An electrical socket assembly and methods of installation and assembly

Abstract

An electrical socket assembly 10 comprises a consumer facing front side 12 comprising at least one socket (figure 1, 20) configured to receive a plug. A rear side 14 is configured to receive at least

Description

5 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to an electrical socket assembly and methods of installation and assembly, and particularly, although not exclusively, relates to an electrical socket assembly for which wires can be quickly connected. 10 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electrical sockets for receiving plugs of consumer electrical appliances are typically connected to an electric circuit via screw type fittings. However, wiring such electrical sockets is time consuming. This is exacerbated in new build projects, for which many electrical sockets will likely be required. Furthermore, there is limited space in a back box behind an electrical socket to accommodate the wiring. It is therefore 15 desirable to have an electrical socket that is faster to install and that does not unduly impinge upon the space within the back box. LO CM SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION C—According to a first specific aspect, there is provided an electrical socket assembly, e.g. for use by ■^“20 an end consumer, comprising: CM a consumer facing front side comprising at least one socket configured to receive a plug; a rear side configured to receive at least one electrical wire; at least one electrical conductor configured to conduct electricity between the wire and the plug; at least one conductor spring comprising at least one flexible section configured to resiliently urge 25 an end of the wire into contact with the electrical conductor; and at least one actuator (e.g. a lever or button actuator), the actuator being manually operable such that movement of the actuator causes the flexible section of the conductor spring to flex away from the electrical conductor, wherein the conductor spring and actuator are substantially provided on opposite sides of the 30 electrical conductor, and wherein the actuator comprises a lever portion and an actuator portion, the lever portion and the actuator portion being operably coupled together with the lever portion and actuator portion being separate components at least after assembly or installation of the electrical socket assembly. The actuator and a passage for receiving the wire may be spaced apart. 3 5 The electrical conductor may comprise at least one opening for at least a portion of the actuator or a portion of the conductor spring to pass through and permit engagement of the actuator and the conductor 09 01 24 spring. The flexible section of the conductor spring may comprise at least one projection aligned with the opening in the electrical conductor. The actuator may engage said projection. The flexible section may comprise a first curved portion and a second curved portion. The flexible section may comprise a point of inflection between the first and second curved portions. The first curved 5 portion may have a first radius of curvature. The second curved portion may have a second radius of curvature. The first radius of curvature may be smaller than the second radius of curvature. The first and second curved portions may both be free to flex, e.g. by virtue of operation of the actuator. The second curved portion may be closer to the end of the wire when installed. The first and second curved portions may be arranged such that an end of the conductor spring that 10 engages the wire when installed may be at an acute angle relative to a surface of the electrical conductor or a longitudinal axis of the wire. The end of the conductor spring that engages the wire when installed may be between 0 degrees and 45 degrees relative to a surface of the electrical conductor or a longitudinal axis of the wire. The acute angle of the conductor spring end may provide a self-locking biting action that facilitates insertion of the wire and / or restricts removal of the wire from the electrical socket assembly. 15 The electrical socket assembly may be configured such that when installed the wire may be between the conductor spring (e.g. all of the conductor spring) and the actuator. The flexible section of the conductor spring may comprise an edge configured to grip the end of the wire and urge the wire into engagement with the electrical conductor. The wire may be between the conductor spring (e.g. all of the conductor spring) and the electrical conductor. 