WO2013095240A1

WO2013095240A1 - A system for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2013095240A1
Application number: PCT/SE2011/051581
Authority: WO
Inventors: Björn Larsson
Original assignee: Sca Hygiene Products Ab
Priority date: 2011-12-22
Filing date: 2011-12-22
Publication date: 2013-06-27

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment (3, 13), the system (1) comprising at least one washroom equipment (3, 13), such as a paper dispenser, soap dispenser, hand drier or compacting waste bin; the at least one washroom equipment (3, 13) being electrically connected to receive power and/or communication; the system (1) further comprising at least one adapter (2) connected to a high voltage source, the first adapter (2) being configured to transform the high voltage from the high voltage source to a low voltage, the first adapter (2) being configured to provide the low voltage to the at least one washroom equipment (3, 13) by means of a first cable (11), wherein the first cable (11) is a flat cable, and wherein the first cable (11) is adhesively mountable to a surface of the washroom. The invention further relates to a washroom equipment (3, 13) being electrically connected to receive power and/or communication by means of a first cable (11) and a method for installation of a washroom equipment (3, 13) system (1).

Description

TITEL

A system for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment, the system comprising at least one washroom equipment, such as a paper dispenser, soap dispenser, hand drier or compacting waste bin. The invention further relates to washroom equipment comprising a first connection for electrically connecting a first cable and a method for installation of a washroom equipment system.

Background Art

The installation of washroom equipment such as paper dispensers, soap dispensers, hand driers or waste bins is well known in the art. Some of these equipments require power to function. One solution is to provide the washroom equipment with batteries. Batteries have a limited lifetime and needs to be replaced with regular intervals. The replacing of batteries requires personnel to go to each washroom equipment and replace the batteries. This is time consuming and a user may encounter washroom equipment that no longer functions due to lack of power. Another problem with batteries is the environmental concerns associated with disposal after use. Moreover, when used in electrical equipment such as for example dispensers, up to 20 % of the available power in the batteries cannot be used since the equipment usually requires a minimum voltage in order to function. In paper dispensers this minimum voltage is typically -4.1 V (4 x1.5V batteries). In order to remedy the mentioned problem the washroom equipment may be installed with cables attached to a permanent power source. Sometimes communication is also required to indicate whether a dispenser needs to be refilled. Usually installation of electrical equipment requires laying of electrical cables that may be heavy and that may require mountings such as cable ducts or different kinds of clamps to be installed. This usually requires a craftsman to perform the installation. Installation of the kind described above further results in an installation that is not aesthetic.

It may also be difficult to add equipment to an already existing washroom as the installation may require that the washroom may have to be closed for an extended period of time.

There is thus a need for a system that addresses the above mentioned problems. Summary of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an inventive system for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment where the previously mentioned problems are at least partly avoided.

The present invention relates to a system for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment, the system comprising at least one washroom equipment, such as a paper dispenser, soap dispenser, hand drier or compacting waste bin; the at least one washroom equipment being electrically connected to receive power and/or communication; the system further comprising at least one adapter connected to a high voltage source, the at least one adapter being configured to transform the high voltage from the high voltage source to a low voltage, the at least one adapter being configured to provide the low voltage to the at least one washroom equipment by means of a first cable, wherein the first cable is a flat cable and wherein the flat cable is adhesively mountable to a surface of the washroom.

