Electrical socket assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical socket assembly (10) comprising a first sub-assembly (12) and a second-sub-assembly (14). The first sub-assembly comprises a fascia (30), a casing (60), housing contacts (70), and electrical connection pins (80). The second sub-assembly comprises a backbox (20), a junction box (40) comprising electrical frameworks (50) for electrically connecting a mains cable (100) comprising a live (110), neutral (120), and an earth (130), wire thereto. Connection of the first sub-assembly (12) to the second sub-assembly (14) facilitates engagement of the electrical connection pins (80) of the first assembly with the electrical frameworks of the second sub-assembly causing an electrical connection to be made between the mains cable (100) connected to the junction box (40) and the contacts (70) of the electrical socket assembly (10).

Description

Electrical Socket Assembly

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical socket assembly and the components thereof including a novel casing and a novel junction box which respectively form first and second sub-assemblies together with, respectively, a backbox and fascia. It also relates to a novel method of wiring and of testing such an assembly.BACKGROUND

[0002] Electrical wiring by a qualified electrician typically comprises a “first” and “second” fix.

[0003] The “first fix” refers to the preparation work; this is all about laying the foundations for the electrical system. This includes running cables and conduits through walls and installing circuits for the electricity to run through.

[0004] Only once this skeleton framework has been established, can the “second fix” take place.

[0005] The “second fix” incorporates connecting switches, sockets, outlets, and fixtures to the wiring.

[0006] This current installation process requires that the cabling is tested during the “first fix” stage, so to prove the continuity of each cable in the circuit and that they have not been damaged by screws, nails or drilling. The testing of the cable’s insulation shall also be conducted during the “first fix” stage. Both of these tests are again repeated during the “second fix” stage after each cable’s wires have been connected into each of the sockets.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to simplify the wiring process and replacement of sockets, reduce the risk of electrocution and fire and make the installation and testing process more efficient.

[0008] One or more of these objectives are achieved by the system, sub-assemblies, components and methodologies according to various aspects of the invention.

[0009] Problems overcome and benefits arising include:I) The electrician can wire the mains power straight into the backbox, rather than the plug socket, saving time, a “second fix” installation and “live” testing; ii) It creates safer connections and simplifies testing; iii) It enables less skilled personnel, e.g. homeowners, to more safely replace e.g. a“fixed point” such as a socket;iv) It reduces the potential of a loose wire connection when sockets are replaced by skilled or unskilled persons; v) It promotes longevity of the cabling / wires with them not needing them to be disturbed and subsequent breaks within the cabling; and vi) It facilitates earlier testing including: a. Insulation resistance; b. Continuity of conductors, including circuit protective conductors; c. Earth fault loop impedance (where circuits can be energised); and d. Testing of Residual Current Device (where circuits can be energised).

[0010] A consequence of the above is earlier electrical certification. This is because the “wiring” is limited to wiring into the backbox and not also the fascia.

[0011] Prior art identified includes:

[0012] W00042680 which discloses an electrical assembly in the form of a plug socket including a connecting part connectable to an electric supply and an operable part removably mountable on the connecting part. The design has a number of limitations including, a single rear entry point for cables which only allows connection to the connecting part of a short core from the rear with limited scope to connect a multiplicity of wires and in a simple and secure manner.

[0013] GB2404097 which discloses an electrical connector module for use in conjunction with a wall box. The connector is located against one side face and the design allows a single core to enter from the other side only allowing cables to be installed in one orientation. This design has limitations, for example, entry of cabling into the back box, and only having the provisions to connect one cable, which does not conform to conventional fixed electrical installations.

[0014] GB2422056 discloses a back box having terminals for cable connection. The design does not electrically insulate the connections and furthermore does not adequately secure the wires in place. The design does not facilitate the connection of more than one cable and is impractical.

[0015] GB2496438 discloses an electrical faceplate plugging into a back box with three pins assembled so the socket plate and junction box create a sealed unit. A metal connector plate is connected to the cables and is located centrally in the back box with three hollow pins which receive solid power pins provided on the faceplate so as to facilitate electrical contact. The design has limitations, for example, entry of core wires onlyfrom the side, lack of insulation from the rear back box and it does not provide for the connection of spurs.

[0016] US 6692284 discloses an electrical socket designed to receive the pins of plugs of different designs.

