WO2007002159A2 - Method and apparatus for telecommunications equipment transfer - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system, where the connector block is connected to old equipment to be replaced, includes an adapter which is mountable on the existing connector block and electrically coupleable thereto. The adapter includes a plurality of electrical Wes provided for connection to the new equipment, and has a surface on which is mountable at least one protector module. The adapter has a first set of contacts mateable with electrical contacts of the at least one protector module, and has second contacts mateable with electrical contacts of the existing connector block.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT TRANSFER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/692,415, filed on June 21, 2005, and entitled "Method and Mechanism for Equipment Transfer", the named inventors being Alan J. Squillante, William V. Carney, Clifford D. Le Strange and Peter Kobsa, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and is further related to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/694,472, filed on June 28, 2005, and entitled "Method and Mechanism for Equipment Transfer", the named inventors being Alan J. Squillante, William V. Carney, Clifford D. Le Strange, Peter Kobsa and Joseph Seeman, the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 and/or 35 U.S.C. §120 to the aforementioned related provisional applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to telecommunications systems, and more particularly relates to apparatus and methods for installing new telecommunications equipment with minimal interruption in customer service.

Description of the Prior Art

Figure 1 illustrates a typical telecommunications exchange 2. Telecommunications cables 4 carrying pairs of electrical wires are connected between a customer side (illustrated in Figure 1 by the telephone pole carrying a cable) and a telecommunications exchange 2. The cables are received through a cable vault 6 and are routed to a main distribution frame (MDF) 8 in the exchange 2. The cable wires are first connected to a plurality of unprotected connector blocks 10 (i.e., without surge protection circuitry), since not all of the cable wires may be currently in use. Most pairs of wires which are being used by customers are jumped to protected connector blocks 12, which are configured to receive arid connect to protector modules containing surge protection circuitry, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,535,379, which issued to Paul De Luca, et al., or in U.S. Patent No. 6,421,220, which issued to Peter Kobsa, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Corresponding electrical wires from the protected connector blocks 12 are connected to the existing telecommunications exchange equipment 14, such as Telco switching apparatus.

In the telecommunications industry, more services are being offered to customers.

Many of these services are being provided over the existing copper wire infrastructure. Accordingly, existing equipment 14 in the exchange 2 must be updated to provide new or more reliable customer services.

Figure 2 illustrates the traditional method of transferring service in the exchange 2 between the existing telecommunications equipment 14 and new equipment 16. A plurality of new protected connector blocks 18 are installed in the MDF 8 and are connected by jumper wires 20 to the original protected connector blocks 12. The new protected connector blocks 18 are connected by wires 22 to the new telecommunications exchange equipment 16. After the new equipment 16 and the connections thereto have been fully tested, the old exchange equipment 14 is removed, as well as the wires 24 between the unprotected connector blocks 10 and the old protected connector blocks 12, and the wires 26 between the old protected connector blocks 12 and the old equipment 14.

The purpose of using this traditional method of transferring customer service to new exchange equipment 16 is to avoid an unreasonable disruption in customer service as the old equipment 14 is being replaced. However, this traditional method of transferring customer service to new equipment is disadvantageous in that it is time consuming, economically wasteful and expensive to wire in new protected connector blocks 18 for the replacement exchange equipment 16 when the old protected blocks 12 are quite suitable for use with the new equipment.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for replacing switching and other equipment in a telecommunications exchange with new equipment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for transferring customer service in a telecommunications system from old equipment to new equipment in an exchange with minimal, if any, disruption in customer service. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for transferring customer service in a telecommunications system which require relatively inexpensive components and may use the existing protected connector blocks in the MDF of the exchange.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for replacing switching and other equipment in a telecommunications exchange with new equipment that overcome the disadvantages of traditional methods.

In accordance with one form of the present invention, a device for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system, where the connector block is connected to old equipment to be replaced, includes an adapter which is mountable on the existing connector block and electrically coupleable thereto. The adapter includes a plurality of electrical wires provided for connection to the new equipment, and has a surface on which is mountable at least one protector module. The adapter has a first set of contacts mateable with electrical contacts of the at least one protector module, and has second contacts mateable with electrical contacts of the existing connector block. The adapter is mounted on the connector block, and at least one specially designed first protector module is installed on the adapter to provide a connection between customer wires and the old equipment and the new equipment. Then, the at least one first protector module is removed from the adapter and replaced with at least one specially designed second protector module which effects a connection through the adapter between the customer wires and the new equipment and breaks the connection between the customer wires and the old equipment.

In accordance with a method of the present invention for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system, where the connector block is connected to old equipment, the original conventional protector modules are removed from the existing connector block, and the adapter as described above is installed thereon. Then, one or more specially designed seven-contact protector modules are mounted on the adapter. The seven-contact protector modules connect the customer wires to both the existing equipment and the new equipment, after the adapter wires are connected to the new equipment. The new equipment and the electrical connections thereto are then tested, and if the tests prove satisfactory, the specially designed seven-contact protector modules are removed from the adapter and replaced with one or more specially designed five-contact protector modules. The five-contact protector modules provide a connection through the modules and the adapter between the customer wires and the new equipment, and provide no connection between the customer wires and the old equipment, thus breaking that connection so that the old equipment may be disconnected from the existing connector block and removed.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a pictorial illustration of a typical telecommunications exchange as it currently exists.

Figure 2 is a pictorial illustration of a typical telecommunications exchange and the traditional method of installing new equipment thereat.

Figure 3 is a pictorial illustration of a typical telecommunications exchange at which new equipment is installed using the apparatus and method of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a pictorial illustration of a typical telecommunications exchange at which new equipment is installed using an alternative form of the apparatus and method of the present invention.

Figure 5 is an isometric view of adapters and protector modules formed in accordance with the present invention installed on an existing connector block on amain distribution frame (MDF) in a telecommunications exchange.

Figure 6 is an exploded isometric view of an adapter formed in accordance with the present invention and used for the installation of new equipment in a telecommunications exchange.

Figure 7 A is a top view of the base of the adapter of the present invention.

