An electrical fitting assembly

Abstract

An electrical fitting assembly 100, and method of assembling the electrical fitting assembly 100 is disclosed. The electrical fitting assembly 100 comprises a mount 120, a face plate 110, and a magnet

Description

Technical Field This disclosure relates to electrical fitting assemblies, and particularly relates to the provision of electrical fitting assemblies for mounting electrical fixtures. Background Electrical fitting assemblies are used for the installation and operation of electrical systems across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. A conventional electrical fitting assembly includes an electrical fixture, a mount, and a face plate, each serving distinct roles in ensuring functionality, safety, and aesthetic integration within environments. The electrical fixture acts as the core component, providing housing and support for electrical devices such as switches, outlets, or lighting elements. It ensures these devices are securely held in place and provides a stable platform for electrical connections. The mount attaches the electrical fixture to a wall, ceiling, or other surfaces. It is typically made of metal or sturdy plastic and is designed to be securely fastened to structural elements such as wall studs or electrical boxes. The mount not only secures the fixture but also aids in aligning the electrical fixture correctly. This alignment is crucial for ensuring that the electrical devices function properly. Additionally, the mounting plate often includes provisions for grounding, ensuring that any stray electrical currents are safely directed away from the device and into the building's grounding system. The face plate serves both protective and aesthetic purposes, covering the fixture and mount to maintain a clean appearance whilst also protecting the internal components from dust, moisture, and physical damage. Traditionally, face plates are secured to the mount using screws. However, this method can pose challenges during installation, particularly in aligning screw holes correctly, which may result in instability or uneven placement. Moreover, the visible screw heads may detract from the overall aesthetic appeal, particularly in environments where design coherence is paramount. For both qualified electricians and non-professional home improvers alike, installing face plates via screws can be time-consuming and frustrating. This process is especially cumbersome in commercial and industrial settings where multiple face plates are typically mounted across numerous electrical assemblies. Additionally, for DIY enthusiasts, achieving a secure and aesthetically pleasing installation can be challenging without proper training or experience. Existing face plates may include clip mechanisms which allow for the attachment to an electrical fixture without the need for screws. However, clip mechanism face plates can still display weld marks, stress lines or ripples within the face plate. Despite these challenges, the removable nature of face plates remains advantageous. It allows for easy access to electrical components for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades without extensive disassembly. The present disclosure seeks to address these problems. The present disclosure proposes an advancement in electrical fitting assemblies which addresses the installation difficulties outlined with current face plates, whilst maintaining the interchangeability and removability characteristics of current face plates. Summaty of the invention Aspects of the present invention are set out by the claims. Further aspects are also described. According to a first aspect, there is provided an electrical fitting assembly (100, 200). The electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) comprises of a mount (120, 220) configured for mounting an electrical fixture (140, 240) to a wall; a face plate (110, 210) configured to cover the mount (120, 220); and a magnet (130, 230) configured to attach the face plate (110, 210) to the mount (120, 220). Advantageously, the magnet provides quicker and easier installation of the face plate to electrical fitting assembly. Further advantages include the ability for easy interchangeability of the face plate. Advantageously, there are no visible screw heads on the installed electrical assembly allowing for a more aesthetic end design. Furthermore, the arrangement ensures that artefacts such as weld marks are visible on the face plate. Additionally, this arrangement also reduces the mechanical stress on the face plate ensuring that no stress lines or ripples appear on the face plate, as compared with previous arrangements. The electrical fitting assembly as disclosed can be used for electrical fixtures such as light switches, dimmer switches, plug sockets, USB ports, multimedia ports, control panels including digital control panels, touchscreen panels and the like and also blanking plates when no electrical fixture is present. Optionally, the electrical fixture (140) is integral to the electrical fitting assembly (100). Advantageously, this can further simplify the installation process as installers can mount the entire unit in a single installation, reducing the assembly time and any potential errors associated with individually installing multiple components. Optionally, the electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) comprises a securing mechanism (122, 222) configured to attach the mount (120, 220) to an electrical fixture (140, 240). It will be appreciated that a securing mechanism may take any shape and has the function to attach the mount to an electrical fixture (140, 240). Preferably, the securing mechanism may take the form of a clip or a screw. Advantageously, this allows the mount to securely