An electrical outlet is disclosed. The outlet includes a power receptacle configured to receive a plug blade and a switch. The switch has a first state when the plug blade is not present within the power receptacle, and a second state when the plug blade is present. The plug blade provides an electrically conductive path between terminals of the switch in the second state. A pulse generator circuit is configured to generate a pulsed signal having a frequency higher than a frequency of alternating current voltage power. A feedback circuit receives the pulsed signal from the pulse generator circuit and provides an output signal to a pulse detection circuit. The output signal includes a pulsed signal corresponding to the pulsed signal received from the pulse generator circuit when the switch is in the first state and a generally continuous state signal when the switch is in the second state.

An electrical outlet is disclosed. The outlet includes a power receptacle configured to receive a plug blade and a switch. The switch has a first state when the plug blade is not present within the power receptacle, and a second state when the plug blade is present. The plug blade provides an electrically conductive path between terminals of the switch in the second state. A pulse generator circuit is configured to generate a pulsed signal having a frequency higher than a frequency of alternating current voltage power. A feedback circuit receives the pulsed signal from the pulse generator circuit and provides an output signal to a pulse detection circuit. The output signal includes a pulsed signal corresponding to the pulsed signal received from the pulse generator circuit when the switch is in the first state and a generally continuous state signal when the switch is in the second state.

An electric connector includes a socket connector, a plug connector having a bar shape for connecting an electric circuit, the plug connector capable of insertion into and removed from the socket connector and to be rotatable between unlocked and locked positions about an axis thereof, a pair of detection terminals opposing across the plug connector, and a conductive member for providing electric conduction between the pair of detection terminals in the locked position of the plug connector. The conductive member includes a pair of pressed pieces arranged between the pair of detection terminals and the plug connector, spaced away from the detection terminals in the unlocked position of the plug connector, but pressed by an outer surface of the plug connector in the locked position of the plug connector to bring contact portions thereof into contact with the detection terminals and a coupling piece coupling the pair of pressed pieces.

An electric connector includes a socket connector, a plug connector having a bar shape for connecting an electric circuit, the plug connector capable of insertion into and removed from the socket connector and to be rotatable between unlocked and locked positions about an axis thereof, a pair of detection terminals opposing across the plug connector, and a conductive member for providing electric conduction between the pair of detection terminals in the locked position of the plug connector. The conductive member includes a pair of pressed pieces arranged between the pair of detection terminals and the plug connector, spaced away from the detection terminals in the unlocked position of the plug connector, but pressed by an outer surface of the plug connector in the locked position of the plug connector to bring contact portions thereof into contact with the detection terminals and a coupling piece coupling the pair of pressed pieces.

A safety electrical power connector can include a first connector body having a first electrical contact and an outer surface, and a second connector body that engages the first connector body in an axial direction. The second connector body can have a second electrical contact and an inner surface configured to slide relative to the outer surface of the first connector body in the axial direction during engagement of the first and second connector bodies. The outer surface and the inner surface can define a gap therebetween sufficient to establish an isolation enclosure that isolates a volume containing the first and second electrical contacts therein. The gap can be formed prior to electrical communication of the first and second electrical contacts thereby preventing an explosion due to arcing between the first and second electrical contacts.

A safety electrical power connector can include a first connector body having a first electrical contact and an outer surface, and a second connector body that engages the first connector body in an axial direction. The second connector body can have a second electrical contact and an inner surface configured to slide relative to the outer surface of the first connector body in the axial direction during engagement of the first and second connector bodies. The outer surface and the inner surface can define a gap therebetween sufficient to establish an isolation enclosure that isolates a volume containing the first and second electrical contacts therein. The gap can be formed prior to electrical communication of the first and second electrical contacts thereby preventing an explosion due to arcing between the first and second electrical contacts.

An internally switched female receptacle or connector for use with IEC 60309-2 configuration plugs and the like. Various plug-latching and plug-actuated safety interlock arrangements coordinate strictly axial plug movement relative to the receptacle with the closing and opening of sleeve contacts and terminal pressure contacts. A continuous ground feature ensures grounding of the primary electrical circuit throughout plug insertion and withdrawal. An optional low-current lighting control circuit powers an LED status indicator. A modular clocking design enables variable angular positioning of the terminals during manufacture.

An internally switched female receptacle or connector for use with IEC 60309-2 configuration plugs and the like. Various plug-latching and plug-actuated safety interlock arrangements coordinate strictly axial plug movement relative to the receptacle with the closing and opening of sleeve contacts and terminal pressure contacts. A continuous ground feature ensures grounding of the primary electrical circuit throughout plug insertion and withdrawal. An optional low-current lighting control circuit powers an LED status indicator. A modular clocking design enables variable angular positioning of the terminals during manufacture.

An electrical connector for a safety restraint system comprises a connector housing, a plurality of contact elements disposed in the connector housing, an activation member movable relative to the connector housing in an activation direction between a deactivation position and an activation position, and a short-circuiting member disposed on the activation member. The connector housing is adapted to be plugged into a mating connector in a plug-in direction. The contact elements are adapted to be brought into electrical contact with a plurality of mating contact elements of the mating connector. The short-circuiting member is disposed on the activation member and electrically connects the contact elements only in the deactivation position. The contact elements are not electrically connected to one another in the activation position.

An electrical connector for a safety restraint system comprises a connector housing, a plurality of contact elements disposed in the connector housing, an activation member movable relative to the connector housing in an activation direction between a deactivation position and an activation position, and a short-circuiting member disposed on the activation member. The connector housing is adapted to be plugged into a mating connector in a plug-in direction. The contact elements are adapted to be brought into electrical contact with a plurality of mating contact elements of the mating connector. The short-circuiting member is disposed on the activation member and electrically connects the contact elements only in the deactivation position. The contact elements are not electrically connected to one another in the activation position.