An advantage with a system according to the invention is that by using a flat cable mounted to a surface of a washroom, such as for instance a wall or ceiling, it is easy to provide a power supply installation to one or several washroom equipments that is inconspicuous. This is due to that it is possible to easily hide the flat cable under a coat of paint or wallpaper after installation. There is thus no need to for instance cut a groove in the surface of the washroom to embed the cable leading to the washroom equipment or to mount external cable ducts lying on the outside of the surfaces of the washroom. Additionally, an installation in an already existing washroom can be made without disturbing the visual appearance of the washroom as the flat cable can be made to fit in with the colouring and/or structure of the surfaces of the washroom. Alternatively, the cable can be mounted on a surface of the wall by means of applying adhesive to the wall before applying the cable. The cable can then be painted over or covered with wallpaper or similar. With flat cable is meant a flexible cable having a width many times its thickness, for instance having a width at least ten times its thickness, specifically a width of at least 25 times its thickness, more specifically a width of at least 100 times its thickness and still more specifically a width of at least 200 times its thickness. Examples of flat cables can be found in for instance the ATA standard used in computers or the cable Wireslim® manufactured by the HTI group. These cables are not intended as limiting for the invention but are intended to give examples of what can be perceived as flat cables. The at least one adapter may be configured to transform the high voltage from the high voltage power source to a low voltage, the low voltage having a maximum value of 180 VDC or 75 V VACrms, specifically the low voltage having a maximum value of 120 VDC or 50 VACrms, more specifically the low voltage having a maximum value of 60 VDC or 25 VAC_rms- The low voltage may alternatively have a maximum value of 40 VDC, more specifically a maximum value of 25VDC.

The invention is primarily intended to simplify the installation of washroom equipments. Also, during certain circumstances, by having a flat cable and low voltage equipment, installation may be made by a person that is not a certified electrician.

The system is intended to utilize a high voltage source for distribution of power and/or providing communication. One example is a standard 230VAC power outlet that can be hidden in the ceiling structure of the washroom. The power outlet is connected to the at least one adapter which in turn transforms the high voltage to low voltage. Other high voltage sources are of course possible depending on national standards. The exact range of the high voltage of the high voltage source may differ depending on each country's regulation. The high voltage is then transformed into a low voltage, for which installation of equipment preferably does not require a certified electrician, such as for instance 60 VDC or 25 VAC_rms- In the same way as for the high voltage the definition of low voltage may differ depending on each country's regulation. Alternatively the low voltage according to the invention may fall under the definition of extra-low voltage (ELV) according to the International Electrotechnical Commission. Within this definition the types separated (or safety) extra-low voltage (SELV), protected extra-low voltage (PELV) and functional extra-low voltage (FELV) are included.

The system is capable of handling a multitude of washroom equipment supplied from one adapter only. This leads to a flexible system to install, maintain and upgrade. For the invention to allow installation by a person that is not a certified electrician, the adapter is preferably connected to the high voltage power source by means of a plug intended to fit into a normal outlet socket. The adapter may of course also be adapted to different electrical connections such as connection to a junction box.

The adapter may have one connection for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment using a flat cable. The adapter may also have a multitude of connections for flat cables. The adapter may be provided with one connection for each washroom equipment installed in the washroom. Depending on the installation more than one adapter may be used for the installation. One adapter may supply one part of a washroom or one washroom in an installation where two or more washrooms are located close to or are neighbouring each other. When using more than one adapter each adapter may supply one type only of washroom equipment with power and/or communication, such as one adapter supplying power and/or providing communication to paper dispensers only where other adapters may be used for soap dispensers, hand driers and waste bins respectively.

The at least one adapter may be configured to supply a current to the at least one electric washroom equipment by means of said first cable, where the at least one adapter is configured to supply a maximum current of 5000 mA, specifically the at least one adapter is configured to supply a maximum current of 4750 mA, more specifically the at least one adapter is configured to supply a maximum current of 4500 mA. Washroom equipment normally requires between 200 mA and 400 mA, in some cases as high as 1000 mA during use. With use is for example meant dispensing, compacting, providing heat for drying. This means that an adapter capable of providing 5000 mA of current can support between 5 and 25 washroom equipment. Since not all washroom equipment will be used simultaneously an adapter could in practice support more than this depending on the type of washroom equipment being used. It is possible to use adapters capable of providing more than 5000 mA or less than 4500 mA.

The at least one adapter may be connected to a high voltage source and a communication means.