Figure 7B is a top view of the base of the adapter of the present invention shown in

Figure 7A with one pair of wires installed thereon for connection to new equipment in a telecommunications exchange. Figure 7C is a top view of the base of the adapter of the present invention shown in Figure 7 A with five pairs of wires installed thereon for connection to new equipment in a telecommunications exchange.

Figure 7D is a top view of the adapter of the present invention shown in Figure 7C with the cover of the adapter installed on the base of the adapter.

Figure 8 is an isometric view of an assembled adapter formed in accordance with the present invention and a plurality of protector modules formed in accordance with the present invention mounted thereon.

Figure 9 is an isometric view of an assembled adapter constructed in accordance with another form of the present invention and a protector module formed in accordance with the present invention mounted thereon.

Figure 10 is an exploded isometric view of a connector block in a telecommunications system, a plurality of adapters formed in accordance with the present invention, some of which are shown installed on the connector block, and a plurality of protector modules formed in accordance with the present invention, some of which are shown installed on the adapters.

Figure 11 is an isometric view of a connector block in a telecommunications system, an adapter formed in accordance with the present invention installed on the connector block, and a protector module formed in accordance with the present invention installed on the adapter.

Figure 12 is a combined isometric illustration of the adapter of the present invention in an exploded view to show its main components and in an assembled view within the exploded view to illustrate the main components joined together.

Figure 13 A is a top view of the adapter, looking down on the cover thereof, constructed in accordance with the present invention and used for the installation of new equipment in a telecommunications exchange or for providing additional or improved customer services.

Figure 13B is an enlarged, detailed top view of a portion of the adapter of the present invention shown in Figure 13A and encircled by circle C of Figure 13 A. Figure 13C is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of the present invention shown in Figure 13A taken along line A-A of Figure 13A.

Figure 13D is an enlarged, detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the adapter of the present invention shown in Figure 13C and encircled by circle B of Figure 13C.

Figure 14A is a pictorial illustration of the electrical contact arrangement of a conventional five-pin protector module.

Figure 14B is a pictorial illustration of the electrical contact arrangement of a seven- pin protector module of the present invention used with an adapter constructed in accordance with the present invention used for the installation of new equipment in a telecommunications exchange.

Figure 14C is a pictorial illustration of the electrical contact arrangement of a five-pin protector module of the present invention used with an adapter constructed in accordance with the present invention used for the installation of new equipment in a telecommunications exchange.

Figure 15 A is an isometric view of a seven-pin protector module, formed in accordance with the present invention and used with the adapter of the present invention.

Figure 15B is an isometric view of the seven-pin protector module of the present invention shown in Figure 15A and viewed from a different angle from that of Figure 15 A.

Figure 15C is a bottom view of the seven-pin protector module of the present invention shown in Figures 15A and 15B.

Figure 16A is an isometric view of a five-pin protector module formed in accordance with the present invention and used with the adapter of the present invention.

Figure 16B is an isometric view of the five-pin protector module of the present invention shown in Figure 16A and viewed from a different angle from that of Figure 16 A.

Figure 16C is a bottom view of the five-pin protector module of the present invention shown in Figures 16A and 16B. Figure 17A is a pictorial illustration of the switching circuit and actuator mechanism cooperating therewith of a protector module constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, and illustrating the state of the switching circuit of the protector module whereby new equipment in an exchange of a telecommunications system is connected to the system.

Figure 17B is a pictorial illustration of the switching circuit and actuator mechanism cooperating therewith of the protector module of the present invention shown in Figure 17A, and illustrating the state of the switching circuit of the protector module whereby old equipment in an exchange of a telecommunications system is connected to the system.

Figure 17C is a pictorial illustration of the switching circuit and actuator mechanism cooperating therewith of a protector module constructed in accordance with another form of the present invention, and illustrating the state of the switching circuit of the protector module whereby new equipment in an exchange of a telecommunications system is connected to the system.

Figure 17D is a pictorial illustration of the switching circuit and actuator mechanism cooperating therewith of the protector module of the present invention shown in Figure 17C, and illustrating the state of the switching circuit of the protector module whereby old equipment in an exchange of a telecommunications system is connected to the system.

Figure 17E is a pictorial illustration of the switching circuit and actuator mechanism cooperating therewith of a protector module constructed in yet a further form of the present invention, and illustrating the state of the switching circuit of the protector module whereby new equipment in an exchange of a telecommunications system is connected to the system.

Figure 17F is a pictorial illustration of the switching circuit and actuator mechanism cooperating therewith of the protector module of the present invention shown in Figure 17E, and illustrating the state of the switching circuit of the protector module whereby both new equipment and old equipment in an exchange of a telecommunications system is connected to the system.

Figure 18 is a pictorial, cross-sectional illustration of an adapter of the present invention installed on a connector block in a main distribution frame (MDF) of a telecommunications exchange, and a protector module of the present invention installed on the adapter, and illustrating the switching circuit and actuator mechanism cooperating therewith of the protector module.

Figure 19 is a pictorial, cross-sectional illustration of an adapter of the present invention installed on a connector block in a main distribution frame (MDF) of a telecommunications exchange, and a protector module constructed in accordance with another form of the present invention installed on the adapter and illustrating the switching circuit and actuator mechanism cooperating therewith of the protector module and the state of the switching circuit of the protector module whereby both new equipment and old equipment in the exchange of the telecommunications system is connected to the system.

Figure 20 is a pictorial, cross-sectional illustration of the protector module of the present invention shown in Figure 19 and, in particular, the switching circuit and actuator mechanism thereof, and further illustrating the state of the switching circuit of the protector module whereby new equipment in an exchange of a telecommunications system is connected to the system and the old equipment is disconnected therefrom.

Figure 21 is an isometric view of a protector module constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, and illustrating an actuator mechanism thereof in a first position.

Figure 22 is an isometric view of the protector module of the present invention shown in Figure 21 , and illustrating the actuator mechanism thereof in a second position.

Figure 23 is a front view of the protector module of the present invention shown in

Figures 20 and 21.

Figure 24 is a side view of the protector module of the present invention shown in Figures 21-23.

