An electrical outlet

Abstract

An electrical outlet (40) having a nonconductive housing (40A), a deflectable locking arm (40B) and a conductive metallic contact (40C) is disclosed. The nonconductive housing (40A) comprises of nested multiple layers. The first layer being the central core (40A16) which has a set of T-shaped pockets (40A5) and (40A6), the second layer formed by ribs projecting from the central core (40A16) having edges (40A7), (40A8), (40A9), (40A10) and triangular curved corner ribs (40A11) and the third layer formed by a vertically projecting wall (40A14) which act as a guide for the plugs and arrests shaking of the plug when fully engaged. The deflectable locking arm (40B) allows ease of engaging and disengaging of plugs of any type. The conductive metallic contact (40C) comprises of three prongs (40C4), (40C5) and (40C6), the converging and diverging profiles of the same can receive different mating plugs.

Description

[0001] TITLE: AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION:

[0003] The present application is based on, and claims priority from an Indian Application

[0004] Number 202421054668 filed on 17thJuly, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0005] The invention relates to an electrical outlet profiled as per International Standard IEC-60320 C-13, C-15, C15A, C-19 and C-21 connector types comprising of a nonconductive housing and a set of three current carrying metallic contacts having terminal apertures on one end and fork shape on the other end profiled out of three prongs configured to receive the metallic male pins of the mating plug. The outlet core on the nonconductive housing designed to have an outer shape and a set of three pocket openings configured to interchangeably receive mating power plugs of different types like IEC-60320 C-14, C-16, C-16A, C-20 or C-22 in the same outlet. A power cord locking feature is also included in the said outlet by fitment of a cantilever locking arm at the base of the nonconductive housing. The said locking arm imparts lockable plugging even with different kind of nonlockable plugs described above.

[0006] BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:

[0007] The field of the invention relates generally to electrical outlets operable interchangeably with a combination of different types of mating plugs, and more specifically to an electrical outlet.

[0008] In certain devices and equipment, especially the data centre rack Power Distribution Units (PDUs), various power outlets distribute the power from common input to several outputs for respective devices or appliances with the help of an interconnect power cord. These cords come with an electrical plug at one end which connects with one of the outlets on PDU and another electrical connector on the other end suitable for the device connected to the PDU. Variety of power outlets and plugs are offered under the IEC-60320 standard, and these are often used in data centre racks. The terminal apertures and polymeric housings differ for various combinations of electrical current rating and application temperatures. Generally, the conductive terminal apertures of plugs are received in the mating conductive contacts contained in the nonconductive housing of electrical outlet and an electrical connection is established. The shape, size and orientations of housings and terminals differ for each type of plugs and outlets, which means that conventionally a specific type of electrical outlet can receive only a specific type of plug. It is because of this limitation that a data centre rack PDU needs to be configured proactively in advance with a combination of outlet types based on the devices to be connected to it. With use of conventional outlets, one has very limited or almost no scope to change the outlet configuration once the PDU is ordered. So, in this process the person selecting the configuration is required to increase the number of outlets in the PDU and keep them spare which allows connectivity for a new different device which is not considered before. This is undesirable as it increases PDU size as well as its the cost. Again, for each customer order, one must configure a customized combination of type and number of outlets. The standard Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) cannot be offered as they don’t meet the user’s requirements. The ordering process becomes complex for purchaser as well as for manufacturer.

[0009] IEC-60320 electrical outlets are very commonly used for power entry and connectivity purposes. They are categorized based on the current rating and application temperature. For example, in accordance with the standard for 10A current rating C-13 is designed for applications in cold condition whereas C-15 and C-15A for hot condition. Similarly, for 16A current rating C-19 is designed for cold condition and C-21 for very hot condition application. Each of these outlets are designed with different shape and size of the outlet core. In general, the electrical outlets are meant for power output to the end equipment or devices of different current rating and temperature class which calls for use of a specific type of power outlet and mating plugs. In many applications like Data Centre Racks and servers the power supply is routed through Power Distribution Units termed as PDUs wherein the power is supplied to variety of devices like servers of different power rating. While configuring the PDU designs, the current ratings and end applications need to be understood in advance so that exact mix of electrical outlet types can be configured at design stage itself. In case of any change in power rating at later stage it becomes difficult to change the outlet types on the PDUs. The conventional IEC-60320 power outlets do not offer this interchangeability of usage.

