Abstract
The present disclosure provides for an electrically insulative cover that can be used to cover a variety of electrical components, namely hot lugs. The cover has a top surface and at least one side surface. The cover provides a shield between the lug and the individual performing work on the lug containing device. This reduces the need to disconnect and reconnect the flow of electricity which can be costly for customers. Additionally, it allows electrical work to be done more autonomously, efficiently, and safely.
Claims
1. A method of insulating at least one supply-side lug in an electrical meter pan, the method comprising: removing a cover from an electrical meter to expose an electrical meter pan; providing a first insulative cover formed to be emplaced over a first lug located on the supply-side of the electrical meter pan configured to receive a flow of electricity from an outside source; and, emplacing said first insulative cover over said first lug to shield the first lug from contact, the emplaced first insulative cover not covering the load-side lugs of the electrical meter pan.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first insulative cover is formed to be simultaneously emplaced over the first lug and a second lug located on the supply-side of the electrical meter pan.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first insulative cover includes silicone rubber.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first insulative cover includes a top panel and a plurality of side panels, each of said plurality of side panels having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a bottom surface extending between the outer and inner surfaces, the plurality of side panels being coupled to, and protruding from, the top panel with the bottom surfaces being exposed, the plurality of side panels bounding the top panel so as to continuously encircle the top panel.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein a first side panel of the plurality of side panels has a length, as measured in a direction away from the top panel, that is less than the remaining plurality of side panels.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein a second side panel of the plurality of side panels includes a cutout commencing at the bottom surface of the second side panel.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein a second side panel of the plurality of side panels includes a cutout commencing at the bottom surface of the second side panel.
8. The method of claim 4, wherein the first insulative cover is emplaced over the first lug with the plurality of side panels encircling the first lug and the top panel covering the first lug.
9. The method of claim 4, further comprising an adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surfaces.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the adhesive is removable.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a front view of a meter pan with the cover removed showing the internal structure without the electrically insulative covers in place.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a front view of a meter pan with the cover removed showing the internal structure with one embodiment of the electrically insulative covers in place.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a front view of a meter pan with the cover removed showing the internal structure with an alternate embodiment of the electrically insulative covers in place.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a first side view of one embodiment of the electrically insulative covers showing at least one shape of the cover.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a second side view of one embodiment of the electrically insulative covers.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the electrically insulative covers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is a meter pan 200 with the cover (not shown) having been removed. The meter pan 200 has electrical apparatus that directs the flow of electricity from a transformer to a structure such as a home or business. The line lugs 230 bring in the flow of electricity from an outside source, typically a transformer. The load lugs 235 bring the flow of electricity to the customer. A neutral 240 is used as a ground and does not typically carry the flow of electricity. The wiring 220 stems from the outside source of electricity to the line lugs 230 and from the load lugs 235 to the structure. The wiring 220 enters and exits the meter pan 200 through apertures 215. Screw plates 205 provide a secure connection between the line lugs 230 and the load lugs 235. These structures are connected to the back 210 or the meter pan 200 via an insulated block.
[0030] In FIG. 2 there is one embodiment of the present invention. The electrically insulative cover 100 is used in tandem to cover the line lugs 230 (see FIG. 1).
[0031] In FIG. 3 there is another embodiment of the present invention. The electrically insulative cover 100 here covers both line lugs 230 at the same time. The set-up is the same as shown in FIG. 2 with the difference being the area of coverage of the electrically insulative cover 100 with cutout for lines 220 and ground wire.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows the electrically insulative cover 100 from side view. Here, the features of the electrically insulative cover 100 are readily visible. The cover 100 has a top panel 105 and four (4) side panels 110. Two of the side panels 110 of insulative cover 100 may have a cutout 140 that will allow for a tight fit to accommodate lines 220.
[0033] Referring now FIG. 5, there is a second side view of the electrically insulative cover 100. The side panels 110 are coupled to the top panels 105. The top panel 105 and the side panels 110 may be integrated and formed of a single piece. The cutout 140 is visible, placement of it may vary.
[0034] In FIG. 6, the electrically insulative cover 100 is shown from a bottom view. The configuration of the side panels 110 is shown along with adhesive 115 disposed on bottom surface 130. Each of the side panels 110 are coupled to another side panel 110 and the top panel 105. Each of the side panels 110 has an outer surface 120, an inner surface 125, and a bottom surface 130. This leaves an opening 150 on the bottom side of the cover 100 which receives the line lug 230 (see FIG. 1). At least one of the side panels 110 has a length that is less than that of the other side panels 110.
[0035] Generally, the electrically insulative cover 100 shown in FIGS. 3-6 has a top panel 105 and at least one side panel 110. The side panels 110 may be coupled to the top panel 105 and the other, if present, side panels 110 by adhesives or other proper securement mechanisms. If the cover 100 is pieced together in this fashion, the securement mechanism, whether mechanical or chemical in nature, must be able to withstand the high voltage environment of the meter pan 200. For this reason, it is preferable that the cover 100 is formed from a continuous piece of material. The material chosen must be resistant to the aforementioned high voltage environments in the meter pan 200 or elsewhere. Preferably, this material is a rubber which may include, but is not limited to, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), Isoprene rubber, Butadiene rubber, and (poly)chloroprene rubber and the like or any combination thereof. Preferably, the rubber choice is a silicone-based rubber.
[0036] The overall shape and appearance of the electrically insulative cover 100 may vary as with its intended purpose. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the electrically insulative cover 100 preferably covers one (1) or two (2) line lugs 230 at once as one is to be most concerned about the line lugs 230. Thus, the shape may vary depending on the amount of line lugs 230 covered or the amount of extraneous electrical apparatus that is covered as well.
[0037] Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.