Figure 25 is a rear view of the protector module of the present invention shown in Figures 21-24.

Figure 26 is an isometric view of the protector module of the present invention shown in Figures 21-25. Figure 27 is a bottom view of the protector module of the present invention shown in Figures 21-26.

Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the protector module of the present invention shown in Figures 21-27, taken along line A-A of Figure 23.

Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of the protector module of the present invention shown in Figures 21-28, taken along line B-B of Figure 24.

Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the protector module of the present invention shown in Figures 21-29, taken along line C-C of Figure 25.

Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of the protector module of the present invention shown in Figures 21-30, taken along line D-D of Figure 25.

Figure 32A is a pictorial, cross-sectional illustration of an adapter constructed in accordance with another form of the present invention installed on a connector block in a main distribution frame (MDF) of a telecommunications exchange, and a conventional protector module installed on the adapter, and further illustrating a switching circuit and actuator mechanism cooperating therewith of the adapter and showing the state of the switching circuit of the adapter whereby existing equipment in the exchange of the telecommunications system is connected to the system.

Figure 32B is a pictorial, cross-sectional illustration of the switching circuit and actuator mechanism cooperating therewith of the adapter of the present invention shown in Figure 32A, and illustrating the state of the switching circuit of the adapter whereby new equipment in an exchange of a telecommunications system is connected to the system and the old equipment is disconnected therefrom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one form of the present invention, apparatus for use in replacing existing telecommunications equipment 14, such as a Telco switch, with new equipment 16 in a telecommunications exchange 2 includes one or more adapters 28 and specially designed protector modules that are received by and electrically interconnected to the adapters 28. Each adapter 28 is installed on the existing protected connector block or blocks 12 on the main distribution frame (MDF) 8 in the exchange 2 on either the protection field or the jumper field. Alternatively, the adapter 28 can be spliced into the cable 26 between the MDF 8 and the existing equipment 14. The adapter 28 is connected to the new equipment 16 and provides a means for connecting to the existing copper infrastructure without significant interruption of services. Where service interruption cannot be tolerated, a temporary jumper can be installed in parallel with the existing circuits during installation of the adapter 28. Specially designed protector modules cooperate with the adapters 28 to switch the customer connection to the new exchange equipment 16 or simultaneously to both the new equipment and the old equipment 14.

Referring now to Figure 3 of the drawings, one version of the method of the present invention for transferring customer service to new exchange equipment 16 is illustrated. The existing protected connector blocks 12 on the MDF 8 of the exchange 2 are utilized. A row or rows of conventional five-pin protector modules are removed from the existing protected block 12, and one or more adapters 28, formed in accordance with the present invention, are installed in their place on the block. New seven-pin protector modules, also formed in accordance with the present invention, are then installed on the adapters 28.

The adapters 28 have electrical wires 30 which are used for connecting to the new exchange equipment 16. The new seven-pin protector modules have male pin electrical contacts situated to be in alignment and electrical contact with female socket electrical contacts on the adapter 29 when seated on the adapter to maintain the connection between the customer side and the old equipment 14, but also route the customer connection to the new equipment 16. The electrical connections through the MDF 8 and the new equipment 16 are then tested. Then, the seven-pin protector modules are removed from the adapter 28 for future use and replaced with new five-pin protector modules, also formed in accordance with the present invention, having male pin electrical contacts situated in alignment and electrical contact with certain of the female socket electrical contacts on the adapter 28 when seated on the adapter to connect through the adapter the customer lines to just the new exchange equipment 16.

Alternatively, the adapter itself may include switching circuits that, when actuated by conventional five-pin protector modules seated thereon, provide a connection between the customer lines and the new equipment 16 through the adapter 28, and disconnect any connection between the customer lines and the old equipment 14. The structure of the protector modules and adapter of the present invention will be described in greater detail. Figure 4 illustrates another method of replacing old equipment 14 in a telecommunications exchange 2 with new equipment 16, in accordance with the present invention. Here, the adapters 28 of the present invention are spliced into the wires 26 interconnecting the old equipment 14 with the existing protected connector blocks 12 on the MDF 8. The existing protected blocks 12 remain intact, with their conventional five-pin protector modules remaining mounted thereon and providing the necessary surge protection for the telecommunications lines. As in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the spliced-in adapter 28 has wires 30 for connection to the new exchange equipment 16. Seven-pin modules, such as described previously but without protection circuits, are then installed on the adapter 28 to not only maintain through the adapter the connection between the customer side and the old equipment 14, but also to route the customer connection to the new equipment 16. Then, the new equipment and connections between the MDF 8 and the new equipment 16 are tested. After testing has been satisfactorily completed, the seven-pin modules are removed from the adapter 28 for future use and replaced with new five-pin modules, such as described previously but without any protection circuitry, as none is needed because line protection is provided by the conventional protector modules installed on the existing connector blocks 12. The new five-pin modules have their pin placement such that they connect the customer lines to just the new exchange equipment 16, leaving the old equipment 14 unconnected and ready for removal.

Figures 5-13D illustrate the adapter 28 of the present invention on the protection field with modules 32 installed therein. More specifically, three adapters 28 are shown in Figure 5 mounted side-by-side on a 100 wire pair connector block 12 on an MDF 8. Each adapter 28 has five separate electrical circuits for connection to five pairs of customer lines (tip and ring), five pairs of old exchange equipment lines and five pairs of new equipment lines, although it is envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention to form the adapters with fewer or more electrical connection circuits. Also, although each adapter 28 is shown to be mountable to one row of electrical contacts on the connector block 12 in a side-by-side arrangement, the adapter may be formed to be mountable on the connector block to cover and electrically mate with rows and columns of electrical contacts, partial rows and partial columns, or entire rows and columns of electrical contacts comprising the connector block 12. As shown in Figures 6-9 of the drawings, the adapter 28 includes a housing 34 formed preferably in two sections - a base 36 and a cover 38 which is mounted on the base 36. The base 36 houses a plurality of wire connectors 40, such as wire wrap pins but more preferably insulation displacement contacts (IDCs). The cable containing electrical wires 30 for connection to the new equipment 16 is routed through an opening 42 formed through the thickness of a lateral sidewall of the adapter 28 and through a strain relief 44 positioned inside and outside the sidewall, and the wires 30 are connected to the IDCs 40.