[0010] Multiple types of plugs exist for power cords used in data centre. These plugs comprise of at least three conductive contacts placed inside a nonconductive housing which is to be received over an outlet of a PDU. These conductive contacts pass through the notch openings in the outlets and received in the conductive contacts of the outlet for electrical connectivity.

[0011] Referring to Fig 1 and Fig 2, the prior art US11276970B1 of CIS Global UUC comprises a nonconductive housing having a central core (120) with T shaped pockets (160) for entry of contact pins of mating plugs. Usually, the entry pockets are of vertical orientation for C13 and C15 models and of horizontal orientation for C19 and C21 types. With vertical pin orientation C14 and C16 plugs can be coupled with C13 and C15 outlets respectively. Whereas with horizontal pin orientation of C20 and C22 the plugs can be coupled with C19 and C21 outlets. The periphery of central core is profded with the edges (116), (132), (130), (126), (122), and (124). There are spaced projections (170) and (172) located at two comers projecting upwardly from the Base (112) which act as a guide to arrest the shaking and lateral movement of mating plugs. The projections are angularly oriented relative to the angled edges (122) and (124). These projections engage with the plug housing when received help to grip and hold the plug housing in place and resist any tendency that may exist for the plug housing to disengage from the outlet core (120). Since the projections are located only at two comers these do not provide the adequate support or backing for the plug housing. Thus, the possibilities of shaking of plug persist and this can eventually loosen the plug engagement resulting into disengagement of plug.

[0012] The said prior art also discloses a deflectable latch (180) integrally attached to the housing (102) at a lower end thereof, but otherwise is separated from the end wall (108) of the housing (102). A resilient spring element (184) (FIG. 2) is separately provided from the housing (102) and may be fabricated from metal in a contemplated embodiment. The spring element (184) in the example shown includes a relatively wide base portion (186) in the width wise dimension of the housing (102) that is inserted in a slot in the housing end wall (108) beneath the deflectable latch portion (180). The angled section (188) of the spring element (184) acts upon the deflectable latch portion (180) to apply an inwardly directed mechanical bias force to hold the deflectable latch portion (180) in a locked or latched position extending generally vertically and flush with the remainder of the end wall (108) of the housing (102). The limitation of this locking arrangement is that the bottom opening beneath the deflectable latch (180) does not impart enough strength to the latch (180). Moreover, the additional spring element (184) increases the overall cost of proposition. Third and most important limitation of this disclosure that the placement of spaced comer projections (170) and (172) restrict the entry of C22 plugs of Very Hot application category. Thus, these outlets are only suitable for use as C13, C15 and C19 types.

[0013] Referring to Fig 3, 4 and 5, another prior art as per US 10541501 B2 of Vertiv Corporation discloses a combination outlet wherein a nonconductive housing is configured with central core vertically projecting up from the base. A set of at least three pin pockets are disposed on the projecting core for entry of pins of plug by which the connectivity can be established. The nonconductive housing can only receive C14 or C16 plugs by its own configuration. However, in order to have a compatibility to couple C20 plugs a detachable cap (802) is added which acts as a guide for the entry of pins and outer shroud of C20 plug. Moreover, the lockable connection of mating plug is offered by placement of locking arms (1212) and (1210). The geometry of these locking arms is so profiled that the recesses (1202) and (1206) on the inner side help to realize the latching of locking arms (1208) and (1204) that are loaded with profded springs (1203) and (1205) which exert positive pressure on the shroud of nonconductive housing of mating plug (108). The overall design of this combination outlet with detachable cap and the spring-loaded locking arms is more complex from the manufacturing or assembly perspective and it is certainly a costlier solution.

[0014] The solution to all the above difficulties lies in the disclosure of present invention which is designed to facilitate connectivity of different types of IEC-60320 plugs with the same outlet. With such combination electrical outlets, it is possible to use multiple type of IEC-60320 plugs interchangeably thereby providing the flexibility of configuration, selection, use and installation. The requirements of power distribution can thus be fulfilled with PDU of shorter size with minimum number of outlets in a cost-effective manner.

