GB2501377A

GB2501377A - A Smart Meter Commodities Measuring Device

Info

Publication number: GB2501377A
Application number: GB1304920.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Casey Cole; Andrew Cox
Original assignee: FONTENERGY Ltd
Current assignee: FONTENERGY Ltd
Priority date: 2013-03-18
Filing date: 2013-03-18
Publication date: 2013-10-23
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-18
Also published as: GB201304920D0; GB2501377B

Abstract

A monitoring device 10 which includes a wall mounted section 100 and another section, such as a user interface unit 200, mountable to the wall mounted section. The both sections are in electrical connection with each other. The wall mounted section preferably includes a compartment (106, fig 2) for a buildings mains electrical connection. A further compartment (108, fig.2) having a flexible ribbon connector for connecting the wall mounted section /unit to the user interface unit. Preferably the interface unit has a LCD touch screen display 202 or an internet wireless connection means. The modular configuration of the device allows the installation of the wall mounted section along including the connection of the power cables by a qualified electrician while the user interface may be connected by a technician. The sections may be configured to be tamper proof by including tabs 204 and slots 134,136 which when interconnected can only be removed by use of a tool. A PCB 117 including voltage cable ports 114, 116, 118 may also form part of the wall mounted section.

Description

Monitoring Device This invention relates to a monitoring device that can be used to measure the consumption of commodities such as electricity, heat, water and gas.

Traditional meters are designed to record the number of units of commodities that have been consumed. The cumulative number of consumed units is typically displayed on an analogue or digital display which can be read periodically to ensure accurate billing.

These traditional meters present a variety of problems. First, they are vulnerable to security attacks whereby a user attempts to interfere with their normal operation in order to gain a financial advantage. Second, utility companies need to dispatch an operator on a periodic basis in order to physically read the meter, which may be considered an undesirable overhead.

Smart meters have been developed in an attempt to mitigate some of the problems with traditional meters. Smart meters typically include a means of external communication so that usage of commodities can be reported to a utilities company in real-time. This is advantageous for the utilities company because it eliminates the need to dispatch an operator to read the meter. An important feature of some (but not all) smart meters is the ability to communicate with an in home display with which users can monitor their real-time consumption of commodities. The display can show a number of different commodities such as gas, electricity and water. The display can also show usage in conventional units or in a number of alternative units such as cost per hour, or volume of carbon dioxide produced per hour. The information on the display can prompt users to modify their behaviour in order to save money and/or reduce environmental impact. In this regard, smart meters can provide more immediate and useful feedback regarding energy consumption in comparison to traditional meters. Smart meters are therefore considered a potentially useful tool in helping consumers to manage their energy consumption.

Traditional meters are often installed away from normal living space in a home.

Typical locations for a meter would be under stairs, in a garage, or in a closet. Smart

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meters or their associated displays, on the other hand, are designed to be easily accessible so that users can monitor real-time consumption of commodities. The optimum location for smart meters or their associated displays is typically in communal areas such as hallways or kitchens so that users can interact with them easily and frequently.

At the present time there are plans to replace many traditional meters with smart meters. In addition, smart metering is becoming more common in non-regulated sectors such as provision of heat from communal systems. Direct replacement of a traditional meter is, however, sub-optimal where the traditional meter is located away from normal living space. It would be preferred to install the replacement smart meter in a new, more accessible, location. However, this is often impractical because it may require cables to be re-routed, causing disruption and significant cost. For this reason it can be easier to install smart meters in newly built properties or to schedule replacement of traditional meters at a time that coincides with a substantial re-fit of an existing property.

Preferably smart meters are installed at a time when wires and cables are freely accessible. This means that wires can be routed to the smart meter without creating large holes in walls; this minimises disruption in the installation procedure. Once installation of the smart meter is complete wires and cables can be concealed behind walls, as is typical for finished homes.

A problem arises because smart meters are typically expensive and delicate devices whereas construction sites are often rough, dirty and insecure. Smart meters installed in communal areas of buildings can easily be damaged during construction and/or they may be vulnerable to theft. An object of the invention is to provide a monitoring device such as a smart meter than can be installed easily without risking damage or theft of delicate and valuable components.