20 The conductor spring projection aligned with the opening in the electrical conductor may be provided adjacent to the edge of conductor spring configured to grip the wire. A single actuator may release multiple wires from engagement with the assembly. The conductor spring may comprise a plurality of flexible sections. Each of the flexible sections may extend from a root portion of the conductor spring. The actuator may engage each of the flexible sections. One conductor 25 spring and one actuator may be provided for each type of wire (e.g. live, neutral or earth) to be connected to the electrical socket assembly. The electrical conductor comprises at least one opening for at least a portion of the actuator or a portion of the conductor spring to pass through. The opening may permit engagement of the actuator and the conductor spring. One electrical conductor opening may be provided for the or each pair of adjacent 30 flexible sections. Each flexible section of the conductor spring may comprise at least one projection. A pair of projections from adjacent flexible sections may align with one opening. The electrical conductor may comprise at least one groove for receiving the end of respective wires. The opening may be provided between adjacent grooves for respective wires. The electrical conductor may comprise side walls and tabs to hold the conductor spring in place. The electrical conductor may at least partially wrap around the conductor spring. The lever portion may be configured to rotate. The lever portion may be operated by the user. The actuator portion may be configured to substantially linearly translate. The actuator portion may engage the conductor spring, e.g. the flexible section of the conductor spring, such as via a projection at the end of the flexible section. The lever portion may provide a push to release action in which a user pressing on the lever portion may cause the flexible section of the conductor spring to flex away from the electrical conductor, thereby allowing the wire to be removed or inserted. The actuator portion may comprise a sloped surface arranged for the lever portion to engage. The sloped surface may be angled relative to a line perpendicular to a direction of travel of the actuator portion. The sloped surface may provide a mechanical advantage to reduce the force required by the lever portion. The actuator, e.g. actuator portion, may have at least one protrusion for extending through a respective opening in the electrical conductor and to engage the conductor spring. The electrical socket assembly may further comprise a guard projection adjacent to the lever portion. The guard projection may be configured to reduce a likelihood of the lever portion being unintentionally depressed, e.g. once installed. Prior to assembly or installation of the electrical socket assembly, the lever portion and actuator portion may comprise a frangible connection. The frangible connection may be configured to break by movement of the lever portion during assembly or installation of the electrical socket assembly. According to a second specific aspect, there is provided a method comprising installing or assembling the above-mentioned electrical socket assembly or electrical connector device. The lever portion and actuator portion may comprise a frangible connection. The method may further comprise breaking the frangible connection by moving the lever portion. These and other aspects will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Exemplary embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of an electrical socket assembly according to an example of the present disclosure; 09 01 24 Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of an electrical socket assembly according to an example of the present disclosure; Figures 3a-3c (collectively Figure 3) are side sectional views of an electrical socket assembly according to an example of the present disclosure, the section being through a lever of a neutral electrical 5 conductor, Figures 3a-3c progressively showing the installation of a neutral wire; Figures 4a-4c (collectively Figure 4) are side sectional views of an electrical socket assembly according to an example of the present disclosure, the section being through a lever of the earth electrical conductor, Figures 4a-4c progressively showing the installation of an earth wire; Figure 5 is a side sectional view showing a conductor spring according to an example of the present 10 disclosure; Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a conductor spring according to an example of the present disclosure; Figures 7a and 7b (collectively Figure 7) are perspective views showing an electrical conductor and associated conductor spring according to an example of the present disclosure; 15 Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a lever according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an actuator portion according to an example of the present disclosure; Figures 10a-10c (collectively Figure 10) are side sectional views of an electrical socket assembly according to an example of the present disclosure, Figures 10a-10c progressively showing the assembly of 20 the electrical socket assembly; Figure 11 is a flowchart depicting a method according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 12 is a side sectional view showing a conductor spring according to a further example of the present disclosure; and Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a conductor spring according to the further example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS With reference to Figure 1, the present