GB2525919A

GB2525919A - A consumer unit for electrical distribution

Info

Publication number: GB2525919A
Application number: GB1408208.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen J Willis
Original assignee: Andrew Main Wilson; Gray Levett
Current assignee: Andrew Main Wilson; Gray Levett
Priority date: 2014-05-09
Filing date: 2014-05-09
Publication date: 2015-11-11
Also published as: GB201408208D0; GB2528162B; GB2528162A; GB201508018D0

Abstract

A consumer unit for control of an electrical power system comprises a housing 10, a main isolation switch 12 and a local circuit breaker 14 within the housing connected to the main isolation switch 12, optionally via a residual current device. An emergency lighting unit 16 has a power input connected to the local circuit breaker, and comprises a power supply unit 20 to power the emergency lighting unit, a back-up battery 22 and a power connection detector connected to the power input, a light source powered by the battery, and a control means to control the light source in response to an output from the power connection detector 24. A self-test means 30 is configured to test the function of the light source under control of the control means.

Description

A Consumer Unit for Electrical Power Distribution.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to consumer units for protection and control of electrical power distribution systems, and in particular to such units comprising an emergency lighting capability.

Background

Consumer units for protection and control of electrical power supply systems usually comprise a main isolation switch -to control the incoming power, a local RCD trip device (for detection of earth-leakage) and independent circuit breakers to control local circuits for lighting and power. In the event that a circuit breaker trips a user needs to access the consumer unit to investigate and to reset the breaker. Often the consumer unit is located in a dark or hard-to-access location, and in some cases the lighting circuit local to the consumer unit may have tripped, so it is advantageous for an emergency lighting system to be provided as part of the consumer unit to allow visibility.

Such emergency lighting is known in the art, and typically operates from its own back-up power supply and runs the emergency light source in response to a power failure. However, in some circumstances it may take a user some time to respond to the trip, and the emergency lighting has only a limited battery lifetime. Also, the emergency lighting unit may not operate for long periods of time, perhaps years, and there is therefore the risk that the system will malfunction, for example through failure of a battery, and hence a need for a user to test the system periodically, which is inconvenient and in industrial or commercial settings, has a maintenance cost. Prior art devices only address these problems in a high-end, stand-alone, self-testing emergency lighting device.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: W0201185729 discloses: There is provided a battery operated emergency light device for installation in a breaker panel. In case of a power failure the light device is activated and illuminates the breaker panel components and the area beneath the breaker panel. Furthermore, the present invention is applicable in breaker panels closed off by a panel door by providing a secondary emergency light device mounted on the outside of the breaker panel door whereby the area around the breaker panel can be illuminated.

This device is a light unit to be installed in an existing consumer unit, and comprises only a small battery owing to its configuration, so has the disadvantage that it will light as soon as the power supply is lost. It will need to be tested manually regularly to ensure its operation.

W02008135961 discloses: An emergency illuminating device for installation within an electrical switchboard. The emergency illuminating device may have standard physical dimensions for installing in an electrical switchboard, a fuse box or the like and it may be activated during power failure to illuminate the switchboard. The emergency illuminating device may also comprise a rechargeable power source that may be recharged when mains power is present.

Again, this is a small device adapted to be installed in an existing consumer unit, in this case in a standard slot as provided for a circuit breaker, with the same disadvantages as above. It comprises a test button to test the emergency light source, but this still needs to be done manually.

W0200392025 discloses: A consumer unit is provided comprising at least one current protection device. The unit is disf4nguished in that it further comprises at least one light associated with the unit, the at least one light being operatively connected to the at least one protection device whereby the at least one light is energised so as to illuminate the unit when the at least one protection device operates.

Once more this device has the disadvantages that it will light as soon as the power supply is lost and it will need to be tested manually regularly to ensure its operation.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a consumer unit comprising: a circuit breaker; a local emergency lighting unit with light source; a power supply; and a self-test means to test the emergency lighting unit.