The system may be arranged to provide communication to each individual washroom equipment. This may be realized by providing the system with communication means which is either installed as an external unit or installed internally in the adapter. The external unit may be either a unit placed together with the adapter and/or be a unit placed remote from the adapter, communicating with the adapter and the other parts of the system either by wire or by a wireless communication protocol. The communication means may be any kind suitable in the art for sending information either through wire or by a wireless communication protocol such as a modem, a communication card or similar. The communication means may also be installed in the power distribution central.

The information transmitted from the communication means to the washroom equipment may be provided to the communication means by means of for instance communication to the communication means from a central communication unit, a handheld communication unit or by that the communication means is pre-programmed with different routines for the washroom equipment. The word "to" in relation with "communication to" is meant to be non- limiting. It is possible for the washroom equipment to provide communication to other components of the system such as the communication means, power distribution central or other washroom equipment. The washroom equipment may provide relevant information to the communication means and other equipment in the system concerning operating status, information flow, dispenser product levels, dispenser product consumption, malfunctions, software version or other necessary information or statistics. The information may be submitted by the communication means to a central communication unit, a handheld communication unit or to other means. The information may be submitted in order to for instance alert personnel that an action is necessary or to be stored in the central communication unit directly for statistical purposes. The information may contain besides the alert also an identification of which equipment that has transmitted the information. Transmission of information may be initiated by the washroom equipment, the communication means and/or a central communication unit.

The at least one communication means may be arranged to provide communication to the at least one washroom equipment through the first cable.

The at least one communication means may be arranged to provide communication to the at least one washroom equipment through wireless communication.

The at least one adapter may be arranged to provide the low voltage to at least two washroom equipments through the first cable. The first washroom equipment and a second washroom equipment may be connected in series, where the first washroom equipment is connected to the at least one adapter and the second washroom equipment is connected to the first washroom equipment. In this case it is sufficient for the adapter to have only one connection for a flat cable. The first washroom equipment and the second washroom equipment may be connected in parallel, where both the first washroom equipment and the second washroom equipment is connected to the at least one adapter.

The system allows for installation of washroom equipment in parallel where at least two washroom equipments are connected to the same adapter. The possibility of connecting the washroom equipment either in series or in parallel further increases the flexibility of the system and may simplify installation depending on the layout of the washroom. By connecting washroom equipment in parallel means that all washroom equipment is connected directly to the adapter without being connected to another washroom equipment.

A combination of connecting some washroom equipment in series and some in parallel is of course possible. When the washroom equipment are connected in series information from one washroom equipment may be relayed to the adapter via the washroom equipment connected closer to the adapter in the series. A master-slave configuration where one washroom equipment functions as master to several other washroom equipment, i.e. where several washroom equipment are connected in parallel to one wash room equipment, is also possible. Another possibility is to have more than one series connections originating from one adapter.

The flat cable may have a maximum thickness of 1 mm, specifically a maximum thickness of 0.5 mm, more specifically a maximum thickness of 0.2 mm.

By using a flat cable that has a limited thickness it is easier to conceal under paint or under wallpaper. It also removes the need for cable clamps as it is easier to mount the flat cable onto a surface of the washroom by means of adhesive. The first cable may be self-adhering.

By using a cable that is self-adhering it is even easier to install the system according to the invention. The installer simply removes a covering from the flat cable that covers the adhesive and applies the cable where he wants to. Suitable adhesives for mounting cables onto surfaces with different characteristics are known in the art.

The first cable may comprise at least two conducting means, specifically the first cable may comprise at least five conducting means, and more specifically the first cable may comprise at least fifteen conducting means.