Female electrical contacts 46 in the form of sockets are situated in the cover 38 and are positioned to electrically mate with and receive corresponding male electrical pin contacts 48 extending from the underside of the protector modules 32 (Figure 15B). Certain of the socket contacts 46 electrically engage the IDCs 40 when the cover 38 is seated on the base 36 to effect an electrical connection between certain pin contacts 48 on the protector modules 32 and the cable, of wires 30 provided for connection to the new equipment 16. Other socket contacts 46 on the cover 38 are electrically connected to female socket contacts 50 situated in the base 36, which are particularly positioned to be in alignment with and to receive and electrically engage electrical pin contacts 52 extending upwardly from the connector block 12 when the adapter 28 is mounted thereon and so as to electrically connect with the connector block pins 52 specific pin contacts 48 of the protector modules 32 when the protector modules are mounted on the adapter 28. The extended ground pin 54 of each protector module 32 is received by and electrically engages a socket contact 46 in the adapter cover 38, and passes through an opening 53 formed in the base 36 and cover 38 to be received by and electrically engage a corresponding socket contact formed in the connector block 12 in order to form a ground connection between the connector block and the protector module 32.

Figures 9-11 illustrate a plurality of adapters 28 installed directly on a connector block 12, with protector modules 32 installed on the adapters, to effect a surge protected connection between the customer lines and the new equipment 16.

An adapter 28' formed as an alternative version of the adapter 28 is illustrated by Figures 12 and 13 A-13D. Here, adapter 28' includes socket contacts 50 formed in its base 36 to receive pin contacts 52 of the connector block 12, as with the adapter 28 described previously, but pin contacts 55 mounted to the base 36 and electrically connected to the socket contacts 50 and to the IDCs 40 connected to the new equipment wires 30 extend through openings 57 in the cover 38 to engage protector modules 32 having socket contacts rather than pin contacts 48 such as described previously.

Figures 14A, 14B and 14C illustrate the various locations of the pin contacts 48 on the conventional five-pin protector module 56 (Figure 14A), the seven-pin protector module 58 of the present invention (Figure 14B) and the five-pin protector module 60 of the present invention (Figure 14C) for cooperative use with the adapter. Figures 15A-15C are various views of the new seven-pin protector module 58 shown in Figure 14B, and Figures 16A-16C are various views of the new five-pin protector module 60 shown in Figure 14C. The adapter 28 of the present invention has seven socket contacts 46 situated in the same arrangement as the pin contacts of the seven-pin protector module 58 shown in Figure 14B and Figures 15A- 15C. The conventional five-pin protector module 56 (Figure 14A) has two pins 62 situated for connection to the existing exchange equipment 14 through the connector block 12 on which it is mounted prior to its removal and the installation of the adapter 28 on the block, another two pins 64 for connection through the connector block to the customer's tip and ring lines, and one ground pin 66.

A row of the standard five-pin protector modules 56 are removed from the connector block 12, and the adapter 28 of the present invention is installed on the block in their place. Seven-pin protector modules 58 (Figure 14B and Figures 15A-15C) are then installed on the adapter 28, with the pin contacts of each module being received by respective socket contacts 46 correspondingly arranged on the adapter. The seven-pin protector module 58 has two pin contacts 68 for connection to the existing exchange equipment 14 placed in the same position as the comparable pin contacts 62 of the conventional five-pin module 56 shown in Figure 14A. These pin contacts 68 electrically engage two corresponding socket contacts 46 of the adapter, which socket contacts are, in turn, electrically coupled to socket contacts 50 on the adapter base 36 that electrically connect with pin contacts 52 on the connector block 12 wired to the existing equipment 14 when the adapter 28 is mounted on the block.

The seven-pin module 58 similarly has two pin contacts 70 for connection to the tip and ring lines on the customer side placed in the same position as the comparable pin contacts 64 of the conventional five-pin module 56 shown in Figure 14A. These pin contacts 70 electrically engage two corresponding socket contacts 46 of the adapter 28, which socket contacts are, in turn, electrically coupled to socket contacts 50 on the adapter base 36 that electrically connect with pin contacts 52 on the connector block 12 electrically connected to the tip and ring lines. The seven-pin protector module 58 also has its ground pin 72 situated similarly to that of the conventional five-pin module 56. As mentioned previously, this ground pin 72 passes through the adapter 28 and electrically mates with a ground socket contact situated on the connector block 12.

However, the seven-pin protector module 58 further includes two additional pin contacts 74 which are situated in a particular location thereon to electrically mate with the two socket contacts 46 of the adapter 28 that are connected to the new exchange equipment 16. More specifically, these pin contacts 74 electrically engage two corresponding socket contacts of the adapter which electrically engage the IDCs 40 that are wired to the cable 30 provided for connection to the new equipment 16.

Accordingly, the customer lines are electrically connected simultaneously to the existing exchange equipment 14 and the new equipment 16 through the cooperation of the connector block 12, the adapter 28 installed thereon and the seven-pin protector module 58 mounted on the adapter. Now, the existing equipment 16 and connections thereto may be tested without interruption of service to the customer.

After testing has been completed, the seven-pin protector modules 58 are removed from the adapter 28, and new five-pin protector modules 60 are installed in their place. The adapter remains mounted on the connector block 12.

The new five-pin protector module 60 (Figure 14C and Figures 16A- 16C) includes two pin contacts 76 for connection to the tip and ring lines on the customer side placed in the same position as the comparable pin contacts 70 of the seven-pin module 58 (Figure 14B) and the comparable pin contacts 64 of the conventional five-pin module 56 (Figure 14A). These pin contacts 76 electrically engage the same two socket contacts 46 of the adapter 28 that were engaged by the comparable pin contacts 70, 64 of the seven-pin module 58 and the conventional five-pin module 56. These two socket contacts 46 are electrically coupled to the pin contacts 52 of the connector block 12 that are electrically connected to the tip and ring lines of the customer, as described previously.