attach to the electrical fixture. Optionally, the mount (220) of the electrical fitting assembly (200) comprises a grid frame (220). Advantageously, a grid frame serves as the structural foundation for assembling grid switches, allowing customisation by accommodating various grid modules. Grid modules, such as single switch modules, can be easily inserted into the grid frame, enabling users to create personalised switch configurations tailored to the specific function that they serve as well as user preferences. Even more advantageously, this modular approach offers flexibility and ease of installation, making it ideal for both residential and commercial applications where customisable electrical solutions are desired. Optionally, the electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) comprises of a ground contact (150, 250) configured to electrically ground the face plate (110, 210). Preferably, the ground contact (150, 250) is capable of flexing. Optionally, the ground contact (150, 250) comprises a spring mechanism configured to exert force on the ground contact (150, 250) to maintain electrical contact with a grounding wire. Advantageously, a sprung grounding contact (150, 250) ensures a secure and reliable contact with the surface or component it is grounding. Advantageously, the spring feature provides consistent pressure, maintaining a firm connection even in the presence of vibrations or slight movements. Advantageously, this ensures a continuous and effective ground connection, enhancing safety and performance by preventing loose connections that could lead to electrical faults or failures. Optionally, the ground contact (150, 250) may be a grounding tab (150, 250). Advantageously, using a grounding tab (150, 250) allows for easy replacement by switching the tab out for a new one. Optionally the ground contact (150, 250) is attached to the face plate (110, 210). Preferably the ground contact (150, 250) is pre-attached to the face plate (110, 210). Alternatively, an individual may attach the ground contact (150, 250) to the face plate (110, 210) during installation. Optionally, the ground contact (150, 250) is configured to be attached to the face plate (110, 210) by a push fit fixture (118, 218). It can be appreciated that other methods of attachment, such as screws and / or rivets and / or solder and / or pins and / or adhesive, can achieve a similar result. Advantageously, this keeps a secure ground connection of the face plate (110, 210) by preventing rotation of the ground contact (150, 250). Optionally, the face plate (110, 210) has an inside surface (115, 215), the inside surface (115, 215) having a recess (116, 216) configured to receive the magnet (130, 230). Advantageously, this allows the face plate (110, 210) to sit flush against the mount (120, 220). Advantageously, this means the face plate (110, 210) is less likely to be knocked off. Furthermore, the face plate (110, 210) will be more aesthetically pleasing, because when installed the face plate (110, 210) does not stick out from the wall surface. Preferably the magnets (130, 230) are received by the face plate (110, 210). Alternatively, the magnets (130, 230) are received by the mount (120, 220). Even more preferably, the magnets (130, 230) are pre-attached to the face plate (110, 210). Alternatively, the magnets (130, 230) are pre-attached to the mount (120, 220). The magnets (130, 230) can be attached to the face plate (110, 210) or the mount (120, 220) adhesively, by brazing, with solder, screws, clips or the like. Optionally the magnets (130, 230) are glued to the face plate (110, 210). Alternatively, the magnets (130, 230) are glued to the mount (120, 220). The magnets (130, 230) may be glued to either the face plate (110, 210) or the mount (120, 220) with an adhesive, for example a 2-part epoxy resin. The face plate (110, 210) itself may comprise metal - for example steel, alloy, aluminium, copper - or non-metal materials such as plastics, wood, stone, slate, marble or the like. Importantly, the material of the face plate (110, 210) need not be ferro-magnetic itself. Optionally, the electrical fitting assembly further comprises a protrusion (127, 227) of either the face plate (110, 210) or the mount (120, 220); and a corresponding receptacle (117, 217) of either the mount (120, 220) or the face plate (110, 210).The protrusion (127, 227) is configured to be received by the corresponding receptacle (117, 217), in order to provide a physical connection between the face plate (110, 210) and the mount (120, 220). Advantageously, this further aids in the securing of the face plate (110, 210) and prevents swivelling of the face plate (110, 210) during use. Optionally, the electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) comprises a grip point (108, 208) configured to provide grip for detachment of the face plate (110, 120) from the mount (120, 220). The grip point (108, 208) make take the form of an indentation point (108, 208) or a tab. In a second aspect, there is provided a kit of parts for assembling an electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) according to the first aspect. The kit comprises of a mount (120, 220) configured for mounting an electrical fixture (140, 240) to a wall; a face plate (110, 210) configured to cover the mount (120, 220); and a magnet (130, 230) configured to attach the face plate (110, 210) to the mount (120, 220). In a third aspect, there is provided a method of assembling an electrical fitting assembly (100, 200). The method comprising of the steps: mounting an electrical fixture (140, 240) to a wall, using a mount (120, 220) of the electrical fitting assembly (100, 200); covering the mount (120, 220) with a face plate (110, 210) of the electrical fitting assembly (100, 200); and attaching the face plate (110, 210) to the mount (120, 220), using a magnet (130, 230) of the electrical fitting assembly (100, 200). Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: • FIGs. 1A-1B are schematic diagrams, illustrating the components in a first and second example of an electrical fitting assembly; • FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a first example of an electrical fitting assembly; • FIGs. 3A-3B are respectively a perspective view of a first side and a second side of a first example of a face plate with magnetic attachments; • FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a second example of an electrical fitting assembly; • FIGs. 5A-5B are respectively a perspective view of a first side and a second side of a second example of a face plate with magnetic attachments; and • FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a method of assembling the electrical fitting assembly. Detailed Description Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIGs. 1A-1B are schematic diagrams, illustrating the components in a first 100 and second 200 example of an electrical fitting assembly. An electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) is used to attach the electrical fixture (140, 240) in place. The electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) comprises a mount (120, 220), a face plate (110, 210), and a magnet (130, 230). The mount (120, 220) is configured for mounting an electrical fixture (140, 240) to a wall. The face plate (110, 210) is configured to cover the mount. The magnet (130, 230) is configured to attach the face plate (110, 210) to the mount (120, 220). For the example show in FIG. 1A, the electrical fixture 140 is integral to the electrical fitting assembly 100. The electrical fixture 140 comprises electrical internals and fittings such as wires and switches. For the example show in FIG. 1B, the electrical fitting assembly 200 comprises a mount 220 which is configured to attach to an electrical fixture 240. In both examples, the mount (120, 220) is suitable for mounting an electrical fixture (140, 240) to a wall, but does not exclude mounting an electrical fixture (140, 240) to alternative substrates, such as ceilings, skirting boards, or floors. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a first example of an electrical fitting assembly 100. The electrical fixture 140 in the disclosed example is configured to function as a light switch 144 and comprises a rocker part 142. The rocker part 142 sits over a switch 144 situated within the electrical fixture 1O. The mount 120 further comprises a securing mechanism 122 configured to attach the mount 120 to the electrical fixture 140. The securing mechanism 122 in the disclosed example comprises of screw holes, alternative examples include a clip mechanism. The screw holes 122 are configured to receive screws, in order for the face plate 110 to be attached to the mount 120. The mount 120 comprises of multiple protrusions 127 which run along the edge of the mount 120. The face plate 110 comprises a ground contact 150 which electrically grounds the face plate 110. It will be appreciated that the term grounding can be interchanged with the term earthing in certain territories. In the disclosed example, the ground contact 150 comprises a grounding tab. The grounding tab 150 provides a secure and reliable connection point for the ground wire of the electrical fixture 140 to the face plate 110. The grounding contact 150 has two stud holes 152 which can be used to affix the grounding contact 150 to the face plate 110. The face plate 110 comprises of four circular magnets 130. The magnets 130 may be attached via an adhesive, such as a 2-part epoxy resin, to each corner of a second side of the face plate 110. In use, the face plate 110 is situated over the electrical fixture 140 whereby an opening 111 aligns with the rocker 142 and switch 144 parts. The face plate 110 attaches to the mount 120 via the magnets 130 whereby a contact point 126 comprising of an opposing magnetic pole on the mount 120 attracts the magnets 130. The magnetic coupling of the magnets 130 and the contact point 126 allows the face plate 110 to stay securely attached to the mount 120. As an alternative, the magnets 130 may be attached to the mount 120, rather than the face plate 110. A benefit of this is that the face plate 110 doesn't bear the weight of the magnets 130, helping to ensure that the face plate 110 is attached in place. FIGs. 3A-3B are respectively a perspective view of an outside surface 114 and an inside surface 115 of a first example of a face plate 110 with magnetic attachments 130. FIG. 3A shows an example of the electrical fitting assembly 100 where the face plate 110 is attached to the mount 120 which mounts the electrical fixture 140. The opening 111 allows the rocker part 142, which sits atop the switch 144 to be turned on or off. FIG. 3B displays the inside surface 115 of the face plate 110 which, in use, is the surface that attaches to the mount 120. The magnet 130 makes contact with the contact point 126 of the mount 120. The inside surface 115 comprises of four recesses 116 which are each configured to receive one of the four circular magnets 13O.The recess 116 ensure the magnet 130 makes contact with the contact point 126 and allows the face plate 110 to sit flush against the mount 120. The grounding tab 150 sits within a compartment 109. The compartment 109 is located on the inside surface 115 of the face plate 110. The compartment 109 ensures the grounding tab 150 is secure and electrically grounds the face plate 110. The compartment 109 comprises of studs 118 which correspond to stud holes 152 situated on the grounding tab 150 configuring a push fit fixture which further secures