[0017] GB2604391 discloses an electrical socket assembly and methods of installation. It has limitations including an external earth conductor extending outside of the framework to an earth lever housing whereas Applicant accommodates an earth spring loaded pin within the socket outlet. Additionally, the design does not allow for testing of the sockets without the fascia fitted, as is the case with the design of the present invention. Further limitations included it does not promote the longevity of the legacy cables as it requires the wires to be bent to suit the new connections. It also does not allow for the testing of the fixed wiring connections during first fix stage.

[0018] Each of the documents identified has significant limitations and each of the claimed independent aspects overcome one or more technical problems as set out further below and with reference to the detailed description.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0019] In accordance with a first aspect of the present inventions there is provided an electrical socket assembly comprising a first sub-assembly and a second-sub-assembly; the first sub-assembly comprises: i) a fascia; ii) a casing, housing contacts,; and iii) electrical connection pins the second sub-assembly comprises: i) a backbox; ii) a junction box comprising electrical frameworks for electrically connecting a mains cable comprising a live, and neutral, and optionally an earth, wire thereto and wherein connection of the first sub-assembly to the second sub-assembly facilitates engagement of the electrical connection pins of the first assembly with the electrical frameworks of the second sub-assembly causing an electrical connection to be made between the mains cable connected to the junction box and the contacts of the electrical socket assembly.

[0020] The housing contacts comprise electrical frameworks (live, neutral and earth) which are located on the casing, and which are connected to the equivalent electrical connection pins which pass through casing apertures and are secured in position by threaded rings. The pins provide electrical contact with the second sub assembly and plug pin socket holes in the casing which also contain framework contacts ensuring electrical connection when a plug is inserted through apertures in the fascia plate and into the plug pin socket holes.

[0021] Preferably the back box has apertures allowing a mains cable to be passed into the box to the rear, top and bottom sides, and ends.

[0022] Preferably the electrical socket assembly further comprising a locator plate for locating the junction box to the backbox.

[0023] Preferably the junction box comprises inlets for receipt respectively of the live, the neutral and the earth wires of the mains cable.

[0024] The junction box, having the three inlets, is accurately positioned by the inclusion of a junction box locator which ensures accurate location towards the centre of the junction box with the inlets facing towards a side wall of the junction box, ensuring easy location of the wires whether they are fed from the rear, sides, (above and below) or ends.

[0025] Preferably each inlet is configured to receive a plurality of wires. In a preferred embodiment the inlet is configured to receive three wires, and the inlets comprise a scalloped or scallop like concave face, shaped such that each of three wires slide along and down the receiving apertures so they contact a contact pad and are secured in position using quick release levers. This speeds fitting, maximises flexibility and obviates the risk of shorting.

[0026] Preferably each inlet has a quick release lever on an outward, fascia facing, face to facilitate locking of the wire such that it is retained in electrical contact.

[0027] Preferably the junction box comprises a plurality of locator pins on an inner, backbox facing, face such that the junction box can be located, in position, on the backbox.

[0028] These locator pins allow its orientation on the locator plate so its inlets face to the right or left end wall of the junction box allowing flexibility of orientation (depending on the entry point of the mains cable(s)) and the pin receiving apertures at the end.

[0029] Preferably the junction box comprises at least two, and preferably three apertures which receive the electrical connection pins comprising respectively a live pin, a neutral pin and optionally an earth pin, which when inserted into the respective apertures make contact with corresponding electrical contact pads.

[0030] The contact pads comprise framework members which are surrounded by an insulating casing and the pin receiving apertures are IP2X compliant i.e. the product is protected against the entry of any object that is larger than 12.5mm in diameter and longer than 80mm in length.

[0031] Preferably the junction box has a line of symmetry running across the central (earth) pin receiving aperture, allowing it to be fitted on either a right or left side of the backbox, with the inlets facing either to a right- or left-hand end wall of the back box. Consequently, the earth is always the middle aperture, and the casing framework associated with the first assembly is arranged such that the live and neutral frameworks cross-over on the left- and right-hand sides of the casing so the live is above on one side and below on the other (the same is true for the neutral framework)

[0032] Preferably the casing comprises an outward, fascia facing, face and an inward, backbox facing, face and comprises channels on the fascia facing face for receiving electrical framework members and contours on the backbox facing face for receiving an earthing framework member.

[0033] Preferably the casing comprises at least two, and preferably three apertures running there through which receive the electrical connection pins comprising a live pin, a neutral pin and optionally an earth pin.