The new five-pin protector module 60 also has a ground pin 78 situated similarly to those of the seven-pin module 58 (Figure 14B) and the conventional five-pin module 56 (Figure 14A). This ground pin 78 similarly passes through the adapter 28 and electrically mates with the ground socket contact of the connector block 12. The new five-pin protector module 60 shown in Figure 14C and Figures 16A-16C includes two pin contacts 80 for connection through the adapter 28 to the new exchange equipment 16. These two pin contacts 80 are placed in the same position as the comparable pin contacts 74 of the seven-pin module 58 (Figure 14B) used during the test phase of the new equipment installation, so that they electrically mate with the same socket contacts 46 of the adapter 28 that are electrically coupled to the IDCs 40 and the cable of wires 30 connected thereto and to the new equipment 16. The new five-pin protector module 60 has no contacts that mate with the socket contacts 46 of the adapter 28 provided for connection to the existing equipment 14. Therefore, the existing equipment 14 is disconnected from the telecommunication lines and is ready for removal. The new five-pin protector module 60 remains permanently installed on the adapter 28, and similarly the adapter remains permanently installed on the existing connector block 12.

Thus, the customer side lines are electrically connected to the new exchange equipment 16 through the existing connector block 12, the adapter 28 and the new five-pin protector modules 60, and are protected against surges by the new five-pin modules. In fact, all during the equipment switch over, protection of the telecommunications lines against electrical surges is maintained by the conventional five-pin protector module 56, the temporarily installed new seven-pin module 58, and the permanently installed new five-pin protector module 60.

It is also envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention to have a protector module with an electrical switching circuit, also referred to herein as a "metallic T", that selectively disconnects the existing exchange equipment 14 and connects the new equipment 16 to the customer lines, or at least temporarily electrically connects both the existing and new equipment to the customer lines during the equipment switch over process. Such protector modules are shown in Figures 17A-17F and 18-31 of the drawings.

Turning initially to Figures 17A-17F, various configurations of a switching circuit, or "metallic T" connection, housed within the protector module are diagrammatically illustrated. Figure 17A illustrates a protector module 82 having a non-conductive push pin 84 or some other actuator member mounted through an opening formed in the module housing. The push pin 84 engages and moves the common pole member 86 of a switch 88, shown in Figure 17A for illustrative purposes as a single pole, double throw switching circuit, controlling the connection of the tip line, for example, to the existing exchange equipment 14 and the new equipment 16. More specifically, the switch 88 maybe a double pole, double throw switching circuit, the common pole member 86 of each being engageable by the push pin 84 to the effect movement thereof, to control the connection of both the tip and ring lines to the existing and new equipment.

The protector module 82 further includes one or more protection circuits 90, such as those disclosed in the aforementioned De Luca, et al. and Kobsa patents, connected to and protecting the tip and ring lines from electrical surges. In Figure 17A, the "metallic T" switching circuit 88 of the protector module 82 is shown making a connection from the customer lines and the new equipmentl6, when the push pin 84 is in a retracted position. Figure 17B illustrates the push pin 84 advanced into the module housing to cause the switching circuit 88 to change state to connect the customer lines to the old equipment 14. Of course, the movement of the push pin 84 into and out of the protector module 82 described previously could be reversed to effect connection between the customer lines and one of the new equipment and the old equipment.

Figures 17C and 17D illustrate a variation of the protector module 82 shown in

Figures 17A and 17B. Here, the common pole member 86 or members of the switching circuit are omitted, and an electrically conductive push pin 92, such as an elongated printed circuit board, is used to make or break the connection between the customer lines and the existing and new exchange equipment 14, 16. More specifically, Figure 17C shows a protector module 94 having the conductive push pin 92 retracted in the opening of the module housing to electrically engage contacts of the "metallic T" switching circuit 96 connected to the customer lines and the new equipment 16. Figure 17D shows the conductive push pin 92 advanced in the opening of the module housing to electrically engage the switching circuit contacts connected to the customer lines and the old equipment 14. As with the protector module 82 shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the movement of the conductive push pin 92 into and out of the protector module 94 shown in Figures 17C and 17D and described previously may be reversed to effect connection between the customer lines and one of the new equipment and the old equipment. Also, the protector module 94 shown in Figures 17C and 17D includes a protection circuit 90, such as that described previously with respect to the protector module 82 shown in Figures 17 A and 17B.

It may be desirable to connect both the new exchange equipment 16 and the old equipment 14 to the customer lines simultaneously. The protector module 98 illustrated by Figures 17E and 17F is provided for this purpose. As shown in Figure 17E, a protector module 98 having a conductive push pin 100, such as described in relation to the module 94 shown in Figures 17C and 17D, when retracted in the opening of the module housing, electrically engages the contacts of the switching circuit 102 connected between the customer lines and the new exchange equipment 16, without making a connection to the old equipment 14. However, when the conductive push pin 100 is advanced in the opening of the module housing, as shown in Figure 17F, it engages and electrically connects the contacts of the switching circuit 102 connected to the customer lines, the old equipment 14 and the new equipment 16, thus providing an electrical circuit between the customer lines and both the old equipment and the new equipment. Again, movement of the conductive push pin 100 into and out of the protector module 98 described above could be reversed to effect connection between the customer lines and one or both of the new equipment 16 and the old equipment 14. Furthermore, the protector module 98 shown in Figures 17E and 17F includes a protection circuit 90, such as described previously in relation to the protector modules 82, 84 shown in Figures 17A-17D.

It should be noted here that the protector modules 82, 94, 98 of the present invention shown in Figures 17A-17F are preferably seven-pin modules, and preferably have the pin contact arrangement described previously and shown in Figure 14B of the drawings. The protector modules mate with the adapter 28 of the present invention described previously to route customer service to one or both of the old and new exchange equipment.