the grounding tab to the face plate. Any stray currents from the electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) are directed to the grounding tab (150, 250). The grounding tab (150, 250) is connected to a ground wire of an electrical system which connects to a main grounding system. A grounding system comprises a ground bus bar in the electrical panel and grounding electrodes, such as metal rods or plates buried in the earth. The electrical energy from stray currents in the electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) will travel through this pathway from the grounding tab (150, 250) to the grounding electrode and dissipate into the ground, ensuring safe diversion of stray current and preventing harm. It will be appreciated that alternative fixture types can be used to achieve the same function. A corresponding receptacle 117 runs along the edge of the face plate 110 wherein the protrusion 127 of the mount 120 is configured to be received by the corresponding receptacle 117 in order to provide a physical connection between the face plate 110 and the mount 120. This secures the face plate 110 to the mount 120 and prevents the face plate 110 from pivoting when in use. An indentation point 108 is situated within the corresponding receptacle 117 of the inside surface 115 of the face plate 110. The indentation point 108 can allow for a tool or fingernail to be inserted to aid detachment of the face plate 110 from the mount 120. This can facilitate easy changing of the face plate 110. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a second example of an electrical fitting assembly 200. The electrical fitting assembly 200 comprises an alternative example of a face plate 210 and a mount 220. The mount 220 performs the function of a grid frame, whereby the mount 220 is able to attach to grid module electrical fixtures, not shown, via clip mechanisms 222. Grid modules are well-known within the industry and attach to a grid frame 220, either by a clip mechanism or screws, in order to create customised electrical assemblies. The mount 220 can be secured to the wall via screws 224. The mount 220 comprises a grounding tab 250 with stud holes 252 and two rectangular magnets 230. In use, the face plate 210 attaches to the mount 220 via the magnets 230 which form a secure magnetic coupling with contact points 226 on the mount 220. The mount 220 comprises of a protrusion 22.7 along the edges of the mount 220. FIGs. 5A-5B are respectively a perspective view of an outside surface 214 and an inside surface 215 of a second example of a face plate 210 with magnetic attachments 230. FIG. 5A shows an alternative opening 211 of the face plate 210 which aligns with an alternative electrical fixture, for example a dimmer switch. Alternatively the face plate may comprise of an alternative electrical fitting, such as a blanking plate, and / or a plug socket, and / or a USB port, and / or a multimedia port, and / or a control panel which may comprise a digital control panel, such as a touchscreen panel. FIG. 5A shows an example of the face plate 210 in situ atop the mount 220. FIG. 5B displays the inside surface 215 of the face plate 210 which in use is the side that attaches to the mount 220. The magnets 230 make contact with the contact point 226 of the mount 220. Each magnet 230 sits within a recess 216 which is situated within a platform 219. The grounding tab 250 is secured to the inside surface 215 of the face plate 210 via studs 218. The studs 218 secure the grounding tab 250 via the corresponding stud holes 252 configuring a push fit fixture which secures the grounding tab 250 to the face plate 210. A corresponding receptacle 217 runs along the edge of the face plate 210 wherein the protrusion 227 of the mount 220 is configured to be received by the corresponding receptacle 217 in order to provide a physical connection between the face plate 210 and the mount 220. An indentation point 208 is situated within the corresponding receptacle 217 of the inside surface 215 of the face plate 210. Similarly the function of the indentation point 208 is to provide purchase for a tool or fingernail to help detach the face plate 210 from the mount 220. This can facilitate easy changing of the face plate 210. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a method of assembling the electrical fitting assembly (100, 200). The method S600 may begin at block S601 where an electrical fixture (140, 240) is mounted to a wall, or other suitable substrate such as a skirting board, ceiling or floor, using a mount (120, 220). At block S602, the method includes covering the mount (120, 220) with a face plate (110, 5 210) in order to protect the electrical equipment from dust, moisture, and physical damage as well as providing more aesthetic end design. At block S603, the method includes using a magnet to attach the face plate (110, 210) to the mount (120, 220). A kit of parts which includes the components of an electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) may be used to carry out the method described in FIG. 6. The kit comprises a mount (120, 220), a face plate (110, 210), and at least 10 one magnet (130, 230). The kit facilitates the installation and operation of the electrical fitting assembly, ensuring compatibility and ease of assembly for efficient electrical system integration. Although the disclosed subject matter has been described using specific terminology relating to apparatus features and / or method features, it is to be understood that the claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the examples disclosed. The scope of the following claims is 15 to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. The advantages disclosed may relate to several of the examples that are disclosed.

