GB2530004A

GB2530004A - Monitoring arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2530004A
Application number: GB1411763.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Froggatt
Original assignee: ACKW Ltd
Current assignee: ACKW Ltd
Priority date: 2014-07-02
Filing date: 2014-07-02
Publication date: 2016-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 2034-07-02
Also published as: GB2530004B; GB201411763D0

Abstract

A monitoring arrangement 10 for minimising the risk of the user of a shower contracting legionnaires disease, the arrangement comprising a sensor 12, 40, 48 and a control unit 14, with the sensor 12, 40, 48 being configured to detect usage of a water using installation. The control unit 14 includes a timer to show the amount of time elapsed from when the sensor 12, 40, 48 last detected usage of the installation. The timer is automatically reset when usage of the installation is detected by the sensor 12, 40, 48 within a predetermined amount of time from the last detection of usage of the installation. The monitoring arrangement provides an alarm signal if usage of the installation is not detected by the sensor 12, 40, 48 within the predetermined amount of time to notify a person in the vicinity that the system needs to be activated to flush the system, preventing the incubation of the legionella bacteria within the pipes.

Description

MONITORING ARRANGEMENT

This invention concerns a monitoring arrangement, and particularly a shower monitoring arrangement for use in minimizing the risk of a user of a shower contracting Legionnaires' disease.

Legionnaires' disease is a serious lung infection caused by legionella bacteria. Legionnaires' disease is usually caught by breathing in small droplets of contaminated water. Legionella bacteria is commonly found (often in harmlessly low numbers) in sources of water, such as rivers and lakes.

However, the bacteria can rapidly multiply if they find their way into artificial water supply systems such as air conditioning systems and showers.

Large buildings, such as hotels, hospitals and care homes, are more vulnerable to legionella contamination because they have larger, more complex water supply systems in which the bacteria can quickly spread. The people staying in care homes, or patients in hospitals, are also more susceptible to contracting Legionnaires' disease.

The single largest cause of Legionnaires' disease is showers, and particularly showers which are seldom used. Mixer showers include mixer valves in which cold water is mixed with hot water to provide a required temperature for the user, which is usually about 20°C to 45°C. Electric showers include heating elements which heat cold water to the required temperature. The required temperature of 20°C to 45°C is ideal for legionella to rapidly multiply. This is particularly the case if the shower is not used for an extended period of time and residual water in the pipes and/or hosing of the shower becomes stagnant.

To prevent outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease it is essential to ensure that water systems are properly maintained and conform to relevant health and safety regulations. With respect to showers, and in particular those which are seldom used, it is recommended to turn on the shower to flush the pipes and/or hosing on a weekly basis, and to ensure that the water running through the shower reaches at least 50°C.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a monitoring arrangement including a sensor and a control unit, the sensor being configured to detect usage of a water using installation, the control unit including a timer to show the amount of time elapsed from when the sensor last detected usage of the installation, the timer being automatically reset when usage of the installation is detected by the sensor within a predetermined amount of time from the last detection of usage of the installation, the monitoring arrangement providing an alarm signal if usage of the installation is not detected by the sensor within the predetermined amount of time.

The sensor may be a thermal sensor configured to measure water temperature and usage of the installation may be detected when a water temperature above a predetermined limit is detected by the thermal sensor.

The timer may show the amount of time elapsed from when the thermal sensor last detected a water temperature above the predetermined limit, the timer being automatically reset when a water temperature above the predetermined limit is detected by the thermal sensor within a predetermined amount of time from the last detection of a water temperature above the predetermined limit, the alarm signal being provided if a water temperature above the predetermined limit is not detected by the thermal sensor within the predetermined amount of time.

The control unit may include a processor, and the processor may be wirelessly connected to the thermal sensor. The processor may be configured to record the time at which a water temperature above the predetermined limit is detected by the thermal sensor and to determine the time elapsed from the recorded time.

The control unit may include a display, which may be a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display may show the time at which a water temperature above the predetermined limit has been detected by the thermal sensor, and/or may show the time elapsed from when a water temperature above the predetermined limit has been detected by the thermal sensor. The display may show whether the water temperature detected by the sensor is between a particular set of temperature values, and may show that the water temperature detected by the thermal sensor is hot, cold or mixed depending on which set of temperature values the detected temperature is between. The display may continuously show the water temperature detected by the thermal sensor, and may show the maximum water temperature detected by the thermal sensor. The display may show whether the water temperature being continuously detected by the thermal sensor and/or the maximum water temperature detected by the thermal sensor is hot, mixed or cold.

