WO2015189572A1

WO2015189572A1 - Smart cut-out fuse carrier

Info

Publication number: WO2015189572A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/051628
Authority: WO
Inventors: Phil Brown; Owen Williams; Joe-Simon WOOD
Original assignee: Sicame Uk Limited
Priority date: 2014-06-10
Filing date: 2015-06-04
Publication date: 2015-12-17
Also published as: GB201410318D0; GB2527074A

Abstract

A fuse carrier for installation on a House Service Cut Out. The fuse carrier is capable of monitoring the temperature in the House Service Cut Out or surrounding area. The fuse carrier comprises: a housing; a fuse cradle for supporting a fuse; and a temperature sensor. A receiving unit may receive data regarding the monitored temperature from the fuse carrier and communicate this to a user. A receiving unit may be for cooperation with a fuse carrier as described herein or a House Service Cut-Out as described herein, the receiving unit comprising: a receiver; and a status indicator for indicating at least one temperature state based on data received by the receiving device. Further, there may be a method of reducing the risk of fires in electrical intake areas, the method comprising: monitoring a temperature in the electrical intake area; and indicating the monitored temperature or a temperature status to a user.

Description

SMART CUT-OUT FUSE CARRIER

The present disclosure generally relates to enabling the management of current demand at the electrical intake. In particular, embodiments of the present invention may prevent unsafe current overload at the electrical intake through the provision of a warning system, activated when electrical demand by the consumer reaches levels which may place the installation at risk. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods and devices for monitoring the temperature within a House Service Cut-Out (HSCO), or the electrical intake more generally, and relaying this information to the homeowner, occupier or a third party.

Furthermore, methods and devices disclosed herein provide the means to prompt the homeowner, occupier or a third party to act in response to notification of HSCO, or electrical intake area temperatures. In particular, embodiments disclosed herein may provide a method of controlling electrical demand through homeowner involvement. The present disclosure may allow homeowners to become more actively involved in, and take on more responsibility for, the management of their electrical demand - in particular to avoid the overloading of circuits. As such, presenting homeowners with information provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure allows homeowners and users to more actively manage their electrical demand.

House Service Cut-Outs operate as a first line of defence between houses and the electricity distribution network. House Service Cut-Outs are designed so that should the amperage exceed a predetermined value (e.g. 60A, 80A, 100A), a fuse in the HSCO blows, and the HSCO cuts out, breaking the circuit between the grid and the building.

A report from July 2010 by the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service suggested that a significant number of reported house fires may be caused by localised heating of the electrical intake area of properties. It is believed that a major, if not the main, contributing factor to this may be excessive heat being generated within HSCOs, which can lead to fires in the surrounding area. The fuse inside a HSCO is generally the hottest part of the electrical intake system. There is a possible risk that heat generated by the fuse can lead to neighbouring components or cabling catching fire. Specifically, some believe that fires can be caused by the combination of fuses which do not blow at the specified currents and electrical cabling which is unsuitable for running at the temperatures reached. Fuses will often not blow until they have exceeded their fusing factor, which is typically set at 1.5 times their rated amperages or as stated by the manufacturer's data sheets. So generally speaking, a 100A fuse will blow at 150A. As many service cables are unable to reliably operate at the temperatures reached with a current flow of 150A, fires become a potential risk.

Many HSCOs and accompanying components installed within properties are over twenty years old. Many are over 30, 40 or even 50 years old. As such, the increased demand in electrical current of recent years can exceed the design rating of some of the older infrastructure (cables, HSCOs, connectors and consumer units) previously put in place. High currents being drawn, leading to service cables - or other electrical intake area components - catching fire may become a more prominent risk as our demand for electrical energy increases, further outpacing the energy providers' and district network operators' (DNOs') ability to upgrade relevant components.

One major challenge facing the energy providers and DNOs is that there is limited recorded information of which electrical intake area components and models are installed in which properties. As such, identifying and replacing old models becomes a prohibitively expensive task.

It thus becomes desirable to be able to reduce or monitor the risk of fires initiating within the currently-installed electrical intake systems, in particular to allow homeowners to self-regulate their energy demand to manage this potential risk. While current-monitoring or control is possible, it is intrusive, complex and thus expensive to implement; it also fails to take account of external factors which can influence electrical intake area safety. For example, environmental factors such as the location of the electrical intake area can have a large impact on the HSCO temperature. An external electrical intake located in the sun will run significantly hotter than one located in an air- conditioned house in the shade, when run at the same current. Additionally, the presence of over or under tightened fixing-screws will result in increased resistance and localised heating. Both of these factors may not be reliably monitored by a current monitor. The inventors of the present disclosure have realised that it is desirable and advantageous to monitor the characteristic directly linked to potential ignition, should there be a risk, rather than just one of the many influencing factors; that is, the inventors of the present disclosure have realised that it is beneficial to directly measure the temperature of the fuse carrier, HSCO or electrical intake area and relay these readings.

It is often impractical, although not outside the scope of the present disclosure, to provide a monitoring system which alerts emergency services or DNOs to potentially dangerous temperature levels, as this would result in an unmanageable number of alerts which may not escalate to a fire. On the other hand, it is too late to notify the DNOs once a fire has occurred as they are not in a position to deal with it and the damage has already been done. As such, it is often more desirable to relay the information to the homeowner or resident so they can control their electrical demand and/or notify the correct services in response to a warning in real-time. It is thus one objective of the present invention to provide a system which will allow a user or homeowner to react in response to information provided by the present invention. The homeowner or user is often best placed to manage the overloading of circuits by reducing their electrical demand. As such, it is envisaged that embodiments described herein may provide a homeowner or user with real-time feedback allowing - and encouraging them - to more effectively manage their electrical demand.

Some embodiments of the present invention can, therefore, act as a "soft-diagnostic" tool, ensuring homeowners are more aware of their electrical demand and the effect of running an unnecessarily large number of electrical components at once.

Further, it is desirable to provide a solution that requires as little time and causes as little disruption as possible when retrofitted onto existing HSCOs, thus minimising installation costs.

By monitoring the temperature in, or in the vicinity of, the HSCO, what is often considered the primary factor in (i.e. that which directly causes the majority of) electrical intake area fires, is being monitored. As such, environmental factors, such as those discussed above, are automatically taken into account in the readings provided. These readings are communicated to the homeowner, providing instantaneous information regarding the status of the measured temperature and allowing them to avoid potentially dangerous temperatures being reached by tailoring their electrical demand. Some embodiments according to the present invention may provide a risk assessment tool.

The present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a current, commonly-installed, HSCO;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a fuse carrier suitable for use in the HSCO of figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a side view of one of the components of the fuse carrier of figure 2;

Figure 4 is a side view of another of the components of the fuse carrier of figure 2;

Figure 5a is an end view of the fuse carrier of figure 2; Figure 5b is a cross sectional view of figure 5a;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a HSCO according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the HSCO of figure 6, with part of the housing removed;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the HSCO of figure 7, with the protection chamber and a further part of the housing removed;

Figure 9 is a section view of a smart fuse carrier;

Figure 10 is a plan view of a circuit board according to some aspects of the present invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the smart fuse carrier of figure 6;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of part of the fuse carrier of figure 6, with one part of the housing removed;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a part of the housing of figure 6;

Figure 14 is a further perspective view of part of the housing of figure 6; Figure 15 is a side view of part of the housing of figure 6;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the underside of part of the housing of figure 6;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a HSCO according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of a smart fuse carrier suitable for use in the HSCO of figure 17; Figure 19 is a side view of one of the components of the smart fuse carrier of figure 18;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a receiving unit according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 21 is a perspective view of a further receiving unit according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of a further receiving unit according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 23A is a front view of a mobile phone and phone app which may be a receiving unit according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 23B is a further front view of a mobile phone app according to figure 23A; Figure 24 is a perspective view of a further receiving unit according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 25 is a perspective view of a further receiving unit according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 26 is a perspective view of a further receiving unit according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 27 is a functional diagram illustrating the operation of a system according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 28 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a smart fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 29 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a smart fuse carrier with data storage, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 30 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a receiving unit according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 31 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a receiving unit with data storage, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 32A is circuit diagram of a circuit suitable for use with a smart fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 32B is a parts list for the circuit of figure 32A; Figure 33A is a circuit diagram of a circuit suitable for use with a receiving unit according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

Figure 33B is a parts list for the circuit of figure 33A. An embodiment of a fuse carrier according to the present invention may comprise: a housing; a fuse cradle for supporting a fuse; and a temperature sensor.

The fuse carrier of the present invention may be a fuse carrier for installation in a House Service Cut-Out (HSCO) device as described above. Alternatively, embodiments of the present invention are equally applicable for use in other devices comprising fuses and/or which may be prone to overheating caused by high electrical demand. As such, embodiments of the present invention may be installed in domestic fuse boxes, industrial electrical distribution units and domestic plug units. In some applications, the housing and fuse cradle may be integral, i.e. a single component may be both the housing and the fuse cradle.

In other embodiments according to the present invention, such as those compatible with a HSCO, the housing may comprise an outer casing. The housing may be made of an electrical insulator. The housing may act to locate, protect and insulate other components of the fuse carrier, as well as the HSCO. The housing may comprise a number of fixing locations enabling it to be attached to a HSCO, as well as to allow components such as circuit boards, fuse cradles, sensors and other devices to be attached to it.

The housing may be shaped so as to conform to the outer profile, or footprint, of the HSCO to which it attaches. The housing of a fuse carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention may be of substantially the same design, or partially of the same design, as a fuse carrier according to the prior art. The housing may be made of an injection moulded thermoset plastic.