Depending on the flat cable and the configuration of the washroom equipment it may be sufficient to have as few as two conducting means for supplying power to the washroom equipment. In case communication is desired the communication may be transmitted through an additional conducting means in the cable or as a superimposed signal carried by the power signal. The use of different kinds of communication means either by cable or as part of a power signal are well known in the art. This is valid also for the communication sent to the adapter from for instance a central communication unit. Here the information may be superimposed on the 230VAC signal. In other cases it may be useful to have more than two conducting means. This means that conducting means not used for providing power may for instance be dedicated to transmit communication to individual washroom equipment. The conducting means may for instance be printed on a suitable substrate and covered by a protective layer in order to form a cable. Alternatively the conducting means may be electrical strips laminated between suitable insulating materials. The conducting means may also be wires, where the wires have a diameter closely corresponding to the thickness of the cable. The wires are placed next to each other and enclosed in order to form a suitable cable where the enclosure and the wires make out the total thickness of the cable.

In one example of an installation it may be possible to install the flat cable as a distribution cable partly or completely encompassing the washroom. From said distribution cable additional flat cables leading to individual washroom equipments may be installed. The additional flat cables may be electrically connected to only a subset of the conducting means of the loop flat cable, where each subset provides power and/or communication to each washroom equipment. In case only power is needed only two conducting means may be needed. This type of installation may be combined with one or more of the installations mentioned above, i.e. connection in serial, connection in parallel and/or a master-slave configuration. Other kinds of combination of connections using one or more adapters using the same or different connections for each adapter lie well within the scope of the invention.

The present invention also relates to washroom equipment, such as an paper dispenser, soap dispenser, hand drier or compacting waste bin, the washroom equipment being electrically connected to receive power and/or communication by means of a first cable, wherein the first cable is a flat cable and wherein the washroom equipment comprises a first connection means for electrically connecting a flat cable.

The washroom equipment may comprise a second connection means for electrically connecting a second cable, the second cable being a flat cable.

This allows for that the washroom equipment may for instance be part of a series of electrically connected washroom equipment or to serve as a master for several slave washroom equipment. The connections means in the washroom equipment and the adapter may for instance be adapted to receive connectors such as HDMI, DVI, VGA connector or a registered jack type connector. The present invention further relates to a method for installation of a washroom equipment system, the system comprising at least one washroom equipment such as a paper dispenser, soap dispenser, hand drier or compacting waste bin; the at least one washroom equipment being electrically connected to receive power and/or communication; the system further comprising at least one adapter connected to a high voltage source, the at least one adapter being configured to transform the high voltage from the high voltage source to a low voltage, the at least one adapter being configured to provide the low voltage to the at least one washroom equipment by means of a first cable, wherein the first cable is a flat cable, the method comprising:

- mounting the flat cable on a surface of the washroom using adhesives,

- connecting the at least one adapter to the a least one washroom equipment by means of said flat cable.

The method may comprise:

- connecting a first end of the flat cable to the at least one adapter,

- connecting a second end of the flat cable to at least one washroom equipment.

The method may comprise:

- mounting the first cable on a surface of the washroom, the first cable being self-adhering. The method may comprise:

- mounting the first cable on a surface of the washroom as a distribution cable partially or completely encompassing the washroom,

- connecting the at least one adapter to the a least one washroom equipment by means of a second cable, the second cable being a flat cable and electrically connected to the first cable.

The steps in the above method can be performed in any order or simultaneously.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a system for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment according to the invention; Figure 2 schematically illustrates a system for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment according to the invention;

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a system for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment according to the invention;

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a system for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment according to the invention. Figure 5 schematically illustrates a system for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment according to the invention.