The timer may be configured such that it only resets automatically when a water temperature above the predetermined limit is detected by the thermal sensor for at least a set period of time, which period of time may be one minute. The timer may be configured such that time elapsed from the time at which a water temperature above the predetermined limit has last been detected by the thermal sensor can be manually reset without a water temperature above the predetermined limit again being detected by the thermal sensor.

The alarm signal may be provided on the display, which may for instance be that the LCD flashes red, and/or may be an audible alarm signal.

The installation may be a shower installation.

A first embodiment of the monitoring arrangement is useable with a first shower installation, the first shower installation including a temperature regulating unit and a shower head, the temperature regulating unit and the shower head being connected by a conduit through which water flows from the temperature regulating unit to the shower head, the thermal sensor being mountable to an exterior of the conduit such that the thermal sensor detects the temperature of the water by virtue of the temperature of the conduit.

The thermal sensor may be mountable to the exterior of the conduit adjacent to the temperature regulating unit. The temperature regulating unit may be a mixer valve or may be a heating element. The conduit may be metallic, and may be a copper pipe.

A second embodiment of the monitoring arrangement is useable with a second shower installation, the second shower installation including a temperature regulating unit and a shower head, the temperature regulating unit and the shower head being connected by a conduit through which water flows from the temperature regulating unit to the shower head, the thermal sensor being locatable within the conduit such that the thermal sensor detects the temperature of the water flowing through the conduit.

The thermal sensor may be locatable within the conduit adjacent to the temperature regulating unit, and may be fixed within the conduit. The temperature regulating unit may be a mixer valve. Alternatively, the temperature regulating unit may be a heating element. The conduit may be flexible, and may be non metallic.

In an alternative arrangement the sensor may be a water flow sensor configured to measure the flow of water through the installation, and usage of the installation may be detected when water flow through the installation is detected by the water flow sensor. The water flow sensor may include an element that is moved by the flow of water to indicate water flow. The element may be a paddle wheel, or may be a lever.

One or more monitoring arrangements may be wirelessly connected to a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit may receive and store status information from each of the one or more monitoring arrangements. The status information may be the time at which a water temperature above the predetermined limit is detected by the thermal sensor of each respective one or more monitoring arrangements, and the time elapsed from the recorded time. The status information may be the time at which water flow through the installation is detected by the water flow sensor of each respective one or more monitoring arrangements, and the time elapsed from the recorded time.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of monitoring usage of an installation, the installation being of the type that uses water, the method of monitoring using a monitoring arrangement, the monitoring arrangement including a sensor and a control unit, the control unit including a timer, the method including: a) detecting usage of the installation using the sensor; b) monitoring the amount of time elapsed from when the sensor last detected usage of the installation; c) automatically resetting the timer when usage of the installation is detected by the sensor within a predetermined amount of time from the last detection of usage of the installation; d) providing an alarm signal if usage of the installation is not detected by the sensor within the predetermined amount of time.

The timer may be reset automatically when usage of the installation is detected by the sensor for at least a set period of time, which period of time may be one minute.

The predetermined amount of time may be 7 days.

Usage of the installation may be detected when a thermal sensor according to the preceding paragraphs detects a water temperature above a predetermined limit.

The predetermined water temperature limit may be adjustable, and may be a temperature sufficient to eradicate Legionella bacteria from the water, and may be at least 50°C, and may be at least 60°C.

Usage of the installation may be detected when a water flow sensor according to the preceding paragraphs detects water flow through the installation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a shower installation including a monitoring arrangement as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a first monitoring arrangement according to the present invention installed on a mixer shower; Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of the first monitoring arrangement according to the present invention installed on an electric shower; Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a second monitoring arrangement according to the present invention installed on a mixer shower; Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a third monitoring arrangement according to the present invention installed on a mixer shower; Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a network of monitoring arrangements according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a first monitoring arrangement 10 according to the present invention installed on a mixer shower 44. The monitoring arrangement 10, which is waterproof, includes a control unit 14 and a thermal sensor 12.

The control unit 14 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 16, a control panel 18, a processor 20 and batteries 22. The processor 20 is configured to monitor the thermal sensor 12. In this example the processor 20 of the control unit 14 and the thermal sensor 12 are wirelessly connected (as shown by the dashed line). The control unit 14 is positioned where it can be easily seen by a user, for example, it could be mounted to a wall next to the shower, or alternatively it could be mounted to the shower.