[0034] Preferably the apertures which receive the electrical connection pins are aligned in a row one above another. The apertures are of a diameter such that they are IP2X compliant, and the earth aperture is of greater diameter than the live and neutral apertures. Furthermore, they are disposed on the left- and / or right-hand sides of the casing (both for a double socket).

[0035] Preferably the electrical connection pins are sprung. This ensures good electrical contact when the first and second sub-assemblies are connected.

[0036] Preferably each electrical connection pin comprises a head and a screw threaded tail.

[0037] Preferably each pin is electrically connected to the electrical and earthing framework members through the casing.

[0038] Preferably the earth pin is longer, and has a greater diameter, than the live or neutral pin. This is an important safely feature and the earth contact pad is similarly of a marginally greater diameter than that for the live and neutral pads.

[0039] Preferably the pins comprise coloured sleeves indicative of its electrical connection (live, neutral and earth).

[0040] Preferably the electrical socket assembly further comprises at least one displaceable insulating shield.

[0041] The electrical socket assembly may be further provided with a pin extender. A pin extender allows the assembly to have its depth adjusted relative to the wall.

[0042] In accordance with a second aspect of the present inventions there is provided a casing for an electrical socket assembly comprising an outward, fascia facing, face and an inward, backbox facing, face, the outward, fascia facing, face comprising channels which accommodate electrical framework members and the inward, backbox facing, face comprising contours which accommodate an earthing framework member, the casing further comprises one or more two or three plug pin socket holes and at least one set of apertures, which accommodate pins which are electrically connected to the electrical framework members by threaded rings.

[0043] Preferably the casing supports pins which comprise a live, neutral and earth pin each comprising a head and a screw threaded tail, and they are electrically connected to the electrical framework members by threaded rings.

[0044] In accordance with a third aspect of the present inventions there is provided a first sub-assembly for an electrical socket assembly comprising a casing, a fascia and at least one displaceable insulating shield.

[0045] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present inventions there is provided a junction box for an electrical socket assembly comprising a casement comprising inlets for receipt respectively of a live, a neutral and optionally an earth wire, each inlet having a quick release lever on an outward, fascia facing, face to facilitate locking of the wire such that it is retained in electrical contact, said casement comprising a plurality of frameworks electrically linking the wires to respective contact pads arranged respectively in apertures.

[0046] Preferably the junction box comprises locator pins on an inward, backbox facing, face.

[0047] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present inventions there is provided a second sub assembly for an electrical socket assembly comprising a junction box, a backbox, and a junction box locator.

[0048] In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present inventions there is provided a method of wiring a mains cable to an electrical socket assembly comprising the steps of: i) Fitting a junction box to a backbox; and ii) Connecting each of a live, neutral and optionally earth wire of a mains cable to the wire inlets.

[0049] The method may further comprise the steps of conducting one or more of: a) an insulation resistance test; b) a continuity of conductors test, including circuit protective conductors; c) an earth fault impedance test (where circuits can be energised); and d) a residual current device test (where circuits can be energised).

[0050] The method may further comprise the step of iii) Fitting a casing, a fascia, and at least one displaceable insulating shield to the backbox such that it facilitates the engagement and pressing of electrical connection pins against contact pads when the fascia is connected to the junction box.

[0051] The invention is further described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings and detailed description given below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Fig 1 is a view illustrating the fitting of a first sub-assembly to a second sub assembly;Figs 2a and 2b are exploded isometric front views of one embodiment of an assembly of the invention comprising a first sub assembly (Fig 2a) and a second subassembly (Fig 2b) without the aid of a locator plate;Fig 3a shows the first sub-assembly, as fig 2a, with the components shown from the other side and Fig 3b is an exploded isometric rear view of the second sub-assembly illustrated in Fig 2b;Fig 4 is a view of a second sub-assembly, namely a backbox with a junction box of the invention being fitted thereto with the aid of a locator plate;Fig 5 is a view of the junction box illustrating how the electrical framework is fitted;Fig 6 is a view of a “wired” second sub-assembly, with the inclusion of a second and third cable to facilitate additional branch socket outlets;Fig 7 is an illustration of a standard 3-pin plug (prior art);Fig 8 is an illustration of one embodiment of a conducting framework (for a double socket) which is fitted to the facia face of a casing of the invention;Fig 9 is an illustration of the casing of the invention fitted to a fascia with electrical connection pins being fitted and the earthing framework fitted;Fig 10 is a detailed rear isometric view of a junction box of the invention showing the back box facing face;Fig 11 is a detailed front isometric view of a junction box of the invention showing the fascia facing face;Fig 12a is a detailed exploded view of the fascia facing face of the casing to which the conducting framework is fitted, with the pins being fitted to the rear; andFig 12b is a view of pin extenders.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] As illustrated in Fig 1 an electrical socket assembly (10) according to the invention comprises first (12) and second (14) sub-assemblies, which when connected via male (16) and female (18) mating members, and when the second assembly is wired to a mains cable (100), give rise to a “live” electrical socket.

