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CLASS 174,	ELECTRICITY: CONDUCTORS AND INSULATORS
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

1. This class is for inventions relating to the structure of electrical conductors and insulators and insulators and the apparatus specialized to mounting, supporting, encasing in conduits, and/or housing the same.

2. Conductors may be bare or be encased in insulation, may be single strand or plural strand, may be of single conductor form or there may be a plurality of conductors associated together to form a cable.

3. Since all materials that have the property of being conductors of electricity and all devices made therefrom may be termed electrical conductors, only those structures that are specially designed to conduct electricity as their proximate purpose are placed in this class.

4. Insulators are placed here when the structure thereof is claimed, which structure is specially designed for spacing two or more devices of different electrical potential from each other or for spacing one or more devices from ground.

5. Since all materials which are poor conductors of electricity and devices made therefrom may be termed electrical insulators, only those structures whose proximate purpose is that stated in the preceding paragraph are placed in this class.

6. Conduits are placed in this class only when some characteristic is claimed which limits the same to the electrical use. For reasons above stated, the fact, claimed or unclaimed, that the conduit is made of electrically conductive and/or insulative material, will not cause classification in this class. Cable systems and components are classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

1. Housings (boxes, receptacles, containers, etc.) are placed in this class only when limited to electrical use. The mere fact, claimed or unclaimed, that the material of which the box or housing is composed is conductive, and/or insulative, will not cause classification in this class. See D, Housing, Boxes Or Receptacles, below. To be classified in this class, the claims must include some structure which limits the box or housings to electrical use. The recitation that the box or housings include an electrical device, recited by name only, is sufficient to cause classification in this class even though no other structure is recited which limits the box or housings to electrical use. This class includes as boxes, housings or envelopes such as are used for electric lamps, electric space discharge devices, and similar electrical devices which are enclosed in vitreous, ceramic, nonmetallic plastic or metallic housings or envelopes. Where such subject matter is otherwise properly within the scope of this class, the mere naming of the type of lamp or discharge device as being the device within the housing or envelope will not exclude the patent from this class. Neither will the recitation of an electrode broadly recited within the housing or envelope exclude the patent from this class although if the electrode is claimed as a filament, anode, grid or other specific electrode, the patent will be excluded. Also, the recitation of electrode supporting structure when broadly recited or when recited so as to be of general utility will not exclude the patent from this class. For example, means for supporting an electrode assembly, or lead-in wires supporting an electrode will not exclude the patent from Class 174. Where the supporting structure is limited to use with electric lamp or discharge device structure, the patent is excluded from Class 174 and will be found elsewhere. For such envelopes and housings in this class, where the envelope is provided with means peculiarly adapted for use in connection with a vacuum, gas or fluid (but not merely a hermetically sealed envelope designed for use with a vacuum or gas filling where no structure peculiarly adapted for use with a vacuum or fluid except the hermetic seals is claimed) see Subclass References to the Current Class, below. Where the structure includes a current conductive fluid (e.g., a liquid used as a part of the lead-in structure) or where a vacuum is used (e.g., as a space around the lead-in designed to be continuously evacuated to reduce leakage of air or gas), see Subclass References to the Current Class, below. Where the envelope or housing has combined therewith means for feeding, circulating or distributing a fluid including means to cool the fluid or has means to cool the box or housing or the device therein where the cooling means involves the use of a fluid, see Subclass References to the Current Class, below. For miscellaneous envelopes, boxes and housings, see Subclass References to the Current Class, below. For miscellaneous hermetically sealed envelopes and housing (including housings which are provided with an evacuating stem or opening or which use a liquid to form the hermetic seal) see Subclass References to the Current Class, below. For structures which are bushings or other devices for insulating a conductor or object from a wall or plate through which the conductor or object passes, see Subclass References to the Current Class, below. For such envelopes and housings provided with an electric shield which wholly or partially surrounds the envelope and for such envelopes and housings which include means to shield the housing or a part there of from electromagnetic or electrostatic effects, see Subclass References to the Current Class, below. For miscellaneous such boxes and housings, see Subclass References to the Current Class, below. For miscellaneous hermetically sealed envelopes and housings in this class, including those provided with lead-in wires or other conductive means for conducting electricity to the device within the housing, see References to Other Classes, below. Note that this class provides for devices (e.g., bushings) for insulating a conductor from a wall or plate (such as a metallic envelope wall) through which the conductor extends, the bushing may be fluid tight and include a glass to metal seal. See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.