disclosure relates to an electrical socket assembly 10 comprising a front plate 11 with a consumer facing front side 12. The front side 12 comprises at least one socket 20 configured to receive a corresponding plug, e.g. of a consumer electrical appliance (not shown). In the example shown, there are two sockets 20 arranged side-by-side. However, it is also envisaged that the present disclosure may apply to electrical socket assemblies with one socket or any other number of sockets. Also, Figure 1 depicts an electrical socket assembly 10 with a standard United Kingdom 3 pin socket. However, it is also envisaged that other standards of sockets may be used. Moreover, Figure 1 shows the socket 20 having three terminals 21a, 21b, 21c (e.g. for live, neutral and earth), but the present disclosure may relate to sockets with a different number of terminals (e.g. two). Figure 1 shows the electrical socket assembly 10 comprising a pair of optional switches 24 with one switch for each socket 20. The switches 24 may be arranged centrally as depicted, or elsewhere, e.g. at opposite ends of the front side 12. Other numbers of switches may be provided, e.g. if the electrical socket assembly 10 comprises another number of sockets 20. The electrical socket assembly 10 may be installed against a surface, such as a wall. As such, the electrical socket assembly 10 may be vertically disposed in use. However, it is also envisaged that the electrical socket assembly 10 may be provided on a floor (e.g. in a floor box) and may thus be horizontally disposed in use. (Forthe sake of convenience, references to the orientation ofthe electrical socket assembly 10 below will be based on the electrical socket assembly 10 being installed against a vertical wall.) A pair of screw holes 26 may be provided to facilitate coupling of the electrical socket assembly 10 to a surface. Screws (not shown) may pass through the screw holes 26 and couple the electrical socket assembly 10 to a back box (not shown) for receiving wiring. Referring now to Figures 2 to 4, the electrical socket assembly 10 further comprises a rear side 14 configured to receive at least one electrical wire 31 (as shown in Figures 3c and 4c). In particular, the rear side 14 of the electrical socket assembly 10 may receive at least one live wire, at least one neutral wire and / or at least one earth wire. The electrical socket assembly 10 may form part of a ring circuit and as such may receive at least two of each of the live, neutral and earth wires. A spur may also be connected to the electrical socket assembly 10 in which case a third live, neutral and earth wire may be connected to the rear side of the electrical socket assembly 10. It will be appreciated that the rear side 14 may be concealed from the end consumer when the electrical socket assembly 10 is installed against a surface, such as a wall. As shown in Figure 2, the electrical socket assembly 10 comprises at least one connector 41 to connect one of wires 31 to a respective electrical conductor that electrically connects the wire 31 to a corresponding socket terminal 21a, 21b, 21c. In particular, the electrical socket assembly 10 comprises at least one live connector 41a; at least one neutral connector 41b and at least one earth connector 41c that connect the live, neutral and earth wires to respective electrical conductors. In the particular example shown, there are three live connectors 41a, three neutral connectors 41b and three earth connectors 41c. The connectors 41a, 41b, 41c may be screwless connectors as will be described in more detail below. As depicted, the live connectors 41a are provided in a first group, the earth connectors 41c are provided in a second group and the neutral connectors 41b are provided in a third group. The connectors within a group and / or across the groups may be arranged in a row, e.g. in a side-by-side fashion. The first, second and third groups of connectors may be spaced apart from each other, in particular with the earth connectors 41c separating the live and neutral connectors 41a, 41b. The connectors 41a, 41b, 41c and / or associated groups may be colour coded, e.g. corresponding to standard wire colours. In the depicted example, the connectors 41a, 41b, 41c within a particular group may share a common actuator, which will be described in more detail below. Referring still to Figure 2, the electrical socket assembly 10 may comprise a main housing 15 that may enclose at least the live and neutral electrical conductors at the rear side 14. Laterally extending portions of the live and neutral electrical conductors may cross over one another inside the main housing 15. The earth electrical conductor may extend inside or outside the main housing 15. The earth electrical conductor may provide a strap that connects to the front plate 11 and may help secure the main housing 15 in place. Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the electrical socket assembly 10 further comprises at least one electrical conductor 61 (such as a busbar) configured to conduct electricity between one of the wires 3 lb, 31c and a respective terminal 21a, 21b, 21c of the socket 20. In a particular example, the electrical socket assembly 10 comprises a live electrical conductor (not shown), a neutral electrical conductor 61b and an earth electrical conductor 61c, the live, neutral and earth electrical conductors being respectively configured to electrically connect the live, neutral and earth wires 31b, 31c to respective live, neutral and earth terminals 21a, 21b, 21c of the socket 20. Figure 3 depicts at least part of the neutral electrical conductor 61b and Figure 4 depicts at least part of the earth electrical conductor 61c. The live connector 41a and live electrical conductor are substantially similar to that depicted in Figure 3. Referring still to Figures 3 and 4, the connectors 41a, 41b, 41c will now be described in more detail. Each connector 41 has an actuator 70, which may comprise a rotatable lever portion 71. (Other forms of actuator, such as a button, are also contemplated.) In particular, the live connectors 4 la together comprise a lever portion 71a, the neutral connectors 41b together comprise a lever portion 71b, and the earth connectors 41ctogether comprise a lever portion 71c. The lever portions 71a, 71b, 71cmaybe individually moved, e.g. rotated, with respect to the main housing 15 (e.g. by virtue of a pivot 75 depicted in Figure 8). In particular, the lever portions 71a, 71b, 71c may be rotated between an unlocked position (as shown in Figures 3b and 4b), in which one of the wires may be introduced to the connector, and a locked position, in which one of the wires 3 lb, 31c may be held captive (as shown in Figures 3c and 4c). As mentioned, the depicted lever portions 71a, 71b, 71c rotate with respect to the main housing 15, however it is also envisaged that the actuator or lever portions may translate or translate and rotate with respect to the main housing 15. The electrical socket assembly 10 further comprise at least one conductor spring 81. The conductor springs 81 may comprise at least one flexible section 82. The conductor spring 81 may be arranged such that the flexible section 82 may resiliently urge an end of the wire 31 into contact with a respective electrical conductor 61. However, movement of the lever portion 71 may cause the flexible section 82 of the conductor spring to flex, e.g. away from the electrical conductor such that the wire may be free to move. In particular, the conductor springs 81 may be resiliently deformable, by virtue of the actuator, between a non-deformed state (as shown in Figures 3a and 4a) and a deformed state (shown in Figures 3b and 4b). The wire 31 may be gripped in an intermediate position (as shown in Figures 3c and 4c). The lever portion 71 may provide a push to release action in which a user pressing on the lever portion may cause the flexible section 82 of the conductor spring 81 to flex away from the electrical conductor 61, thereby allowing the wire 31 to be removed or inserted. The conductor springs 81 may be formed from a strip of resilient material, such as a metal, e.g. stainless steel. As will be described in more detail below, the strip of material may be curved (e.g. with a point of inflection) and the curvature may change as the conductor spring 81 is compressed. As best shown in Figures 3c, 4c and 6, the flexible section 82 of the conductor spring 81 may comprise an edge 83 configured to grip the end of the wire 31 and urge the wire into engagement with the electrical conductor 61. The end of the wire 31 may be located between the conductor spring (e.g. all of the conductor spring) and the electrical conductor 61. Furthermore, the conductor spring 81 and actuator 70 (e.g. lever assembly) maybe substantially provided on opposite sides of the electrical conductor 61. As will be described in more detail below, the electrical conductor 61 may permit (e.g. by virtue of its shape) engagement of the actuator and the conductor spring 81. Accordingly, the end of the wire 31 (when installed) may be located between the conductor spring 81 (e.g. all of the conductor spring) and the actuator 70. As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the main housing 15 may comprise at least one opening that leads to a passage 16 for receiving the end of a respective wire 31. In the example shown there may be nine passages 16, three for each of the connectors 41a, 41b, 41c. However, other numbers and distribution of the passages 16 are also contemplated. The actuator, e.g. lever portion 71, and the opening for the passage 16 may be spaced apart, e.g. when viewed from the rear of the assembly 10. As shown in Figures 3c and 4c, the wire 31 may be inserted into the passage 16 and an exposed portion of the wire may reside alongside a region of the corresponding electrical conductor 61. The passage 16 may be at least approximately aligned with the region of the corresponding electrical conductor 61 that receives the wire 31. In this way, the end of the wire 31 may readily align with a surface of the electrical conductor 61 as the wire is inserted. Referring still to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the