According to the present invention there is provided a monitoring device for installation in a building, configured to monitor consumption of commodities, the device comprising: a wall-mountable section configured for attachment to a surface in the building, and comprising connections for cables in the building; and a second section configured for assembly to the wall-mountable section, and comprising electrical components configured for connection to the wall-mountable section.

In this way, a monitoring device such as a smart meter can be assembled in two steps. In the first step the wall-mountable section can be wired-in to cables in the building and fixed to a surface. The first step can be performed by a qualified electrician while cables are freely accessible during a fit-out of the building. In the second step the second section can be assembled to the wall-mountable section just prior to occupation. The second step can be performed by a technician, rather than a qualified electrician.

The second section includes electrical components which could be damaged on a construction site and/or could be vulnerable to theft. Therefore, the second section can be installed after the wall-mountable section, when the construction process is nearly complete. This can provide a monitoring device that can be assembled in two stages, while minimising the risk of damage to sensitive and expensive electronic equipment on a construction site.

The second section is preferably an integrated user-interface unit. Thus, a technician can transport the second section to the construction site and assemble it to the wall- mountable section. The second section may be arranged to snap onto the wall-mountable section using engagement tabs. A flexible cable such as a ribbon cable may be arranged between the two sections so that an electrical and data link can be established.

The wall-mountable section may comprise connections for power cables. Thus, the monitoring device can be connected to mains electricity by an electrician during a building fit-out and subsequently sealed so that it complies with regulatory requirements. The power cables may also supply a small operating power to the monitoring device for operating electrical components in the second section.

The wall-mountable section may also comprise connections for high-voltage relay cables. Thus, the wall-mountable section can control electrical devices or services situated around the building, for example a mains hot water valve.

The wall-mountable section may comprise connections for cables so that the monitoring device can send and/or receive data. In this way the monitoring device may be able to send and receive low voltage signals from external components. For example, the wall-mountable section may receive data regarding the consumption of other commodities such as gas, water or cable television. The monitoring device may therefore be capable of monitoring the consumption of a range of utilities, including electricity.

Input data may also be received from detectors such as water sensors, smoke detectors or temperature sensors. Inputs from these detectors may be received and analysed. Control logic may be provided so that specified actions are taken when predetermined criteria are met in the received data. For example, the monitoring device may be arranged to activate a heating system when a temperature sensor indicates that the temperature has dropped below a threshold.

The monitoring device may also be able to communicate with an external server using communication cables. In this way the monitoring device may be able to report usage data to a utilities provider. The monitoring device may also be able to send and receive data regarding the state of a consumer's account.

Preferably the second section includes an electronic display. In a preferred embodiment the display is a touch-screen LCD. It is particularly desirable that a delicate, expensive component such as this is not damaged or left insecure on a construction site. By providing the display in the second section it can be installed at the end of the construction process, just before the building is occupied. This minimises the risk of damage to the display. In addition, it decreases the risk of theft because access to the building is typically more restricted at the end of the construction process.

In another embodiment the second section can be provided without a display. In this configuration the monitoring device may comprise an internet or wireless communication connection so that it can report usage of commodities to an external server. Thus, the user may be able to monitor their usage by using an online account. The second section may also be arranged to display information on an external display such as that of a local computer or television which may be connected using a wired or wireless data link. Alternatively the usage data may be reported only for analysis by the server administrator.

The electrical components in the second section may include one or more of the following: a battery, a processor, a memory unit, and a transceiver for wireless communication. The second section may also include an expansion port which can be connected to additional processing circuitry and an electrical / data connection socket that can be connected to the wall-mountable unit. It will be appreciated that some of these components may be delicate and/or expensive. Therefore, advantages can be achieved by integrating all of these components together in a unit that can be assembled to the wall-mountable section.

The processor may be used to control all operations of the monitoring device, including analysing the consumption of commodities and managing communications over the internet with the external utilities company. Preferably communications with the external utilities company are routed over a wireless network.

Preferably the wall-mountable section comprises a plurality of separate compartments for cable connections. The compartments may be defined by walls, and a cover may be provided for each compartment. In this way compartments can be separately accessed at different stages of the installation process.

The wall-mountable section may comprise a compartment in which connections are provided for mains power cables. An electrician's compartment can therefore be provided in which access is preferably restricted to qualified electricians. The compartment may be provided with a cover that can only be removed with a tool.