The processor 20 is configured to record the time at which a water temperature above a predetermined limit is detected by the thermal sensor 12, which in this example is 50°C. This information is shown on the LCD 16.

The time elapsed from the recorded time is also shown by a timer on the LCD 16. The timer on the LCD 16 is only reset automatically by the processor 20 when a water temperature of at least 50°C has again been detected by the thermal sensor 12. In some instances, a higher water temperature may be required, for example 60°C. The processor 20 is programmable using the control panel 18 such that different predetermined water temperature limits can be selected. The predetermined water temperature limit is therefore adjustable. It would be understood by a person skilled in the art that the predetermined water temperature limit could be set at any temperature in accordance with current best practice, and would not therefore be limited to being 50°C or 60°C.

The display 16 shows whether the water temperature detected by the sensor is between a particular set of temperature values. For example, if the water temperature detected by the thermal sensor 12 is between 50°C and 80°C the word hot is shown on the display 16. If the water temperature detected by the thermal sensor 12 is between 30°C and 49°C the word mixed is shown on the display 16. If the water temperature detected by the thermal sensor 12 is between 4°C and 29°C the word cold is shown on the display 16.

It will be appreciated that any set of temperature values can be specified as being hot, mixed or cold. The display 16 continuously shows the water temperature detected by the thermal sensor 12, and also shows the maximum water temperature detected by the thermal sensor 12. The display 16 also shows whether the water temperature being continuously detected by the thermal sensor 12 and the maximum water temperature detected by the thermal sensor 12 is hot, mixed or cold.

The processor 20 includes a selectable function to allow the timer to be manually reset without a water temperature of at least 50°C being detected by the thermal sensor 12. This function can be selected using the control panel 18.

The processor 20 also includes a selectable function that a water temperature of at least 50°C must be detected by the thermal sensor 12 for a set amount of time, for example, for one minute before the timer will be automatically reset by the processor 20. This function can be selected using the control panel 18.

In use, after a predetermined amount of time without a water temperature of at least 50°C being detected by the thermal sensor 12, the processor is configured to show a warning sign on the LCD 16. The warning sign may, for example, be that the LCD 16 flashes red. An alarm may also be sounded. In some instances, the LCD 16 may include a message to seek professional assistance, and also provide contact details of such a professional.

The predetermined amount of time can be selected using the control panel 18. It is recommended to flush the pipes and/or hosing of a shower with water at a temperature of at least 50°C on a weekly basis. The predetermined amount of time could therefore be set at 7 days, although any predetermined amount of time could be chosen.

The time interval between a water temperature of at least 50°C being detected by the thermal sensor is stored and archived by the processor 20.

This information can be retrieved using the control panel 18. A record can therefore be kept.

In this example, the monitoring arrangement 10 is shown in use with a mixer shower 44. The mixer shower 44 includes a temperature regulating unit in the form of a mixer valve 28 and a shower head (not shown). In this example a copper pipe 24 connects the mixer valve 28 with the shower head.

The mixer valve 28 receives hot and cold water from separate water pipes 30, 32. The flow of hot and cold water is adjustable (either manually or automatically using a thermostat) such that water exiting the mixer valve 28 through the pipe 24 is at a required temperature for the user of the shower, which is usually about 20°C to 45°C. The thermal sensor 12 of the monitoring arrangement 10 is mounted to the copper pipe 24 of the mixer shower 44 using a clamp 26.

The thermal sensor 12 is mounted to the pipe 24 at a position between the mixer valve 28 and a shower head (not shown).

The thermal sensor 12 is configured to monitor the temperature of the pipe 24, which pipe 24 will be substantially at the same temperature as the water running through the pipe 24. The thermal sensor 12 is in direct contact with the pipe 24, such that the heat from the pipe 24 is transmitted directly to the thermal sensor 12.

The thermal sensor 12 transmits data regarding the temperature of the pipe 24 to the processor 20. As indicated above, when a water temperature above 50°C has been detected by the thermal sensor 12, the processor 20 automatically resets the timer on the LCD 16 and the time elapsed is again monitored until a water temperature above 50°C is detected. The timer restarts when the user has finished using the shower.

Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of the first monitoring arrangement 10 according to the present invention, but installed on an electric shower rather than a mixer shower.

