A first component, such as an electrical connector, can be mechanically connected to a second component, such as a surface, and separately electrically bonded to the second component using a third component, such as foil. The third component can be ultrasonically welded to the first component and separately ultrasonically welded to the second component. In some cases, multiple third components can be utilized to cover a seam between the first and second components.

In various representative aspects, an assembly for connecting and electrically bonding two solar panel rail guides. More specifically, the assembly provides a splice that slides within two solar panel rail guides and includes an elongated spring element that is inserted into an elongated slot in the splice and enables the two solar panel rail guides to be electrically bonded together when various bonding techniques are used to allow portions of the spring to penetrate the oxidation layers of the inner surfaces of the rail guides as they are joined together. Another embodiment that utilizes a bonding element that is inserted into an elongated slot of a splice and also enables two solar panel rail guides to be electrically bonded when the rail guides are joined.

In various representative aspects, an assembly for connecting and electrically bonding two solar panel rail guides. More specifically, the assembly provides a splice that slides within two solar panel rail guides and includes an elongated spring element that is inserted into an elongated slot in the splice and enables the two solar panel rail guides to be electrically bonded together when various bonding techniques are used to allow portions of the spring to penetrate the oxidation layers of the inner surfaces of the rail guides as they are joined together. Another embodiment that utilizes a bonding element that is inserted into an elongated slot of a splice and also enables two solar panel rail guides to be electrically bonded when the rail guides are joined.

A bonded joint for use in bonding composite materials is provided and includes a composite rib having electrically conductive properties and a composite structure having electrically conductive properties. An electrically conductive preform is provided that facilitates a bond between the composite rib and the composite structure. A mesh composition that bonds the composite rib to the preform and that bonds the preform to the composite structure is provided and is electrically conductive to conduct current between the composite rib and the composite structure.

A bonded joint for use in bonding composite materials is provided and includes a composite rib having electrically conductive properties and a composite structure having electrically conductive properties. An electrically conductive preform is provided that facilitates a bond between the composite rib and the composite structure. A mesh composition that bonds the composite rib to the preform and that bonds the preform to the composite structure is provided and is electrically conductive to conduct current between the composite rib and the composite structure.

Herein is described a n electrical earthing device formed from a sheet of material and comprising: an earthing device connector portion, for connection of the earthing device to a component to be earthed; and an earth cable connector portion, for connection to an earth cable. A first part of the earth cable connector portion is disposed in relation to a second part of the earth cable connector portion so as to define a clamping mechanism. In use, an earth cable positioned between the first and second parts is retained in position and maintained in electrical contact with the clamping mechanism by resilient biasing between the first and second parts of the clamping mechanism.

The present disclosure provides descriptions of configurations for bonding washers used to facilitate the electrical bonding of metal structures. The bonding washer includes an electrically conductive body and at least one piercing member extending from a bottom surface of the body. An extended member extends from the electrically conductive body in a direction away from the bottom surface of the body.

The present disclosure provides descriptions of configurations for bonding washers used to facilitate the electrical bonding of metal structures. The bonding washer includes an electrically conductive body and at least one piercing member extending from a bottom surface of the body. An extended member extends from the electrically conductive body in a direction away from the bottom surface of the body.

An electrical wiring system providing selectable referencing to earth ground, comprising: a housing comprising a first terminal for attachment to HOT, a second terminal for attachment to LOAD, and a flexible terminal comprising a first leg mounted to the electrical wiring device and a second leg connected to the first leg via a flexible joint, wherein the relative distance between the first leg and the second leg is adjustable between an extended position and a retracted position by flexing the flexible joint, the flexible joint being biased in the extended position, wherein the first leg defines a first aperture and the second leg defines a second aperture, a load control circuit disposed within the housing and receiving a line input from the first terminal and a reference input, the reference input being referenced to the electric potential of the flexible terminal; a screw having a screw head, the screw being inserted through the first aperture and the second aperture; and a pressure plate having a threaded aperture, the threaded aperture being engaged with the threads of the screw, the pressure plate and the screw head being disposed on opposite sides of the flexible terminal such that advancing the pressure plate along the threads of the screw toward the head of the screw draws the flexible terminal from the extended position toward the retracted position.

The invention relates to a connection device for earthing an electrical apparatus or putting it at a reference potential. It is inserted between a first electrically conductive part belonging to said electrical apparatus and a second part belonging to a support structure on which said electrical apparatus is mounted and which may be at least partly electrically insulating. It is characterized in that it comprises a first automatic connection area for automatically creating electrical contact with said first part, and a second automatic connection area for automatically creating electrical contact with an electrical conductor that is earthed or connected to a reference potential, when said electrical apparatus is mounted on said support structure. The electrical apparatus is thus automatically earthed or connected to a reference potential when it is mounted on said support structure via said connection device and said electrical conductor, specifically without any tools, screws or any other fastening member.