Once fully fitted the electrician's compartment can be sealed with a tamper proof seal. The compartment may also be labelled appropriately.

The wall-mountable section may also comprise a compartment in which connections are provided for cables for receiving and transmitting data. Typically data is received and transmitted using low voltage signals. These communication or control cables are not typically hazardous and they can be wired-in by a technician, rather than a qualified electrician. By providing these connections in their own compartment they can be separated from hazardous mains power cables to provide a safe operating environment for an unqualified technician. The technician's compartment may be provided with a cover that can only be removed with a tool such as a screwdriver.

The wall-mountable section may comprise a port to which a technician's computer can be connected. A technician can therefore connect an external computer to the monitoring device in order to install upgrades or resolve faults in the user-interface unit. The connection port may be provided in a separate compartment or in the technician's compartment.

Preferably the wall-mountable section comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) on which electronic components can be mounted. The PCB may comprise a plurality of zones corresponding to compartments in which cables connections are provided.

Thus, sections of the PCB can be separated from one another to ensure that a technician can operate safely. The separated PCB zones may be provided as an alternative or in addition to the compartments. Most preferably the PCB zones are designed to coincide with the compartments so that the PCB zone corresponding to the technician's compartment may be separated from the PCB zone corresponding to the electrician's compartment.

The wall-mountable and second sections may have corresponding features which can be engaged to fix the sections together. The second section can therefore be snapped onto the wall-mountable section so that they can be secured together. The second section is preferably arranged to be locked in place when installed so that its removal is resisted. In this way, the second section can be attached easily, but detachment cannot be easily performed. This can make it difficult to tamper with the monitoring device after the second section has been assembled. A technician may be able to remove the second section from the wall-mountable section using a tool.

The wall-mountable and second sections are preferably configured to engage with one another in a first configuration where they are aligned, and in a second configuration in which the wall-mountable and second sections are offset. In one embodiment the monitoring device may comprise magnetic components for biasing the second section towards the wall-mounted section; the magnetic force may be most apparent in the second configuration.

In the first configuration the monitoring device is preferably ready for use as a sealed unit. The wall-mountable and second sections are preferably arranged to mate together so that internal components cannot be accessed. In the first configuration, therefore, a robust and tamper-proof unit is provided.

The second configuration is preferably intended so that the monitoring device can be serviced or analysed by a technician. In the second configuration the second section is preferably installed in an offset position so that the technician can access internal components in the wall-mountable section, preferably including a connection or debug port. The technician can therefore connect an external computer to the monitoring device in order to analyse its performance. The second section can be held securely while the technician carries out this work, and, in its offset position, the technician can easily manipulate the touch-screen display and view any displayed information. Preferably the monitoring device can be fully operational, even though the second section is installed in an offset position. A flexible electrical connection may be installed between the wall-mounted section and the second section so that the second section can be moved easily into the second configuration. In the second configuration, the second section may be raised or separated from the wall-mountable section. In contrast, in the first configuration, the second section is preferably sealed to the wall-mountable section so that there is minimal separation.

By separating the second section from the wall-mountable section it is possible to provide a clearance in the second configuration so that a technician has easier access to internal components.

The second section may comprise a housing with an outer facing side and an inner facing side. The housing may protect the components in the second section from physical damage and it may also provide a degree of waterproofing. This provides a robust design that is capable of withstanding rough treatment.

The inner facing side of the housing may have one or more holes aligned with electrical components. The holes may be used for replacing certain components, such as a battery. The holes may also be used for accessing controls, such as a reset switch. The holes preferably allow access to power and data connectors, a memory card and an expansion port.

Preferably a tamper detector is configured to detect a tamper attempt and generate an alarm signal. As explained, the monitoring device may be designed to measure the consumption of commodities and report to a utility company. Such a device is a likely target for tamper attempts. The tamper detector can monitor any such tamper attempts and report these to the utility company using wireless communication.

The tamper detector may be operable to detect movement of the second section relative to the wall-mountable section after they have been assembled together. The device may be a simple switch that is opened when an attempt is made to prise the second section from the wall-mountable section. In one example, a reed switch may be provided in the second section and a magnet may be provided in the wall-mountable section. Thus, the reed switch may detect movement of the magnet if an attempt is made to tamper with the device.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a monitoring device in a building, wherein the device is configured to measure consumption of commodities, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a wall-mountable section of the device to a surface in the building, and connecting the wall-mountable section to cables in the building; assembling a second section to the wall-mountable section; and connecting electrical components in the second section to the wall-mountable section.