Figures 18-20 illustrate the protector modules of the present invention installed on the adapter 28 of the present invention, which itself is installed on an existing connector block 12 on the MDF 8 in a telecommunications exchange 2. More specifically, Figure 18 shows a protector module 82 having a non-conductive push pin 84 actuating the switching circuit 88 inside the module, such as described previously and shown in Figures 17A and 17B. Figures 20 and 21 show a protector module 104 having a conductive push pin 106 cooperating with the module's switching circuit 108, similar to the module 98 described previously and shown in Figures 17E and 17F, except that with this protector module 104 (Figures 20 and 21), the conductive push pin 106 passes through an opening formed through the module handle 110 and housing to engage the "metallic T" switching circuit 108 inside the module, and that the connection between the customer lines and the new equipment 16 is permanently made within the module 104, and advancing and retracting the conductive push pin 106 through the handle opening respectively makes and breaks the electrical connection through the module's switching circuit 108 between the customer lines and the old equipment 14, while maintaining the connection to the new equipment 16.

As can be seen in Figures 18 and 19, the seven-pin protector modules 82, 104 are mounted on the adapter 28 which is installed on the existing connector block 12. A cable of wires 30 from the adapter 28 are provided to a multi-service access node (MSAN) of the telecommunications system, which in this case is the new equipment 16 in the exchange 2. Connection of the customer lines to the new equipment is made through the existing connector block 12, the adapter 28 and the protector modules, as illustrated by Figures 18 and 19, and such lines are protected against electrical surges by the protection circuit 90 housed within the protector modules 82, 104. Connection between the customer side and the old equipment 14 is selectively made through the existing connector block, adapter and protector modules, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, and is broken by retracting on each module housing the non-conductive push pin 84 shown in Figure 11 and the conductive push pin 106 shown in Figure 20.

The protector module 104 shown in Figures 19 and 20 is also shown in Figures 21-31. The push pin 106 can be seen from its retracted position in Figure 22 as being formed as an elongated printed circuit board having parallel conductive lands 107 to connect the tip and ring lines to the old equipment when the pin 106 is pushed into the opening in the module handle 110, as shown in Figure 21, and disconnect the tip and ring lines from the old equipment when the push pin is removed from the handle opening. In this particular embodiment, the protector module 104 includes socket contacts 111 rather than pin contacts 48 so that it is compatible with the adapter 28' and its pin contacts 55 shown in Figure 12 of the drawings. More specifically, the protector module 104 includes a ground pin 72, a pair of socket contacts 113 for connection to the customer tip and ring lines, a pair of socket contacts 115 for connection to the old equipment 14 and a pair of socket contacts 117 for connection to the new equipment 16, similar in many respects to the connections provided by the protector module 98 described previously and shown in Figures 17E and 17F of the drawings.

When seven-pin protector modules having "metallic T" switching circuits are used to switch over to new equipment 16, the procedure is to remove the old five-pin conventional protector modules 56 on the connector block 12, and install one or more adapters 28 as described previously. Then, the seven-pin switching circuit protector modules 82, 94, 98, 104 are installed on the adapters. The adapters 28 are wired to the new exchange equipment 16 either before or after their installation on the connector block 12.

The push pin on each new seven-pin protector modules 82, 94, 98, 104 is positioned to provide an electrical path through the switching circuit between the customer lines and the old equipment 14, or between the customer lines and both the old and new equipment. The new equipment 16 and connections thereto are then tested. When testing has been satisfactorily completed, the push pins on the seven-pin switching circuit protector modules 82, 94, 98, 104 are advanced or retracted on the modules to break the connection between the customer lines and the old equipment 14. Now the old equipment 14 maybe disconnected from the connector block 12 and removed from the exchange 2.

Heretofore, what has been described is an adapter 28 which is "passive", meaning that i it contains no switching circuit and relies on either passive new seven-pin modules 58 or new five-pin modules 60, or "active" seven-pin protector modules 82, 94, 98, 104 having switching circuits, to effect the switch over to the new equipment 16 and the disconnection of the old equipment 14 from the customer lines. However, it is envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention to provide an "active" adapter having switching circuits situated therein to effect the switch over to the new equipment.

More specifically, and referring now to Figures 32A and 32B of the drawings, an adapter 112 is illustrated which includes one or more switching circuits 114. The adapter 112 is shown in Figure 32 A installed on a connector block 12, with a conventional five-pin protector module 56 or modules mounted thereon, the conventional module 56 having socket contacts rather than pin contacts. Each of the switching circuits 114 in the adapter includes a common pole member 116 which is electrically connected to a pin contact 118 on the adapter 112, such as a tip line pin contact. Another pin contact 120 of the adapter 112 electrically engages a socket contact on the protector module 56 and is connected electrically through the connector block 12 to the tip line on the customer side, as described previously in relation to the modules 56, 58, 60 and their connections shown in Figures 14A, 14B and 14C. The common pole member 116, in a first position, electrically engages a contact 122 of the adapter switching circuit 114 that is connected through the connector block 12 to the old exchange equipment 14. However, when the common pole member 116 moves to a second position, it electrically engages another contact 124 of the adapter switching circuit 114 that is connected to the IDCs 40 to which is connected the cable of wires 30 provided to the MSAN, which in this case is the new exchange equipment 16.

The common pole member 116 of one or more switching circuits 114 in the adapter 112 may be actuated by one or more push pins 126 extending from a surface of the adapter on which the protector modules 56 are mounted. Respective push pins 126 on the adapter are situated in alignment with and under the corresponding protector modules 56.

If the protector modules 56 are in a slightly raised position on the adapter 112, that is, to provide a space between their undersides and the surface 128 of the adapter on which they are mounted, while still having their socket contacts electrically engaging the respective pin contacts 118, 120 of the adapter to provide an electrical path through the modules and adapter, the push pins 126 will be in a retracted position on the adapter mounting surface 128, causing the common pole members 116 of the switching circuits 114 to be in the first position. When the common pole members 116 are in the first position, the switching circuits 114 in the adapter 112 provide a surge protected connection between the customer lines and the old exchange equipment 14 through the connector block 12, adapter 112 and protector modules 56. However, if the protector modules 56 are pushed further onto the adapter so that they are fully seated on the mounting surface 128 of the adapter, their undersides engage the push pins 126, advancing the push pins into the adapter, which causes the common pole members 116 of the switching circuits to move to the second position, as shown in Figure 32B. In this position, the common pole members 116 provide a connection through the switching circuits 114 of the adapter 112, the connector block 12 and the protector modules 56 between the customer lines and the new exchange equipment 16, and break the connection between the customer lines and the old equipment 14.