2. The main use of electrical conductors is to conduct electricity to an electric translator for using the same. Such electric translators are frequently positioned in the conductor conduit or housing. The mere inclusion of such translator broadly in the claim, without setting forth the characteristics thereof, will not exclude the same from this class but where particular characteristics of the electric translator are claimed, classification is in the class appropriate to such translator.

Whereas housings for electronic devices and components are also provided for elsewhere, Class 257 provides for housings (1) wherein the housing is for an active solid state device, details of which are positively recited in the claims, or (2) wherein the recited housing is necessary to make a usable active solid state device whether or not the active solid state device is recited nominally or in detail.

Claims that recite housings with only nominal recitation of active solid state devices of only one type should not be classified as originals (ORs) in either Class 257 or Class 361, but rather in Class 174.

3. Processes other than manufacturing processes, are classified in this class in the subclasses with the correlative structures.

A. MISCELLANEOUS

Compounds and compositions which are dielectrics, and their manufacture, are classified elsewhere. Ceramic compositions useful as electrical insulators are classified elsewhere. Compositions containing a synthetic resin having utility as a filling or flooding composition for cables or to processes of preparing said composition are also classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.) The claimed combination of conductor, coated or covered with the dielectric, is in this class (174) when such combination includes some structure of the conductor other than a mere wire, cable, etc., coated with the dielectric. Fluid dielectrics and processes which cover merely the use of the fluid dielectric to insulate electrically conducting elements from each other or from ground are elsewhere. The combination of such fluid dielectrics with particular structure, or processes of use with particular structure or with conducting elements bearing particular relations to each other, are in this class (174) or in another appropriate electrical art class.

Processes and apparatus for making wire and filaments regardless of the material used are elsewhere. Processes for wire or filament making combined with a coating or covering operation for conductors which are no more than metal stock, even though claimed as being electric conductors are elsewhere. Process or an apparatus for making or reshaping a wire by a mere plastic metal working operation, e.g., die-drawing are elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

For apparatus for coating conductors, see References to Other Classes, below.

Class 57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and Twining, takes processes and/or apparatus for making conductors by operations within the class definition and also takes patents to conductor structure where the apparatus and/or process is also claimed. Patents claiming only conductor structure are in this class (174). Class 57 takes patents to strands of twisted or twined form not limited by the claims to being conductors. This same line exists with the other textile classes, for which see References to Other Classes, below.

Coating Processes, per se, wherein an electrical product is produced are classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

Methods of making indefinite length electrical conductors are classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

A residual mast or tower with an article support structure, having no claimed feature of electrical significance, is classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

Metallurgical bonding, surface bonding by rod encasing, and surface bonding with mechanical shaping are classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

B. CONDUCTORS AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

Structures specially designed for transmitting electrical energy between relatively moving objects including the structure of conduits and conductors with the means for mounting or supporting the same, and electrical systems specialized to this use are elsewhere.

As stated in the class definition, this class (174) pertains to the structure of electric conductors. Substantially all art structures of either electrical or nonelectrical character are capable of having conductor structures associated therewith. The combination of art devices significantly claimed with conductors is with the appropriate art.

Electrical systems are with the appropriate art. Electrical systems for power, control, signaling or other purposes combined with nonelectrical art devices significantly claimed are, in general, classified with the nonelectrical art device. Electrical conductors in combination with particular electrical devices significantly claimed and classifiable in other classes are with such other classes. (See References To Other Classes, below.)

See the appropriate subclasses of this class for further notes relative to other classes.

C. CONDUITS

Conduit structures even though claimed as electrical conduits and/or claimed as made of electrically insulating and/or conductive materials are classified elsewhere. In addition to the conduit structure there must be claimed additional characteristics such as the contained electrical conductors, electrical apparatus, added insulators and/or other characteristics specialized to electrical use to cause classification in this class (174). (See References to Other Classes, below.)

A service duct within a barrier wherein a feature limited to electrical use is not claimed is classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, for tunnels and subways not restricted solely to electrical use is classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

Conduits combined with pavement, curb or gutter structure and not limited solely to electrical use are classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

Railways are classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles is classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

See appropriate subclasses of this class for further notes relative to other classes.

D. HOUSING, BOXES OR RECEPTACLES

When claimed in combination with the contained equipment significantly set forth (other than the conductors and/or insulators), they are with the class appropriate to the contained equipment.

For envelopes for electric lamps and electric space discharge devices which are included in this class, see this section, Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, above.