Preferably the step of attaching the wall-mountable section of the device to a surface in the building is performed during construction or a re-fit. At this stage in the process wires and cables are preferably accessible for an electrician. Preferably the step of assembling the second section to the wall-mountable section is performed at a later stage when wires and cables have been concealed by walls or panels.

Apparatus features may be provided as corresponding method features and vice-versa.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective rear view of a wall-mountable section of a monitoring device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the wall-mountable section of the monitoring device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of the wall-mountable section of the monitoring device shown in Figure 1, with protective safety covers in place; Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a user-interface section of a monitoring device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a rear view of the user-interface section of the monitoring device shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is an exploded view of a monitoring device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a plan view of a printed circuit board for installation in a wall-mounted section of the monitoring device, in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a front view of a monitoring device in an embodiment with a user-interface unit installed in an offset position; and Figure 9 is a side view of the monitoring device shown in Figure 8.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figure 1 shows a perspective rear view of a wall-mounted unit 100 of a monitoring device 10. The wall-mounted unit 100 has a hard plastic housing and holes 102 in a rear surface 101; screws can be fitted to the holes 102 to attach the unit 100 to a wall of a building. Typically the wall-mounted unit 100 is installed in a communal area of the building, such as a hallway.

Figure 2 shows a front view of the wall-mounted unit 100. The unit 100 includes three compartments 104, 106, 108, separated from one another with internal plastic walls: a secure compartment 104, an electrician's compartment 106, and a technician's compartment 108. The secure compartment 104 houses electrical components that would not normally be accessed after factory assembly of the unit.

For example, the secure compartment 104 houses a transformer 115 and mains relay switches (not shown). The secure compartment 104 includes a cover 105 that is permanently fixed in place. A magnet 132 is provided on the cover 105. The components in the secure compartment 104 are mounted so that they can only be accessed from the rear of the unit.

The electrician's compartment 106 includes electrical ports 110, 112 that can be connected with mains power cables and other high-voltage cables (not shown). The mains power cables are fed into the wall-mounted unit 100 through holes (not shown) in a bottom surface of the unit 100. Integral cable restraints (not shown) are also provided, suitable for a range of cable diameters.

The technician's compartment 108 includes ports 114, 116 that can be connected with low voltage cables from sensors. The low voltage cables are fed into the technician's compartment through holes (not shown) in the base of the unit 100. The ports 114, 116 may be connected to cables from a variety of sensors such as temperature sensors, water sensors and smoke detectors. The technician's compartment also includes a debug port 118 that can receive a cable from an external computer. The technician's compartment 108 also includes an LED 120 and a port 122 for receiving a flexible ribbon connector (not shown) that can connect the wall-mounted unit 100 to a user-interface unit 200.

The wall-mounted unit 100 also includes a printed circuit board (FOB) 117, shown in more detail in Figure 7. The FOB 117 is arranged to be mounted on the rear surface 101 of the unit. The PCB 117 has three distinct zones 144, 146, 148 corresponding to the respective compartments 104, 106, 108. The PCB zones 144, 146, 148 are electrically separated from one another so that the technician can work safely in the technician's compartment 108 without being exposed to mains electricity from the electrician's compartment 106 or the secure compartment 104.

Figure 3 shows a front view of the wall-mounted unit 100 with safety covers 124, 126 in place over the electrician's compartment 106 and the technician's compartment 108 respectively. The safety covers 124, 126 include respective screws 128, 130 for fixing them in place. The screws 128, 130 can be removed only with a tool so that a user or technician cannot accidentally access hazardous electrical areas. In one embodiment screws 128 are removed with a different tool from screws 130 to prevent a technician from accidentally accessing the electrician's compartment 106. The safety covers 124, 126, 105 allow the compartments 104, 106, 108 to be closed securely in compliance with electrical regulations. Thus, the wall-mounted section can therefore comply independently with the applicable electrical and product safety standards.