The electric shower 46 includes a heating element 34 to heat cold water to a required temperature, which as indicated above is usually about 20°C to 45°C. In this example, the thermal sensor 12 is mounted to a copper pipe 36 by a clamp 26 at a position between the electric heating element 34 and a shower head (not shown).

Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of a second monitoring arrangement 100 according to the present invention. In this example, the monitoring arrangement 100 is installed on a mixer shower in which a flexible non metallic hose 38 is provided between the mixer valve 28 and the shower head (not shown).

Many features of the monitoring arrangement 100 are similar to those previously described, and where features are the same or similar the same reference numerals have been used and these feature will not be described again for the sake of brevity.

The second monitoring arrangement 100 is similar to the first monitoring arrangement 10 but in this instance a thermal sensor 40 is located inside the flexible non metallic hose 38. The thermal sensor 40 is secured inside the hose 38 using a friction fit. The thermal sensor 40 is wirelessly connected to the processor 20 of the control unit 14.

Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of a third monitoring arrangement 200 according to the present invention. In this example, the monitoring arrangement 200 is installed on a mixer shower in which a flexible non metallic hose 38 is provided between the mixer valve 28 and the shower head (not shown).

Many features of the monitoring arrangement 200 are similar to those previously described, and where features are the same or similar the same reference numerals have been used and these feature will not be described again for the sake of brevity.

The third monitoring arrangement 200 includes a water flow sensor in the form of a paddle wheel 48. The paddle wheel 48 is located inside the flexible non metallic hose 38. The paddle wheel 48 is secured inside the hose 38 using suitable fixings (not shown). The paddle wheel 48 is wirelessly connected to the processor 20 of the control unit 14.

In use, water flowing through the hose 38 from the mixer valve 28 to the shower head (not shown) causes the paddle wheel 48 to rotate. Any rotation of the paddle wheel 48 indicates that the shower has been used, and this usage data is recorded by the processor 20.

After a predetermined amount of time without rotation of the paddle wheel 48 being detected, the processor 20 is configured to show a warning sign on the LCD 16 as previously described.

Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of network of monitoring arrangements 10, 100. The processor 20 of each monitoring arrangement 10, 100 is wirelessly connected to a monitoring unit 42. In this example, the processors of each of six monitoring arrangements 10, 100 are wirelessly connected to the monitoring unit 42. The status of each of the monitoring arrangements 10, 100 is shown on the monitoring unit 42. Historical data concerning the status of the monitoring arrangements 10, 100 is stored and archived on the monitoring unit 42.

The status information is the time at which a water temperature of at least 50°C is detected by the thermal sensor of each respective monitoring arrangement connected to the monitoring unit 42, and the time elapsed from the recorded time.

There is thus described a monitoring arrangement with a number of advantages. The monitoring arrangement allows the exact time interval between water of a temperature above 50°C being flushed through a shower, and in particular through the pipe work and/or flexible hosing which leads directly to the shower head, to be monitored, recorded and archived. The monitoring arrangement alerts a user if this time interval exceeds a preset time, after which time there is a substantial risk that potentially dangerous levels of Legionella bacteria may have accumulated. Appropriate action can therefore be taken by the user, for example, by flushing the shower with water of a temperature above 50°C. The user may instead receive instructions from the monitoring arrangement to contact a professional, and be provided with appropriate contact details.

Hotels, hospitals and care homes may include a large number of showers, some of which are seldom used. By connecting each shower to a monitoring arrangement, and each monitoring arrangement to a monitoring unit, an operative can quickly identify which showers require flushing with water of a temperature above 50°C. In this way, the accumulation of dangerous levels of Legionella bacteria can be avoided. Furthermore, unnecessary flushing can be avoided by the monitoring arrangement indicting that a shower has already be flushed with water at the required temperature of 50°C, and/or the monitoring unit showing which showers in the network have already been flushed with water at the required temperature of 50°C.

It is to be realised that a wide range of variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instances, the monitoring arrangement could be configured to be used on other installations where the accumulation of Legionella bacteria is a risk due to the seldom use of such installations. Such other installations include Jacuzzis and hose pipes.

The thermal sensor 12 and the processor 20 of the control unit 14 may be connected by wires, rather than by a wireless connection. The control unit 14 and the thermal sensor 12 may be contained in the same housing.