The mere structure of the housing, box or receptacle is in the class appropriate thereto. Housings and envelopes for electric lamps, electric space discharge devices and similar devices where no electrical structure is claimed, and for receptacles of the junction or outlet type are classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

Underground installations, wall mounted, and other boxes and housings are located herein. (See Subclass References to the Current Class.)

This class provides for the structure of a housing, box or receptacle and electrical connector structure for making electrical contact between the lead-in conductors of the receptacle (i.e., the conductors which pass through the wall of the housing, box or receptacle) and an external circuit and for junction boxes, housings or receptacles with electrical connectors where significant structure of the housing, box or receptacle is recited in addition to the electrical connector structure. Class 439 provides for housing, boxes and receptacles with electrical connectors where no more structure is recited than is necessary to mount or support the electrical connectors. Also, Class 439 provides for electrical connectors in combination with the housing, box or receptacle for the connector (e.g., housed connectors) where significant connector structure is recited.

E. INSULATORS

See A, Miscellaneous, above, and its associated search notes in References to Other Classes, below, for dielectric compositions and compounds.

For a references to devices for electrically insulating one or more conductors or other articles or structures from one another or from a supporting structure or ground, see Subclass References to the Current Class, below.

SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

SECTION IV - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

SUBCLASSES

1	MISCELLANEOUS
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Structures not provided for in the following subclasses.

2	LIGHTNING PROTECTION
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Structures for protecting life and/or property from atmospheric electrical discharges, due to either a direct stroke or due to induction from the discharge. (1) Note. For related subject matter in this class, see Search This Class, Subclass, below. (2) Note. Where significant structure of the device protected is claimed, in addition to that necessary to define the lightning protective means, the classification is with the device, with a cross-reference here. (3) Note. Art structures made of conductive and/or insulative materials are with the appropriate art, even though claimed to be for lightning protective purposes. (4) Note. Collection of atmospheric electricity is elsewhere. See the Search Class notes below. (5) Note. Protection of electrical equipment from electrical disturbances including over-voltage is with the appropriate art even though the disturbance is disclosed and claimed as due to lightning. See the Search Class notes below. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 4, for air terminals. 5, for electric shock hazard protective devices not specialized to lightning protection. 6, and 7, for Earth grounds, per se. 32, and indented subclasses for anti-inductive structures. 73.1, for conduit, cable and conductor joint and end structures with conductive stress distributing means. 102, and indented subclasses for conductors with conductive armors or sheaths. 110, and indented subclasses for insulated conductors. 126.1, and indented subclasses for conductor structure, per se. 140, and indented subclasses for insulators with conductive arcing or stress distributing means. 480 through 507 , for building structures combined with conductors, not specialized to lightning protection. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 178,  Telegraphy,   subclass 69 for telegraph line clearing and circuit maintenance. 256,  Fences,   subclass 10 , for fences constructed to be electrically charged. 310,  Electrical Generator or Motor Structure,   subclass 308 for collection of atmospheric electricity. 324,  Electricity: Measuring and Testing,   subclass 110 for electric meter protection. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 1+ for miscellaneous safety systems for protecting electrical apparatus and subclasses 61+ for lightning arresters; subclasses 212+ for discharging of static charges. 379,  Telephonic Communications,   subclass 415 for anti-inductive telephone systems.

3	Rods
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Structures claiming only lightning rod conductor structure. The complete rod includes its appurtenances, such as the air terminal at one end, grounding means at the other end, mounting devices, etc. (1) Note. Systems of lightning rods and lightning rods claimed in combination with the device protected are elsewhere in this class. (2) Note. Conduit, cable and conductor structure of general application and for conductor structure, per se, including that claimed as lightning rods, are elsewhere in this class. (3) Note. For conductor supports, for a supporting device having means for receiving a staff, and for pipe or cable supports, see the search notes below. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 2, for systems of lightning rods and lightning rods claimed in combination with the device protected. 68.1+, for conduit, cable and conductor structure of general application. 126.1+, for conductor structure, per se, including that claimed as lightning rods. 137+, for conductor supports. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 248,  Supports,   particularly subclasses 511+ , for a supporting device having means for receiving a staff, and subclass 49 and indented subclasses, for pipe or cable supports.

4	AIR TERMINALS
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Structures of conductor air terminals and combinations thereof with subject matter. (1) Note. These are mostly disclosed with relation to lightning protection systems in this class. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 2, 3, for lightning protection systems. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 343,  Communications: Radio Wave Antennas,   subclasses 700+ , for radio antenna construction, see Class.