Figure 4 is a perspective front view of a user-interface unit 200. The user-interface unit 200 includes a hard plastic cover and a LCD touch-screen 202. The user-interface unit 200 includes a pair of hooked tabs 204 on either side of the unit. The hard plastic cover is designed to protect vulnerable components and reduce risk of static damage.

A pair of slots 134 is provided on either side of the wall-mounted unit 100, at its lower end. The slots 134 are arranged to receive the hooked tabs 204 on the user-interface unit 200. The hooked tabs 204 are arranged to latch over corresponding lips (not shown) in the slots 134 so that the user-interface unit 200 can be assembled to the wall-mounted unit 100. The hooked tabs 204 cannot be accessed by a user after they have latched in place which makes detachment of the user-interface unit difficult for a user without a special tool.

A further pair of slots 136 is provided so that the user-interface unit 200 can be mounted in an offset position, relative to the wall-mounted unit 100. In its offset position the user-interface unit 200 is positioned so that it partially covers the wall-mounted unit. The slots 136 are arranged with a reduced depth in comparison to the slots 134. This means that the user-interface unit 200 is slightly raised from the wall-mounted unit 100 in its offset position. The slight separation between the two units provides a clearance so that the technician can work more effectively. The slots 136 do not include lip features over which the hooked tabs 204 would latch. Thus, the user-interface unit 200 can be easily assembled to, and disassembled from, the offset position. In an alternative embodiment the horizontal slots 136 could be replaced with vertical features or slots that could receive corresponding features in the user-interface unit 200. Thus, the user-interface unit 200 could be engaged with the wall-mounted unit 100 by sliding onto it vertically.

Figures 8 and 9 show the user-interface unit 200 installed in an offset position in an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment a retaining member 210 is provided on the user-interface unit 200 for securing it in position. In its offset position the user-interface unit 200 partially covers the front of the wall-mounted unit 100.

Notably the port 118 is exposed in the offset position when the cover 126 to the technician's compartment 108 has been removed.

In addition to the LCD touch-screen 202 the user-interface unit 200 includes an internal processor (not shown), a battery 205, a wireless receiver for connecting the unit to the internet (not shown), a reed switch 209, and a memory unit 207. These components are generally installed on a PCB (not shown). A ribbon cable (not shown) is also provided for connecting the printed circuit board to the port 122 in the wall-mounted unit 100. The cable connection in the user-interface unit 200 is aligned with the port 122 in the technician's compartment 106.

Figure 5 is a rear view of the user-interface unit 200 shown in Figure 4. The hard-plastic cover includes a cut-out 204 so that a technician can access the battery 205, a cut-out 208 so that a technician can access the reed switch 209 and a cut-out 206 so that a technician can access the memory unit 207. A further cut-out 210 is provided to access an expansion port 211 in the printed circuit board (FOB).

The monitoring device 10 is installed in a building during construction, or during a substantial re-fit. In the first stage of the installation the wall-mounted unit 100 is fixed in place using wall screws. High-voltage cables are then connected to ports 110, 112 in the electrician's compartment 106. Once this process is complete the electrician fits the safety cap 124 over the electrician's compartment 106. The LED in the technician's compartment 108 lights up when the mains power is on and the unit is live.

A technician can access the technician's compartment 108 at some stage after the electrician has completed his work. At this step the technician can connect low voltage cables to ports 114, 116; these cables are used to connect the wall-mounted unit 100 to detectors and sensors. Once the technician has completed his work the cap 126 is fitted to the technician's compartment 108. Although this task has been described with reference to a technician, it could equally be performed by the electrician.

By providing compartments 106, 108 it is possible to separate the tasks of a qualified electrician and a comparatively less qualified technician. The electrician can perform hazardous work by working with the power cables that must be connected in the electrician's compartment 106. A technician can then perform the less hazardous task of connecting low voltage cables. It has been found that the design of compartments 106, 108 in the wall-mounted unit 100 can enable tasks to be allocated to the professional having the most appropriate qualifications.

When all wires and cables have been connected the installation of the wall-mounted unit 100 is complete. At this stage electrical components are protected by respective covers 105, 124, 126. This means that the unit can safely be splashed with paint, water or plaster. Equally, the covers 105, 124, 126 and materials used to construct the wall-mounted unit 100 are designed to be durable so the unit 100 can withstand the typical knocks and bumps that can be expected on a construction site. The wall-mounted unit 100 is comprised exclusively of cheap and robust components.