[0054] Such an assembly obviates the need for a “first” and “second” fix as, in effect, a “single” fix results in a “live” electrical socket.

[0055] Figs 2a and Figs 3a show a first sub-assembly (12) from the front (Fig 2a) and with the components reversed (Fig 3a), and Figs 2b and 3b show a second sub-assembly (14) from the front and rear respectively.

[0056] As it is the second sub assembly (14) that is wired into the mains via cable (100), we will start by describing the components and process with reference to Figs 2b, 3b, 4 to 6, 10 and 11.

[0057] The second sub-assembly (14) comprises a backbox (20), a locator plate (90) (See Fig 4), and a junction box (40) comprising electrical frameworks (50) a live (51), neutral (52) and optionally earth (53) framework (See Fig 5) for electrically connecting the mains cable (100) comprising a live (110), neutral (120) and optionally an earth (130) wire. (See Fig 6).

[0058] The “earth” is specified as optional since not all countries require an earth, although for most countries it is required from an electrical compliance perspective.

[0059] Referring to Figs 5, 10 and 11 a substantially E-shaped casement (41) houses frameworks (50) which electrically connect to a mains wire (100) at inlets (42), which respectively receive live (L), neutral (N) and optionally earth (E) wires, and cause them to transmit electricity to corresponding contact pads (54) - live (55), neutral (56) and optionally earth (57) in pin receiving apertures (48) which, in use, engage with contact pins (80) which are brought into contact with pads (54) when the first sub-assembly (12) is screwed onto the backbox (20) (Fig 1 ). Thus, respective live (51), neutral (52) and optional earth (53) frameworks are connected with the live (110), neutral (120) and optional earth (130) wires in inlets (42), by means of levers (44) which cause the wires to be held in electrical contact when the lever is opened, and which releases the wires when the lever is depressed. The inlets (42) are each sized and shaped to receive up to three wires and in one embodiment the inlets comprise a scalloped or scallop like concave face allowing the wires to be easily slide along and down the receiving aperture and into contact with the contact pad where they are secured in position using quick release levers (44).

[0060] The E-shaped casing is designed to be received in a single or double backbox and the apertures (48) are positioned in a line perpendicular to a line of symmetry X-X such that it can be located on either the right- or left-hand side of the backbox. The apertures (48) are of a diameter such that they are IP2X compliant, and the earth aperture (middle of the three) is of greater diameter than the live and neutral apertures. Furthermore, the junction boxes (40) are disposed so the apertures (48) are on the left- and / or right-hand sides of the casing (both for a double socket) with the inlets (42) facing away from the ends (28).

[0061] Turning to the first sub-assembly (12), and referring more particularly to Figs 2a, 3a, 8, 9 and 12a, the first sub assembly broadly comprises a fascia (30), a casing (60) housing electrical contacts (70), and electrical contact pins (80).

[0062] The electrical contacts (70) comprise live and neutral framework members (71) and (72), (See Fig 8) connected to a fascia facing face (61) of the casing (60) and optionally earth framework members (73 / 74) (See Fig 12a) connected through the casing and to a junction box facing face (63) of the casing (See Fig 9). A pair (for a double socket) of displaceable insulating shields (34) are located between fascia plug socket apertures (32) and the live (71) and neutral (72) framework members.

[0063] Disposed and running between the two faces (61 ; 63) of the casing (60) are pins (80), respectively live (81), neutral (82) and optionally an earth (83) pin which are secured on the fascia facing face (61) by colour coded threaded rings (84) indicative of the contact - live (brown) (85), neutral (blue) (86) and earth (green / yellow) (87). To facilitate connection the pins (80) comprise a contact head (88), a cylindrical spring-loaded bodysurrounded by an appropriately colour coded insulated sleeve live (brown) (181), neutral (blue) (182) and earth (green / yellow) (183) and a screw threaded tail (89), and the threaded rings (84) engage with the threaded tails (89) to electrically secure the pins in place. (Figs 9 and 12a).

