposite end of the insulating jacket 12 , thereby allowing the opposite second end 20B of the load bearing member 20 to be removed from the insulating jacket 12 .

[0106] The embodiments of the invention described herein provide the advantage that the load bearing member 20 does not roll up when removed from the insulating sheath 12 .

[0107] Figures 4 to 8 A first connector 104 is shown for connecting the insulated wire 102 to an electrical device 106. The first connector 104 is in the form of a clamping member.

[0108] The first connector 104 includes a body 36 having a cylindrical outer surface 38 and an end surface 40. The body 36 includes a radially outwardly extending flange portion 41 adjacent the end surface 40, and the cylindrical outer surface 38 extends from the flange portion 41 to the opposite end of the body 36.

[0109] The main passage 42 defined by the body 36 has an opening 44 in the end face 40. The first end 20A of the carrier member 20 can be received in the main passage 42 via the opening 44. The body 36 has an axially extending protrusion 43 that protrudes beyond the end face 40. The protrusion 43 is provided to mount the cap 120 on the body 36 (see below).

[0110] The body 36 defines a threaded clamping passage 46 extending at right angles to and in communication with the main passage 42. The clamping passage 46 extends to a side opening 48 in the cylindrical outer surface 38.

[0111] A clamping member 50 in the form of a grub screw may be screwed into the clamping passage 46 via the side opening 48. The clamping member 50 is screwed into the clamping passage until it engages and clamps the first end 20A of the carrier member 20 in the main passage 42, thereby securing the insulated wire 102 to the first connector 104.

[0112] The body 36 defines a conductor receiving passage 52 for receiving the electrical conductors 14, 16, 18 therethrough. The conductor receiving passage 52 extends through the body 36 so that the conductors 14, 16, 18 can be electrically connected to the electrical device 106.

[0113] Threads are provided around the cylindrical outer surface 38. The threads extend along the cylindrical outer surface 38 from the flange portion 41 to the opposite end of the body 36.

[0114] To securely connect the first connector 104 to the electrical device 106, the threaded region of the body 36 is inserted through the aperture 54 in the upper region of the electrical device 106 so that the flange portion 41 engages the region of the electrical device 106 surrounding the aperture 54. The nut 56 can be threaded onto the cylindrical outer surface 38 and tightened onto the region of the electrical device 106 surrounding the aperture 54, thereby securing the first connector 104 to the electrical device 106.

[0115] Figures 9 to 11 A second connector 108 is shown for connecting the insulated wire 102 to the load bearing member 110. The second connector 108 is in the form of a clamping component including a main portion 60. At one end of the main portion 60, the main portion 60 has a flange 62 extending radially outward. The main portion 60 has a cylindrical threaded region 64 extending from the flange 62 to the opposite end of the main portion 60.

[0116] Fig. 9 and 10 A load bearing member 110 is shown attached to a support 112. The support 112 may comprise, for example, a beam in a ceiling of a building or a roof of a building.

[0117] The load bearing member 110 is in the form of a bracket and includes two recessed attachment portions 68 for engaging the support portion 112. Each of the respective attachment portions 68 is in the form of a generally planar member. The attachment portions 68 define respective apertures through which attachment members 72 in the form of screws are inserted. The attachment members 72 are screwed into the support portion 112, thereby attaching the load bearing member 110 to the support portion 112.

[0118] The load bearing member 110 further includes a central aperture 76 (see Fig.11 ) through which the second connector 108 is received. The central securing portion 74 is in the form of a generally planar member. The central securing portion 74 is spaced apart from the attachment portion 68 and, thereby, from the support portion 112 to allow the second connector 108 to be secured thereto.

[0119] A respective bridging portion 75 extends between each of the individual attachment portions 68 and the central securing portion 74. The bridging portion 75 is in the form of a generally planar member.

[0120] The load bearing member 110 also includes end members 77 at each of its opposite ends. A respective fastening member 78 is provided at each of the end members 77. The fastening members 78 are screws received in opposite holes defined by the load bearing member.

[0121] The cylindrical threaded region 64 of the second connector 108 is received through the central aperture 76 of the load bearing member 110 so that the flange 62 engages the region of the securing portion 74 surrounding the central aperture 76. The nut 79 is threaded onto the threaded region 64 and tightened onto the region of the securing portion 74 surrounding the central aperture 76, thereby securing the second connector 108 to the load bearing member 110.

[0122] refer to Fig.12 , which shows a cross-sectional view of a second connector 108, the main portion 60 defines a channel 80 to receive the second end 20B of the carrier member 20. The second connector 108 includes three clamping members 82 (only two of which are shown) retained in the channel 80 by a movable retainer 84. The second connector 108 also includes a pushing member 86 for pushing the retainer 84 in the direction of arrow A, thereby pushing the clamping member 82 to a clamping position engaged with the carrier member 20.

[0123] The second connector 108 includes a release member 88 in the form of a protruding portion of the retainer 84. The release member 88 is used to release the engagement of the clamping member 82 with the carrier member 20. When so released, the position of the carrier member 20 relative to the second connector 108 can be adjusted.