[0015] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:

[0016] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages / shortcomings of the devices known in the prior art by providing a device which is simple and practical.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which provides an option to use multiple types of IEC-60320 plugs interchangeably thereby providing the flexibility of configuration, selection, use and installation.

[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide lockable retention of conventional non-lockable mating power cord plugs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0019] An electrical outlet (40) having a nonconductive housing (40A), a deflectable locking arm (40B) and a conductive metallic contact (40C) characterized such that the nonconductive housing (40A) comprises nested multiple payers, the innermost layer being a central core (40A16), the second layer formed by ribs projecting from the central core (40A16) having rib edges (40A7, 40A8, 40A9, 40A10) and triangular curved comer ribs (40A11), the third layer formed by a vertical projecting wall (40A14) and the deflectable locking arm (40B) comprises a base (40B3), a deflecting arm (40B2), a locking tip (40B1), a pair of studs (40B4) and a pair of cantilevered locking legs (40B5).

[0020] Typically, an electrical outlet (40A), wherein the non-conductive housing (40A) has a set of T shaped pockets (40A5) and (40A6).

[0021] Typically, an electrical outlet (40), wherein a step (70A15) is provided above the T-shaped pocket (70A5).

[0022] Typically, an electrical outlet (40A), wherein the non-conductive housing (40A) has a slot (40A13) on the short side of the vertically projecting wall (40A14) and a pair of spaced holes (40A12) disposed on either side of the slot (40A13).

[0023] Typically, an electrical outlet (40), wherein the deflecting arm (40B2) gradually tapers from the base towards the tip (40B1).

[0024] Typically, an electrical outlet (40), wherein the locking arm (40B) snap fits into the slot (40A13) of the nonconductive housing (40A).

[0025] Typically, an electrical outlet (40), wherein the locking arm (50B) is screwed to the nonconductive housing (40A). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

[0026] In order to provide a full understanding of the manner, in which these and other objectives are attained in accordance with the invention, particularly advantageous embodiments thereof will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and wherein:

[0027] Fig 1 is a partial Top view of a combination outlet assembly of prior art US11276970B1 showing the various portions like T pockets, comer ribs for plug guide, locking arm, outer shroud wall etc.

[0028] Fig 2 is a perspective view of combination outlet assembly of prior art of Fig 1 showing the dual port version.

[0029] Fig 3 is a perspective view of a multiport combination outlet assembly of another prior art US 10541501 B2 comprising a nonconductive housing and a replaceable cap for use as a C 19 outlet assembly.

[0030] Fig 4 is the cross-sectional front view of the multiport combination outlet of prior art of Fig 3 showing the spring actuated locking mechanism when plug is engaged.

[0031] Fig 5 is the cross-sectional front view of the said multiport combination outlet of prior art of Fig 4 showing the position of spring actuated locking mechanism when the plug is disconnected from the outlet.

[0032] Fig 6 is a perspective view of a plug of C14 type which is connected with the electrical outlet for receiving the power from outlet. The contact pins in this are oriented vertically. Fig 7 is a perspective view of a plug of C20 type which is connected with the electrical outlet for receiving the power from outlet. The contact pins in this are oriented horizontally.

[0033] Fig 8 is a perspective of a plug of C22 type which is meant for applications of very hot surrounding conditions.

[0034] Fig 9 shows the perspective view of assembly of electrical outlet to which a plug is coupled.

[0035] Fig 10 is the exploded perspective view of electrical outlet and mating plug showing deflectable locking arm attached to the nonconductive housing.

[0036] Fig 11 is the front view of the assembly of electrical outlet and plug showing a condition of deflectable locking arm of outlet latched with the plug when engaged.

[0037] Fig 12 shows the exploded front view of Fig 11 when the plug is disengaged from the outlet.

[0038] Fig 13 is the cross-sectional front view of Fig 11 showing the relative position of C14 plug with reference to the spaced projections, deflectable locking arm and outer shroud of electrical outlet

[0039] Fig 14 is the cross-sectional front view of Fig 12 showing the relative position of various parts of C20 plug and the electrical outlet when engaged.