Typically this provides a consumer unit comprising: at least one circuit breaker (or isolation switch). an integral emergency lighting unit with light source; a back-up battery power supply; automatic night-time proximity detection -for auto-illumination; and a self-test means to test the emergency lighting unit.

Typically the consumer unit comprises a main circuit breaker and at least two sub-circuit or local breakers.

Preferably the integral power supply unit comprises a rechargeable back-up battery.

In preferred embodiments the invention provides a consumer unit comprising: a housing; a local circuit breaker within the housing connected to the main switch; and an emergency lighting unit within the housing having a power input connected to the local circuit breaker, comprising: a power supply unit to power the emergency lighting unit; a rechargeable battery to power, the unit, connected to the power supply unit; a power connection detector connected to the power input; a light source powered by the battery; a control means to control the light source in response to an output from the proximity detector; and self-test means configured to test the function of the light source and the battery charging circuit, under control of the control means.

In this way, there does not exist a prior art device that combines the following technologies in one unit; a) Consumer Unit b) Self-testing Emergency Lighting device c) Self-illuminating unit lighting via a built-in proximity sensor d) Audible alert of; i. Total power failure or local circuit failure ii. Faulty emergency lighting equipment.

Preferably the power supply unit comprises at least one sensor arranged to power the emergency lighting unit upon sensing a condition.

In some embodiments the power input is connected to the local circuit breaker.

In some embodiments the self-test means comprises means to measure the current flowing to the light source.

In some embodiments the self-test means comprises means to measure electrical continuity through the light source.

In some embodiments the self test means comprises a light sensor configured to measure the light output of the light source.

In some embodiments the light unit comprises battery test means to test the battery under control of the control mean. The self-test means may comprise means to measure I test the functionality of the back-up battery; wherein its ability to hold its charge and power the unit for the minimally allocated time (ideally as required for that country; wherein for example England is 2hrs), is automatically tested regularly.

In some embodiments the battery test means is configured to test one or more of the battery voltage and a current delivered by the battery, for example in a test condition imposed by the battery test means.

In this way the device provides a consumer unit having a built-in emergency light source, powered by a rechargeable battery that is kept charged from the power connection from the local circuit breaker. In some embodiments the local circuit breaker is connected to the lighting circuit local to the consumer unit. In the case that the local or allocated circuit breaker trips or all power is lost to the consumer unit, the emergency light source is lit by the control means, allowing the user to locate and to re-set the circuit breaker as appropriate or be aware that a general power outage is present. In the case that the local circuit breaker to which the emergency lighting unit is connected trips but the main circuit breaker or main switch is still on, the emergency light source is lit by the control means -via the rechargeable battery. It is therefore advantageous to use the said local circuit breaker for the lighting local to the consumer unit. If another local circuit breaker trips, then lighting local to the consumer unit is still powered, and the emergency lighting unit does not light as it is not needed in these circumstances. But if necessary the built-in proximity sensor can still illuminate the consumer unit, during normal night-time use, to further lighten the various circuit breakers.

In some embodiments the emergency lighting unit comprises an ambient light sensor configured to sense the ambient light level in the vicinity of the consumer unit. In some embodiments the lighting unit is configured to control the light output of the light source in response to the ambient light level in the vicinity of the consumer unit.

Preferably the lighting unit comprises movement or presence sensor to detect a user in the vicinity of the consumer unit. In some embodiments the said sensor comprises one of a microwave sensor, an infra-red sensor, an ultrasonic sensor or a capacitance sensor. In some embodiments the lighting unit is configured to enable the light source to be lit in response to the output from the said sensor.

In this way the emergency lighting unit is configured to save the power in the battery and to adjust the power consumption to suit the existing light levels and the presence of a user.

In some embodiments the lighting unit comprises a sounder to provide an audible signal in the event of one or more of a power failure and a failure detected by the self-test process.

In some embodiments the lighting unit comprises sounder test means to test the sounder. In some embodiments the sounder test means comprises means to test current flowing to the sounder under test conditions.