The water flow sensor could be any means suitable for detecting the flow of water through a conduit, for example a lever arm which could be displaced from a first condition to a second condition by flowing water.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A monitoring arrangement including a sensor and a control unit, the sensor being configured to detect usage of a water using installation, the control unit including a timer to show the amount of time elapsed from when the sensor last detected usage of the installation, the timer being automatically reset when usage of the installation is detected by the sensor within a predetermined amount of time from the last detection of usage of the installation, the monitoring arrangement providing an alarm signal if usage of the installation is not detected by the sensor within the predetermined amount of time.
2. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 1, in which the sensor is a LU thermal sensor configured to measure water temperature. *-15

(Q
3. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 2, in which usage of the 0 installation is detected when a water temperature above a predetermined limit CSJ is detected by the thermal sensor. (4
4. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 3, in which the timer shows the amount of time elapsed from when the thermal sensor last detected a water temperature above the predetermined limit, the timer being automatically reset when a water temperature above the predetermined limit is detected by the thermal sensor within a predetermined amount of time from the last detection of a water temperature above the predetermined limit, the alarm signal being provided if a water temperature above the predetermined limit is not detected by the thermal sensor within the predetermined amount of time.
5. A monitoring arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the control unit includes a processor.
6. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 5, in which the processor is wirelessly connected to the thermal sensor.
7. A monitoring arrangement according to claims 5 or 6 when dependent on any of claims 2 to 4, in which the processor is configured to record the time at which a water temperature above the predetermined limit is detected by the thermal sensor and to determine the time elapsed from the recorded time.
8. A monitoring arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the control unit includes a display.
9. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 8, in which the display is a liquid crystal display (LCD). IC)

-15
10. A monitoring arrangement according to claims 8 or 9 when dependent on (Q any of claims 2 to 4, in which the display shows the time at which a water 0 temperature above the predetermined limit has been detected by the thermal sensor. (4
11. A monitoring arrangement according to claims 8 to 10 when dependent on any of claims 2 to 4, in which the display shows the time elapsed from when a water temperature above the predetermined limit has been detected by the thermal sensor.
12. A monitoring arrangement according to any of claims 8 to 11 when dependent on any of claims 2 to 4, in which the display shows whether the water temperature detected by the sensor is between a particular set of temperature values.
13. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 12, in which the display shows whether the water temperature detected by the thermal sensor is hot, cold or mixed depending on which set of temperature values the detected temperature is between.
14. A monitoring arrangement according to any of claims 8 to 13 when dependent on any of claims 2 to 4, in which the display continuously shows the water temperature detected by the thermal sensor.
15. A monitoring arrangement according to any of claims 8 to 13 when dependent on any of claims 2 to 4, in which the display shows the maximum water temperature detected by the thermal sensor.
16. A monitoring arrangement according to claims 14 or 15 when dependent on claim 14, in which the display shows whether the water temperature being LU continuously detected by the thermal sensor and the maximum water -15 temperature detected by the thermal sensor is hot, mixed or cold. (0

0
17. A monitoring arrangement according to claims 14 or 15 when dependent CSJ on claim 14, in which the display shows whether the water temperature being C'1 continuously detected by the thermal sensor or the maximum water temperature detected by the thermal sensor is hot, mixed or cold.
18. A monitoring arrangement according to any of claims 3 to 17, in which the timer is configured such that it only resets automatically when a water temperature above the predetermined limit is detected by the thermal sensor for at least a set period of time.
19. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 18, in which the set period of time is one minute.
20. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 3 or any of claims 5 to 17 when not dependent on claim 4, in which the timer is configured such that time elapsed from the time at which a water temperature above the predetermined limit has last been detected by the thermal sensor can be manually reset without a water temperature above the predetermined limit again being detected by the thermal sensor.
21. A monitoring arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the alarm signal is provided on the display.
22. A monitoring arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the alarm signal is that the LCD flashes red.
23. A monitoring arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the alarm signal is an audible alarm signal.
24. A monitoring arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in -15 which the installation is a shower installation. (0

