a number of other sensors including a thermal sensor current sensor and a voltage sensor the output of microcontroller 90 is operatively coupled to number of communication devices located within the device 10 including warning lights and audible alarms microcontroller 90 also communicates through other communication conduits for example microcontroller 90 is shown coupled to a serial port identified as 109 additionally microcontroller 90 may communicate through the powerline or wirelessly for example the use of a transceiver 95 the ability to communicate externally provides the device 10 with the ability to transfer data about the state of the circuit for storage on location or off site this enables the device 10 to report faults in real time or to demonstrate gradual deterioration of a condition such as high current or heat over time such information could be crucial in determining the cause of a fire for example microcontroller 90 is programmed to command the device 10 to not conduct electricity unless the microcontroller 90 determines that a plug 8 is engaged with device 10 and not merely some other object inserted into one of the apertures 13 14 this is achieved by determining the presence of two of two blades 9 inserted into the apertures 13 14 by the detectors 22 23 accordingly the normal state of reciprocal 10 is that no power is conducted to contacts 15 16 unless a plug.