In some embodiments the sounder test means comprises a microphone to detect sound from the sounder.

In some embodiments the emergency lighting unit comprises a control button configured to test the unit when the button is pressed, for example to activate one or more of a light source test (including the status indication LEDs), a battery test and a sounder test. In some embodiments the unit is configured to cancel an alarm when the control button is pressed.

In some embodiments the sensitivity of one or both of the presence detector and the ambient light sensor are adjustable.

According to a further aspect the invention provides a system comprising a consumer unit as described herein and a lighting circuit for lighting local to the consumer unit connected to the same local circuit breaker as the emergency lighting unit.

Ideally the unit monitors the following; 1) that there is a constant mains supply; 2) regularly self-checks the workability of the emergency lighting unit; 3) regularly self-checks the workability of the emergency battery and its ability to be charged and store charge; 4) regularly self-checks the workability of the sounder; and 5) if it deems it dark enough, will monitor the local proximity of a person, so as to activate the emergency lighting and allow greater visual aid to a user, both on approaching and using the consumer unit.

In some embodiments if the user holds the test/silence button' for more than 3 seconds, the system performs an instant and perfunctory self-test and self-diagnostic action. So that all the warning LEDs, the sounder, battery and white emergency LEDs are all tested in series -in front of the user.

According to a further aspect the invention provides a method for providing emergency lighting for an electrical consumer unit using a consumer unit as described herein comprising the steps of: detecting the power connection to a local circuit breaker within the consumer unit; and controlling a light source mounted on or adjacent to the consumer unit in response to the said detection.

In some embodiments the local circuit breaker is connected to a lighting circuit local to the consumer unit.

In some embodiments there is an electrical output from the consumer unit circuit board for additional, yet remote, associated lighting slave units.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an aftermarket addition to an existing consumer unit, so that a user can adapt or update their consumer unit to one acco1ing to the present invention. Such adaptation may only comprise a replacement lid. A system according to the present invention is therefore designed for connecting into one existing and local lighting circuit breaker, so that no extra circuit breaker location or space' needs to be allocated within a standard consumer unit. So if the user replaces the lid of an existing consumer unit and replaces it with a new lid, the user could just connect into the existing and local lighting circuit, without fear of needing to find an additional location for an extra circuit breaker. In addition or the alternative within another embodiment, an independent and dedicated circuit breaker (MCB) could be used to constantly supply power to the system.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of a consumer unit according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment in figure 1 with the front cover closed.

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in figure 2 with the front cover open.

Figure 4 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in figure 3.

Figure 5 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 6 and 7 show sketch views of further embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 5, an embodiment of a consumer unit according to the invention comprises: a housing 10, a main isolation switch 12 within the housing, connected to an incoming power supply 13, a local circuit breaker 14 within the housing connected to the main switch/circuit breaker, an emergency lighting unit 16 within the housing having a power input 18 connected to the local circuit breaker 14, comprising: a power supply unit 20 to power the emergency lighting unit, a battery 22 to power the emergency lighting unit, connected to the power supply unit, a power connection detector 24 connected to the power input 18, a light source 26/70 powered by the battery, a control means 28 to control the light source in response to an output from the power connection detector, and a self-test means 30 configured to test the function of the light source under control of the control means.

In this embodiment the self-test means comprises means 30 to measure the current flowing to the light source.

In some embodiments the self-test means comprises a light sensor 32 configured to measure the light output of the light source.

In this embodiment the light unit comprises battery test means 34 to test the battery under control of the control means.

In this embodiment the battery test means 34 is configured to test one or more of the battery voltage and a current delivered by the battery, for example in a test condition imposed by the battery test means.

In this embodiment as shown in figure 5 the local circuit breaker 14 is connected to the lighting circuit 36 local to the consumer unit powering local lighting 38.

In this embodiment the lighting unit 16 comprises an ambient light sensor 40 configured to sense the light level in the vicinity of the consumer unit and to provide a signal to the control means and to control the light output of the light source in response to the light level in th%vicinity of the consumer unit.