5	ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD PROTECTIVE DEVICES
	Miscellaneous structures for protecting persons or animals against electrical shock. Included, for example, are (1) covers or guards adapted to be positioned about a charged conductor or other electrical equipment for preventing accidental contact therewith; (2) devices for insulating the body of a person or animal from ground; and (3) devices forming a shunt path from a charged conductor to ground in the event of accidental contact therewith. (1) Note. This subclass does not take mere sheathed or insulated wires or cables, nor conductors which are installed in conduits, for which see this class, subclass 68.1 and indented subclasses; but short lengths of insulation tubes or sleeves adapted to be positioned about an exposed position of conductor to prevent contact therewith by persons or animals are here. (2) Note. Protective devices of the character provided for here, but limited by structure to use with specific electric apparatus, are classified in the appropriate apparatus class. (3) Note. For art structure, in general, formed in whole or in part of insulating material or otherwise constructed to protect the wearer or user against electrical shock, see the appropriate art class. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 2, 3 for protection of life and/or property against lightning. 37+, 50+ for mere manholes, boxes or casings for housing electrical apparatus. 136, for conduit, cable or conductor anti-abrasion devices. 137+, for insulators not limited to use as shock-hazard protective devices, see this class, subclass. 138, for electrically insulated pull chains for switches. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 2,  Apparel,   for art structure, in general. 81,  Tools,   for art structure, in general. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 212+ for discharging static electricity. 191,  Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles,   subclasses 30 , 31 and 35, for protected third rails and guarded trolley conductors. 294,  Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,   subclass 19 and indented subclasses for devices for temporarily holding and handling conductors while insulators are being changed. 16,  Miscellaneous Hardware (e.g., Bushing, Carpet Fastener, Caster, Door Closer, Panel Hanger, Attachable or Adjunct Handle, Hinge, Window Sash Balance, etc.),   subclasses 431+ for insulated handles. 439,  Electrical Connectors,   appropriate subclasses for connector coupling devices having insulation or barrier means to prevent contact with the "live" parts thereof. 200,  Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,   subclass 51.09 for such devices having automatic means for deenergizing the contacts upon separation of the coupling parts.

6	EARTH GROUNDS
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Structures having means specially designed to make intimate contact with the earth to establish electrical connection between a conductor and the earth. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 37+, for underground installations of conductors other than earth grounds. 51, for devices in this class involving means for establishing electrical connection between a box or housing and a grounded conductor. 78, for conduit, cable, and conductor structures having end structure combined with grounding means, see this class, subclass 78. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 52,  Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),   subclasses 146+ , 153+, 155+, and 292+ for earth anchors or shafts, e.g., poles with anchors or bases, not limited to use as earth grounds. 204,  Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy,   subclasses 196.01+ , especially subclasses 196.21 and 196.36 earth grounds employed with means for applying an electrical current or potential to prevent corrosion, scale formation or other objectionable action upon an object which may be placed upon or within the ground. 343,  Communications: Radio Wave Antennas,   subclasses 829+ , 845 and 846+ for antennas with a ground connection or grounding structure. 439,  Electrical Connectors,   subclasses 92+ for an electrical connector with circuit conductors and safety grounding provision; and subclasses 207+ for an electrical connector combined with a conduit or duct therefor.

7	Driving type
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Structures having a portion so formed as to permit it to be readily driven into the earth.