Therefore, it is a low security risk to leave the unit 100 on an insecure construction site. However, the wall-mounted unit 100 has been assembled with all of the cables that are required for a smart meter to be put in operation.

Following installation of the wall-mounted unit 100 the construction or re-fit process will continue. Any wires or cables leading to the unit 100 are typically concealed behind walls or panels so that a tidy finish is achieved. Soon before the building is to be occupied the user-interface unit 200 is assembled to the wall-mounted unit 100, and an electrical and data link cable is provided between them. The user-interface unit 200 is then locked to the wall-mounted unit 100 with the LCD touch-screen 202 facing outwards, ready for use.

After assembly, the magnet 132 in the wall-mounted unit 100 is situated adjacent the reed switch 209 in the user-interlace unit 200. Any attempt to prise the user-interface unit 200 away from the wall-mounted unit 100 would be detected by the reed switch 209. The processor in the user-interface unit 200 is operable to communicate an alarm signal in these circumstances so that a utilities company can investigate.

In use the monitoring device 10 can monitor the consumption of electricity and other utilities, according to signals received in cables connected to the wall-mounted unit 100. The processor in the user-interface unit 200 is operable to analyse all received signals and can output results on the LCD touch-screen 202. Typically the processor is arranged to output real-time data regarding the rate of consumption of the various utilities. The processor is also arranged to output information regarding the state of the user's account, according to information received over the internet.

If a fault arises in the monitoring device 10 it is possible that a technician could be dispatched. In order to diagnose the fault the technician would remove the user-interface unit 200 from its normal position, using a special tool. The technician would then re-install the user-interface unit 200 by inserting the tabs 204 in the slots 136.

Thus, the user-interface unit 200 would be re-installed in an offset position so that it only partially covered the wall-mounted unit 100. In its offset position the debug port 118 in the wall-mounted unit 100 is accessible, as shown in Figure 8. This would allow the technician to connect a personal computer to the debug port 118 in order to diagnose the fault. The technician could still operate the LCD touch-screen 202 in its offset position if this was useful in diagnosing the fault. In its offset position the user-interface unit 200 is partially separated from the wall-mounted unit 100, which is useful as it provides a clearance should the technician need to access other parts of the wall-mounted unit 100 or components in the rear of the user-interface unit 200.

In an alternative embodiment the magnet 132 in the wall-mounted section 100 may be used to hold the user-interface unit 200 in place in its offset position. The attractive force of the magnet could be used in addition or instead of the mechanical connection provided by the slots 136 and the tabs 204. -16-