Detailed Description of Drawings

In the figures, like features have like reference numbers.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a system 1 for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment according to the invention. The system 1 comprises an adapter 2 and a washroom equipment 3. In the figures the washroom equipment is represented by a generic dispenser which is to be seen as non-limiting for the invention. The adapter is arranged to be connectable via a power cord 4. The power cord 4 comprises a power plug 5 which may be adapted to national standards depending on geographic location. The power plug 5 is arranged to fit a power socket 6. The configuration of the power socket 6 is arranged to match the configuration of the power plug 5. This allows for easy access to preinstalled sockets that may be placed during construction of the washroom or surrounding areas. Having the adapter 2 arranged to be connectable via a power cord 4 allows for easy replacement of the adapter 2 in case of for instance malfunction of the adapter 2 or upgrade of the functionality of the adapter 2. As mentioned previously the adapter 2 may alternatively be connected to a fixed installation point such as a junction box. In figure 1 the adapter comprises an antenna as a distinguishing feature. This feature is not to be seen as limiting for the invention. Communication means comprising or not comprising an antenna, may be externally or internally connected to the adapter. It is also possible to have separate communication means such as a modem connected to the adapter or other equipment in the system. The power socket 6 is in turn electrically connected to a main power supply. In figure 1 this is illustrated by a distribution central 7. The power distribution central 7 is arranged to provide power to the adapter 2 and the washroom equipment 3 and may be arranged to provide communication to and from the adapter 2. The first wave 8 located between the power distribution central and the adapter 2 is intended to illustrate that the power distribution central 7 may communicate with the adapter 2 either with information interposed with the power transmitted to the power socket 6 or with information transmitted wirelessly. A second wave 10 indicates that the adapter 2 may communicate with the washroom equipment 3 directly without information being received from the power distribution central 7 first.

The adapter 2 is further arranged to have at least one connection for a first cable 11 intended to supply power and/or provide communication to a washroom equipment 3. The first cable 1 1 is a flat cable as previously described. The connection in the adapter 2 for the first cable may be adapted for a connector as described above or any other connector known in the art suitable for connecting a flat cable. The adapter 2 and the washroom equipment 3 are electrically connected via the flat cable 11. In figure 1 the flat cable 11 is shown to have two conducting means 12. It may be as mentioned earlier possible for the flat cable 1 1 to have more than two conducting means 12.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a system 1 for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment according to the invention. Figure 2 illustrates a system 1 according to the invention where a first washroom equipment 3 and a second washroom equipment 13 are connected in series. The adapter 2 is electrically connected to the first washroom equipment 3 via a first cable 11. The first washroom equipment 3 is electrically connected to the second washroom equipment 13 via a second cable 14. The second cable is a flat cable as previously described. The first washroom equipment 3 comprises a first connection for electrically connecting the first cable 1 1 to the adapter 2. The first washroom equipment 3 further comprises a second connection for electrically connecting a second cable 14 to the second washroom equipment 13. The connections may be any kind known in the art suitable for connecting a flat cable. In figure 2 the adapter 2 is shown with an antenna to illustrate that the adapter comprises internal communication means capable of communicating either wirelessly or via cable.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a system 1 for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment according to the invention. Figure 3 illustrates a system 1 according to the invention where the first washroom equipment 3 and the second washroom equipment 13 are connected in parallel. The first adapter 2 is electrically connected to the first washroom equipment 3 via a first cable 11 and to the second washroom equipment 3 via a second cable 14. The adapter 2 is thus arranged to be able to communicate with each of the washroom equipment 3, 13 separately or with both at the same time. In figure 3 the adapter 2 is shown connected to an external communication means to illustrate that the adapter may be connected to a separate communication means 2b capable of communicating either wirelessly or via cable. The separate communication means 2b may communicate either via the adapter or may be connected to communicate with the washroom equipment directly via cable (not shown).

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a system 1 for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment according to the invention. In figure 4 the first cable 1 1 being connected to the adapter 2 is arranged to extend from the adapter 2 without being directly attached to a washroom equipment 3, 13. Instead connections to the first washroom equipment 3 and the second washroom equipment 13 is realised by attaching a second cable 14 between the first washroom equipment 3 and the first cable 11 and a third cable 15 between the second washroom equipment 13 and the first cable 11. The third cable 15 is a flat cable as previously described. The attachment of the second cable 14 and the third cable 15 to the first cable 1 1 may be realized by a suitable adapter that allows for connection between two cables, where the cables are flat cables. This means that each washroom equipment 3, 13 has dedicated conducting means which provide power and if necessary communication. Communication to and from the washroom equipment 3, 13 may also be realized by means of a dedicated communications cable either separate from the first cable 1 1 or as part of the first cable.

