Protective apparatus for outdoor electrical outlets

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a protective apparatus for outdoor electrical outlets or receptacles and power pedestals subjected to a wide range of weather conditions including variations in temperature, humidity, and precipitation, and various improvements thereto. In an embodiment, the protective apparatus is an angled hood which has at least one angled top surface, at least two side panels, and an angled bottom surface having an aperture suitably sized and shaped to receive a power cord from an electrical device. In an embodiment, the protective apparatus may be installed over electrical outlets or receptacles provided on a power pedestal. The power pedestal may be installed in outdoor areas subject to a wide range of weather conditions including moisture in the form of rain or snow, for example.

1 . A protective device for an outdoor electrical outlet, comprising:
 at least one angled top surface;   at least two side panels adjoining the top surface; and   an angled bottom surface having an aperture.   
     
     
         2 . The protective device of  claim 1 , wherein the angled top surface is angled downwardly to extend to a sufficient horizontal distance from the wall, such that the angled top surface substantially covers and protects the electrical outlet from the top. 
     
     
         3 . The protective device of  claim 2 , wherein the angled top surface joins the angled bottom surface at an apex, and wherein an angle A formed between the angled top surface and the angled bottom surface is between about 45 degrees and 90 degrees. 
     
     
         4 . The protective device of  claim 3 , wherein the aperture on the angled bottom surface is suitably sized and shaped to receive a power cord from an electrical device. 
     
     
         5 . The protective device of  claim 1 , wherein the two side panels adjoining the top surface are further adjoined to edges of the angled bottom surface. 
     
     
         6 . The protective device of  claim 1 , wherein the protective device is adapted to be installed over electrical outlets or receptacles provided on a power pedestal. 
     
     
         7 . The protective device of  claim 1 , wherein the protective device is adapted to be deformable and replaceable upon receiving any damage to the protective device. 
     
     
         8 . The protective device of  claim 1 , wherein the protective device is formed from sheet metal that is folded to form each section of the protective device. 
     
     
         9 . The protective device of  claim 1 , wherein the protective device is formed from an insulative formable or moldable material, such as fibreglass or injection molded plastic. 
     
     
         10 . The protective device of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom end of the protective device is adapted to provide one or more moisture drainage openings to allow moisture to drain from the protective device. 
     
     
         11 . A power pedestal adapted to receive a protective device for each electrical outlet provided on the power pedestal, the protective device comprising:
 at least one angled top surface;   at least two side panels adjoining the top surface; and   an angled bottom surface having an aperture.   
     
     
         12 . The power pedestal of  claim 11 , wherein the power pedestal is further adapted to mount a plurality of protective devices over a plurality of electrical outlets arranged vertically or horizontally. 
     
     
         13 . The power pedestal of  claim 12 , wherein the power pedestal is further adapted to receive a cutout back plate for mounting one or more different types of standard electrical boxes. 
     
     
         14 . The power pedestal of  claim 13 , further comprising an interchangeable pedestal base adapted to mount the power pedestal, and wherein the power pedestal base includes at least one built-in stress relief feature adapted to allow the power pedestal to break-away from the pedestal base if an external mechanical stress on the pedestal base exceeds a predetermined breaking point. 
     
     
         15 . The power pedestal of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one built-in stress relief feature comprises a material with a lower threshold for deformation, or a partial cutout of a section of the interchangeable pedestal base forming a designed point of failure. 
     
     
         16 . The power pedestal of  claim 14 , wherein the interchangeable pedestal base is adapted to mount the power pedestal to a base with at least a minimum clearance gap such that the power pedestal is ventilated from below. 
     
     
         17 . The power pedestal of  claim 16 , further comprising one or more additional ventilation grills on one or more sides of the power pedestal cabinet. 
     
     
         18 . The power pedestal of  claim 11 , further comprising a circuit breaker to interrupt electrical current to each outlet if a ground fault is detected. 
     
     
         19 . The power pedestal of  claim 11 , wherein the angled top surface is angled downwardly to extend to a sufficient horizontal distance from the wall, such that the angled top surface substantially covers and protects the electrical outlet from the top. 
     
     
         20 . The power pedestal of  claim 11 , wherein the angled top surface joins the angled bottom surface at an apex, and wherein an angle A formed between the angled top surface and the angled bottom surface is between about 45 degrees and 90 degrees.