Mounting bracket and extra-low voltage control device for installation with an electrical outlet box

摘要

A support bracket and extra-low voltage control device for installation with an electrical outlet box provides the capability of attaching or removing extra-low voltage (normally 30 volts or less) control of AC power (normally supplied at 120 volts) circuits such as lights. A controlling device in an enclosure (also called a control module) is attached to the exterior of one wall of an electrical outlet box, so that AC 120 volt wiring from the control module AC controlling device (a relay, a triac or a transistor) enters the electrical outlet box through an aperture in the wall of the electrical outlet box. Extra-low voltage control wiring enters the control module through an aperture in the control module enclosure and connects either to a relay coil or to an opto-coupling device within the control module enclosure to provide physical separation between the two wiring systems. Optionally, the control module used may receive a radio frequency signal or a power line carrier signal and in these cases opto-coupling and extra-low voltage wiring are not required. The support bracket is attached to a joist or a wall stud so that the electrical outlet box, when attached to the support bracket, has an open wall flush with the interior face of the drywall. The electrical outlet box is attached to the support bracket in a removable fashion and this allows the electrical outlet box with the control module attached and AC building wiring attached to be withdrawn from the wall or ceiling cavity to allow access to the extra-low voltage wiring (when present) and access to the control module for maintenance or removal. The same control module can be used with recessed lighting fixtures that have access to their connection box without requiring the use of the support bracket.