In figure 4 the first cable 1 1 is illustrated as having 4 conducting means 12, where two conducting means connect to the first washroom equipment 3 and two conducting means, different from the two connected to the first washroom equipment 3, connect to the second washroom equipment 13. Alternatively it may be possible to have only two conducting means that are capable of connecting to both the first washroom equipment 3 and the second washroom equipment 13. The first washroom equipment 3 and the second washroom equipment 13 do in this case need to be able to be provided with communication addresses such that communication from the first adapter 2 only reaches the intended washroom equipment.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates an extended system similar to the one shown in figure 2. In figure 5 the system comprises ten washroom equipment 3, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23 connected in series. The system in figure 5 illustrates one of many possible systems. Each of the washroom equipments 3, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23 comprises a first contact 24 and a second contact 25 for receiving a flat cable. The first connection means 24 may be adapted to receive power either by means of an ordinary cable or flat cable. The second connection means 25 is adapted to receive a flat cable connected to any of the above described connection types.

Installation of the system is done by connecting the adapter 2 to a power source via power socket 6 similar as described above. The adapter 2 thus provides the first washroom equipment 3 with power through first cable 1 1 via the first connection means 24. Through the second connection means 25 the first washroom equipment 3 connects to the first contact means 24 of the second washroom equipment 13 via a second cable 14. The cable 14 is cut to a suitable length and attached to a suitable before attaching the cable to a suitable connector. The cable 14 is then connected to the second washroom equipment 13. The remaining washroom equipment 16, 17 , 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23 are connected to each other in a similar fashion through cables 15, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33. In figure 5 communication means 2b is located between the washroom equipments 18 and 19. The communication means 2b can be placed anywhere in the series connection and may, as described above, also be placed inside the adapter 2. The communication means 2b communicates with the washroom equipment 3, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23 using either one or more free conducting means in the cables 3, 14, 15, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33 or wirelessly. The communication means 2b may also submit washroom equipment status to a power distribution central or another centre where status regarding the washroom equipment may be gathered. The status may relate to if a washroom equipment needs to be refilled/emptied, what type of refill is placed in each washroom equipment, if a washroom equipment is faulty etc.

It may be possible to feed the first washroom equipment 3 with an ordinary cable, i.e. in this case the first cable 11 is an ordinary cable. The remaining cables 14, 15, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33 connecting the separate washroom equipment s, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23 are thus flat cables.

The different connections described in conjunction to figures 2-4 may of course be extended to cover the system in figure 5 or a system with any number of washroom equipments and adapters. The different connections (serial, parallel, master/slave, distribution cable partially or completely encompassing a room) may as have been described earlier also be combined in any way preferable. Reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be seen as limiting the extent of the matter protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make claims easier to understand. As will be realised, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects, all without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description thereto are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive.

Claims

1. System (1) for supplying power and/or providing communication to washroom equipment (3, 13), the system (1) comprising at least one washroom equipment (3, 13), such as a paper dispenser, soap dispenser, hand drier or compacting waste bin; the at least one washroom equipment (3, 13) being electrically connected to receive power and/or communication; the system (1) further comprising at least one adapter (2) connected to a high voltage source, the first adapter (2) being configured to transform the high voltage from the high voltage source to a low voltage, the first adapter (2) being configured to provide the low voltage to the at least one washroom equipment (3, 13) by means of a first cable (11), characterized in that the first cable (11) is a flat cable, wherein the first cable (11) is adhesively mountable to a surface of the washroom.

2. System (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the first adapter (2) is configured to transform the high voltage from the high voltage power source to a low voltage, the low voltage having a maximum value of 180 VDC or 75 V VAC_rms, specifically the low voltage having a maximum value of 120 VDC or 50 VAC_rms, more specifically the low voltage having a maximum value of 60 VDC or 25 VAC_rms.