[0124] The release member 88 may be pressed by a user in a direction opposite to that indicated by arrow A to move the retainer 84 in the same direction, thereby releasing the clamping member 82 from the carrier member 20 .

[0125] Figures 13 to 17 An installation of an electrical device 100 is shown. Fig.13 The electrical device 100 is shown before installation. Fig.13 , 16 17 show the top cover 90 disposed on the load-bearing member 110. The top cover 90 will be described in more detail below.

[0126] First, the first end 20A and the second end 20B of the load-bearing member 20 are removed from the insulating jacket 12 by cutting the end regions of the insulating jacket 12. Then, the cut end regions of the insulating jacket 12 are removed to expose the conductors 14, 16, 18 at each of the two opposite ends of the insulated wire 102.

[0127] refer to Fig.13 The conductors 14, 16, 18 at the ends of the insulated wires 102 at the support 112 are connected to the connection block 98 in preparation for connection from the power supply to the cable 99. The conductors 14, 16, 18 at the ends of the insulated wires 102 at the electrical device 106 are arranged for connection to the cable of the electrical device 106.

[0128] Fig.14 and 15 The load bearing member 110 is shown attached to a support 112. The attachment member 72 extends through the load bearing member 110 and is screwed into the support 112 to attach the load bearing member 110 to the support. An electrical cable 99 from a power source extends from the support 112.

[0129] When the first end 20A and the second end 20B are connected to the first connector 104 and the second connector 108, respectively, the electrical device 106 can be suspended on the insulated wire 102. The weight of the electrical device 106 is thus borne by the load-bearing member 20. If necessary, the installer can adjust the position of the load-bearing member 20 in the second connector 108 by operating the release member 88 until the electrical device reaches a desired distance from the support portion 112.

[0130] Fig.16 The electrical apparatus 100 is shown attached to the support 112, and the load bearing member 20 supports the electrical device 106. The cable 99 is then connected to the connection block 98, and the conductors 14, 16, 18 are electrically connected to the electrical device 106.

[0131] Then, the top cover 90 is connected to the load-bearing member 110. The top cover 90 is in the form of a shallow cylinder, having a cylindrical side wall 92 and a circular base member 94. The side wall 92 has opposing L-shaped recesses 94 ( Fig.16 Only one of them is shown in the figure) for receiving the fastening member 78. The fastening member 78 can then be tightened to fasten the top cover 90 to the load-bearing member 110.

[0132] The base member 94 defines an aperture through which the insulated wire 102 extends. A sealing member 96 is provided to provide a seal between the insulated wire 102 and the base member 94 in the aperture.

[0133] Fig.17 The fully assembled electrical apparatus 100 is shown with the load bearing member 20 connected to the first connector 104 and the second connector 108 , and the electrical device 106 electrically connected to a power source.

[0134] Thus, an electrical apparatus 100 and insulated wire 102 are disclosed that suspend an electrical device 106 from a support 112 and allow access to a load bearing member 20 without the problem of rolling up the load bearing member 20. The insulated wire 102 also allows the electrical device 106 to be suspended while being electrically connected to a power source.

[0135] Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0136] Fig.18 The insulated wire 102 is shown secured to another first connector 114 and a second connector 108 . Fig.18 The insulated wire 102 shown in FIG. 1 is larger in diameter than the insulated wire 102 shown in the previous figures, but is otherwise identical.

[0137] Figures 19 to 22 Another first connector 114 is shown, which has a plurality of Figures 4 to 8 The same features as the first connector 104 shown in Figures 13 to 17. These features are Figures 19 to 22 Chinese Figures 4 to 8 The same reference numerals as those for the corresponding features in 13 to 17 are used.

[0138] Another first connector 114 is different from the first connector 102 in that the protrusion 43 provides an annular lip portion 116 extending radially outward. A gap 118 is defined between the lip portion 116 and the flange portion 41.

[0139] Another first connector 114 includes a cap 120 mounted on the body 26. The cap 120 has a frustoconical upper portion 122 with a top region 124. The top region 124 defines an aperture 126 through which the insulated wire 102 extends, thereby allowing the cap to be mounted on the main portion 36.

[0140] The cap 120 also has a skirt 128 extending downwardly from the upper portion 122. The skirt 128 has an inner surface on which two fixing structures 130 are provided to fix the cap 120 to the main body 36.

[0141] The fixing structure 130 is in the form of a snap fit that can be snapped onto the lip portion 116 of the main body and is received in the gap 118 between the lip portion 116 and the flange portion 41 .

[0142] The projection 43 defines an opening 132. The skirt 128 has a lower edge 134 defining a recess 136. A release member 138 is disposed in the cap 120, extending inwardly from the recess 136. The release member 138 is received in the opening 132 when the cap 120 is mounted on the body 36.

[0143] In use, if it is desired to remove the cap 120, the user may insert his or her finger into the recess 136 to engage the release member 138. The user may then pry the release member 138 away from the body 36, thereby releasing the securing structure 130 from the gap 118 and lifting the cap 120 from the main body 36.

