Electrical component enclosure

Abstract

A system, including an enclosure and a module, where the module is disposed in the enclosure such that a tab of the enclosure is disposed in a slot of the module; and the module is configured to rotate about the slot. The enclosure can also be configured to receive modular mounting structures. The enclosure can also include multiple panels that create a smaller opening.

1 . A system, comprising:
 a modular mounting structure including a backplate having a plurality of mounting locations, each mounting location being adapted and configured for receiving an electrical switching module;   a panel including a mounting site configured to receive the modular mounting structure; and   a command module mounted to the panel;   wherein communication connections can be formed between the command module and the plurality of mounting locations for the electrical switching modules when the modular mounting structure is mounted at the mounting site.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the modular mounting structure includes a channel cover, the communication connections being formed between the command module and the plurality of electrical switching modules under the channel cover. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the channel cover is disposed such that each electrical switching module can be coupled to the channel cover. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the channel cover is disposed such that the electrical switching modules can be located on opposite sides of the channel cover. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting site includes at least one tab configured to support a first edge of the backplate. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4 , further comprising at least one fastener configured to fasten the backplate to the panel, the fastener disposed on a second edge of the backplate opposite the first edge. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the modular mounting structure includes communication wiring to form the communication connections between the command module and the plurality of mounting locations for the electrical switching modules. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein each mounting location on the modular mounting structure includes a communication connector to engage an electrical switching module and couple the electrical switching module to the communication wiring. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the modular mounting structure includes neutral wiring to connect the plurality of mounting locations to a high voltage region of the system. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein each mounting location on the modular mounting structure includes a neutral connector to engage an electrical switching module and couple the electrical switching module to the neutral wiring. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 :
 further comprising a second modular mounting structure including a second backplate having a second plurality of mounting locations, each mounting location being adapted and configured for receiving an electrical switching module;   wherein the panel includes a second mounting site to receive the second modular mounting structure; and   wherein communication connections can be formed between the command module and the second plurality of mounting locations for the electrical switching modules when the second modular mounting structure is mounted at the second mounting site.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the communication connections between the command module and the second plurality of mounting locations are formed through the first modular mounting structure. 
     
     
         13 . A method, comprising:
 mounting a plurality of electrical switching modules on a backplate of a modular mounting structure;   coupling the modular mounting structure to a support on a panel; and   fastening the modular mounting structure to the panel.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 identifying a failed electrical switching module of the plurality of electrical switching modules; and   removing the modular mounting structure from the panel.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising replacing the failed electrical switching module after removing the modular mounting structure. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13  wherein:
 coupling the modular mounting structure to the support on the panel comprises inserting an edge of the modular mounting structure into a tab of the panel. 
 
     
     
         17 . An electrical switching system comprising:
 a backplate including a plurality of mounting locations, each mounting location being adapted and configured for receiving an electrical switching module, each mounting location including a communication connector to engage a corresponding communication connector on the electrical switching module;   a communication connector for a command module; and   communication wiring coupled between the communication connector for the command module and the communication connectors at the plurality of mounting locations.   
     
     
         18 . The structure of  claim 17  further comprising:
 a neutral connector at each mounting location to engage a corresponding neutral connector on the electrical switching module; and 
 neutral wiring coupled to the neutral connectors to provide a neutral connection to each electrical switching module. 
 
     
     
         19 . The structure of  claim 17  further comprising a channel cover to cover the communication wiring and support the communication connectors for the plurality of mounting locations. 
     
     
         20 . The structure of  claim 19  wherein:
 the communication connector for the command module is disposed at a first end of the channel; and 
 the communication wiring is configured at a second end of the channel to connect to a second connector for communication wiring on a second modular mounting structure. 
 
     
     
         21 . The structure of  claim 17  wherein the backplate includes:
 a support structure to engage a corresponding support on a panel having a mounting site configured to receive the modular mounting structure; and 
 a fastener structure to fasten the modular mounting structure to the mounting site of the panel. 
 
     
     
         22 . The structure of  claim 21  wherein:
 the support structure comprises an edge adapted to engage a tab at the mounting site of the panel; and 
 the fastener structure comprises a hole for a fastener.