GB2572778A

GB2572778A - Apparatus for enhancing fire safety

Info

Publication number: GB2572778A
Application number: GB1805911.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Renshaw-Panting Richard; McCall Jamie
Original assignee: Richard Michael Renshaw Panting
Current assignee: Richard Michael Renshaw Panting
Priority date: 2018-04-10
Filing date: 2018-04-10
Publication date: 2019-10-16
Also published as: GB2574115A; GB201805911D0; GB201905060D0

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for detecting smoke / fire or an overheat condition in an electrical distribution board / consumer unit / fuse box or similar enclosure. The apparatus comprises a device 1 arranged to clip onto a conductive rail / DIN rail 1003 of the unit 1000, the device 1 having wired connections 4 and 5 respectively to connect to a smoke detector and alert means 2 and a temperature sensor 3. The temperature sensor 3 may be attached to the neutral bar of the unit 1000. The smoke detector and alert means 2 is fitted / screwed into an external wall of the unit via a knock out panel / hole on the unit exterior. The alert means which may comprise an LED is located on the outer wall so as to be visible, whilst the smoke detector is located internal to the unit. A wireless output means is further provided to allow remote communication of an alarm condition.

Description

APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING FIRE SAFETY

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for enhancing fire safety, in particular fire safety with reference to enclosures/electrical distribution boards or units; more particularly but not exclusively a device for use with enclosures/electrical distribution boards or distribution units.

Background

Increasing use of enclosures/distribution boards or distribution units is common in many electrical situations, for example a ‘consumer unit’ in a domestic dwelling.

There are typically two types of breakers mounted in the electrical panel. These include: MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) and GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters). A GFCI is more commonly referred to as an RCD (Residual Current Device) in Europe. An MCB is an electro-mechanical device, and acts like a fuse to trip to protect cables from overload and fault currents which can damage the cable or even cause a fire. A GFCI (RCD) trips and isolates a power supply if there is a flow of current from hot (line) to ground (earth) in a system such as when an appliance gets wet. GFCI devices can normally be identified because they are typically larger than MCB devices and often have a small test button.

Heat that surpasses the manufacturers/standards to which is the lower recommended temperature for all related wiring, equipment and all associated electrical equipment can cause trouble to apparatus such as this and hazards to property and health.

The breakers (switchgear) are mounted on a DIN rail within the distribution board.

Prior Art

KR 101 615 144 (PARK) discloses a power distribution board that is secure from fire and a method of operating the same wherein the invention provides a branch breaker. A circuit includes: a temperature and gas (smoke) detector provided in a body to sense damage to an insulation material due to heat before the inside of the power distribution board is ignited and gas (smoke); and a stack light connected to the temperature and gas (smoke) detector announces an urgent situation when the power distribution board catches fire; and deploys a fire extinguisher for rapid extinguishing of the fire.

US 8 576 547 (GARRARD) discloses a safety module for mounting on an electrical switch board. The module includes: a body adapted to be mounted on an elongate mounting rail of the switchboard. The elongate mounting rail has a longitudinal direction and at least one input is provided for connection to at least one smoke detector. A circuit breaker opener comprises at least one arm extending externally of the body to at least one side of the body in the longitudinal direction.

GB 2 438 252 (MARSON) discloses a fire source isolation circuit to help overcome and reduce loss of life, injury and fire damage, and which is used and adapted to suit standard fire detection systems, in domestic premises and commercial premises when fed via RCD (residual current device) supplies. The fire source isolation circuit consists of a 12 way consumer unit split into two groups of miniature circuit breakers [MCBS]. One of the 6 groups of MOBS is protected by an RCD device and the other group of MCBS are used to feed lighting and alarms.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for provision of a fire alarm at an enclosure/electrical distribution board, the apparatus comprising: a device arranged to clip onto a conductive rail of the enclosure/distribution board; and an alert means associated with a smoke detector or heat sensor/s, which alert means is arranged to connect with a knock-out panel on the enclosure/distribution board exterior; wherein the device has a wireless output for transmitting data associated with the smoke detector or heat sensor/s.