electrical socket assembly 10 may further comprise at least one guard projection 17 adjacent to the actuator, e.g. lever portions 71. Each lever portion 71a-c may have an associated guard projection 17 or all lever portions 71a-c may share a common guard projection 17. The guard projection may project in a direction substantially parallel to a direction in which the actuator is configured to be pressed by a user. The guard projection 17 may thus reduce a likelihood of the actuator being unintentionally depressed, e.g. by wires at the back of the electrical socket assembly 10. As depicted in Figures 3, 4, 8 and 9, the actuator 70 may comprise an actuator portion 72 in addition to the lever portion 71. The lever portion 71 and actuator portion 72 may be separate components that operate together to act on the conductor spring 81. The lever portion 71 may rotate when an end of the lever portion is pressed by a user. Part of the lever portion 71 may act on the actuator portion 72 so as to cause the actuator portion 72 to substantially linearly translate. The actuator portion 72 may in turn engage the conductor spring 81, e.g. the flexible section 82 of the conductor spring., so as to compress and deform the conductor spring 81. Although the lever portion 71 and actuator portion 72 are depicted as separate components, it is also contemplated that they may be integral, e.g. with a flexible coupling between the two portions. It is also envisaged that the actuator portion 72 may be omitted. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lever portion 71 may comprise a cam surface 73 that cooperates with the actuator portion 72. The actuator portion 72 may in turn comprise a follower surface 74 that engages the cam surface 73. The follower surface 74 may be sloped, e.g. such that the surface 74 is angled relative to a line perpendicular to a direction of travel of the actuator portion 72. The angled surface 74 may provide a mechanical advantage to reduce the force required by the lever portion 71 in order to compress the conductor spring 81. Referring now to Figures 5-7, the conductor spring 81 will be described in more detail. As best shown in Figure 5, the flexible section 82 of the conductor spring 81 may comprise a first curved portion 82’ and a second curved portion 82”. The first and second curved portions 82’, 82” may curve in opposite directions such that there is a point of inflection between the first and second curved portions 82’, 82”. The first curved portion 82’ has a first radius of curvature that may be smaller than a second radius of curvature of the second curved portion 82”. When installed in the assembly 10, the first and second curved portions 82’, 82” may both be free to flex, e.g. by virtue of operation of the actuator 70. The second curved portion 82” may be closer to the end of the conductor spring that engages the wire 31 when installed. The first and second curved portions 82’, 82” may be arranged such that the edge 83 of the conductor spring 81 that engages the wire 31 when installed may be at an acute angle relative to the region of the electrical conductor 61 that receives the wire. The edge 83 of the conductor spring 81 that engages the wire when installed may be between 0 degrees and 45 degrees relative to the region of the electrical conductor 61 that receives the wire. The acute angle of the conductor spring end may provide a self-locking biting action that facilitates insertion of the wire and / or restricts removal of the wire from the electrical socket assembly. The arrangement of the first and second curved portions 82’, 82” (e.g. with the point of inflection and different radii of curvature) provides a good holding force that holds the wire in place and that works for a range of wire thicknesses. The holding force is also not so large that it is not capable of being overcome by manual operation of the actuator 70. The conductor spring 81 may strike the right balance between these conflicting requirements. In a particular example, the first curved portion 82’ may have a first radius of curvature, for example between 1 mm and 2 mm, e.g. 1.3 mm. The second curved portion 82” may have a second radius of curvature, for example between 4 mm and 5 mm, e.g. 4.5 mm. The material forming the conductor spring 81 may have a thickness less than 0.5mm, e.g. 0.35 mm. Turning now to Figure 6, the conductor spring 81 may comprise a plurality of flexible sections 82a, 82b, 82c. Each of the flexible sections 82a, 82b, 82c may extend alongside one another and from a root portion 84 of the conductor spring 81. The actuator 70 (e.g. the actuator portion 72) may engage each of the flexible sections 82a, 82b, 82c. One conductor spring 81 and one actuator 70 may be provided for each type of wire 31 (e.g. live, neutral or earth) to be connected to the electrical socket assembly 10. Having a single actuator 70 (and conductor spring 81) for a number of wires 31 may simplify the arrangement and reduce the number of parts. It may also increase the force required to press the lever portion 71, e.g. since each lever is