Claims

1. An electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) comprising:a mount (120, 220) configured for mounting an electrical fixture (140, 240) to a wall;a face plate (110, 210) configured to cover the mount (120, 220); anda magnet (130, 230) configured to attach the face plate (110, 210) to the mount (120, 220).

2. The electrical fitting assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical fixture (140) is integral to the electrical fitting assembly (100).

3. The electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising:a securing mechanism (122, 222) configured to attach the mount (120, 220) to the electrical fixture (140, 240).

4. The electrical fitting assembly (200) according to any preceding claim, wherein:the mount (220) comprises a grid frame (220).

5. The electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) according to any preceding claim, further comprising:a ground contact (150, 250) configured to electrically ground the face plate (110, 210).

6. The electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) according to claim 5, wherein:the ground contact (150, 250) comprises a spring mechanism configured to exert force on the ground contact (150, 250) to maintain electrical contact with a grounding wire.

7. The electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein:the ground contact (150, 250) is attached to the face plate (110, 210).

8. The electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) according to any of claims 5-7, wherein:the ground contact (150, 250) is configured to be attached to the face plate (110, 210) by a push fit fixture (118, 218).

9. The electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) according to any preceding claim, wherein:the face plate (110, 210) has an inside surface (115, 215), the inside surface (115, 215) having a recess (116, 216) configured to receive the magnet (130, 230).

10. The electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) according to any preceding claim, further comprising:a protrusion (127, 227) of either the face plate (110, 210) or the mount (120, 220); anda corresponding receptacle (117, 217) of either the mount (120, 220) or the face plate (110, 210);wherein the protrusion (127, 227) is configured to be received by the corresponding receptacle (117, 217) in order to provide a physical connection between the face plate (110, 210) and the mount (120, 220).

11. The electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) according to any preceding claim, further comprising:a grip point (108, 208) configured to provide grip for detachment of the face plate (110, 120) from the mount (120, 220).

12. A kit of parts comprising components of an electrical fitting assembly (100, 200) according to any preceding claim.

13. A method (S600) of assembling an electrical fitting assembly (100, 200), the method comprising:mounting (S601) an electrical fixture (140, 240) to a wall, using a mount (120, 220) of the electrical fitting assembly (100, 200);5 covering (S601) the mount (120,220) with a face plate (110,210) of the electrical fittingassembly (100, 200); andattaching (S603) the face plate (110, 210) to the mount (120, 220), using a magnet (130, 230) of the electrical fitting assembly (100, 200).

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