The data may be envisaged to be sent to a remote alarm means.

The unit may comprise a separate, pre-existing and independently available part.

In this way the apparatus of the present invention may provide an early warning means and may also enable adaptation of existing enclosure/electrical distribution units or boards so as to provide a fire safety system locally that can correspond with fire safety means remotely also, thereby ensuring maximum promptness and availability of warnings of fire, excessive heat or smoke. The apparatus of the present invention thereby will act/improve and/or remove fire/smoke from occurring allowing maintenance personnel to elevate secondary measures. The present invention provides an early warning device, allowing preventive measures and is also reactive.

In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a heat sensor or heat sensors. In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a smoke detector. In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a power input line. In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a power output line. In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a kit of parts for aftermarket adaptation of known enclosure/electrical distribution units or boards. In other embodiments the apparatus includes the unit at manufacture or retail.

In some embodiments the device comprises an integrated smoke detector, and in others an integrated heat sensor or heat sensors in addition or the alternative. In still further embodiments the device, sensor and detector are all arranged separately around the unit in use.

The device may be envisaged to be simply clipped onto the rail, in the manner of a standard breaker, comprising for example a displacement catch means and a fixed catch means; where power is made readily available, such that the device and, in relation to a kit of parts embodiment, the associated sensor or sensors , alert and detector are easily installed.

One example of a conductive rail is a standard type widely used for mounting circuit breakers, industrial and control equipment inside equipment racks. Such rails are often referred to as by DIN rails from the Deutsches Institut fCir Normung which is a widely adopted European standard.

The heat sensor or smoke detector or alert means may all be arranged to interact with the knock-holes that are often preformed in the casing or housing of the enclosure/distribution unit or board. These knock-holes are located on an external face of the casing and facilitate pathways for wires.

In this way the apparatus of the present invention may be intended as an aftermarket fitting apparatus for use in standard enclosures such as a consumer unit or distribution board.

In some embodiments the device comprises a hardwired connection and is arranged to be able to communicate with smoke alarms via either a radio frequency link or a hard wired connection to the smoke alarm if fitted in an existing system/s.

In some embodiments the apparatus is comprised of the device and further discrete communicating parts. Such parts may comprise wiring, but may also comprise discrete sensors connecting wirelessly.

In other embodiment the apparatus comprises primarily of the device, which may incorporate the sensor/s for example.

For example in some embodiments a heat sensor/s may be mounted on the neutral bar typically located at the top of a distribution unit.

In some embodiments the apparatus or device includes a back-up power supply such as an UPS or battery cell/s.

In some embodiments the apparatus or device may comprise a power input line arranged to allow supply of power from an adjacent breaker.

The alert means may be arranged with a self-contained smoke detector. For example the alert means may comprise an audible and/or visual alert. In some embodiments the visual alert comprises an LED (light emitting diode), which may be envisaged to be externally on the unit in use. The smoke detector may be located internal the enclosure/unit so as to monitor the internal components and unit's wiring.

In some embodiments the heat sensor/s may be located inside the unit so as to monitor the condition of the components and/or internal wiring. In other embodiments the heat sensor/s monitors ambient temperature external the unit.

In some embodiments the remote alarm means may comprise an independent audible or visual alarm means. In other embodiments the remote alarm means may comprise electronic apparatus such as a smartphone equipped with appropriate software. In some embodiments the data connectivity comprises Bluetooth (RTM) or radio waves. In other embodiments the connectivity may be wired. In still further embodiments the connectivity may enable or comprise some sprinkler system/s and/or gas suppression system/s.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a distribution unit and apparatus for modifying the unit according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 3;

Figure 6 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 3;

Figures 7 show isometric views of a smoke detector and visual alert unit shown in the kit of parts in Figure 1;

Figures 8 show exploded isometric views of the unit shown in Figures 7;

Figures 9 show isometric views of the embodiment of the heat sensor shown in the apparatus of Figure 1; and

Figure 10 shows exploded isometric views of the sensor shown in Figures 9.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to Figures 1 and 2 there is generally shown an embodiment of the present invention comprising a distribution unit 1000 and apparatus for modifying the distributor unit 1000, the apparatus comprising a device 1 arranged to fit onto the DIN rail 1003 of the unit 1000, arranged with wired connections 4 and 5 respectively to connect to a smoke detector and alert 2 and a temperature sensor/s 3. In some embodiments the unit is not comprised within the invention.