acting against several of the resilient flexible sections 82. This may avoid accidental depression of the lever portion 71 and provides good resilience and flexural response. The flexible section 82 of the conductor spring 81 may comprise at least one projection 85. The actuator 70, in particular the actuator portion 72, may engage said projection 85 to compress the conductor spring 81. The conductor spring projection 85 may be provided adjacent to the edge 83 of the conductor spring that grips the wire 31. As depicted, the outer flexible sections 82a, 82c may each comprise a single projection 85a, 85c, whereas the middle one of the flexible sections 82b may comprise a pair of projections 85b. Referring now to Figure 7, the interface between the electrical conductor 61 and the conductor spring 81 will be described in more detail. (The electrical conductor 61 depicted in Figure 7 may be any of the live, neutral or earth electrical conductors.) The electrical conductor 61 may comprise side walls 62a, 62b that are disposed either side of the conductor spring 81. The electrical conductor 61 may further comprise tabs 63a, 63b extending from respective side walls 62a, 62b. The tabs 63a, 63b may extend over the root portion 84 of the conductor spring 81 to hold the conductor spring in place. In this way, the electrical conductor 61 may at least partially wrap around the conductor spring 81. With this arrangement the electrical conductor 61 may serve as a housing for the conductor spring 81 and may thus save having a separate housing for the conductor spring. This makes efficient use of the electrical conductor 61, which is in any case in electrical contact with the respective conductor spring 81. This may provide a more compact arrangement, which may in turn ensure sufficient space for the wires 31 behind the electrical socket assembly 10. As best shown in Figure 6, the conductor spring 81 may comprise at least one pair of tabs 86a, 86b extending from the root portion 84. The conductor spring tabs 86a, 86b may be located either side of one of the electrical conductor tabs 63a, 63b. An interaction between the one electrical conductor tab 63a, 63b and the pair of conductor spring tabs 86a, 86b may limit movement of the conductor spring 81 relative to the electrical conductor 61. The conductor spring may have two pairs of tabs 86a, 86b, with one pair for each of the electrical conductor tabs 63a, 63b. Referring in particular to Figure 7b, the electrical conductor 61 may comprise at least one opening 64. The opening 64 may permit engagement of the actuator 70 and the conductor spring 81. In particular, the opening 64 may permit at least a portion of the actuator 70 and / or a portion of the conductor spring 81 to pass therethrough. One opening 64 may be provided for the or each pair of adjacent flexible sections 82. Thus, in the example shown, there are two openings 64. The projections 85 from adjacent flexible sections 82 may align with a particular one of the openings 64 so that the actuator portion 72 may engage the projections 85. Referring still to Figure 7, the electrical conductor 61 may comprise at least one groove 65 for receiving and guiding the end of a respective wire 31. The groove 65 may also increase the contact area with the exposed end of the wire 31. In the example shown, there are three grooves 65 arranged parallel to one another. The openings 64 may be provided between adjacent grooves 65 for respective wires 31. In this way, the actuator portion 72 engages the conductor spring 81 at locations to one side of the wires 31. With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the lever portion 71 and actuator portion 72 will now be described in more detail. The lever portion 71 may comprise the above-mentioned pivot 75. The pivot 75 may be formed by a pair of cylindrical axle portions 76a, 76b on opposite side surfaces of the lever portion 71. The main housing 15 may comprise at least one slot 18 to receive a corresponding lever portion 71. The axle portions 76a, 76b may engage axle receiving parts on a side wall of the slot 18. The axle portions 76a, 76b and axle receiving parts may cooperate to allow the lever portion 71 to rotate with respect to the main housing 15. The lever portion 71 may comprise at least one tab 77 provided on the side surface of the lever portion. A pair of tabs 77 may be provided with one on each side surface of the lever portion 71. The tabs 77 may be provided at an end of the lever portion 71 opposite the pivot 75. The tabs 77 may increase a width of the lever portion 71 that a user is presented with. This may allow a smaller profile lever (and thus more levers within a given space) without affecting the area of the lever for the user to push against. As best shown in Figure 2, the main housing 15 may comprise slits 19 in the side walls of the slot 18. The slits 19 may be configured to permit the tabs 77 to pass through the slots 18 during assembly of the lever portion 71 and the main housing 15, e.g. as depicted in the sequence of Figures 10a to 10c. Referring to Figure 9, the actuator portion 72 comprises