In embodiment the lighting unit comprises a movement or presence sensor 42 to detect a user in the vicinity of the consumer unit. According to the embodiment the said sensor comprises one of an infra-red sensor, a microwave sensor, ultrasonic sensor or a capacitance sensor. In one mode of operation of the embodiment, when all of (i) the power connection is detected to be disconnected by detector 24, (ii) a user is detected by the presence sensor, and (iii) the ambient light level is below a threshold value the emergency lighting unit is configured to light the light source.

In this embodiment the lighting unit comprises a sounder 44 to provide an audible signal in the event of one or more of a power failure and a failure detected by the self-test process and a sounder test means 46 to test the sounder, the sounder test means comprises means to test current flowing to the sounder under test conditions.

In some versions of the embodiment the sounder test means comprises a microphone 48 to detect sound from the sounder.

In this embodiment the emergency lighting unit comprises a control button 50 configured to test the unit when the button is pressed, for example to activate one or more of a light source test, a battery test and a sounder test, and to cancel an alarm resulting from either a power failure or a failure of one or more self-test means when the control button is pressed. The embodiment also comprises an indicator unit 52 comprising indicators for battery charge, a power supply fault (i.e. a circuit breaker has tripped) and a fault condition within the emergency lighting unit.

In this embodiment the housing 10 comprises a housing body 60 itself comprising a front 62 and a rear 64 housing portions, and a lid 66 to close the housing, hinged to the front housing portion at hinge position 68 such that it may open downwards to allow access to the circuit breakers. The emergency light source comprises a plurality of white LEDs provided in a strip subassembly 70 as known in the art of L.D lighting, at a position 72 adjacent to the circuit breakers, behind a diffuser 74 mounted on the front housing portion. In this way the emergency lighting illuminates both the circuit breakers and the vicinity of the consumer unit as a whole. The lid 66 and the front housing portion 62 are configured such that the lid may fold up into a recess 76 formed in the front housing portion to provide a flush appearance of the two, and may be secured in place for example by a click-stop or a catch.

The front housing component comprises a sound outlet grille 78 for the sounder, an aperture 80 for the ambient light sensor and a push button control as described previously. The indicators forming part of the indicator unit are provided also behind the diffuser at a position 82 to one side of the emergency lighting LEDs. Access points to allow sensitivity adjustment for the ambient light sensor and the presence detector are provided behind the diffuser at a position 84 to one side of the emergency lighting LEDs, and the diffuser is configured to be removable from the front housing portion to allow access to them. The presence detector is also provided on the front housing portion to detect a user in front of the consumer unit.

Additional warning LEDs, in red, green, yellow and blue colours, illuminate at various times to indicate the state-of-play of the consumer unit for example; green = system okay, red = power failure, flashing yellow = system fault, blue = system in self-test mode.

Referring to figure 4 the components of the embodiment are shown in exploded form, in order from front to rear: The lid 66, The diffuser 74, Blanking plates 86 to cover unused positions for circuit breakers, The front housing portion 62 having hinge positions 88 such that the lid may snap into place and an aperture 90 to receive the circuit breakers, The LED light strip 70 comprising the LED light sources 26, which mounts onto the underside of the upper edge of the recess 76 as shown as position The indicator unit 52 comprising three or four indicator LEDs, which mounts adjacent to the LED light strip at position 2, A circuit board 92 comprising circuitry to provide the control means and other functions as described herein and shown in figure 5, A sounder 44, an ambient light sensor 40, a user control button 50 and a power supply unit 20 connected to the circuit board, The battery 28, Retaining clips and fixtures 94 for the circuit board and battery, An emergency lighting unit cover 96 to contain the circuitry, Main isolation switch 12 Circuit breaker 14, Circuit breaker mounting rail 98 and power connection terminal strip 100, Rear housing portion 64 comprising moulded mounting fixtures 102.