[0040] Fig 15 shows the cross-sectional view of C14 plug when engaged with the electrical outlet. More importantly it exhibits how the shroud of plug is guided inside the nonconductive housing of the electrical outlet. Fig 16 shows the cross-sectional view of relative placement of shroud of C20 plug engaged with electrical outlet.

[0041] Fig 17 shows the placement of C22 plug on similar lines like that of Fig 16.

[0042] Fig 18 is a perspective view of assembly of electrical outlet disclosed herewith,

[0043] Fig 19 is an exploded perspective view of electrical outlet of Fig 16 showing various child parts used therein.

[0044] Fig 20 is a detailed perspective view of nonconductive housing of the electrical outlet showing various functional portions of it.

[0045] Fig 21 is the exploded view of the electrical outlet showing the nonconductive housing, deflectable locking arm and conductive contact.

[0046] Fig 22 shows perspective view of alternate embodiment of a dual port electrical outlet with deflectable locking arm fixed to the nonconductive housing by screw fitment.

[0047] Fig 23 is the exploded perspective view of dual port electrical outlet showing various parts used therein.

[0048] Fig 24 shows the perspective view of the deflectable screw fitting type locking arm.

[0049] Fig 25 is the perspective view of assembly of alternate embodiment of electrical outlet having a deflectable locking arm which is an integral part of nonconductive housing. Fig 26, Fig 27, Fig 28 and Fig 29 show another alternate embodiment of the electrical outlet (70).

[0050] Fig 30 is the perspective assembly view an exemplary six port electrical outlet shown from front side.

[0051] Fig 31 is the perspective assembly view of Fig 30 from back side.

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

[0053] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein the same numerals are used to denote the same part. However, the drawings only illustrate the disclosure and in no way limit the disclosure.

[0054] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. The description given herein is only representative of the illustrative embodiments and examples. Only for the sake of convenience, the description has focused on a limited number of representative examples of the drawings. However, the drawings and / or illustrations in no way limit the scope of the disclosure. It is understood that modifications and / or alterations of the drawings / illustrations of this disclosure other than those specifically set forth herein may be achieved by those skilled in the art and that such modifications and alterations are to be considered as falling within the overall scope of this disclosure.

[0055] Terms used herein are used only in order to describe an exemplary embodiment rather than limiting the present disclosure. In this case, singular forms include plural forms unless interpreted otherwise in context.

[0056] The electrical outlet disclosed herewith offers a unique simplified solution for electrical connectivity in the applications demanding use of multiple type of IEC- 60320 plugs of various current ratings and application temperatures as applicable under the said IEC standard.

[0057] As shown in Fig 6, Fig 7 and Fig 8 the mating plugs (25) are of C14 type, (30) are of C20 type and (35) are of C22 type respectively. As per IEC-60320 standard the shape of nonconductive shroud and the orientation of contacts in these plugs is such that C14 plugs pins are oriented vertically whereas C20 pins are oriented horizontally.

[0058] Fig 9 shows the assembly of plug (30) and the electrical outlet (40). The electrical outlet (40) as shown in Fig 10 comprises of a nonconductive housing (40A) with a set of three metallic contacts (40C) along with a deflectable locking arm (40B) which is fixed to the nonconductive housing (40A) by snap fitment and hot sealing of locking studs. Fig 11 is the front view of position of the plug (30) in locked state when engaged and Fig 12 exhibits the position when plug (30) is disengaged. The plug locking is better seen in Fig 13 which shows the engagement of C20 plug (30) with the electrical outlet (40). The said plug (30) comprises of a cable guide (30B) placed in the nonconductive housing (30A) and a set of three metallic contacts (40 C) that engage with the male contacts of the mating plug (30). Fig 14 is the cross-sectional view of engagement of C14 plug with the electrical outlet. The plug (25) comprising a cable guide (25B) is placed in the nonconductive housing (25 A). The male contact pins (25 C) of the plug engage with the prongs (40C4, 40C5, 40C6) of female contact pins (40C) of the electrical outlet (40) while the shroud (25 Al) of the plug seats above the rib portions (40A1) and other similar portions of the electrical outlet (40). Whereas the locking arm (40B) deflects inwardly and latches at the step (30A2) disposed over the shroud of C20 plug or at the step (25 A2) over the shroud of C14 plug. The plugs (30) or (25) can be disengaged only when the locking arm (40B) is pushed manually in an outward direction.