Some embodiments of the present invention may be designed so as to fit into existing HSCO bases. As such, no specialist installation may be required to install a smart fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention.

A fuse cradle may be employed to support a fuse. The design of the fuse cradle is largely dependent on the type of fuse and the HSCO (or other device) in which the fuse is being installed. The present invention is equally applicable to any type of fuse and, as such, any design of fuse cradle. The fuse cradle may be made of a good electrical conductor, for example metal. In general, a fuse cradle comprises a contact and a connection clip. The contact or contacts (as defined in the present disclosure) may form both a mechanical and electrical connection with the fuse. As such, the connection may perform the task of physically supporting, holding and restraining the fuse, as well as providing a robust electrical contact with the fuse, connecting it to the electrical circuit.

The fuse cradle may be both mechanically and electrically connected to the HSCO, plug or electrical device into which the fuse is installed by means of the connection clips (as defined in the present disclosure). Again, a robust mechanical and electrical connection is required; as such, the size and shape of the connection clips may depend upon the device into which the fuse is installed.

A fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention comprises a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may monitor a temperature in a location where there is a risk of overheating due to excessive demand. The temperature sensor may be connected to electronics which may monitor, record, notify and/or act upon the sensed temperature data. The temperature sensor may be located in any position where a reading representative of the temperature of a fuse can be obtained.

A temperature sensor may be located inside, or outside, of the housing of the smart fuse carrier. A temperature sensor may be located on, or adjacent the location where a fuse may be installed. A temperature sensor may be located centrally above a fuse. A temperature sensor may be located on a fuse carrier. A temperature sensor may be located on the inside of the housing, above the location where a fuse may be installed.

There may be more than one temperature sensor associated with some embodiments of the present invention. Some embodiments of the present invention may comprise more than one temperature sensor. Embodiments of the present invention may comprise two, three, four or more than four temperature sensors. Multiple temperature sensors may be used to provide a more reliable, or average, temperature reading. Multiple temperature sensors may be used to acquire a measure of a temperature differential, or gradient, between two points in the smart fuse carrier, HSCO, electrical intake area or building.

A fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention may comprise a transmitter for transmitting data received from the temperature sensor.

The transmitter may send data or information acquired by the temperature sensor and/or other components to a receiving unit, storage device or further component. The receiving unit, storage device or further component may be located a distance from the smart fuse carrier. A suitable transmitter will be apparent to a skilled reader and may depend upon the specific circuit and temperature sensor being used as well as the property in which the smart fuse carrier is installed.

The transmitter may be capable of sending data from the temperature sensor to a receiving unit. The type of transmitter in embodiments according to the present invention may depend upon the type of sensor and circuitry used.

The transmitter may allow the data to be transmitted wirelessly, may transmit the data over existing cables, or may require the installation of cables to transmit the data.

As stated above, a fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention may comprise circuitry for connecting the temperature sensor and the transmitter. The circuitry may be for controlling the temperature sensor and the transmitter. The circuitry may be for controlling additional components, discussed below.

The circuitry may comprise a circuit board. The circuitry may ensure power is provided to the temperature sensor and that data from the sensor is available to the transmitter in order to be sent to a receiving unit. The data may (alternatively or in addition to being transmitted to a receiving unit) be stored in a storage device within the fuse carrier.

The circuitry may comprise a processor. The circuitry may comprise a microprocessor. The circuitry, processor and/or microprocessor may allow the fuse carrier to have programmable logic. A circuit board may be located inside the housing, or may be located adjacent the housing when the fuse carrier is installed. The circuitry may be separate and discrete from the housing, but may still be considered as part of a fuse carrier according to the present invention, provided there is a physical or functional connection thereto.

The circuitry may comprise an ASIC chip. Use of such a chip may require the housing to be suitably remodelled to support and house the ASIC chip while still not extending out from footprint of currently-installed HSCOs.

The specific circuitry and method of implementing the components described herein are not pertinent to the present invention. Rather, a range of different specific implementations may be suitable for use with, and as part of, the present invention; all would be immediately apparent to a skilled reader and all are felt to be within the remit of the present invention.

Any wiring, including wires to and from the fuse cradle, the fuse cradle contacts, the fuse carrier contacts and the temperature sensor, may largely be self-contained. As such, no wiring may protrude from the fuse carrier. The fuse carrier may not require re- wiring to install or remove the fuse carrier. No external components (e.g. the HSCO other electrical intake area components, plugs) require rewiring to install a fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention.

The temperature sensor of some embodiments according to the present invention may be for measuring the temperature in the vicinity of the fuse.

"Vicinity" may describe any location at which a temperature reading may be a reliable measure of the electrical loading. A location may also be deemed to be in the vicinity of the fuse if the temperature at this location provides a reliable and/or representative indication of the temperature of the fuse, that is, the hottest part of the HSCO/consumer unit/plug and thus that most prone to causing ignition.

The present invention is not limited purely to fuse carriers in HSCOs and, as such, the temperature sensor of the present invention is not limited to being located in the vicinity of the 60A, 80A or 100A fuse that may be installed in the electrical intake area of a building. In such cases, the temperature sensor will be located in the vicinity of the domestic plug fuse or other component which is at risk of, or is suspected of, causing a fire. The temperature sensor may be adjacent the fuse. The temperature sensor may be adjacent the position where a fuse may be supported.

The temperature sensor may be located above the centre of the fuse. The temperature sensor may be located above the centre of the position where a fuse may be supported.

The temperature sensor may be located on the inside of the housing.

The temperature sensor may be located on the fuse cradle.

The temperature sensor may be attached to the housing to ensure the sensor does not come into contact with the fuse, thus preventing the risk of a short circuit being formed.

Additionally, attaching the temperature sensor to the housing may allow the sensor to be removed with the housing. This may allow the housing, temperature sensor and any circuitry to be removed from the HSCO without the fuse being disconnected or interfered with. This may simplify maintenance, if required.

The temperature sensor may comprise a thermocouple.

Alternatively, the temperature sensor may comprise a thermistor.

The temperature sensor may comprise a range of components. The temperature sensor may be suitable for being connected to an electric circuit in order to get a reading of the temperature. Suitable components would be well known to a skilled reader.

The transmitter may comprise a modem.

The transmitter may comprise a power-line communication modem. Power-line communication may be used to enable the transmitter, and hence fuse carrier, to connect with a number of devices around the building without requiring significant installation costs to integrate re-wiring, or excessive component costs due to use of wireless network.

The transmitter may comprise a wireless transmitter.

The transmitter may use Bluetooth™.

The circuitry may comprise the transmitter.

The transmitter may be integral with the circuitry and thus may be located on a circuit board. Alternatively, the transmitter may be a distinct unit, connected to, but spatially separate from, the circuitry.

A fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention may comprise a data storage device, or data storage means. Data storage may advantageously allow historical data regarding the temperature fluctuations over time to be recorded and kept for reference. This may allow a user to review the data to see when peak temperatures are reached, in order to allow them to better plan how to manage their electrical demand in the future. Alternatively, historical data may be used retrospectively by energy suppliers, DNOs or emergency services, among others, to review temperature fluctuations in order to determine the cause of a fire or better regulate their service.

Data storage means, or a data storage device, or devices may allow a plot of temperature over time to be recorded for the past hour, day, week, month or year. Historical data may be stored for even more than a year. Alternatively, data may be stored only for certain events, such as rapid changes in the temperature, or date stamps for instances when a threshold temperature is reached or exceeded. As discussed above, a fuse cradle may comprise at least one contact and at least one connection clip.

The fuse cradle's at least one contact may be adapted for mechanically and electrically contacting 60A, 80A and 100A fuses.

The at least one connection clip may be adapted for mechanically and electrically connecting the fuse carrier to a HSCO. The housing may comprise a cover panel for supporting, locating or protecting the circuitry.

The cover panel may be part of the housing. The cover panel may be integral with the housing. Alternatively, the cover panel may appear to be separate, or distinct from the housing. The cover panel may be made of the same material as the housing. The cover panel may comprise a substantially cuboidal or prismatic protrusion, extending from the part of the fuse carrier containing the fuse. The cover panel may house the circuit board and/or the transmitter. The cover panel may house the temperature sensor.

A fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention may comprise a status indicator.

The status indicator may be identical to an indicator present on a receiving unit as discussed below. The fuse carrier may comprise a status indicator as well as, or instead of, the receiving unit. Any discussion relating to the status indicator of the receiving unit applies, mutatis mutandis, to the status indicator discussed here (i.e. one located on, or directly connected to, the fuse carrier). A smart fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention may further comprise: a first fuse carrier contact for contacting a neutral block of a HSCO; and a second fuse carrier contact connected to the fuse cradle.

As such, a fuse carrier may be effectively self-powering, using electrical power from the mains to power any electrical devices. The first fuse carrier contact may provide a neutral, or earth, connection via the neutral block of a HSCO to which it is attached. The second fuse carrier contact may provide a charged contact, via contact with a fuse cradle contact or clip.

Further embodiments according to the present invention may comprise a House Service Cut-Out comprising a fuse carrier as described anywhere above.

A fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention may be compatible with, or according to, a number of different HSCOs and electrical standards respectively. The specific design of fuse carriers according to embodiments of the present invention may not be restricted to those compatible with specific HSCOs or applications.

Further according to some embodiments of the present invention is a receiving unit for cooperation with a fuse carrier as described herein, or a House Service Cut-Out as described herein, the receiving unit comprising: a receiver; and a status indicator for indicating at least one temperature status based on data received by the receiving device.

The receiving unit of some embodiments of the present invention may be complementary to, or for cooperation with, the fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention. The receiving unit may be connected to the smart fuse carrier of some embodiments of the present invention.