In this way the emergency lighting unit is provided within the housing above the level of the circuit breakers and separated from them.

With reference to Figures 6 and 7 the system 1000 (comprising the consumer unit in use) is incorporated in further circuitry.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A consumer unit comprising: a circuit breaker; a local emergency lighting unit with light source; a power supply; and a self-test means to test the emergency lighting unit.
2. A consumer unit as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a housing; a main isolation switch within the housing; a local circuit breaker within the housing connected to the main isolation switch and/or an in-line RCD device; and an emergency lighting unit within the housing having a power input connected to the local circuit breaker, comprising: a power supply unit to power the emergency lighting unit; a battery to power the unit, connected to the power supply unit; a power connection detector connected to the power input; a light source powered by the battery; a control means to control the light source in response to an output from the power connection detector and self-test means configured to test the function of the light source under control of the control means.
3. A consumer unit according to claim 2, wherein the power input is connected to the local circuit breaker.
4. A consumer unit according to claim 3, wherein the local circuit breaker controls the lighting circuit for lighting local to the consumer unit.
5. A consumer unit according to any preceding claim wherein the self-test means comprises means to measure the current flowing to the light source.
6. A consumer unit according to any preceding claim wherein the self-test means comprises means to measure electrical continuity through the light source.
7. A consumer unit according to any preceding claim wherein the self-test means comprises a light sensor configured to measure the light output of the light source.
8. A consumer unit according to any preceding claim wherein the emergency lighting unit comprises battery test means to test the battery.
9. A consumer unit according to claim 8, wherein the battery test means is configured to test one or more of the battery voltage and a current delivered by the battery.
1O.A consumer unit according to any preceding claim wherein the emergency lighting unit comprises an ambient light sensor configured to sense the ambient light level (lux levels) in the vicinity of the consumer unit.
11.A consumer unit according to any preceding claim wherein the emergency lighting unit comprises a movement or presence sensor to detect a user in the vicinity of the consumer unit.
12.A consumer unit according to any preceding claim wherein the emergency lighting unit comprises a sounder to provide an audible signal in the event of one or both of a power failure and a failure detected by the self-test process.
13.A consumer unit according to claim 11 wherein the emergency lighting unit comprises sounder test means to test the sounder.
14.A consumer unit according to claim 12 wherein the sounder test means comprises means to test current flowing to the sounder under test conditions.
15. A consumer unit according to claim 12 wherein the sounder test means comprise a microphone to detect sound from the sounder.
16.A consumer unit according to any preceding claim wherein the emergency lighting unit comprises a control button configured to test the unit when the button is pressed.
17.A consumer unit according to any preceding claim wherein the emergency lighting unit comprises a control button configured to cancel an alarm when the control button is pressed.
18.A consumer unit substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.
19.A power supply system comprising a consumer unit according to any preceding claim and a lighting circuit for lighting local to the consumer unit connected to the same local circuit breaker as the emergency lighting unit.
20.A method for providing emergency lighting for an electrical consumer unit using a consumer unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 comprising the steps of: detecting of loss of power connection from a local circuit breaker within the consumer unit, and controlling a light source mounted on or adjacent to the consumer unit in response to the said detection.
21.A method according to claim 20 comprising the step of running a self-test process to test the operation of one or more of the emergency light source, the battery and an alarm sounder.
22.A method according to claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the local circuit breaker is connected to a lighting circuit local to the consumer unit.
23.A consumer unit comprising a circuit breaker; an integral emergency lighting unit with light source; a back-up battery power supply; automatic night-time proximity detection -for auto-illumination; and a self-test means to test the emergency lighting unit
24.A consumer unit according to any preceding claim wherein the self-test means comprises means to measure! test the functionality of the back-up battery; wherein its ability to hold its charge and power the unit for a minimally allocated time as required for a state; such as for England 2hrs is automatically tested regularly.
25.A system for adapting a standard control unit to a consumer unit according to any of preceding claims ito 19, 23 or 24.