[0059] Fig 15, 16 and 17 exhibit the relative placement of plugs with reference to the nonconductive housing of electrical outlet. Fig 15 indicates that the shroud of C14 plug (25) is guided between the central core (40A16) and triangular curved comer ribs (40A11) of nonconductive housing (40A) of the electrical outlet (40). The ribs (40A11) and central core (40A16) help arrest the lateral shaking of plug when engaged.

[0060] Similarly, in Fig 16 and 17 the shroud of C20 and C22 plugs is guided between concentric projecting ribs (40A9), (40A10) and inner face of the outer walls (40A14) of nonconductive housing of electrical outlet.

[0061] As shown in Fig 18, 19 and 20 the electrical outlet (40) comprises a nonconductive housing (40A), a set of three conductive metallic contacts (40C) and a deflectable locking arm (40B). The insulating housing (40A) is integrally formed with a central core having T pockets (40 A5) extending upwardly from the bottom wall. A projecting rib (40A9) disposed at the bottom face of housing and surrounding the central projecting core concentrically acts as a support guide for mating plugs.

[0062] Fig 21 shows the exploded view of the electrical outlet (40) showing the detailed profile of the deflectable locking arm (40B), nonconductive housing (40A) and a conductive metallic contact (40C). The nonconductive housing (40A) comprises nested multiple layers, the innermost layer being the central core (40A16) which is integrally formed as per IEC-60320 C15 type profiled by outer edges (40A1), (40A2), (40A3), (40A4) with edges (40A2) and (40A4) significantly chamfered. A set of T shaped pockets (40A5) and (40A6), disposed at a predetermined space over the central core (40A16) are configured to receive the male pins of mating plugs of Cl 4, Cl 6, C20 or C22. The second layer is formed by ribs projecting from the central core (40A16) having edges (40A7), (40A8), (40A9), (40A10) and triangular curved comer rib (40A11). The third layer is formed by a vertically projecting wall (40A14) that surrounds the central core (40A16). The slot (40A13) located on the short side of rectangular vertically projecting wall (40A14) allows for placement of deflectable locking arm (40B). A pair of spaced holes (40A12) are disposed at either side of the locking arm entry slot (40A13) on the base of nonconductive housing and configured to receive the locking studs (40B4) of the deflectable locking arm (40B).

[0063] The outer shroud of C14 or C16 plugs rests in the space between the outer boundary of central core (40A16) and the triangular curved comer ribs (40A11) which act as a guide for these plugs and arrests shaking of plugs when fully engaged, whereas the C20 or C22 plugs seat in the space between the inner face of vertically projecting wall (40A14) and the second layer connecting the rib edges (40A7), (40A8), (40A9), (40A10).

[0064] The locking arm (40B) is profiled with a base (40B3) and a deflecting arm (40B2) having a straight vertical outer face and a gradually tapered inner face. The resulting thickness of locking arm is lesser towards base and greater towards the locking tip (40B1) which imparts a resilient deflection of the locking arm during engagement and disengagement of mating plugs without a need for any external resilient spring. A pair of locking studs (40B4) projecting from the base (40B3) are located in the corresponding holes (40A12) and hot sealed for firm fitment. Additionally, a pair of cantilevered locking legs (40B5) disposed below the base (40B3) of locking arm are configured to seat into the locking arm entry slot (40A13) extending downwardly over the outer face of the bottom of nonconductive housing (40A) which impart a strong and stable fitment. The locking tip (40B1) projecting from the locking arm is provided with a curved top edge which helps deflect the arm on its own while the mating plug is being engaged. The bottom edge of locking tip (40B1) is relatively flat so as to latch it with the locking step (30A2) of outer shroud of the mating plug and keeps the plug in a locked state.