8	WITH FLUIDS OR VACUUM
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Structures in which a vacuum or fluid is employed or having means peculiarly adapted for use in connection with a vacuum or with material in a fluid condition. (1) Note. In the subject matter for this class, all spaces are subject to being filled with insulating material in a fluid or solid condition. Thus when the claims define structure which will provide such space, classification will be made in subclasses 8+ only when the claims are limited to the use of fluid or presence of a vacuum and/or are limited to structure which will have its intended function because of the use of materials in fluid condition or the presence of a vacuum. This principle is further stated in particular Notes to the indented subclasses. (2) Note. Even though the material is disclosed as being of a character which will subsequently harden, if the means claimed provides for using or handling such material in a fluid condition, it is in this subclass or the indented subclasses. The fluid may be in any state, i.e., a liquid, gas, or vapor. (3) Note. Where the sole fluid is the atmosphere exterior to the device, it is excluded, even though means to seal or otherwise keep moisture or air out is claimed. (3.5) Note. See Lines With Other Classes, 1., and "Housing, Boxes or Receptacles" of the class definition for the subject matter included in this and the indented subclasses. Note that this and the indented subclasses include housings and envelopes for electric lamps, electric space discharge devices and similar devices which are within the class and subclass definition. See especially indented subclasses 9, 15.1+, 17+ (see 17.05+ for the hermetically sealed envelopes and housings) and subclass 31. Note that merely stating that the housing or envelope is for a vacuum or gas filled tube will not cause classification in this or the indented subclass even though hermetic seals for the housing or envelope are claimed. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 47, for fluid conveying conduits combined with conductors. 101.5, for gas filled or vacuum spaces to merely make conduit or cable structures buoyant. 118, for the use of powdered or granular material in insulated cables. 126.1+, for bare conductors made of single or plural wires. 211, for the exterior formation of insulators to dispose of rain or atmospheric moisture. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 137,  Fluid Handling,   for fluid handling devices in general, particularly subclass 375 . 218,  High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing or Extinguishing Devices,   subclasses 1+ for switches utilizing arc extinguishing fluids. 313,  Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices,   subclasses 11+ provides for electric lamps and electric space discharge devices which are provided with means for modifying the temperature of the lamp or discharge device (including such devices where a fluid is used as the temperature modifying medium), subclasses 567+ provides for lamps and discharge devices which have an envelope containing a gas or vapor, subclasses 231.01+ provides for discharge devices having means for introducing a fluent material to the discharge space and for lamps and discharge devices having means for directing the flow of fluent material in the lamp or discharge device. 333,  Wave Transmission Lines and Networks,   subclasses 219+ for resonators (e.g., cavity type) and subclasses 236+ for long lines (e.g., wave guide type) in which a vacuum, gas or fluid is employed. 336,  Inductor Devices,   provides in subclasses 55+ for transformer and inductive reactor structure with means to modify the temperature of the structure (including where a fluid is used as a temperature modifier).

9	Current conductive fluid and/or vacuum
	This subclass is indented under subclass 8.  Structures in which a fluid designed to carry an electric current is utilized; or in which a vacuum is employed for any purpose. (1) Note. This subclass includes devices within the class definition having as a part thereof an electric conductor formed by a fluid (e.g., mercury). SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 200,  Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,   subclasses 32 , 81.6 and 152 for electric circuit makers and breakers in which contact is made through a conducting fluid, usually mercury. 220,  Receptacles,   subclasses 2.1+ for envelopes and housings which are designed to be evacuated for electric lamps, electric space discharge devices and similar devices where no electrical structure is claimed. 313,  Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices,   appropriate subclasses for electric space discharge devices which have an evacuated or gas or vapor filled envelope and in which a part of the current path is the evacuated or gas or vapor filled space, and subclasses 233 and 315+ for electric lamps which are provided with an evacuated envelope. 335,  Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets, and Electromagnets,   subclasses 47+ for electromagnetically activated switches in which contact is made through a conductive fluid. 337,  Electricity: Electrothermally or Thermally Actuated Switches,   subclass 21 for electrothermal or thermal switches employing conductive fluid, subclasses 25+ for such switches combined with electric discharge means and subclasses 28+ for similar switches combined with space discharge devices.

10	With cable or conduit preinstallation devices
	This subclass is indented under subclass 8.  Cables and conduits having means associated therewith intended to be used only prior to or during installation of the device, as during shipment or storage. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 254,  Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling Force,   subclasses 134.3+ for conductors not having significant electrical features and cables in combination with wire-placing means, see Class

11

With fluid-condition responsive and/or indicating means

This subclass is indented under subclass 8.  Structures including (1) means responsive to some condition of the fluid (for example, temperature, pressure or flow) to operate some device (for example, valves, switches or indicators), (2) also all combinations with signaling or indicating means, including liquid level gauges. (1) Note. Fluid pressure operated valves are included. (2) Note. This subclass does not include mere expansion and contraction devices which compensate for changes in volume of the fluid, unless associated with fluid controlled or indicating means. Such expansion and contraction devices are elsewhere in this class. (3) Note. For signaling means and means responsive to a condition of a fluid, and not limited to combination with subject matter of this class (174), see the appropriate class, the following in Search Class, below, being particularly noted. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 73,  Measuring and Testing,   subclasses 40+ , for means for detecting leaks in electrical apparatus utilizing fluids where the structural characteristics of the electrical apparatus are not claimed. 116,  Signals and Indicators,   (see Note (3), above.) 137,  Fluid Handling,   particularly subclasses 455+ and 551+. (See Note (3), above.) 138,  Pipes and Tubular Conduits,   particularly subclasses 26+ . (See Note (3), above.) 220,  Receptacles,   particularly subclasses 721+ . (See Note (3), above.) 236,  Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,   (see Note (3), above.)