IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,633,708
Granted Patent B2
US 12,633,708 · App. 18/332,132 · Granted May 19, 2026

Grounding fused load receptacle

Inventors: Robert Fong (Bethlehem, PA); George R. Hydock (Mount Bethel, PA)
Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
H01R13/688H01R2103/00
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,633,708
App. No.
18/332,132
Granted
May 19, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

An electrical load receptacle including a first end with a first conductor receiving opening, a second end with a second conductor receiving opening, and a first conductive connector arranged in the first end and configured to electrically connect a first utility conductor to a fuse. A second conductive connector is arranged in the second end and configured to electrically connect a second utility conductor to the fuse. A grounding interface is configured to receive a grounding pin for grounding the second conductive connector.

Claims (32)

1 . An electrical load receptacle comprising:

a first end with a first conductor receiving opening;

a second end with a second conductor receiving opening;

a first conductive connector arranged in the first end and configured to electrically connect a first utility conductor to a fuse;

a second conductive connector arranged in the second end and configured to electrically connect a second utility conductor to the fuse;

a grounding interface configured to receive a grounding pin for grounding the second conductive connector;

an insulative housing surrounding the first conductive connector, the second conductive connector, and the fuse; and

an outer shield configured to surround the insulative housing,

wherein the outer shield includes a first pulling eye secured to a grounding interface cap configured to cover the first grounding interface.

2 . The electrical load receptacle of claim 1 , wherein the grounding interface includes a grounding conductor configured to electrically connect the second conductive connector to the grounding pin.

3 . The electrical load receptacle of claim 2 , wherein the grounding conductor includes a threaded connection configured to mate with the grounding pin.

4 . The electrical load receptacle of claim 1 , wherein the grounding interface is configured to extend orthogonal to the second.

5 . The electrical load receptacle of claim 1 , wherein the outer shield and the grounding interface cap are configured to provide a water-tight sealing of the grounding interface relative to an external environment, the water-tight sealing rated to withstand pressures exerted by water at a depth of 10 feet.

6 . The electrical load receptacle of claim 1 , further comprising:

a first testing interface arranged in the insulative housing and configured to provide for capacitive probing of a first end of the fuse; and

a second testing interface arranged in the insulative housing and configured to provide for capacitive probing of a second end of the fuse,

wherein outer shield further includes a first testing interface cap configured to cover the first testing interface and a second testing interface cap configured to cover the second testing interface.

7 . The electrical load receptacle of claim 1 , wherein the first end includes an elbow providing an angle of 90 degrees of the first conductor receiving opening relative to the fuse.

8 . The electrical load receptacle of claim 1 , wherein the first end includes an interface compliant with standards set forth in Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 386.

9 . The electrical load receptacle of claim 1 , wherein the load receptacle is compliant with standards set forth in American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F855.

10 . The electrical load receptacle of claim 1 , wherein the outer shield and the insulative housing each comprise a separation configured to allow lateral displacement of the first end relative to the second end, and

wherein the lateral displacement is sufficient to allow a maintenance worker to inspect and replace the fuse within the electrical load receptacle and subsequently re-assemble the electrical load receptacle by closing the separation of the outer shield and of the insulative housing.

11 . A method for maintaining an electrical load receptacle having a first end electrically connected to a first end of a fuse, a second end electrically connected to a second end of the fuse, the method comprising:

inserting a capacitive probe into a first testing interface on the first end to determine a first capacitance;

inserting the capacitive probe into a second testing interface on the second end to determine a second capacitance; and

determining a safety condition of the electrical load receptacle based on the first capacitance and the second capacitance.

12 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising determining a condition of the fuse based on the first capacitance and the second capacitance.

13 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising disconnecting the first end from the second end to expose a fuse, replacing the fuse with an operable fuse, and re-connecting the first end and the second end if the condition of the fuse is indicative of a failed fuse.

14 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising:

removing a grounding interface cap configured to cover a grounding interface arranged in the second end and electrically connected to a conductive connector in the second;

inserting a grounding pin into the grounding interface; and

connecting an exposed portion of the grounding pin to ground.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 9, 2023
From: FONG, ROBERT; HYDOCK, GEORGE R.
To: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
Reel/Frame 063907/0073 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20240413594A1 · Dec 12, 2024
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