The device 1 comprises a discrete device that comprise a female connector 12 that clips onto the rail using a displacement catch means 21 and a fixed catch means 22.

The device comprises a body formed from two thermoplastics halves 23, 24. A battery 14 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 15 are housed within the body. The device further comprises a test button 13, and ingresses 7, 8 and terminal blocks 10, 9 for the outgoing alert and outgoing power feed respectively, as well as a terminal 11 and ingress 6 for incoming power for example from a precedent breaker.

In use the temperature sensor 3 is arranged in the neutral bar 1003 of the distribution unit 1000. In use smoke detector unit 2 is located on and screwed onto the external wall of the distribution unit 1000, wherein the smoke detector 29 is located internal the unit, and the alert 28 is located on the exterior of the wall, so as to be visible. The alert 28 comprises a flashing light emitting diode (LED), in a red translucent cover.

The external wall 1004 of the distributor unit 1000 comprises a plurality of knock-out disc holes 1002 to allow passage of wiring for example using cable glands (not shown). The detector is a standard cable gland size, and comprises two main screw fit parts, which screw over the hole to either side of the wall 1004. This enables the detector unit to be securely placed into position. In further embodiments knock out holes are provided on all external walls of the unit.

Further embodiments of the device may be envisaged to permit wired connection with a third party, independent or discrete alert mechanism or remote devices. In this way the remote devices may provide an alert for remote purposes, for example to warn all residents of a multiple occupancy premises.

The device is formed in polybutylene terephthalate (PBT and coloured ‘fire engine red’ (Pantone 448C) at least in part.

The heat sensor/s 3 comprises a connection typically sized unit that connects with the neutral bar of the enclosure/distributor unit 1000 and is wired into the device.

In use: the sensor/s detects changes in environment, atmosphere and temperature thus feeding the readings back to the device. The smoke detector detects smoke within the enclosure/distribution unit.

When heat or smoke is detected, the device unit 3 sends a signal to the alert and to external devices or mobile devices to which it is connected. The alert emits a siren and/or a flashing light to provide persons (residents/public) with an early warning to evacuate the building/ and alert the fire brigade, emergency services, or appropriate persons.

In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise a battery health led status indicator or monitor, for example an indicator light.

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 as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. Apparatus for provision of a fire alarm at an electrical distribution unit, the apparatus comprising: a device arranged to clip onto a conductive rail of the distribution unit; and an alert means associated with a smoke detector or heat sensor, which alert means is arranged to screw into a knock-out panel on the unit exterior; wherein the device has a wireless output for transmitting data associated with the smoke detector or heat sensor.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 comprising one or more heat sensors arranged to interact with the knock-holes in the unit’s casing.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 comprising a smoke detector arranged to interact with the knock-holes in the unit’s casing.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the heat sensor is incorporated in the alert means.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the smoke detector is incorporated in the alert means.

6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the heat sensor comprises a fuse sized unit that connects with the neutral bar of the distributor unit.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the heat sensor/s comprises a connection typically sized unit that connects with the neutral bar/s of the enclosure/distributor board.

8. Apparatus for provision of a fire alarm at an enclosure/electrical distribution board, the apparatus comprising: a device arranged to clip onto a conductive rail of the enclosure/distribution board; and an alert means associated with a smoke detector or heat sensor/s, which alert means is arranged to connect with a knock-out panel on the enclosure/distribution board exterior; wherein the device has a wireless output for transmitting data associated with the smoke detector or heat sensor/s

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the smoke detector is arranged with a self-contained alert.