An electrical switch responds to acoustic inputs. A microphone integrated into the electrical switch generates electrical signals in response to the acoustic inputs. A network interface integrated into the electrical switch provides addressable communication with controllers, computers, and other networked devices. The electrical switch may thus be installed or retrofitted into the electrical wiring of all homes and businesses. Users may thus speak voice commands, which are received by the electrical switch and sent for voice control of appliances and other automation tasks.

An electrical switch responds to acoustic inputs. A microphone integrated into the electrical switch generates electrical signals in response to the acoustic inputs. A network interface integrated into the electrical switch provides addressable communication with controllers, computers, and other networked devices. The electrical switch may thus be installed or retrofitted into the electrical wiring of all homes and businesses. Users may thus speak voice commands, which are received by the electrical switch and sent for voice control of appliances and other automation tasks.

A key arrangement includes an activation element, a switch, a mechanical counterforce generating device, and a permanent magnet arrangement. The switch has at least a first state and a second state. The activation element has a basic state and an activation state and is configured to, in case of activation by a user, permit a movement from the basic state into the activation state, and in case of the movement into the activation state to permit a change in the state of the switch. The mechanical counterforce generating device is configured to generate, in case of an activation of the activation element, a first counterforce at least in certain areas. The permanent magnet arrangement is configured to generate, in case of activation of the activation element, a second counterforce at least in certain areas.

A key arrangement includes an activation element, a switch, a mechanical counterforce generating device, and a permanent magnet arrangement. The switch has at least a first state and a second state. The activation element has a basic state and an activation state and is configured to, in case of activation by a user, permit a movement from the basic state into the activation state, and in case of the movement into the activation state to permit a change in the state of the switch. The mechanical counterforce generating device is configured to generate, in case of an activation of the activation element, a first counterforce at least in certain areas. The permanent magnet arrangement is configured to generate, in case of activation of the activation element, a second counterforce at least in certain areas.

Examples may include routing power between a Universal Serial Bus (USB) host and a USB device. In some examples, the power may be routed from a power source at the USB device while the USB host is in a dead battery condition. Various switches at the USB host may be capable of selectively switching to route power from the power source to provide operating power to circuitry at the USB host.

A control key assembly including a button cover and a weight member is provided. The button cover has a first top surface, a bottom surface and a first assembling structure, wherein the first assembling structure is located on the bottom surface. The weight member has an arc surface and a second assembling structure, the arc surface and the second assembling structure are located on opposite sides of the weight member, wherein the second assembling structure is assembled with the first assembling structure, and the weight of the weight member is greater than the weight of the button cover.

A system for identifying which electrical outlets are electrically connected to a circuit breaker, including an electrical outlet faceplate cover having at least one electrical outlet opening and a fastener located adjacent to the at least one electrical outlet opening such that the electrical outlet faceplate cover is located over an electrical outlet, a circuit breaker panel having at least one circuit breaker located on the circuit breaker panel, and a near field communications tag embedded within the electrical outlet faceplate cover or attached to a front face of the electrical outlet faceplate cover, such that the near field communications tag contains information related to which of the at least one circuit breakers is electrically connected to the electrical outlet.

A safety switch for an automated industrial plant includes a swivel-mounted rocker having at least one rip cord connector and at least one accelerometer arranged on the rocker. Swivel movement of the rocker is identified by evaluating signals of the accelerometer.

A safety switch for an automated industrial plant includes a swivel-mounted rocker having at least one rip cord connector and at least one accelerometer arranged on the rocker. Swivel movement of the rocker is identified by evaluating signals of the accelerometer.

An electrical switch responds to acoustic inputs. A microphone integrated into the electrical switch generates electrical signals in response to the acoustic inputs. A network interface integrated into the electrical switch provides addressable communication with controllers, computers, and other networked devices. The electrical switch may thus be installed or retrofitted into the electrical wiring of all homes and businesses. Users may thus speak voice commands, which are received by the electrical switch and sent for voice control of appliances and other automation tasks.