the above-mentioned follower surface 74, which is engaged by the cam surface 73 of the lever portion 71. The actuator portion 72 may have at least one protrusion 78 for extending through a respective opening 64 in the electrical conductor 61 and to engage the conductor spring 81. The actuator portion 72 may comprise a pair of protrusions 78 with one for each opening 64. With reference to Figure 10, the actuator 70 may comprise a frangible connection 79 connecting the lever portion 71 and actuator portion 72 together. The frangible connection 79 may be provided along an edge of the actuator portion 72, e.g. at an edge of the follower surface 74. The lever portion 71 and actuator portion 72 may be formed (e.g. moulded) together with a thin connection therebetween. The frangible connection 79 may be configured to break by movement of the lever portion 71 during assembly or installation of the electrical socket assembly 10. Having the lever portion 71 and actuator portion 72 initially connected together may aid the assembly process as there are fewer parts to manipulate and position. With reference to Figures 10 and 11, the present disclosure also relates to a method 100 of assembling the electrical socket assembly 10. In a first step 110, the method comprises assembling the above-described components together. For example, as shown in Figures 10a and 10b, the frangibly connected lever portion 71 and actuator portion 72 may be inserted into the main housing 15. In a second step 120, the method comprises breaking the frangible connection between the lever portion 71 and actuator portion 72. For example, as shown in Figure 10c, the frangible connection may be broken by rotating the lever portion 71. Although not depicted, the present disclosure may also relate to a method of installing the electrical socket assembly 10. In a first step, the method may comprise pressing the lever portion 71. In a second step, the method may comprise inserting the end of the wire 31 into the passage 16. The first step, however, may be omitted as the insertion of the wire 31 may cause the conductor spring 81 to deflect. For example, a solid core wire may have sufficient rigidity such that an interaction between the wire and the conductor spring as the wire is inserted causes the conductor spring to deflect without the lever being pressed. In a third step, the method may comprise releasing the lever portion 71 into the locked position. The method may be repeated for additional wires and the electrical socket assembly 10 may then be installed against a wall. With reference to Figures 12 and 13, a variant of the conductor spring 81 will now be described. A conductor spring 181 according to a further example of the present disclosure may be substantially similar to the conductor spring 81 described above. However, a shelf feature 187 of the conductor spring 181 may be rotated relative to a corresponding shelf feature 87 of the conductor spring 81. For example, as depicted in Figures 5 and 6, the shelf feature 87 of the conductor spring 81 may extend towards the flexible sections 82 and may be approximately perpendicular to the root portion 84 of the conductor spring 81. This may provide additional stiffness to the conductor spring 81. However, the shelf feature 187 of the conductor spring 181 may extend away from the flexible sections 182. In particular, the shelf feature 187 may be rotated approximately 135 degrees relative to the shelf feature 87 of the conductor spring 81. This arrangement may still add stiffness to the conductor spring 181. However, the orientation of the shelf feature 187 may improve tooling access during assembly. In particular, the orientation of the shelf feature 187 may make it easier for tools to access a space between the root portion 184 and the flexible sections 182 of the conductor spring 181. The present invention may also be applied to an electrical connector device, such as connection units, switches, junction boxes, etc. In particular, an electrical connector device may be configured to receive at least one electrical wire and the electrical connector may comprise at least one electrical conductor configured to conduct electricity from the wire. The electrical connector device may further comprise at least one conductor spring comprising at least one flexible section configured to resiliently urge an end of the wire into contact with the electrical conductor. The electrical connector device may further comprise at least one actuator (e.g. a lever or button actuator), the actuator being manually operable such that movement of the actuator causes the flexible section of the conductor spring to flex, e.g. away from the electrical conductor. The conductor spring and actuator may be substantially provided on opposite sides of the electrical conductor. Features described above in respect of the electrical socket assembly may equally apply to the electrical connector device. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the principles and techniques described herein, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. 21 07 25