The receiving unit may be located remote from the fuse carrier. As such, a receiving unit - or multiple receiving units - may be located in an accessible, communal, or more visible location. The receiving unit may be placed in a location where a homeowner, or user, will readily be able to view it in order to determine the temperature and/or state of the smart fuse carrier reading, and may hear it should an alarm or buzzer be sounded.

Alternatively, a receiving unit, as described herein, may be located in the vicinity of, or connected to, or integral with, a fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention. As such, a receiving unit may be construed as being the components described herein, connected to the fuse carrier and located on the housing, or in the housing, of the fuse carrier. Depending on the specific embodiment of the receiving unit (discussed below), the receiving unit may be located in the living room, dining room, kitchen or bed room. The receiving unit may be plugged into a power socket, a USB socket or may simply be freestanding. The receiving unit may act to provide intermittent, emergency, or constant feedback to the user regarding the temperature of the fuse carrier, HSCO, plug, socket or other device to be monitored. Such feedback may enable a user to actively monitor, and manage, their electrical demand. This may advantageously allow a user to avoid overheating components in or around the fuse carrier, plug/socket, HSCO, or electrical intake area. This may allow a user to prevent, or reduce incidences of dangerously high temperatures being reached in the vicinity of the monitored components.

It is envisaged that the receiver may be integrated into other electrical devices, or may be available as an application suitable to be installed on consumer products, which then leads to the product being configured to act as a receiver.

It is also foreseen that the receiver may be adapted for integrating into a smart electricity meter. The smart carrier, therefore, may be configured to complement and operate with a smart meter.

The receiver may allow a user to use embodiments of the present invention as a "soft diagnostic" tool. Embodiments of the present invention may act to help a user modify their electrical demand behaviour to minimise the unnecessary use of electricity. This may be done by continual or intermittent temperature feedback being relayed to the user, allowing the user to modify their demand and monitor the associated temperature drop. This may result in less electricity being used and embodiments of the present invention may, therefore, be seen as an environmentally-friendly technology.

In addition to allowing a user to adapt their behaviour with regards to energy demand, the present invention may also allow users to provide more up-to-date and relevant feedback and status updates to the utility supplier. With embodiments of the present invention, extended periods of high temperatures can be safely monitored by the user and reported to the DNO, energy supplier, emergency services or authorised engineers. Users may become a more integral and useful part of the energy supply maintenance cycle. Engineers may be called out to prevent dangerous situations from developing through the monitoring provided by embodiments of the present invention and the vigilance of the user. Conversely, using the information provided by some embodiments of the present invention, suppliers and support companies may be able to assess whether an engineer is actually required before sending one to the property, reducing the number of unnecessary call outs.

The receiver, as used herein, relates to the specific component, within the receiving unit, which is responsible for receiving the data, initially recorded by a temperature sensor. The receiver may receive data or information acquired by the temperature sensor and/or other components from the transmitter of a fuse carrier or HSCO according to some embodiments of the present invention. A suitable receiver will be apparent to a skilled reader and the specific embodiment may depend upon the receiving unit circuitry and/or temperature sensor being used. Additionally, the receiver may need to be compatible with the transmitter of a smart fuse carrier or a HSCO according to some embodiments of the present invention.

The receiver may allow the data to be received wirelessly, or may receive the data over existing cables, or may require the installation of extra cables to transmit/receive the data.

The receiving unit, as described above, may be directly connected to the fuse carrier and located in, on, or adjacent the housing. As such, the receiver may comprise a series of cables to receive the data from the fuse carrier. The receiving unit may comprise a decoder, if required.

The receiving unit may comprise a modem. The receiver may comprise a modem.

The receiving unit may comprise a power-line communication modem. The receiver may comprise a power-line communication modem The receiving unit may comprise a wireless receiver. The receiver may comprise a wireless receiver.

The receiving unit may use Bluetooth™. The receiver may use Bluetooth™.

A status indicator is for indicating at least one temperature status, based on data received by the receiving device. A status indicator is for communicating information regarding the monitored temperature to a user. A status indicator may indicate the monitored temperature. A status indicator may display historical data for the temperature sensor. The status indicator may be the primary way in which information relating to the temperature of, or around, the fuse carrier is conveyed to the user.

Some embodiments of the present invention do not interfere with the electrical supply itself. Instead, embodiments of the present invention may inform the user as to the state of the electrical intake area. This may help educate the user about their electrical power use. As such, malfunctions or misuse of some embodiments of the present device will not affect the supply of electrical power to the building.

Embodiments of the present invention may allow the fuse carrier, HSCO and/or electrical intake area's performance to be monitored and the output to change dynamically and continuously.

The status indicator may comprise a visual indicator. The status indicator may comprise an aural indicator. The status indicator may provide a physical/tactile indicator.

The status indicator may be suitable for indicating four different temperature states.

A temperature state may be defined as the fuse carrier, HSCO or other monitored component operating within a predefined range.

A receiver may allow a user to adjust the definitions or limits of a temperature state. A user may be able to set the upper and lower temperature limit (thresholds) for each temperature state. Allowing the temperature states to be defined user-end means that the system is much more customisable, and performance is increased. This is because electrical intake areas are located in a variety of climates and with a variety of different cables and installation set-ups. As such, a range of different materials - each providing a different fire hazard at a different temperature - will be present. Some embodiments of the present invention may, therefore, be able to be personalised to ensure that a "stable/ok" status always actually indicates a stable situation, and that inaccurate/misleading states are not displayed to a user due to a requirement for "one size to fit all".

It is anticipated that only authorised personnel are able to adjust the settings of the smart fuse carrier and receiver. In particular, only authorised personnel may be able to set the temperature levels which represent "thresholds" between states, as well as any delay which may be present between the temperature crossing a certain threshold and a notification being sent, a signal being indicated or an alarm being sounded. Delays - requiring a certain threshold temperature to have been exceeded for a certain amount of time before a certain state is set or indicated - may be present to ensure temporary temperature spikes or increases do not trigger or cause undue alarm or concern. The parameters which trigger certain events/behaviour or states being indicated may be set, adjusted and reset.

The parameters which trigger certain events/behaviour or states being set or indicated may be adjustable. The adjustability of these states may be realised through the use of computer-implemented systems (i.e. a digitally implemented system), and so these settings may be adjusted through a user interface modifying certain variables, or entirely replacing the chip or circuit board. Alternatively, the parameters and/or thresholds may be adjustable through the use of a set of switches or a series of adjustable potentiometers, in which case the settings may be adjusted through the activation of switches or physical adjustment with a screwdriver.

Use of a "state-setting" feature may require a password, key fob, access code or other security measure to be input before the thresholds can be modified. Alternatively, authorised personnel may be need to physically open the receiver and/or access panel to access the components responsible for setting the thresholds or parameters by means of a physical lock which requires a key or specialised screwdriver.

Implementation of the above features may allow a single device to be suitable for and tailored to the needs of a vast range of different applications/buildings.

The status indicator may comprise four different output states, or temperature states. The status indicator may, alternatively, comprise one, two, three, five, six or more than six different output states, or temperature states. A user may be able to set how many temperature states there are.

The status indicator may comprise a means or device for indicating four different temperature states.

The status indicator may be suitable for indicating a monitored temperature.

The status indicator may, alternatively, be suitable for indicating one temperature status, or two, three, five, six, or more than six, different statuses. As such, the status indicator may comprise a means or device for indicating one, two, three, five, six, or more than six, statuses.

The status indicator may be able to indicate one temperature state; this state may indicate that the monitored temperature is too high, and that this poses a risk. This may be referred to as a "danger" state. This state may be defined as being active when the monitored temperature exceeds a certain value. As such, once the receiving unit receives data indicating that the measured temperature has exceeded this value, the "danger" state may be activated, and the status indicator will indicate this to a user.

At least one of the temperature statuses may be a "danger" status. At least one of the statuses may be an "ok", "stable" or "safe" status. Alternatively, two states may be defined, one state indicating that the temperature is within an acceptable range and the other indicating that the temperature has exceeded a certain (pre-set) threshold. The status indicator may then comprise two different states and thus be capable of indicating the two different states to the user.

Alternatively, three different states may be defined respectively as an "ok stable safe" temperature range, a "caution" range - for when the temperature does not pose a risk but is undesirably high - and a "danger" range as described above.

Some embodiments according to the present invention may comprise a status indicator that can indicate four states. The first state may simply indicate to user that the device has been activated, but no signal with temperature data is being received. The second state may indicate that a signal is being received and the temperature is within an "ok", "stable" or "safe" range - where virtually no risk is posed. The third state may indicate that a signal is being received and the temperature is within a "caution" range - where the temperature is undesirably high but may not pose an imminent threat. The fourth state may indicate that a signal is being received and the temperature is within the "danger" range - where an imminent risk is posed due to the excessive temperature.

Alternatively, instead of having predefined states, the status indicator may simple output raw data. For example, the status indicator may output the measured temperature reading, or a percentage representing the current temperature as a percentage of the pre-set "danger" temperature. This data may be represented as a figure, or as a graph plot.

The states/data indicated by the status indicator can be updated at a rate set by the user or alternatively, the manufacturer, the frequency of readings/outputs may be limited by the hardware or software used.

The described arrangement may allow a user, the manufacturer, supplier or an engineer initially setting up and installing the system to set the threshold temperatures - and thus control at which temperatures different states are indicated. This may allow more flexibility, as different mains cables, HSCOs, fixings and electrical intake area housings will be made of different materials with different ignition temperatures. The above-described arrangement allows the thresholds to be set in accordance with the specific setup into which it is installed, providing a more accurate and relevant monitoring system.