3. System (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first adapter (2) is configured to supply a current to the at least one electric washroom equipment (3, 13) by means of said first cable

(1 1), where the first adapter (2) is configured to supply a maximum current of 5000 mA, specifically the first adapter (2) is configured to supply a maximum current of 4750 mA, more specifically the first adapter (2) is configured to supply a maximum current of 4500 mA,.

4. System (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first adapter (2) is connected to a high voltage source and a communication means.

5. System (1) according to claim 4, wherein the communication means is arranged to provide communication to at least the first washroom equipment (3, 13) through the first cable (1 1).

6. System (1) according to any one of claims 4, wherein the communication means is arranged to provide communication to the at least first washroom equipment (3, 13) through wireless communication.

7. System (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first adapter (2) is arranged to provide the low voltage to at least two washroom equipments (3, 13) through the first cable (1 1).

8. System (1) according to claims 7, wherein the first washroom equipment (3) and the second washroom equipment (13) are connected in series, where the first washroom equipment (3) is connected to the first adapter (2) and the second washroom equipment (13) is connected to the first washroom equipment (3).

9. System (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first washroom equipment (3) and the second washroom equipment (13) are connected in parallel, where both the first washroom equipment (3) and the second washroom equipment (13) is connected to the first adapter (2).

10. System (1) according to any one of the claims 1-9, wherein the flat cable is has a maximum thickness of 1 mm, specifically a maximum thickness of 0.5 mm, more specifically a maximum thickness of 0.2 mm.

1 1. System (1) according to any one of the claims 1-10, wherein the first cable (11) is self- adhering.

12. System (1) according to any one of the claims 1-1 1 , wherein the first cable (11) comprises at least two conducting means, specifically the first cable (11) comprises at least five conducting means.

13. System (1) according to claims 1-11 , wherein the first cable (1 1) comprises at least fifteen conducting means.

14. Washroom equipment (3, 13), such as an paper dispenser, soap dispenser, hand drier or compacting waste bin, the washroom equipment (3, 13) being electrically connected to receive power and/or communication by means of a first cable (1 1), characterized in that the first cable (11) is a flat cable and in that the washroom equipment (3, 13) comprises a first connection (24) means for electrically connecting a flat cable.

15. Washroom equipment (3, 13) according to claim 14, wherein the washroom equipment (3, 13) comprises a second connection means (25) for electrically connecting a second cable (14), the second cable (14) being a flat cable.

16. Method for installation of a washroom equipment (3, 13) system (1), the system (1) comprising at least one washroom equipment (3, 13) such as a paper dispenser, soap dispenser, hand drier or compacting waste bin; the at least one washroom equipment (3, 13) being electrically connected to receive power and/or communication; the system (1) further comprising at least one adapter (2) connected to a high voltage source, the at least one adapter (2) being configured to transform the high voltage from the high voltage source to a low voltage, the at least one adapter (2) being configured to provide the low voltage to the at least one washroom equipment (3, 13) by means of a first cable (11), characterized in that the first cable (11) is a flat cable, the method comprising:

- mounting the first cable (11) on a surface of the washroom using adhesives,

- connecting the at least one adapter (2) to the at least one washroom equipment (3) by means of said first cable (1 1).

17. Method for installation of a washroom equipment (3, 13) system (1) according to claim 16, wherein the method comprises:

- mounting the first cable (1 1) on a surface of the washroom, the first (1 1) cable being self- adhering.

18. Method for installation of a washroom equipment (3, 13) system (1) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the method comprises:

- connecting a first end of the first cable (11) to the at least one adapter (2),

- connecting a second end of the first cable (11) to the at least one washroom equipment (3).

19. The method for installation of a washroom equipment (3, 13) system (1) according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the method comprises:

- mounting the first cable (1 1) on a surface of the washroom as a distribution cable partially or completely encompassing the washroom,

- connecting the first adapter (2) to the first washroom equipment (3) by means of a second cable (14), the second cable (14) being a flat cable, wherein the second cable (14) being electrically connected to the first cable (1 1).