[0065] The conductive metallic contact (40C) comprises of three prongs (40C4), (40C5) and (40C6). The terminal (40C1) profiled on opposite end of the prongs (40C4, 40C5, 40C6) is profiled as per respective applicable IEC standard to suit the connectivity using either fast-on tabs or wire soldering. The lanced arm (40C2) disposed below the bottom of terminal (40C1), projects out from the face of terminal which acts as a means of retention inside T pockets of the nonconductive housing in which the prongs (40C4) and (40C5) are present. A pair of typically profiled prongs (40C4) and (40C5) are formed with a combination of converging and diverging profiles. The prongs 40C4 and 40C5 are integrally connected to the terminal 40C1 with pair of parallel arms 40C3. The interface in between the converging and diverging profiles of the prongs (40C4) and (40C5) receive the contacts pins of mating plugs of C14 and C16 types whereas the C20 and C22 plugs can be received in between the third prong (40C6) and inside edges of two prongs (40C4) and (40C5).

[0066] Besides the snap mount version, the disclosure also includes alternate embodiments (60) as indicated in Fig. 22, 23 and 24 wherein the deflectable locking arm (50B) is screw fitted. These are exemplary figures of dual port electrical outlet of two central cores (50A3) with a partition wall in between them. The similar outlets can be configured as single port, three port or even six port as per application in hand. For screw fitment of deflectable locking arm, a slot (50A1) is created on the shroud wall. A hole (50A2) disposed at the centre of the slot over the bottom face configured to match with similar hole (50B2) on the base (50B1) of deflectable locking arm (50B) helps for entry of a dome head screw (50C) for fastening and firm fitment. The screw mountable locking arm (50B) is profiled with mounting base (50B1) on which a hole (50B2) is disposed at its centre. The upward portion of the locking tip (50B4) is of a curved profile which facilitates the self-deflection of locking arm and easy entry of mating plug. The bottom face of locking tip (50B3) is of flat shape which helps to latch the arm with the outer shroud of mating plug.

[0067] Fig 25 is another alternate embodiment of the electrical outlet (60) wherein the deflectable locking arm (60A2) is an integral part of outer walls (60A1) of nonconductive housing (60) of the electrical outlet. The profile of locking tip is similar to screw or snap mountable locking arm. Similarly, as stated earlier, all these embodiments can be configured from single port to six port versions as per the requirements and the application in hand. Fig 26, Fig 27, Fig 28 and Fig 29 show another alternate embodiment of the electrical outlet (70) wherein a step (70A15) has been added above the T-shaped pocket (70A5). This change in shape is based on the IEC-60320 C15A type connector configuration which is meant for 155 degree C rating. This change facilitates the connectivity of IEC-60320 C16A type plug. The other features remain similar to the features disclosed in Fig 21, 22 and 23.

[0068] Fig 30 and 31 exhibit the arrangement of six port electrical outlet from front and back directions.

Claims

Claims:We claim:

1. An electrical outlet (40) having a nonconductive housing (40A), a deflectable locking arm (40B) and a conductive metallic contact (40C) characterized such that the nonconductive housing (40A) comprises nested multiple payers, the innermost layer being a central core (40A16), the second layer formed by ribs projecting from the central core (40A16) having rib edges (40A7, 40A8, 40A9, 40A10) and triangular curved comer ribs (40A11), the third layer formed by a vertical projecting wall (40A14) and the deflectable locking arm (40B) comprises a base (40B3), a deflecting arm (40B2), a locking tip (40B1), a pair of studs (40B4) and a pair of cantilevered locking legs (40B5).

2. An electrical outlet (40A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-conductive housing (40A) has a set of T shaped pockets (40A5) and (40A6).

3. An electrical outlet (40) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a step (70A15) is provided above the T-shaped pocket (70A5).

4. An electrical outlet (40A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-conductive housing (40A) has a slot (40A13) on the short side of the vertically projecting wall (40A14) and a pair of spaced holes (40A12) disposed on either side of the slot (40A13)5. An electrical outlet (40) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deflecting arm (40B2) gradually tapers from the base towards the tip (40B1).

6. An electrical outlet (40) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the locking arm (40B) snap fits into the slot (40A13) of the nonconductive housing (40A).

7. An electrical outlet (40) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the locking arm (50B) is screwed to the nonconductive housing (40A).

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