The status indicator may be suitable for indicating at least one status visually.

The status indicator may comprise a screen.

The status indicator may comprise a light emitting diode. The status indicator may comprise a light emitting diode for each state.

The status indicator may comprise text providing status information.

In some embodiments according to the present invention, each state may comprise an LED with an associated title, word or description relating to that state. For example, with four states, the status indicator may comprise a first, blue, LED to indicate that the receiving unit is active and turned on, but is not receiving a signal, this LED may be accompanied by text such as "no signal"; the status indicator may further comprise a second, green, LED to indicate that the receiving unit is active and turned on and that a signal is being received indicating that the monitored temperature is in an "ok", "stable" or "safe" range, this LED may be accompanied by text such as "safe"; the status indicator may comprise a third, yellow or orange, LED to indicate that the receiving unit is active and turned on and that a signal is being received indicating that the monitored temperature is in a "caution" range, this LED may be accompanied by text such as "caution"; the status indicator may comprise a fourth, red, LED to indicate that the receiving unit is active and turned on and that a signal is being received indicating that the monitored temperature is in a "danger" range, this LED may be accompanied by text such as "danger".

The activation of the final state (or any other state) may also be accompanied by a buzzer or speaker which operates when the "danger" state is activated - the buzzer or speaker may be active either continually, intermittently, or only when the state is first activated for a set amount of time. The status indicator may be suitable for indicating at least one status aurally. The status indicator may comprise a buzzer.

The status indicator may comprise a speaker.

The status indicator may - in addition to providing a visual indication as to the state of the monitored temperature - provide an aural indication. This aural indication may play continuously while a specific state is active, or may play intermittently, or only activate for a set amount of time when the state is first activated.

The aural indication may comprise a constant sound, such as a buzz, an alarm sound, a tune, or a pre-recorded message which may provide information on the activated state and any potential danger.

The status indicator may be linked to a telephone line, or an automated messaging system. As such, the activation of a certain state (e.g. a "danger" state) may trigger a telephone call, or the sending of an email or SMS to the user, notifying them of the state of the monitored temperature. Alternatively, a telephone call, SMS or email may automatically be sent to the DNO, emergency services or supplier, notifying them of the state of the monitored temperature.

The receiving unit, as discussed above, may be located in any of a number of locations. It may be preferable for the receiving unit to be located in an often-populated location of the house. In order to increase flexibility and convenience, the receiving unit may be according to any one of a number of designs, and pay comprise any one (or more) of a number of connections. The receiving unit may comprise a USB connector.

The receiving unit may comprise a USB connector, allowing it to be plugged into a laptop, or a Smart TV or DVD/BlueRay™ device. This will help ensure the receiving unit is always in an accessible place, where it can easily attract the attention of the user and will not easily be ignored/not noticed. The USB connector may provide power to the receiving unit. Data may also be transferred via the USB connection. The receiving unit may comprise a male mains power plug.

The receiving unit may be powered by the mains.

The receiving unit comprising a mains power plug, and being powered thereby, will provide flexibility with regard to where the receiving unit can be located within the building, as mains power sockets are generally located in a large number of locations within a residential or commercial building.

The receiving unit may comprise a female mains power socket.

The receiving unit may comprise a power pass through plug.

The receiving unit may comprise, or be in the form of, a power pass through plug, and thus comprise both a male mains-power plug, and a female mains-power socket, allowing a user to plug a mains power-using device into the receiving unit as they would a normal socket.

The receiving unit may be integrated into a domestic light switch. The receiving unit may be integrated into a domestic mains power socket.

This further increases the flexibility regarding the location of the receiving unit in the house, as the receiving unit would not take up a mains power socket which may be required for some other device.

The receiving unit may be battery powered.

If the receiving unit is battery powered, it may be located anywhere in the building. This will mean that a receiving unit may always be located somewhere where the user will notice it, and will reduce the risk of a user not being aware of a "warning" or "danger" state of the monitored temperature.

A receiving unit may comprise a data storage device, or data storage means.

The data storage means or device may comprise solid state storage. The receiving unit may comprise a solid state storage device.

Data storage may allow historical data to be stored and, optionally, reviewed, at a later date. The data storage may store historical data for temperatures over time. The data storage may be removable from the receiving unit, and so may be connected to a computer and/or phone to be viewed. Alternatively, the data storage may be browsed through an interface on the receiving unit itself. Historical data may be used by DNOs, emergency services, engineers or users to analyse performance over time and to either assess the cause of a fire, and/or help prevent future fires.

The receiving unit may comprise a mobile phone.

In one embodiment, the receiving unit may be implemented by means of a computer implemented communications unit, such as a mobile telephone, tablet or personal computer (e.g. a laptop). In a particular embodiment, a mobile telephone stores an application ("app") which, when executed, causes the mobile telephone to become configured as a receiving unit as previously recited. The app may cause the mobile telephone to employ built-in communications facilities to effect receipt of data signals thereto, from the previously recited fuse carrier.

Features recited in relation to an app for a mobile telephone apply, mutatis mutandis to an app for a tablet, or a program for a computer or equivalent devices.

The app may cause the mobile telephone to employ a screen and/or speaker thereof to implement the hitherto recited status indicator. The mobile telephone may be operable, in accordance with the configuration by the app, to vibrate when the monitored temperature enters a certain state.

Any of the mobile phone's standard notification means or devices may be employed to notify a user to a change of state of the monitored temperature.

A receiving unit in the form of a mobile phone application may use the mobile phone's storage device or devices as a data storage means or device for the receiving unit. A mobile phone application may monitor, track, record and analyse the monitored temperature in order to provide the user with a variety of different reporting methods, as well as providing summary information or more in depth analysis tools such as historical graphs, predictions or peak temperature information. A mobile phone application may automatically transmit monitored temperature information to a DNO, engineer or the emergency services.

According to some embodiments of the present invention is an apparatus comprising a fuse carrier as described anywhere herein and a receiving unit as described anywhere herein.

An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may not need to be replaced once installed. It may be capable of continuous monitoring and information providing, and will not "trigger", requiring the apparatus to be replaced.

A fuse carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention may not need to be replaced once installed. It may be capable of continuous monitoring and information providing, and will not "trigger", requiring the apparatus to be replaced. Additionally, the apparatus is easily installed and does not interfere with electrical supply. A consumer unit does not need to be tampered with to install an apparatus, fuse carrier or receiver according to some embodiments of the present invention.

According to some embodiments of the present invention is an apparatus as described above, wherein the fuse carrier and receiving unit transfer data wirelessly. The fuse carrier and receiving unit may transfer data via power line communication. The fuse carrier and receiving unit may transfer data via optical cables.

Optical cables may be used in place of any other cables or wireless communication solutions.

The fuse carrier and receiving unit may transfer data via telephone cables.

Further according to some embodiments of the present invention is a method of reducing the risk of fires in electrical intake areas, the method comprising: monitoring a temperature in the electrical intake area; and indicating the monitored temperature or a temperature status to a user.

The method may comprise the step of transmitting temperature data to a receiving unit.

The method may also comprise the step of indicating that action is required by the user.

The indication may be that action is required by the user, or that a specific action is recommended.

The indication of a recommended action may be undertaken in a similar way to the indicator of the temperature state and, as such, may be done by means of lights, sounds, text or a screen display. Discussion in relation to status indication applies mutatis mutandis to notifying a user of a recommended action.

The recommended action may be that the user reduces their electrical demand, or that the user contacts an authorised engineer, their DNO, or the emergency services.

The temperature of a fuse may be monitored, in the above method, by a fuse carrier as described anywhere herein.

The receiving unit, used in the above method, may be as described anywhere herein. Further according to some embodiments of the present invention is a method of monitoring the temperature in a HSCO, the method comprising: defining at least two contiguous temperature ranges, each temperature range defining a temperature state; measuring a temperature in the HSCO using a fuse carrier as described anywhere herein; transmitting the measured temperature to a receiving unit as described anywhere herein; determining in which temperature range the measured temperature lies; and indicating to the user the corresponding temperature state. The temperature monitoring according to the above method may take place and may measure the temperature of, on, or in the HSCO, fuse carrier or electrical intake area.

The method may further comprise a step of indicating to the user a recommended action to take. The discussion relating to indicating a recommended action to take above applies mutatis mutandis here.

The discussion relating to temperature states above, applies mutatis mutandis to that in the above method. Discussion relating to fuse carrier in the above method relates to a fuse carrier according to any embodiment of the present invention (or a smart fuse carrier). Any discussion in relation to a smart fuse carrier or a receiving unit herein, applies mutatis mutandis to the fuse carrier and receiving unit of the above method. In the description below, in relation to the figures, the term fuse carrier may be used to refer to a fuse carrier of the prior art, whereas a smart fuse carrier may refer to a fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention. In situations where this is not the case, it will be immediately apparent from the context whether the fuse carrier referred to is of the prior art or an embodiments according to the present invention.

Figure 1 depicts a House Service Cut-Out 10 not according to the present invention. The HSCO 10 of figure 1 may be largely standard within the industry and thus is of a known design. As such, the figures relating to the known HSCO 10 of figures 1 to 5 will only be briefly described herein. To avoid confusion, the terms "above", "below" and "bottom" may be used in the present disclosure. Unless it is clear from the surrounding context (e.g. "in use, the module is located above... ") it should be assumed that relative terms such as those above, are used with reference to and in the orientation of the figures, and in particular figure 1 and 6. As such, the term above, should generally be read as "above, as shown in figure X".

The HSCO 10 of the prior art may comprise a fuse carrier 12, base 20 and a neutral/earth module 14. Terminals 16 may be located on a side of the HSCO 10 for connecting to paper or polymeric, aluminium or copper mains cables.