It should be realized that a switching circuit 114 for the ring line is provided in the adapter 112 similar to that described previously for the tip line, and the ring line switching circuit is also actuated by the same or a different push pin 126 when the corresponding five- pin protector module 56 is fully seated on the adapter.

As is evident from the foregoing description, the method and apparatus of the present invention for transferring customer service in a telecommunications system from old equipment to new equipment require relatively inexpensive components and may use the existing protected connector blocks on the MDF of the exchange. Using the method and apparatus of the present invention, the switch over from old equipment to new equipment can occur with minimal, if any, disruption in customer service.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawing, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system, the connector block being connected to old equipment, which comprises: an adapter, the adapter being mountable on the existing connector block and being electrically coupleable thereto, the adapter including a plurality of electrical wires provided for connection to the new equipment, the adapter having a surface on which is mountable at least one protector module, the adapter further having first contacts mateable with electrical contacts of the at least one protector module, and having second contacts mateable with electrical contacts of the existing connector block.

2. Apparatus for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system as defined by Claim 1, wherein the first contacts are situated on the adapter in an arrangement to provide an electrical connection between the electrical contacts of the at least one protector module and the old equipment connected to the connector block.

3. Apparatus for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system as defined by Claim 1, wherein the first contacts are situated on the adapter in an arrangement to provide an electrical connection between the electrical contacts of the at least one protector module and the new equipment coupleable to the plurality of wires of the adapter.

4. Apparatus for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system as defined by Claim 1, wherein the adapter includes at least one switching circuit, the at least one switching circuit being switchable between a first state to provide an electrical connection between at least one contact of the electrical contacts of the at least one protector module and the old equipment, and a second state to provide an electrical connection between at least another contact of the electrical contacts of the at least one protector module and the new equipment.

5. Apparatus for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system as defined by Claim 4, wherein the adapter includes at least one actuating member disposed on the surface of the adapter on which the at least one protector module is mountable, the at least one actuating member being received by an opening formed in the surface of the adapter and being positionable thereon in at least a first position and a second position, the at least one actuating member being operatively coupled to the at least one switching circuit and causing the at least one switching circuit of the adapter to be in the first state when the at least one actuating member is in the first position, and causing the at least one switching circuit to be in the second state when the at least one actuating member is in the second position.

6. Apparatus for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system as defined by Claim 5, wherein the at least one actuating member extends partially outwardly from the surface of the adapter on which the at least one protector module is mountable, and wherein the at least one actuating member is positioned on the surface in contacting alignment with the at least one protector module when the at least one protector module is mounted on the surface of the adapter, the at least one protector module being engageable with the at least one actuating member to more the at least one actuating member from one position of the at least first position and the second position to another position of the at least first position and the second position.

7. Apparatus for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system, the connector block being electrically connected to old equipment and to customer wires, which comprises: an adapter, the adapter being mountable on the existing connector block and being electrically coupleable thereto, the adapter including a plurality of electrical wires provided for connection to the new equipment, the adapter having a surface on which is mountable at least one first protector module and at least one second protector module, the adapter further having first, second and third groups of first contacts mateable with electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module and the at least one second protector module, and having second contacts mateable with electrical contacts of the existing connector block; at least one first protector module mountable on the surface of the adapter in a first mounting location, the at least one first protector module having first, second and third groups of electrical contacts situated in a first arrangement to align with and electrically engage respectively the first, second and third groups of first contacts of the adapter when the at least one first protector module is mounted thereon, the first group of electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module when electrically engaging the first group of first contacts of the adapter providing an electrical connection between the customer wires and the old equipment through the at least one first protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block, the second group of electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module when electrically engaging the second group of first contacts of the adapter providing an electrical connection between the customer wires and the new equipment through the at least one first protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block, the third group of electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module when electrically engaging the third group of first contacts of the adapter providing an electrical connection to the customer wires through the existing connector block and the adapter to effect an electrical connection between the customer wires and the old equipment and an electrical connection between the customer wires and the new equipment through the at least one first protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block; and at least one second protector module mountable on the surface of the adapter in the same first mounting location as the at least one first protector module, the at least one second protector module having second and third. groups of electrical contacts situated in a second arrangement to align with and electrically engage respectively the second and third groups of first contacts of the adapter when the at least one second protector module is mounted thereon, the second group of electrical contacts of the at least one second protector module when electrically engaging the second group of first contacts of the adapter providing an electrical connection between the customer wires and the new equipment through the at least one second protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block, the third group of electrical contacts of the at least one second protector module when electrically engaging the third group of first contacts of the adapter providing an electrical connection to the customer wires through the existing connector block and the adapter to effect an electrical connection between the customer wires and the new equipment through the at least one second protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block.

8. Apparatus for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system, the connector block being electrically connected to old equipment and to customer wires, which comprises: an adapter, the adapter being mountable on the existing connector block and being electrically coupleable thereto, the adapter including a plurality of electrical wires provided for connection to the new equipment, the adapter having a surface on which is mountable at least one first protector module, the adapter further having first, second and third groups of first contacts mateable with electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module and having second contacts mateable with electrical contacts of the existing connector block; and at least one first protector module mountable on the surface of the adapter, the at least one first protector module having first, second and third groups of electrical contacts situated in a first arrangement to align with and electrically engage respectively the first, second and third groups of first contacts of the adapter when the at least one first protector module is mounted thereon, the first group of electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module when electrically engaging the first group of first contacts of the adapter selectively providing an electrical connection between the customer wires and the old equipment through the at least one first protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block, the second group of electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module when electrically engaging the second group of first contacts of the adapter selectively providing an electrical connection between the customer wires and the new equipment through the at least one first protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block, the third group of electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module when electrically engaging the third group of first contacts of the adapter providing an electrical connection to the customer wires through the existing connector block and the adapter to selectively effect an electrical connection between the customer wires and the old equipment and to selectively effect an electrical connection between the customer wires and the new equipment through the at least one first protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block, the at least one first protector module including at least one switching circuit, the at least one switching circuit being switchable between a first state to provide an electrical connection through the at least one first protector module between the customer wires and at least one of the old equipment and the new equipment, and a second state to provide an electrical connection through the at least one first protector module between the customer wires and the new equipment.