Claims

1. An electrical socket assembly comprising:a consumer facing front side comprising at least one socket configured to receive a plug;5 a rear side configured to receive at least one electrical wire;at least one electrical conductor configured to conduct electricity between the wire and the plug;at least one conductor spring comprising at least one flexible section configured to resiliently urge an end of the wire into contact with the electrical conductor; andat least one actuator, the actuator being manually operable such that movement of the actuator 10 causes the flexible section of the conductor spring to flex away from the electrical conductor,wherein the conductor spring and actuator are substantially provided on opposite sides of the electrical conductor, andwherein the actuator comprises a lever portion and an actuator portion, the lever portion and the actuator portion being operably coupled together with the lever portion and actuator portion being separate 15 components at least after assembly or installation of the electrical socket assembly.

2. The electrical socket assembly of claim 1, wherein the electrical conductor comprises at least one opening for at least a portion of the actuator or a portion of the conductor spring to pass through and permit engagement of the actuator and the conductor spring.

203. The electrical socket assembly of claim 2, wherein the flexible section of the conductor spring comprises at least one projection aligned with the opening in the electrical conductor.

4. The electrical socket assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible section 25 comprises a first curved portion and a second curved portion and a point of inflection between the first and second curved portions.

5. The electrical socket assembly of claim 4, wherein the first and second curved portions are arranged such that an end of the conductor spring that engages the wire when installed is at an acute angle relative 30 to a surface of the electrical conductor.

6. The electrical socket assembly of claim 4 or 5, wherein the first curved portion has a first radius of curvature, the second curved portion has a second radius of curvature, and the first radius of curvature is smaller than the second radius of curvature.

357. The electrical socket assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical socket assembly is configured such that when installed the wire is between the conductor spring and the actuator.21 07 258. The electrical socket assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible section of the conductor spring comprises an edge configured to grip the end of the wire and urge the wire into engagement with the electrical conductor.5 9. The electrical socket assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the conductor springcomprises a plurality of flexible sections, each of the flexible sections extending from a root portion of the conductor spring.

10. The electrical socket assembly of claim 9, wherein the actuator engages each of the flexible 10 sections.

11. The electrical socket assembly of claim 9 or 10, wherein the electrical conductor comprises at least one opening for at least a portion of the actuator or a portion of the conductor spring to pass through and permit engagement of the actuator and the conductor spring, wherein one electrical conductor opening is 15 provided for the or each pair of adjacent flexible sections.

12. The electrical socket assembly of claim 11, wherein each flexible section of the conductor spring comprises at least one projection, and wherein pairs of projections from adjacent flexible sections align with one opening.2013. The electrical socket assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical conductor comprises a groove for receiving the end of the wire.

14. The electrical socket assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical conductor 25 comprises side walls and tabs to hold the conductor spring in place.

15. The electrical socket assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the lever portion provides a push to release action in which a user pressing on the lever portion causes the flexible section of the conductor spring to flex away from the electrical conductor.3016. The electrical socket assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the lever portion is configured to rotate and the actuator portion is configured to substantially linearly translate.

17. The electrical socket assembly of claim 16, wherein the actuator portion comprises a sloped surface 3 5 arranged for the lever portion to engage, the sloped surface being angled relative to a line perpendicular to a direction of travel of the actuator portion.

18. The electrical socket assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical socket assembly further comprises a guard projection adjacent to the lever portion, the guard projection being configured to reduce a likelihood of the lever portion being unintentionally depressed.5 19. The electrical socket assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, prior to assembly orinstallation of the electrical socket assembly, the lever portion and actuator portion comprise a frangible connection, the frangible connection being configured to break by movement of the lever portion during assembly or installation of the electrical socket assembly.10 20. A method comprising installing or assembling an electrical socket assembly according to any ofthe previous claims.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the lever portion and actuator portion comprise a frangible connection,15 the method further comprising breaking the frangible connection by moving the lever portion.21 07 25

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