Figure 2 shows a fuse carrier 12 suitable for use with the HSCO 10 of figure 1. The fuse carrier 12 may comprise three main parts, a first housing part 24, a second housing part 26 and a fuse cradle 28. The cradle 28 may comprise clips 18 and contacts 22 and may be attached to the second housing part 26, which in turn can be attached within, or to, the first housing part 24. Optionally, the cradle 28 may be attachable to the first housing part 24, which may in turn be attached within, or to, the second housing part 26. Once all three components are interconnected, the fuse carrier 12 may comprise a substantially prismatic section which connects to and houses the fuse, and clips 18 which extend from a side of the prismatic section and may facilitate attachment to the base 20 of the HSCO 10.

The fuse carrier 12 can plug into the top of the base 20 of the HSCO 10, with connection clips 18 providing an electrical and mechanical connection between the fuse carrier 12 and the base 20 of the HSCO 10. A high contact force between the clips 18 and the base 20 minimises electrical resistance between the two components. Contacts 22 may locate and support a fuse, as well as provide an electrical contact thereto. The fuse carrier 12, and hence HSCO 10, may be suitable for use with any standard HSCO fuse, e.g. 60A, 80A or 100A.

Figure 3 is a side view of the first housing part 24 of the fuse carrier 12. The first housing part 24 may comprise a fuse hollow 30, where the fuse is housed during use.

A security tab region or clearance may be provided, and may comprise a small step, lip or a notch for example, a 2mm step. Eyelets 34 may be provided on the fuse carrier and/or base as a security tab/wire engagement device. Security wires are required to try to ensure only qualified engineers remove and interact with fuse carrier. Engineers may fit a security wire with a date tab through eyelets 34 on the fuse carrier and/or base when the fuse carrier is in its installed position. The security tab/wire may act to prevent a non-qualified person from unknowingly disengaging a fuse carrier, as well as indicating to a qualified professional when a fuse carrier has been tampered with. Fuse carriers of some embodiments of the present invention may comprise security tab engagement means or devices.

Figure 4 shows the second housing part 26. As with the first housing part 24, the second housing part 26 may define half of the hollow 30 in which the fuse is housed. Two fuse cradles 28 can also be seen in figure 4. The fuse cradles 28 - each comprising contacts 22 and connection clips 18 - may be attached to the second housing part 26 by screws 36. Other attachment means, or other attachment devices may be suitable and would be immediately apparent to a skilled reader.

Figure 5a is an end view of the fuse carrier 12 of figure 2. Figure 5b illustrates the cross-section of the fuse hollow 30. The clips 18 are also illustrated, protruding from the base (as shown in figure 5) of the fuse carrier 12. In the depicted embodiment, dimension "A" may be about 21 mm. The relative dimensions illustrated in figure 5b need not apply to all embodiments of the present invention. Corresponding dimensions in some embodiments according to the present invention should, however, be set such that ample space is provided for a fuse, fuse cradles 28 and any further circuitry required to monitor the temperature of the fuse if the fuse carrier is according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a House Service Cut-Out 40 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The HSCO 40 of figure 6 may comprise a number of components similar, or identical to that of figure 1. For example, the HSCO 40 of figure 6 may comprise a base 20, terminals 16 and a neutral/earth module 14. These components may be identical to those of the HSCO 10 of figure 1. Alternatively, these components may not be identical to those of the prior art and may be modified so as to accommodate, house or complement certain features as described below. The smart fuse carrier 42 may comprise a housing. The housing may comprise a first housing part 52 and a second housing part 54. Alternatively, the housing may be a single piece, or may be more than two pieces. The housing may comprise a cover panel 44. The cover panel 44 may be to cover a circuit board 48. The cover panel 44 may be part of the first housing part 52 or second housing part 54. Alternatively, the cover panel 44 may be separate and disconnected from the housing.

The housing of some embodiments according to the present invention may be partially similar in design to that of a fuse carrier according to the prior art. The housing may have substantially the same shape and dimensions in the vicinity of the fuse cradle. The housing of some embodiments according to the present invention may have a similar fuse cradle design as that of the prior art.

In some embodiments according to the present invention, certain components of a HSCO 40 may be similar, or identical to those of the prior art, for example as illustrated in figure 1. As such, this may allow HSCOs currently installed in buildings to be retrofitted with components according to the present invention, resulting in HSCOs 40 as shown in figure 6. The HSCO 40 may comprise a protection chamber 46, which may house cables connected to the terminals 16. The protection chamber 46 may cover the connection points between the mains cables from the grid and the HSCO terminals 16.

Turning now to figures 7 and 8, the HSCO 40 of figure 6 can be seen with at least part of the smart fuse carrier 42 removed; in figure 8 the protection chamber 46 is also removed.

In figures 7 and 8 it can be seen that a circuit board 48 is located above (in the reference frame of the figure) the neutral/earth module 14. The circuit board 48 of these figures is spatially represented by a cuboid, illustrating its outermost dimensions. The electronics of the circuit board will be discussed in more detail below.

Although the circuit board 48 may not be located within the same compartment of the smart fuse carrier 42 as the fuse, and may in some embodiments be located remote from the fuse or the fuse carrier housing, it is still to be considered part of the fuse carrier 42 in some embodiments of the present invention.

The majority of the rest of the HSCO 40 as shown in figures 7 and 8 may be largely similar, or identical, to that of prior art HSCOs, for example as illustrated in figures 1 to 5. This may allow HSCOs currently installed in buildings to be adapted and retrofitted with parts according to the present invention. Installations of some embodiments of the present invention, as described below, may not require installation on a consumer unit. Hence, the majority of previously installed components are not affected by the installation of a smart fuse carrier 42 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 9 depicts a smart fuse carrier 42 including a cover panel 44, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The smart fuse carrier 42 of figure 9 includes a circuit board 48. It can be seen that the cover panel 44 may be shaped so as to house, cover and protect the circuit board 48. A small lip 50 may be present around the circumference of the inside of the circuit board portion of the cover panel 44 to locate the circuit board 48 at the correct height within the cover panel 44. The circuit board may be "potted" in place, thus ensuring that the circuit board and associated components are securely located. This may additionally protect the circuit board and associated features.

A sloped section may be present between the area of the housing above the neutral/earth block and the area of the housing where the fuse may be located. This sloped section may be configured to act as a conduit for wires between the two aforementioned sections of the housing. Such wires may be required to connect a temperature sensor to the circuit board, or to supply power to the circuit board.

Electrical power may be supplied to the circuit board 48 directly or indirectly from the mains supply into the HSCO. To this end, an electrical contact 51 may extend from the bottom of the circuit board 48. This electrical contact 51 may contact the neutral/earth module 14. The circuit board 48 may then be connected to one of the connection clips 18 of the fuse cradle 28 to power the device. The connection to the connection clips 18 of the fuse cradle 28 may be made by running connecting wires through holes, channels or open sections of the housing. Other methods of powering the smart fuse carrier may be possible, for example the smart fuse carrier 42 may be battery powered.

The circuit board 48 is schematically illustrated in figure 10.

The smart fuse carrier 42 of figure 9 may have similar features to that of the prior art fuse carriers 12 illustrated in figures 1 to 5. For example, the smart fuse carrier 42 may comprise a first and second housing part 52 54 which may comprise some features in common with the first and second housing parts 24 26 illustrated in figures 1 to 5.

Figure 1 1 is a view of the smart fuse carrier 42 and cover panel 44 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The smart fuse carrier 42 may comprise a first and a second housing part 52 54 and a fuse cradle 28. The fuse cradle 28 may be similar or identical to that of the prior art, comprising contacts 22 and connection clips 18. Alternatively, the fuse cradle may instead be a more specialised design, better accommodating elements of the monitoring device and connections to the circuit board 48.

The connection clips 18 may be of a standard design. The connection clips 18 may alternatively be of a non-standard design, but an adapted design which is still compatible with the existing connection sockets into which the connection clips 18 insert. Smart fuse carriers 42 according to some embodiments of the present invention may require a variety of designs of connection clips 18 to allow the components according to some embodiments of the present invention to connect to a variety of different HSCO base units 20. The design of the rest of the smart fuse carrier 42 may be independent of the specific connection clip 18 design.

Figure 12 illustrates the first housing part 52 and cover panel 44 of an embodiment according to the present invention. The cover panel 44 may be integral with the first housing part 52 or separate and distinct from the first housing part 52. Fuse cradles 28 according to some embodiments of the present invention may be attached to the first housing part 52 by means of a screw and may locate and provide an electrical connection to the fuse within the smart fuse carrier 42. The thermal sensor 55 is illustrated attached to the underside of the top of the first housing part 52, above the centre of the location where the fuse will be supported. The thermal sensor 55 may be a thermistor or a thermocouple. The thermal sensor 55 may be suitable for recording a temperature or temperature difference to be transmitted to a remote receiving unit.

The fuse is generally the hottest part of the HSCO. The fuse is generally the hottest part of the electrical intake area. As such the thermal sensor 55 may be located on the inside of the smart fuse carrier in order to get as accurate a reading as possible of the hottest part of the HSCO and/or electrical intake area. The thermal sensor 55 may be located adjacent the fuse. The thermal sensor 55 may be located adjacent the fuse cradle 28. In some embodiments of the present invention, the thermal sensor 55 is located directly above the centre of the fuse and may be adjacent, and attached to, the inside of the housing. The thermal sensor 55 may be located adjacent the join between the first housing part 52 and the second housing part 54.

