Electrical Communication Switch, Outlet, Companion Device, and System

[0082]FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are circuit block diagrams of an electrical communication system including an electrical communication switch 202 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 2a, the electrical communication system 200 includes main power 204 (i.e., a power source), central controller 201, and electrical switch 202. Electrical switch 202 includes a controller 84, a switch 31, a power lead 32 coupled to the switch 31 and to the controller 84, a manual switch lead 34 coupled to the other end of the switch 31 and to the controller 84, a ground lead 37 for allowing metal casing of the electrical switch 202 to be grounded, and a neutral lead 33 coupled to the controller 84. Switch 31 may be a mechanical switch; a solenoid switch, which is a specific type of relay that internally uses an electromechanical solenoid to operate an electrical switch; or a transistor switch. Switch 31 is controlled by a user and may be controlled manually or remotely