0
25. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 24 when dependent on any C'sJ of claims 2 to 23, in which the monitoring arrangement is useable with a first shower installation, the first shower installation including a temperature regulating unit and a shower head, the temperature regulating unit and the shower head being connected by a conduit through which water flows from the temperature regulating unit to the shower head, the thermal sensor being mountable to an exterior of the conduit such that the thermal sensor detects the temperature of the water by virtue of the temperature of the conduit.
26. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 25, in which the thermal sensor is mountable to the exterior of the conduit adjacent to the temperature regulating unit.
27. A monitoring arrangement according to claims 25 or 26, in which the temperature regulating unit is a mixer valve.
28. A monitoring arrangement according to claims 25 or 26, in which the temperature regulating unit is a heating element.
29. A monitoring arrangement according to any of claims 25 to 28, in which the conduit is metallic.
30. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 29, in which the conduit is a copper pipe.
31. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 24 when dependent on any of claims 2 to 23, in which the monitoring arrangement is useable with a second shower installation, the second shower installation including a temperature regulating unit and a shower head, the temperature regulating LU unit and the shower head being connected by a conduit through which water -15 flows from the temperature regulating unit to the shower head, the thermal (3 sensor being locatable within the conduit such that the thermal sensor detects 0 the temperature of the water flowing through the conduit. (Si

C'1
32. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 31, in which the thermal sensor is locatable within the conduit adjacent to the temperature regulating unit.
33. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 32, in which the thermal sensor is fixed within the conduit.
34. A monitoring arrangement according to claims 31 to 33, in which the temperature regulating unit is a mixer valve.
35. A monitoring arrangement according to claims 31 to 33, in which the temperature regulating unit is a heating element.
36. A monitoring arrangement according to claims 31 to 35, in which the conduit is flexible.
37. A monitoring arrangement according to claims 31 to 36, in which the conduit is non metallic.
38. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 1, in which the sensor is a water flow sensor configured to measure the flow of water through the installation.
39. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 38, in which usage of the installation is detected when water flow through the installation is detected by the water flow sensor. IC)-15
40. A monitoring arrangement according to claims 38 or 39, in which the water (Q flow sensor includes an element that is moved by the flow of water to indicate 0 water flow. (SiC'1
41. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 40, in which the element is a paddle wheel
42. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 40, in which the element is a lever.
43. A monitoring arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which one or more monitoring arrangements are wirelessly connected to a monitoring unit.
44. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 43, in which the monitoring unit receives and stores status information from each of the one or more monitoring arrangements.
45. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 44, in which the status information is the time at which a water temperature above the predetermined limit is detected by the thermal sensor of each respective one or more monitoring arrangements, and the time elapsed from the recorded time.
46. A monitoring arrangement according to claim 44, in which the status information is the time at which water flow through the installation is detected by the water flow sensor of each respective one or more monitoring arrangements, and the time elapsed from the recorded time.
47. A method of monitoring usage of an installation, the installation being of the type that uses water, the method of monitoring using a monitoring arrangement, the monitoring arrangement including a sensor and a control unit, the control unit including a timer, the method including: *-15 (3 a) detecting usage of the installation using the sensor; C'sJ b) monitoring the amount of time elapsed from when the sensor last C'1 detected usage of the installation; c) automatically resetting the timer when usage of the installation is detected by the sensor within a predetermined amount of time from the last detection of usage of the installation; d) providing an alarm signal if usage of the installation is not detected by the sensor within the predetermined amount of time.
48. A method according to claim 47, in which the timer is reset automatically when usage of the installation is detected by the sensor for at least a set period of time.
49. A method according to claim 48, in which the period of time is one minute.
50. A method according to any of claims 47 to 49, in which the alarm signal is provided on the display.
51. A method according to any of claims 47 to 50, in which the alarm signal is that the LCD flashes red.
52. A method according to any of claims 47 to 51, in which the alarm signal is an audible alarm signal.
53. A method according to any of claims 47 to 52, in which the LU predetermined amount of time is 7 days. *-1554. A method according to any of claims 47 to 53, in which usage of the 0 installation is detected when a thermal sensor according to any of claim 2 CSJ detects a water temperature above a predetermined limit. (455. A method according to claim 54, in which the predetermined water temperature limit is adjustable.56. A method according to claims 54 or 55, in which the predetermined water temperature limit is a temperature sufficient to eradicate Legionella bacteria from the water.57. A method according to claim 56, in which the predetermined water temperature limit is at least 50°C.58. A method according to claim 57, in which the predetermined water temperature limit is at least 60°C.59. A method according to any of claims 47 to 53, in which usage of the installation is detected when a water flow sensor according to claim 38 detects water flow through the installation.60. A shower installation including a monitoring arrangement as described in any of claims 1 to 46.61. A monitoring arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the drawings.62. A method substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the drawings.11) 63. A shower installation substantially as hereinbefore described and with -15 reference to the drawings. (00 64. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter CSJ disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.