Wiring from the thermal sensor 55 may run along the inside of the housing to the circuit board 48. Wiring connecting the thermal sensor 55 to the circuit board 48 may run through a hole located on the inside of the region of the housing surrounding the fuse or fuse cradle 28, or the first housing part 52, to the circuit board 48.

Figures 13 to 16 depict various views of the first housing part 52 and the cover panel 44. The first housing part 52 and cover panel 44 may be integral, as illustrated in these figures. The cover panel 44 may be construed as being part of the first housing part 52. The cover panel 44 may be shaped so as to house and protect the circuit board 48, it then may extend and be attachable to, or integral with, the outer surface of the first housing part 52. The sloped joining section of the cover panel 44 or first housing part 52 may be configured to as to house connective wiring between the circuit board 48 and the temperature sensor 55, or the circuit board 48 and a power connection.

Threaded holes or other attachment means or devices 56 may be provided on an outer face of the first housing part 52. These attachments means or devices 56 may facilitate attachment of the fuse cradles 28 and/or the second housing part 54. The second housing part 54 may comprise complementary means or devices, to allow the first housing part 52 to be attached to the second housing part 54. The lower edges of the cover panel 44 may comprise collars, steps, slots notches or other means or devices to allow the cover panel 44 to securely locate on the circuit board 48 and base 20. The length l_i of the first housing part 52 in the embodiment depicted in figure 14 is 69mm, or about 70mm.

Turning to figure 15, one, or multiple slots, lips, clips or other features 58 may be present, as described above, to allow the cover panel 44 to clip and lock in place on the HSCO. Further, a vacancy 60 may be required to accommodate a wall on the base 20 of the HSCO.

Figure 16 shows the underside of the first housing part 52 and cover panel 44. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 16, dimension "D" may be 44mm, dimension Έ" may be 46mm and dimension "F" may be 21.5mm to 26mm.

Where multiple fuses are present, e.g. for multiple phases, a separate smart fuse carrier and sensor arrangement may be employed for each fuse. Each smart fuse carrier may comprise its own circuit board. Alternatively, each smart fuse carrier may be connected to one central circuit board, which monitors each of the temperature sensors in each of the fuse carriers. Each temperature sensor may have its own receiver or receiver arrangement. Alternatively, a single receiver may comprise a series of status indicators (see below), one indicator for each sensor. Alternatively, a single receiver may comprise a single status indicator which only indicates the status of the most critical temperature sensor reading at any one time.

Figure 17 illustrates a further potential embodiment of the present invention. The HSCO of figure 17 may comprise a number of components similar, or identical to that of figure 1 and 6. For example, the HSCO 40 of figure 17 may comprise a base 20, terminals 16 and a neutral/earth module 14. These components may be identical to those of the HSCO 10 of figure 1 and figure 6.

The smart fuse carrier of figure 17 may comprise a housing. The housing of the smart fuse carrier of figure 17 may comprise an extended section at the rear of the fuse- containing section of the housing. Turning to figures 18 and 19, which show internal views of part of the housing of them embodiment of figure 17, it can be seen that this extended section may comprise a cavity 45. This cavity may be configured to house a circuit board. The circuit board housed within the cavity 45 may be equivalent to the circuit board housed under the cover panel in the embodiment of figure 6.

The cavity 45 may be functionally connected to the fuse hollow 30, in which a sensor may be installed, as with the embodiment of figure 6. The cavity may also be functionally connected to the earth/neutral module 14. The cavity 45 may comprise holes or channels configured to allow wires to pass to and from the fuse hollow 30 and the earth/neutral module 14.

The cavity 45 may be sized so as to house an ASIC chip, which may be equivalent to the circuitry of some embodiments of the present invention. The length of the cavity 45, L_c, may be about 11 mm.

Figure 20 shows one potential embodiment of a receiving unit 62 according to the present invention. A receiver in the receiving unit of figure 20 may receive a signal from a transmitter in the smart fuse carrier 42 or HSCO 10 as described above. This signal may be transmitted wirelessly. Alternatively, the signal may be transmitted through a cable. This cable may be one installed especially for the purpose, or may be an existing cable, such as a power-line or telephone line. The signal may be transferred by means of power-line communication. It is to be understood that where it is stated that a signal is received from the HSCO, or that the temperature in the HSCO is measured, it is in fact the smart fuse carrier which may be measuring and transmitting the temperature data. Additionally, it may in fact be the temperature of the smart fuse carrier (often seen as being part of the HSCO) that is being measured.

The receiving unit 62 of figure 20 comprises a plug 64 for being received in any household mains outlet. The plug 64 of figure 20 is a standard 3-pin plug as used in Great Britain. The plug 64 may, however, be of any configuration to allow it to be accepted by a mains socket in the country of use. Examples of alternative plug configurations may include the US 2-pin format and the Schuko arrangement. The plug 64 may enable the signal from the temperature measuring and transmitting components to be transferred by power-line communication. The plug may also power the receiving unit 62. Alternatively, the receiving unit 62 may be battery-powered.

The receiving unit 62 may further comprise a body 66. The body 66 may be of substantially any shape or configuration, provided it is suitable for housing and presenting the components required of the present invention. The body 66 of figure 20 is an extruded hexagonal in shape, much like a coffin; however, cubes, prisms and rounded shapes are equally applicable.

The receiving unit 62 of the embodiment depicted in figure 20 comprises devices and arrangements to facilitate the indication of four different states of the system. Such an arrangement, in the present disclosure, may be referred to as a status indicator. The receiving unit 62 may, comprise devices and arrangements to facilitate the indication of more, or less than four different states. The receiving unit 62 may comprise four lights 68 70 72 74. These lights may be light emitting diodes. A single light may be lit at a time. Alternatively, in some embodiments, more than one light may be lit at a time. The activation or use of a light may indicate a specific state of the system. The lights and the states they may indicate are described below.

The collection of lights, text, images, symbols, speakers and any other devices used to convey information regarding the state of the monitored temperature to the user, can be referred to collectively as a status indicator.

The first light 68 may indicate that the receiving unit 62 is plugged in, but that no signal is being received. The first light 68 may be blue. The first light 68 may indicate that the receiving unit is in stand-by mode. The first light 68 may indicate that no connection is being made with the HSCO-located components.

The second light 70 may indicate that the data, received from the components in the HSCO, indicate that the temperature of the HSCO (or the area where the temperature sensor is located) is within an acceptable range. This may be referred to as an "ok", "stable" or "safe" range. This may mean that the fuse in the HSCO 40 is not overloaded. This may indicate that there is little danger of ignition. This may indicate that the user or homeowner may continue with their current electrical demand. The second light 70 may be green. The third light 72 may indicate that the data, received from the components in the HSCO, indicate that the temperature of the HSCO (or the area where the temperature sensor is located) is above an initial "safe" threshold, but not yet above a second, "risk" threshold. The "safe" range (the upper limit of which is defined by the "safe" threshold) may be equivalent to the acceptable range for the second light 70. The third light 72 being lit may indicate that the temperature in the HSCO (or the area where the temperature sensor is located) is above the desired operating range. This may indicate that there is an increased risk of ignition in the electrical intake area. This may indicate that the user or homeowner should modify their current electrical demand to reduce the electrical demand on the electrical intake area. This may indicate that a user should turn off some electrical devices. This may indicate that there is no immediate risk. This may indicate that continued electrical demand at this level may be damaging in the long-term. The third light 72 may be orange.

The fourth light 74 may indicate that the data, received from the components in the HSCO, indicate that the temperature of the HSCO (or the area where the temperature sensor is located) is above a second "danger" threshold. The upper limit of this "danger" range may be equivalent to the "risk" threshold discussed above. The transmitted temperature being above the "danger" range may indicate that the temperature of the HSCO (or the area where the temperature sensor is located) is approaching a level where ignition becomes possible, or even likely. This may indicate that the user or homeowner should immediately modify their current electrical use to reduce the electrical demand on the electrical intake area. This may indicate that the user or homeowner should contact the emergency services. This may indicate that the user or homeowner should contact the district network operator. There may be a time delay, requiring that a measured temperature exceeds a "danger" threshold for a preset amount of time before the fourth light 74 or equivalent indication means, is activated. This delay may ensure that a simple spike in temperature caused by a sudden surge in current does not cause any unnecessary concern, as a simple temperature spike may not present a risk if not sustained or frequent. The activation of the fourth light 74, and thus the temperature exceeding the "danger" threshold may, in some embodiments according to the present invention, automatically trigger a notification or telephone call to the emergency services and/or district network operator (or some other party). The automatically triggered notification or telephone call may only activate or occur after an allotted time duration. The allotted time duration may provide a delay, and require that the temperature must exceed the "danger" threshold for a prolonged period of time. This delay may ensure that a simple spike in temperature caused by a sudden surge in current does not trigger an alarm, notification or call unnecessarily, as a simple temperature spike may not present a risk if not sustained or frequent.

The fourth light 74 may be red. The fourth light 74 may be larger and/or brighter than the other lights. The fourth light 74 may flash on and off. Descriptive text 76, captions, words, images or symbols may be located in the vicinity of each light in order to explain to the user the nature of the state that the light indicates.

The receiving unit 62 may comprise a buzzer or speaker 78. The speaker 78 may be linked to activate and deactivate at the same time as the fourth light 74. Alternatively, the speaker 78 may be linked to activate at the same time as the fourth light 74, but be activated for only a set amount of time. The speaker 78 may provide an aural signal that the HSCO 42 may be running too hot. This may attract the attention of a visually impaired user, or a user or homeowner who does not have the receiving unit 62 located in a visible location. The aural notification from the speaker 78 may be a buzz, an alarm, a tune or a pre-recorded voice message.