Claims

1. An electrical device, comprising: An insulated wire, comprising: An elongated covering member; a first elongated electrical conductor and a second elongated electrical conductor retained within the cover member, the elongated electrical conductors extending longitudinally through the cover member; an elongated load-bearing member retained within the covering member, the elongated load-bearing member extending longitudinally through the covering member; an elongated flexible cutting member retained within the cover member, the elongated flexible cutting member extending longitudinally through the cover member adjacent the elongated carrier member; wherein the cutting member is capable of cutting the covering component, thereby allowing a portion of the carrying member to be removed from the covering component; Furthermore, the electrical equipment further comprises an electrical device and a load-bearing member, the electrical device having a first connector, and the load-bearing member having a second connector; The elongated electrical conductor is used for wiring connecting the electrical device to a mains power supply at the load-bearing member; The elongated load bearing member is connected at a first end thereof to a first connector of the electrical device, and the elongated load bearing member is connected at an opposite second end thereof to a second connector of the load bearing member; Wherein, the second connector comprises a clamping component, which comprises: a main portion defining a channel to receive one of the first end and the second end of the load bearing member; a clamping member retained within the passage; and The pushing member is used to push the clamping member to a clamping position engaged with the carrier member.

2. The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein: The cover member defines an elongated cavity extending longitudinally therethrough, the elongated electrical conductor extending through the elongated cavity.

3. The electrical device according to claim 2, wherein: The elongated cavity has a generally triangular end profile, with each of the conductors being disposed at a respective apex of the triangle.

4. The electrical device according to claim 3, wherein: Each conductor includes an elongated conductive core and an elongated insulator extending around the conductive core.

5. The electrical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The cover component has a longitudinal central axis, the load bearing member extends through the cover component offset relative to the central axis of the cover component, and the flexible cutting member is disposed between the load bearing member and the electrical conductor.

6. The electrical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The flexible cutting member is disposed between the bearing member and a center of the covering component.

7. The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector includes a clamping component having a body defining a main passage, one of the first end and the second end of the load-bearing member being capable of being accommodated in the main passage, and the first connector also includes a clamping member in the body to clamp the load-bearing member in the main passage, thereby fixing the wire to the first connector.

8. The electrical device according to claim 7, wherein: The clamping member is threaded into a clamping passage in the body, the clamping passage communicating with the main passage, thereby allowing the clamping member to engage the carrier member.

9. The electrical device according to claim 8, wherein: The clamping passage is threaded and the clamping member comprises a screw threadable into the clamping passage.

10. The electrical device according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein: The body defines at least one conductor-receiving passage for receiving the electrical conductor.

11. The electrical device according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein: The body comprises a fastening structure for fastening the body to the electrical device, wherein the fastening structure is a thread onto which a nut can be screwed to fasten the first connector to the electrical device.

12. The electrical device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9, wherein: The second connector includes a plurality of clamping members that can be urged by the urging member to the clamped position in which each clamping member engages the carrier member.

13. The electrical device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9, wherein: The second connector comprises a release member for releasing the carrier member from the second connector, the release member being depressible to release the engagement of the clamping member with the carrier member.

14. The electrical device according to claim 13, wherein: The release member is depressible to move the clamping member to an unclamping position, thereby releasing the clamping member from engagement with the carrier member in the unclamping position.

15. The electrical device according to claim 14, wherein: The second connector includes a holder for holding the clamping member, the release member is disposed on the holder, and the release member can be depressed to move the holder, thereby moving the clamping member to the unclamping position.

16. A method of installing the electrical device according to claim 1, the method comprising: cutting a portion of the covering component at the first end portion of the carrier member using the cutting member; removing the first end portion of the carrier member from the covering component; as well as securing the first end of the load-bearing member to the first connector; cutting a portion of the covering component at an opposite second end of the carrier member using the cutting member; removing the second end portion of the load-bearing member from the covering component; Connecting the second end of the load-bearing member to the second connector; Then The elongated electrical conductor is electrically connected to a power source at the load bearing member.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising electrically connecting the elongated electrical conductor to the electrical device, wherein: The step of electrically connecting the elongated electrical conductor to the electrical device is accomplished after the step of securing the first and second ends of the load bearing member to the first and second connectors.

18. A method according to claim 17, comprising securing the load bearing member to a support, wherein: After the step of securing the first and second ends of the load bearing member to the first and second connectors, the method includes suspending the electrical device from the load bearing member attached to the support portion.

19. The method according to claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein: The first connector further comprises a clamping member in the body, and wherein the step of securing the load bearing member to the first connector comprises clamping the load bearing member with the clamping member.

20. The method of claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein: The step of securing the carrier member to the second connector includes feeding the carrier member into the second connector and allowing the clamping member to clamp the carrier member.

21. The method of claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein: The second connector includes a release member for releasing the carrier member from the second connector, and the method includes pressing the release member to release the carrier member from the second connector.

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