Claims

Claims 1. A monitoring device for installation in a building, configured to measure consumption of commodities, the device comprising: a wall-mountable section configured for attachnient to a surface in the building, and comprising connections tor cables in the building; and a second section configured for assembly to the wall-mountable section, and comprising electrical components configured for connection to the wall-mountable section. I 0
2. The monitoring device of claim 1 wherein the wall-mountable section comprises connections for power cables.
3. The monitoring device of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the wall-mountable section comprises connections for cables so that the monitoring device can send and/or receive data.
4. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein the electrical components in the second section include a display.
5. The monitoring device ol any of the preceding claims wherein the electrical components in the second section include one or more of the following: a battery, a processor, a memory unit, and a receiver for wireless communication.
6. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein the second section includes an expansion port which can be connected to additional processing circuitry.
7. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein the wall-mountable section comprises a plurality of separate compartments for cable connections.
8. The monitoring device of claim 7 wherein the wall-mountable section comprises a compartment in which connections are provided for mains power cables. -17-
9. The monitoring device of claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the wall-rriountable section comprises a compartment in which connections are provided for cables for receiving and transmitting data.
10. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein the wall-mountable section comprises a printed circuit board having a plurality of electrically separated areas.
11. The monitoring device of claim 10, when dependent on claim 7, wherein each printed circuit board area is arranged to coincide with a compartment. I 0
12. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein the wall-mountable section comprises a port to which an external analysis unit can be connected.
13. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein the wall-mountable IS and second sections have corresponding features which can be engaged to fix the sections together.
14. The monitoring device of claim 13 wherein the corresponding features are operable to lock together when engaged so that disengagement is resisted.
15. The monitoring device of claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the wall-mountable and second sections can be engaged in a first configuration where they are aligned, and a second configuration in which the sections are offset.
16. The monitoring device of claim 15 wherein, in the second configuration, the second section is separated from the wall-mountable section.
17. The monitoring device of claim 15 or claim 16 comprising magnetic components for biasing the second section towards the wall-mounted section in the second configuration.
18. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein the second section comprises a housing with an outer facing side and an inner facing side, and wherein the -18-inner facing side ot the housing comprises one or more holes aligned with electrical components.
19. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims further comprising a tamper detector configured to detect a tamper attempt and generate an alarm signal.
20. The monitoring device of claim 19 wherein the tamper detector is operable to detect movement of the second section relative to the wall-mountable section.
21. The monitoring device of claim 20 wherein the tamper detector includes a reed switch and a magnet.
22. A building comprising a wall and the monitoring device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the wall-mountable section of the monitoring device is rriounted to the IS wall.
23. A method of installing a monitoring device in a building, wherein the device is configured to measure consumption of commodities, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a wall-mountable section of the device to a surface in the building, and connecting the wall-mountable section to cables in the building; assembling a second section to the wall-mountable section; and connecting electrical components in the second section to the wall-mountable section.
24. A monitoring device substantially as herein described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.
25. A method substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.Claims 1. A monitoring device for installation in a building, configured to measure consumption of commodities, the device comprising: a wall-mountable section configured for attachnient to a surface in the building, and comprising connections tor cables in the building; and a second section configured for assembly to the wall-mountable section, and comprising electrical components configured for connection to the wall-mountable section, wherein the wall-mountable and second sections have corresponding features which can be engaged to fix the sections together in a first configuration where the sections are aligned, and in a second configuration in which the sections are offset.2. The monitoring device of claim 1 wherein the wall-mountable section comprises connections for power cables.3. The monitoring device ol claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the wall-mountable section comprises connections for communication cables with which the monitoring device can send and/or receive data.0') 20 4. The monitoring device ol any of the preceding claims wherein the electrical components in the second section include a display.5. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein the electrical components in the second section include one or more of the following: a battery, a processor, a memory unit, and a receiver for wireless communication.6. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein the second section includes an expansion port which can be connected to additional processing circuitry.7. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein the wall-mountable section comprises a plurality of separate compartments for cable connections.8. The monitoring device of claim 7 wherein the wall-mountable section comprises a compartment in which connections are provided for mains power cables.9. The monitoring device of claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the wall-rriountable section comprises a compartment in which connections are provided for cables for receiving and transrriitting data.10. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein the wall-mountable section comprises a printed circuit board having a plurality of electrically separated areas. I 011. The monitoring device of claim 10, when dependent on claim 7, wherein each printed circuit board area is arranged to coincide with a compartrrient.12. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein the wall-mountable IS section comprises a port to which an external analysis unit can be connected.13. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein the corresponding features in the wall-mountable section and the second section are operable to lock together and resist disengagement. C) 2014. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims comprising magnetic components for biasing the second section towards the wall-mounted section in the second configuration.15. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein, in the second configuration, the second section is separated from the wall-mountable section.16. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims wherein the second section comprises a housing with an outer facing side and an inner facing side, and wherein the inner facing side of the housing comprises one or more holes aligned with electrical components.17. The monitoring device of any of the preceding claims further comprising a tamper detector configured to detect a tamper attempt and generate an alarm signal.18. The monitoring device of claim 17 wherein the tamper detector is operable to detect movement of the second section relative to the wall-mountable section.19. The monitoring device of claim 18 wherein the tamper detector includes a reed switch and a magnet.20. A building corriprising a wall and the monitoring device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the wall-mountable section of the monitoring device is mounted to the wall.21. A method of installing a monitoring device in a building, wherein the device is configured to measure consumption of commodities, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a wall-mountable section of the device to a surface in the building, and IS connecting the wall-mountable section to cables in the building; connecting electrical components in the second section to the wall-mountable section; assembling a second section to the wall-mountable section in a first configuration in which the sections are aligned; and 0) 20 re-positioning the second section so that it is attached to the wall-mounted section in a second configuration in which the sections are offset.22. A monitoring device substantially as herein described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.23. A method substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.