Some embodiments of the present invention may allow a user or homeowner to actively monitor and more importantly, manage, the temperature in the fuse carrier, HSCO and/or electrical intake area. By providing the user with an insight into the status of the fuse carrier, HSCO or electrical intake area, a user is able to take a more active role in the management of its safety. This can be achieved by the user actively tailoring their energy demand, for example by switching off unused devices to reduce current demand in an attempt to reduce the fuse carrier temperature. Additionally, users are more able to spot malfunctions, problems or risks associated with their electrical intake area temperature and contact the emergency services, their DNO or an engineer as required.

In addition to allowing a user to monitor and actively manage their electrical demand and any associated risk, some embodiments of the present invention may also have the beneficial effect of reducing a user's electrical demand, thus providing benefits to the environment.

Figure 21 depicts a second receiving unit 80 according to some embodiments of the invention. The second receiving unit 80 comprises a number of the same components as the first receiving unit 62. The second receiving unit 80 may comprise a plug 64.

The plug 64 may enable the signal from the temperature measuring and transmitting components to be transferred by power-line communication to the receiving unit 80.

The receiving unit 80 of figure 21 may also comprise a body 66, four lights 68 70 72 74, descriptive text 76 (or captions, words, images or symbols) and a speaker 78 or buzzer. The above discussion regarding these features applies mutatis mutandis to the receiving unit 80 of figure 21.

In addition, the receiving unit 80 of figure 21 comprises a mains plug socket 82. The socket 82 may allow a user to plug in any device requiring mains power. The receiving unit 80, therefore, may be a power-pass-through plug.

Figure 22 depicts a further receiving unit 84 according to some embodiments of the present invention. This receiving unit 84 comprises a number of the same components as the receiving units of figure 20 and 21. The receiving unit 84 of figure 22 comprises a body 66, four lights 68 70 72 74 and a speaker 78 or buzzer. The above discussion regarding these features applies mutatis mutandis to the receiving unit 84 of figure 22 as to the above receiving units. The receiving unit 84 of figure 22 may be a USB stick. The receiving unit 84 of figure 22 may comprise a male USB connector 86. Due to space restrictions the receiving unit of figure 22 may not comprise descriptive text 76. The receiving unit 84 may be compatible with any USB compatible device. The receiving unit 84 may, therefore, be plugged into a laptop, DVD player, Smart TV, Smart meter or any other compatible device with a free USB slot. The operation of the receiving unit 84 is largely identical to that of the aforementioned receiving units.

The receiving unit 84 of figure 22 may receive the transmitted data wirelessly. The receiving unit of figure 22 may receive the transmitted data through the USB connection.

Receiving units according to some embodiments of the present invention may comprise a small screen. This screen may display information regarding the state, raw temperature information or other data regarding the monitored temperature.

Figures 23A and 23B show a mobile phone running an app, enabling the mobile phone to act as a receiving unit according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 23A illustrates an options menu with an icon for opening the mobile phone app. The app may be downloaded in the same manner as any other app, and may be accessed the same way. The app may constantly run in the background, thus being able to alert a user of an increase in temperature instantly. Figure 23B illustrates one potential display, or user interface, for an app allowing a phone to act as a receiving unit according to some embodiments of the present invention.

The mobile app may be for a phone, or for any other portable device capable of running third party software. The app may be in the form of a program for a computer. The app may be configured for use with a tablet.

It will be understood that due to the inherent flexibility of computer programs, the method of operation and alerting the user to the status of the HSCO temperature can vary a great deal, especially with regard to a mobile app, either for a phone, or any other portable device.

In the embodiment of figure 23B, a first panel (a panel merely being used to describe a section of the display) may show the user the current status, or state, of the HSCO temperature monitoring device. This status may be in the form as described above, or in a variety of other forms. For example, the status may display a simple binary state such as "safe" or "danger". The status may be written in words, depicted in images, or conveyed simply by the use of a continuous colour gradient (e.g. from green to red) Such a status, or state, notification is also possible in any of the other receiver embodiments according to the present invention.

A second panel 90 may be present in the lower section of the screen and may provide more detailed information regarding the status of the HSCO temperature monitoring device.

The use of a mobile phone and specialised app as the receiving unit allows a much greater level of personalisation and flexibility. The use of a mobile phone app to relay information transmitted from the HSCO 40 according to some embodiments of the present invention may increase the amount of information available to the user, and allow the user to customise which information is displayed and/or relayed, and how that information is displayed and/or relayed.

Figure 24 illustrates a further possible embodiment of a receiver according to the present invention. The body 66 of the receiver of figure 24 comprises a light switch housing. In addition to the standard fittings and switch or dimmer for controlling the light, the receiver of figure 24 comprises three LED 70, 72 and 74, as described above. In the embodiment of figure 24, the first - "stand-by" - light is not present. In some embodiments according to the present invention the receiver may comprise four lights, including the first - "stand-by" - light. The above discussion relating to the lights 68 70 72 74 applies to the lights of this embodiment, mutatis mutandis. The receiver may also comprise a speaker 78.

The embodiment of figure 24 comprises a warning symbol 71 adjacent the final LED 74. This symbol may be in place of the descriptive text 76 of some embodiments.

Figure 25 depicts a further possible embodiment of a receiver according to the present invention. The body 66 of the receiver of figure 25 comprises a wall-mounted mains socket housing. In addition to the standard fittings and three-pin plug socket 81 , the receiver of figure 25 comprises an LED 74, corresponding to the "danger" status, and a speaker 78. The above discussion relating to certain, optional, features of other receivers according to the present invention, applies mutatis mutandis.

Figure 26 depicts a further possible embodiment of a receiver according to the present invention. The body 66 of the receiver of figure 26 comprises a wall-mounted double mains socket housing. In addition to the standard fittings and two three-pin plug sockets 81 , the receiver of figure 26 comprises three LEDs 70 72 74, corresponding to the "safe", "warning" and "danger" range respectively. The LEDs may, however, correspond to other statuses. The receiver of figure 25 may comprise four LEDs, as detailed above.

It should be noted that while certain embodiments are shown as comprising certain status indicator features, none of the discussed embodiments are envisaged as being inextricably linked to any of the corresponding status indicator features. As such, certain embodiments may still be according to the present invention with different compositions and arrangements of the status indication devices described herein.

More than one status, or status indication means or device, may be active at one time. A receiver may allow a user to customise the threshold levels, i.e. change the temperature ranges of the different states. A receiver may require an unlocking code, fob, or commonly used locking action in order to allow a user to customise a threshold value. A receiver may only allow authorised personnel to adjust or customise threshold levels.

Each of the above-described receiving units, as well as some further receiving units according to specific embodiments of the present invention, may comprise datastorage means or a data-storage device. Alternatively, data-storage means (or a data storage device) may be located in a HSCO or smart fuse carrier according, or a further component located remotely of both the receiving unit and smart fuse carrier being hardwire or wirelessly connected to the receiving unit and/or smart fuse carrier. Data storage may be present in any, or all of the above-mentioned components.

Any means or device for storing data may be utilised by embodiments of the present invention. Examples of potentially applicable storage technologies include, but are not limited to, solid-state storage devices, optical storage devices and magnetic storage devices.

A receiving unit according to some embodiments of the present invention may comprise a solid-state memory device. The solid-state memory device may record and store temperature data over time. This information may be stored, allowing a user to access the information and analyse when, historically, peak temperatures have been reached. Additionally, information regarding when certain triggers - such as exceeding a certain temperature threshold - have occurred and for how long the temperature has exceeded the threshold temperature, can be stored and relayed later to users, homeowners, district network operators or emergency services.

The data storage device may be integral with the receiving unit. Alternatively, the data storage device may be removable from the receiving unit.

Data stored in the receiving unit may be accessed by, or sent to, third parties such as the emergency services or district network operators. This information may be used to monitor electrical intake area performance as well as retroactively investigate causes of electrical intake area fires.

The electronics employed in some receiving units 62 and fuse carriers 42 according to embodiments of the present invention, is discussed in more detail below.

Figure 27 is a functional diagram of a smart fuse carrier and receiving unit (or "receiver end") according to some embodiments of the present invention.

The fuse carrier may be supplied with mains power, as described above. The smart fuse carrier of figure 27 may comprise a temperature sensor connected to a processor, which in turn is connected to a PLC modem for transmitting data to the receiving unit, and memory for storing temperature sensor data. The processor may be a microprocessor. The only input, excluding the mains power, to the system may be to the temperature sensor located in the fuse carrier housing. The data storage device may be suitable for the data to be recovered via a portable data storage terminal or a wireless connection. In particular, the data may be recoverable via a USB interface. As such, the smart fuse carrier may comprise a USB terminal. The smart fuse carrier may interact with the receiving unit via power-line communication (PLC). Figure 27 functionally illustrates that both power and a data signal from the fuse carrier may be received at the receiver end via the building or home circuitry by means of PLC.

The receiving unit may comprise a PLC modem, detailed further below, in order to receive and decode the data signal from the fuse carrier. The data may then be processed and stored in a data storage unit in the receiving unit, for use as described above. The data storage unit in the receiving unit may comprise a data recovery interface, e.g. a USB terminal.

The processed data may be used to operate the visual indication system, as described above. Although a 4 light system has been described, it is to be understood that other methods suitable for providing visual feedback to a user may be according to some embodiments of the present invention. The processed data may be used to operate a buzzer, to provide an audible buzzer. As described above, other alternatives may be used instead of a buzzer. The receiving unit of figure 27 may also comprise an input to allow a user to set the thresholds at which the receiving unit provides different indications to the user. A potential example of the number and arrangement of thresholds is discussed above.