[0064] The housing contacts (70) comprise electrical frameworks (live, neutral and earth) which are located on the casing (60), and which are connected to the equivalent electrical connection pins (80) which pass through casing apertures (66) and are secured in position by threaded rings (84). The pins provide electrical contact with the second sub assembly and plug pin socket holes (65) in the casing which also contain framework contacts ensuring electrical connection when a plug (200) is inserted through apertures (32) in the fascia (30) and into the plug pin socket holes (65).

[0065] Looking at how the two sub-assemblies are connected reference is additionally made to Figs 1 , 9 and 12a.

[0066] A backbox (20) is screwed to a wall and an insert plate (90) is screwed thereto. Then the junction box (40) is located (snap locked) into place by locator fixings (46) (Fig10). Each of the main’s wires (three in the Example illustrated (Fig 6)) are located and retained in electrical contact in the respective inlets (42), labelled L for Live, N for neutral and E for earth or earth symbol (Fig 11) by depressing quick release lever (44), inserting the wire(s), and then releasing the lever so it locks the wire(s) in electrical contact. The lever (44) is on the fascia facing face (45) and the locator pins (46) are on the backbox facing face (47). The junction box has apertures (48) arranged in a line centrally, the centre aperture is located along a line of symmetry X-X allowing the junction box to be located on the right- or left-hand side of the backbox with the inlets (42) facing towards the centre of the junction box. In this way the wires can be fed into the back box though any one of a plurality of backbox apertures (22) which are located on the rear (24), sides (26) or ends (28) (Fig 4)

[0067] Referring particularly to Figs 8, 9 and 12a, the first sub-assembly (12) casing (60) has a fascia facing surface (61) and a backbox facing surface (63) made from a moulded insulating material. The fascia facing surface has channels (62) (Fig 12a), a plurality of three plug pin socket holes (65) (two sets in the example illustrated) and two sets of three casing apertures (66) which accommodate the pins (81 , 82, 83) and are aligned in the assembled article with the three apertures (48) of the junction box (40) (See Figs 4 and11 ). The channels (62) receive contacts (70), more particularly the electrical framework members (71) and (72) and an earth framework member (73) runs through the casing. (Figs 8 and 12a). The reverse back box facing face (63) has a ridge (64) over which a further earth framework member (74) sits. (Fig 9). The respective electrical and earthingframework members (71 ; 72; 74) have holes (71a; 72a; 74a) which align with casing apertures (66) into which the pins (80) are located ensuring electrical connection to the socket and plug (200) (Fig 7) when the plug pins (210, 220, 230) are inserted into the plug socket apertures (32) in the fascia (30).

[0068] The pins (80) can be extended in length using pin extenders (180) (Fig 12).

Claims

CLAIMS.1 . An electrical socket assembly (10) comprising a first sub-assembly (12) and a second-sub-assembly (14) the first sub-assembly comprises:I) a fascia (30);II) a casing (60), housing contacts (70); and iii) electrical connection pins (80) the second sub-assembly comprises: i) a backbox (20); ii) a junction box (40) comprising electrical frameworks (50) for electrically connecting a mains cable (100) comprising a live (110), and neutral (120), and optionally an earth (130), wire thereto and wherein connection of the first sub-assembly (12) to the second sub-assembly (14) facilitates engagement of the electrical connection pins (80) of the first assembly with the electrical frameworks of the second sub-assembly causing an electrical connection to be made between the mains cable (100) connected to the junction box (40) and the contacts (70) of the electrical socket assembly (10).

2. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a locator plate (90) for locating the junction box (40) to the backbox (20).

3. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the junction box (40) comprises inlets (42) for receipt respectively of the live (110), the neutral (120) and the optional earth (130) wires of the mains cable (100).

4. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in claim 3 wherein each inlet (42) is configured to receive a plurality of wires.

5. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein each inlet (42) has a quick release lever (44) on an outward, fascia facing, face (45) to facilitate locking of the wire such that it is retained in electrical contact.

6. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in any of claim 3 to 5 wherein the junction box (40) comprises a plurality of locator pins (46) on an inner, backbox facing, face (47) such that the junction box can be located, in position, on the backbox (20).

7. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in any of claim 3 to 6 wherein the junction box comprises at least two apertures (48) which receive the electrical connection pins (80) comprising respectively a live pin (81), a neutral pin (82) and optionally an earth pin (83), which when inserted into the respective apertures (48), make contact with corresponding electrical contact pads (54).

8. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the junction box (40) has a line (X-X) of symmetry, allowing it to be fitted on either a right or left side of the backbox.

9. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the casing (60) comprises an outward, fascia facing, face (61 ) and an inward, backbox facing, face (63) and comprises channels (62) on the fascia facing face (61 ) for receiving electrical framework members (71 , 72) and contours (64) on the backbox facing face (63) for receiving an insulating framework member (74).

10. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in claim 9 wherein the casing (60) comprises two sets of at least two apertures (66) running therethrough which receive the electrical connection pins (80) comprising a live pin (81), a neutral pin (82) and optionally an earth pin (83).

11. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in any of claims 9 or 10 wherein the at least two apertures (66) which receive the electrical connection pins (80) are aligned in a row one above another.

12. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11 wherein the electrical connection pins (80) are sprung.

13. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12 wherein each electrical connection pin (80) comprises a head (88) and a screw threaded tail (89).

14. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in claim 13 wherein each pin (80) is electrically connected to the framework members (71 , 72, 74) through the casing (60).

15. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in any of claims 9 to 14 wherein the earth pin (83) is longer and has a greater diameter than the live (81) or neutral (82) pin.

16. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in any of claims 9 to 15 wherein the pins (81 , 82, 83) comprise coloured sleeves indicative of the electrical connection (L, N, E).

17. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in any of claims 9 to 16 further comprising at least one displaceable insulating shield (34).

18. An electrical socket assembly (10) as claimed in any of claims 9 to 17 further comprising a pin extender (180)19. A casing (60) for an electrical socket assembly comprising an outward, fascia facing, face (61) and an inward, backbox facing, face (63), the outward, fascia facing, face (61) comprising channels (62) which accommodate electrical framework members (71 , 72) and the inward, backbox facing, face (63) comprising contours (64) which accommodate an earthing framework member (74), the casing further comprises one or more plug pin socket holes (65) and at least one set of apertures (66), which accommodate pins (80) which are electrically connected to the electrical framework members (71 , 72) by threaded rings (84).

20. A casing (60) for an electrical socket assembly as claimed in claim 19 wherein the pins (80) comprise a live (81 ), neutral (82) and earth (83) pin each comprising a head (88) and a screw threaded tail (89) and are electrically connected to the electrical framework members (71 , 72) by threaded rings (85 and 86) and optionally earthing framework member (74) by threaded ring (87).21 . A first sub-assembly (12) for an electrical socket assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18 comprising a casing as claimed in either claims 19 or 20, a fascia (30) and at least one displaceable insulating shield (34).

22. A junction box (40) for an electrical socket assembly comprising a casement (41 ) comprising inlets (42) for receipt respectively of a live (110), a neutral (120) and optionally an earth (130) wire, each inlet having a quick release lever (44) on an outward, fascia facing, face (45) to facilitate locking of the wire such that it is retained in electrical contact, said casement comprising a plurality of frameworks (50) electrically linking the wires (110, 120; 130) to respective contact pads (54) arranged respectively in apertures (48).

23. A junction box (40) for an electrical socket assembly as claimed in claim 22 further comprising locator pins (46) on an inward, backbox facing, face (47).

24. A second sub-assembly (14) for an electrical socket assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18 comprising a junction box (40) as claimed in either claim 22 or 23, a backbox (20), and a junction box locator (90).

25. A method of wiring a mains cable (100) to an electrical socket assembly (10) comprising the steps of: i) Fitting a junction box (40) as claimed in claim 22 or 23 to a backbox (20); and ii) Connecting each of a live (110), neutral (120) and optionally earth (130) wire of a mains cable (100) to the wire inlets (42).

26. A method as claimed in claim 25 further comprising the steps of conducting one or more of: a) an insulation resistance test; b) a continuity of conductors test, including circuit protective conductors; c) an earth fault impedance test; and d) A residual current device test.

27. A method as claimed in claim 25 or 26 further comprising the step of iii) Fitting a casing (60) as claimed in claim 19 or 20, a fascia (30), and at least one displaceable insulating shield (34) to the backbox (20) such that it facilitates the engagement and pressing of electrical connection pins (80) against contact pads (54) when the fascia (30) is connected to the junction box (20).

Images