9. Apparatus for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system as defined by Claim 8, wherein the at least one first protector module includes a housing and an opening formed through the housing, and wherein the at least one first protector module further includes at least one actuating member disposed on the housing and received by the opening formed therein and being positionable in at least a first position and a second position, the at least one actuating member being operatively coupled to the at least one switching circuit and causing the at least one switching circuit of the at least one first protector module to be in the first state when the at least one actuating member is in the first position, and causing the at least one switching circuit of the at least one first protector module to be in the second state when the at least one actuating member is in the second position.

10. A method for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system, the connector block being electrically connected to old equipment and to customer wires, which comprises the steps of: mounting an adapter on the existing connector block and electrically coupling the adapter to the existing connector block, the adapter including a plurality of electrical wires provided for connection to the new equipment, the adapter having a surface on which is mountable at least one first protector module and at least one second protector module, the adapter further having first, second and third groups of first contacts mateable with electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module and the at least one second protector module, and having second contacts mateable with electrical contacts of the existing connector blocks; mounting at least one first protector module on the surface of the adapter in a first mounting location, the at least one first protector module having first, second and third groups of electrical contacts situated in a first arrangement to align with and electrically engage respectively the first, second and third groups of first contacts of the adapter when the at least one first protector module is mounted thereon, the first group of electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module when electrically engaging the first group of first contacts of the adapter providing an electrical connection between the customer wires and the old equipment through the at least one first protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block, the second group of electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module when electrically engaging the second group of first contacts of the adapter providing an electrical connection between the customer wires and the new equipment through the at least one first protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block, the third group of electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module when electrically engaging the third group of first contacts of the adapter providing an electrical connection to the customer wires through the existing connector block and the adapter to effect an electrical connection between the customer wires and the old equipment and an electrical connection between the customer wires and the new equipment through the at least one first protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block; testing the new equipment and the electrical connections thereto; removing the at least one first protector module from the adapter; and mounting at least one second protector module on the surface of the adapter in the same first mounting location as the at least one first protector module was mounted to the adapter, the at least one second protector module having second and third groups of electrical contacts situated in a second arrangement to align with and electrically engage respectively the second and third groups of first contacts of the adapter when the at least one second protector module is mounted thereon, the second group of electrical contacts of the at least one second protector module when electrically engaging the second group of first contacts of the adapter providing an electrical connection between the customer wires and the new equipment through the at least one second protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block, the third group of electrical contacts of the at least one second protector module when electrically engaging the third group of first contacts of the adapter providing an electrical connection to the customer wires through the existing connector block and the adapter to effect an electrical connection between the customer wires and the new equipment through the at least one second protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block, the at least one second protector module providing no electrical connection between the customer wires and the old equipment.

11. A method for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system as defined by Claim 10, which further comprises the step of: electrically disconnecting the old equipment from the existing connector block.

12. A method for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system, the connector block being electrically connected to old equipment and to customer wires, which comprises the steps of: mounting an adapter on the existing connector block and electrically coupling the adapter to the existing connector block, the adapter including a plurality of electrical wires provided for connection to the new equipment, the adapter having a surface on which is mountable at least one first protector module, the adapter further having first, second and third groups of first contacts mateable with electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module, and having second contacts mateable with electrical contacts of the existing connector block; mounting at least one first protector module on the surface of the adapter in a first mounting location, the at least one first protector module having first, second and third groups of electrical contacts situated in a first arrangement to align with and electrically engage respectively the first, second and third groups of first contacts of the adapter when the at least one first protector module is mounted thereon, the first group of electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module when electrically engaging the first group of first contacts of the adapter selectively providing an electrical connection between the customer wires and the old equipment through the at least one first protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block, the second group of electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module when electrically engaging the second group of first contacts of the adapter selectively providing an electrical connection between the customer wires and the new equipment through the at least one first protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block, the third group of electrical contacts of the at least one first protector module when electrically engaging the third group of first contacts of the adapter providing an electrical connection to the customer wires through the existing connector block and the adapter to selectively effect an electrical connection between the customer wires and the old equipment and to selectively effect an electrical connection between the customer wires and the new equipment through the at least one first protector module, the adapter and the existing connector block, the at least one first protector module including at least one switching circuit, the at least one switching circuit being switchable between a first state to provide an electrical connection through the at least one first protector module between the customer wires and at least one of the old equipment and the new equipment, and a second state to provide an electrical connection through the at least one first protector module between the customer wires and the new equipment, the at least one first protector module including a housing and an opening formed in the housing, the at least one first protector module further including at least one actuating member disposed on the housing and received by the opening formed therein and being positionable in at least a first position and a second position, the at least one actuating member on the at least one first protector module being operatively coupled to the at least one switching circuit and causing the at least one switching circuit of the at least one first protector module to be in the first state when the at least one actuating member is in the first position, and causing the at least one switching circuit of the at least one first protector module to be in the second state when the at least one actuating member is in the second position; positioning the at least one actuating member on the at least one first protector module in the first position to cause the at least one switching circuit of the at least one first protector module to be in the first state to provide an electrical connection through the at least one first protector module between the customer wires and at least one of the old equipment and the new equipment; testing the new equipment and the electrical connections thereto; and positioning the at least one actuating member in the second position to cause the at least one switching circuit in the at least one first protector module to be in the second state to provide an electrical connection through the at least one first protector module between the customer wires and the new equipment and to not provide an electrical connection through the at least one first protector module between the customer wires and the old equipment.

13. A method for electrically connecting new equipment to an existing connector block in a telecommunications system as defined by Claim 12, which further comprises the step of: electrically disconnecting the old equipment from the existing connector block.