In the embodiment of figure 27, the user (or an engineer, someone from the DNO, or emergency services) may set the temperatures at which the receiving unit indicates the temperature is at a "stable", "warning" or "danger" level. A user may set the "safe" and "risk" thresholds. This allows the device to be extremely flexible, as different electrical intake area setups will have different mains cables, HSCOs and surrounding components and thus will have different temperatures at which there is a risk of ignition. Further, different amperage fuses may present a different risk at similar temperatures.

As such, for example, a receiver according to some embodiments of the present invention, associated with a first smart fuse carrier may be in a "safe" range up to 50 degrees Celsius, a "warning" range from 50 to 70 degrees Celsius and a "danger" range over 70 degrees Celsius; conversely, a second receiver, associated with an identical smart fuse carrier but set up for a different property and installation environment may have a "warning" state from 60 to 80 degrees Celsius and a "danger" state for any temperature over 80 degrees, due to the different requirements and properties of the surrounding components.

Access to this threshold-setting feature may be protected. This protection may be by means of a password or pass key. It may, therefore, be critical that only authorised personnel have access to, and be able to adjust, threshold levels. As such, all of the above-referenced personnel may require authorisation, or to be an authorised person, to access the threshold setting system or controls. This is to ensure that thresholds or levels are not incorrectly set, providing erroneous (and potentially dangerously misleading) status outputs. Figure 28 is a flowchart for the operation of a smart fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention. The first step, a preparation step 100, may be the installation of the smart fuse carrier into the HSCO. Once installed, the smart fuse carrier may then detect the temperature in the fuse carrier 102, followed by the process step of broadcasting 104 and transmitting the recorded temperature data to the receiving unit 106 as an output, this data may be transmitted by PLC. Finally, there may be a delay 108, before an iteration loop 1 10 initiates the temperature detecting step 102 again and the cycle of the following steps continues. The delay step 108 can be set and modified by a user. The delay step may be to prevent any data storage means or device, or indication/transmitting means or device from being overrun.

Figure 29 is a flowchart of the operation of a smart fuse carrier, similar to that of figure 28, except including a memory function. The function is the same as above, and the above discussion applies mutatis mutandis, except for the following additional steps. After installation of the smart fuse carrier into the HSCO 100, there may be a memory delay and check step, followed by a data storage step 101 a, storing the date and time that the device was powered on 101 b. The temperature in the fuse carrier may then be checked 102.

After the temperature in the smart fuse carrier has been checked 102, there may be a further memory delay and check step 103a followed by the storage step of recording the measured temperature and the date and time 103b. The process may then continue as before with the broadcasting and transmitting of the data 104 106 and a delay 108 before the iteration loop starts the temperature detection process 102 again. The memory check delay can be set to customer specs. Any memory delay steps discussed in the preceding or following description may be set by a user in order to avoid overloading the components with data.

Figure 30 illustrates a flowchart for a receiving unit according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 31 illustrates a flowchart for a receiving unit similar to that of figure 30, although with memory storage steps.

Initially, there may be the preparation steps of setting the specified data limits 1 12 and installing and powering both devices (the smart fuse carrier and the receiving unit) 114. Once this has been done, there may be a memory storage step - see figure 31 - comprising a memory delay and check 115a and the recordal of the date and time at which the system was powered up 115b.

After the above steps have been completed, there may be a signal detection step 116 and a decision to see if a signal has been received 1 18. This signal may be a PLC signal, or any other signal depending on the type of transmission, as discussed above. If no signal is received a no signal alert may be initialised 120 and a blue LED may be activated on the receiving unit 122. If the receiving unit comprises memory storage, such as that of figure 31 , a memory storage step comprising a memory delay and check 119a and the recordal of the date and time at which no signal was received 119b may occur before a no signal alert is initialised. Another attempt at detecting the signal 1 16 may then be attempted, completing an iteration loop which may continue indefinitely.

If a signal is detected, the transmitted data is received 124 and compared to the pre-set limits (set by the user) 126. It may then be decided whether the received data value exceeds a first limit, which may be equal to the "risk" threshold discussed above 128.

If the received value does not exceed the "risk" value, the status may be set and indicated as "ok" or "stable". A memory storage step may then take place if the receiving unit comprises data storage capability as in figure 31. The memory storage step may comprise a memory delay and check 129a and then a recordal of the date and time at which an "ok/stable" signal was determined 129b. A similar memory storage step may take place if the received data value exceeds the "risk" threshold, except in this case the date and time at which a "warning" signal was determined may be recorded.

As stated above, in the event that the "risk" threshold is not exceeded, an "ok/stable" signal may be transmitted 130 and a green stable LED may be activated 132. An iteration loop 133 142 may then return to the detecting signal step 1 16 described above, and the above-described process may be undertaken again.

In the event that the "risk" threshold is exceeded, a "warning" signal may be transmitted 134 and an orange stable LED may be activated 136. If the "warning" LED has been activated 136 it may then be decided if the received data value exceeds a second limit 138, which may be equal to the "danger" threshold.

If the received value does not exceed the "danger" value, the status may be maintained as "warning" and an iteration loop 140 142 may then return to the detecting signal step 116 described above, and the above-described process may be undertaken again.

If the received value does exceed the "danger" value, the status may be set as "danger" or "alert". A memory storage step may then take place if the receiving unit comprises data storage capability as in figure 31. In receiving units such as that according to figure 31 , a memory delay and check step 139a may precede a memory storage step 139b wherein the date and time of an "alert" being triggered is stored.

Once a "danger" or "alert" state has been detected, an alarm may be signalled 144 and a red stable LED and buzzer may be activated 146. An iteration loop 148 142 may then return to the detecting signal step 1 16 described above, and the above-described process may be undertaken again.

Figure 32A is a circuit diagram for the electronics present in a smart fuse carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention. The electronics may comprise a temperature sensor, which may be a thermocouple. The electronics may comprise a processor, in order to control and the operation of the device. This processor may be connected to the temperature sensor, as well as a modem which may facilitate the transmittal of the temperature data. The modem may be a power-line communication modem. In the embodiment of figure 32A, the modem is a NXP Semiconductors TDA5051A home automation modem, operable from a single 5V supply.

Figure 32B is a part list for the circuit diagram of figure 32A. Figure 33A is a circuit diagram for a receiving unit according to some embodiments of the present invention. The electronics may be largely similar to that in the smart fuse carrier, an example of which is illustrated in figure 32A. The receiving unit may comprise a processor. The processor may control the operation of the device. The processor may control the illumination of the status indicator. The illumination device may be an LED or a series of LEDs. The illumination means may be a series of LEDs. The data transmitted by the transmitter in the smart fuse carrier may be received by a data-receiving device in the receiving unit. The receiver may be a modem. The modem may be a power-line communication modem. In the embodiment of figure 33A, the modem is a NXP Semiconductors TDA5051A modem, operable from a single 5V supply.

Figure 33B is a part list for the circuit diagram of figure 33A.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel methods and apparatuses described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and apparatuses described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fuse carrier configured to be installed in a House Service Cut-Out, the fuse carrier comprising:

a housing;

a fuse cradle for supporting a fuse;

an electrical temperature sensor for obtaining a reading of a measured temperature; and

a transmitter for transmitting data received from the temperature sensor.

2. A fuse carrier according to claim 1 , further comprising circuitry for connecting the temperature sensor and the transmitter.

3. A fuse carrier configured to be installed in a House Service Cut-Out, the fuse carrier comprising:

a housing;

a fuse cradle for supporting a fuse;

a status indicator for communicating information regarding a measured temperature to a user.

4. A fuse carrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature sensor is for measuring the temperature in the vicinity of the fuse.

5. A fuse carrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature such that a House Service Cut-Out can be determined as operating within one of at least three different temperature states.

6. A fuse carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the fuse carrier is configured to cooperate with a receiving unit.

7. A fuse carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the fuse carrier is configured to cooperate with a receiving unit for providing constant feedback to the user regarding the temperature of a House Service Cut-Out, enabling a user to actively monitor and manage their electrical demand.

8. A fuse carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the fuse carrier is configured such that it cannot interfere with the electrical supply running through a

House Service Cut-Out.

9. A fuse carrier according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a first fuse carrier contact for contacting a neutral block of a House Service Cut-Out; and

a second fuse carrier contact connected to the fuse carrier; such that the fuse carrier is powered by the electrical power running through a House Service Cut-Out.

10. A House Service Cut-Out comprising a fuse carrier according to any of claims 1 to 9.

1 1. A receiving unit for cooperation with a fuse carrier according to claims 1 to 9 or the House Service Cut-Out according to claim 10, the receiving unit comprising:

a receiver; and

a status indicator for communicating information regarding a monitored temperature to a user.

12. A receiving unit according to claim 11 , wherein the status indicator is configured to indicate a plurality of temperature states; wherein a temperature state is a House

Service Cut-Out operating within a predefined temperature range.

13. A receiving unit according to claim 12, wherein the status indicator is suitable for indicating at least one state visually.

14. A receiving unit according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the status indicator is suitable for indicating at least one state aurally.

15. A receiving unit according to any of claims 12 to 14, configured to allow a user to set the upper and lower temperature limit for each temperature state.

16. An apparatus comprising a fuse carrier according to any of claims 1 to 9 and a receiving unit according to any of claims 1 1 to 15.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the fuse carrier is connected to the receiving unit.

18. An apparatus according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the receiving unit is located remote from the fuse carrier.

19. A method of reducing the risk of fires in electrical intake areas, the method comprising:

monitoring a temperature in the electrical intake area using a fuse carrier according to any of claims 1 to 9 installed in a House Service Cut-Out; and indicating the monitored temperature or a temperature status to a user.