Patent attributes
An electrical power distribution system automatically limits the number of substantially similar or identical power cable assemblies that are electrically energizable from a power source. A control unit is connected between the power source and the power cable assemblies, and limits the number of power cable assemblies that can be energized in the system by sensing the voltage in a sensing circuit. An applied voltage in the sensing circuit changes in a predictable manner corresponding to the number of power cable assemblies that are electrically connected in the circuit. Each power cable assembly includes an impedance element that is added to the sensing circuit when the corresponding power cable assembly is coupled to the system, and once the detected voltage is beyond a predetermined threshold value, the control unit will ensure that the power cable assemblies are not energized by the power source.