WO2017212231A1

WO2017212231A1 - Fuse box temperature monitor

Info

Publication number: WO2017212231A1
Application number: PCT/GB2017/051608
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Frost-Gaskin
Original assignee: Ynico Products Limited
Priority date: 2016-06-07
Filing date: 2017-06-05
Publication date: 2017-12-14
Also published as: GB201609898D0; GB2551142A

Abstract

A fuse box temperature monitor comprising a temperature sensor for positioning inside a fuse box, and in communication with comparing means adapted to compare a temperature detected by the sensor with a threshold temperature, and triggering means adapted to trigger an alarm when the temperature detected exceeds said threshold.

Description

Fuse Box Temperature Monitor

The present application is directed to an apparatus and method for monitoring a temperature within a fuse box.

A fuse box is an electrical consumer unit which provides an interface between electricity received at a building from for example the national grid via an electricity supplier, and the domestic or industrial units that require electricity to operate, for example lights, domestic appliances, industrial machinery and so on. As such, fuse boxes are a critical component of any electricity supply and are subject to regulatory control in respect of the material from which they are made, and their structure, installation, maintenance and so on.

Fire investigators are increasingly reporting that fires in domestic, office or industrial settings are centred around electrical consumer units such as fuse boxes and recent regulations have reflected the desire to reduce the incidence and impact of such fires. Measures include requiring fuse box enclosures to be manufactured from non- combustive materials or to be enclosed in a cabinet constructed of non-combustive material, such as for example, steel.

A fuse box cabinet made from for example steel is, in the event of a fire within the fuse box, unlikely to melt and so the fire is generally contained within the fuse box, however under such circumstances the temperature of the steel cabinet is likely to rise to levels that may induce fires in the vicinity anyway. Constructing the fuse box from a non-combustive material is likely to delay the spread of fire, rather than prevent it completely. Similarly requiring enclosures to be made from non-combustive materials is likely to delay the spread of fire rather than prevent it completely.

People generally disregard fuse boxes in their daily lives, trusting that they will operate to keep them safe, and being completely unaware that the temperature inside a fuse box may rise for a variety of reasons, and may lead to a fire in the building. The fuse box temperature monitor of the present invention is directed to overcoming at least some of these disadvantages

The present invention provides, in accordance with a first aspect, a fuse box temperature monitor comprising a temperature sensor for positioning inside a fuse box, and in communication with comparing means adapted to compare a temperature detected by the sensor with a threshold temperature, and triggering means adapted to trigger an alarm when the temperature detected exceeds said threshold. Preferably the temperature sensor includes the comparing means and is positioned at a first end of a lead, the lead connected at a second end to the triggering means.

Alternatively the temperature sensor may be positioned at a first end of a lead, the lead connected at a second end to the comparing and triggering means.

Preferably the lead is removably connected to the means. Preferably the lead is sized to pass through an opening in a fuse box casing. Preferably the sensor is a variable sensor, the threshold temperature being adjustable Preferably the alarm is an aural alarm. Preferably the aural alarm generates a loud noise.

Preferably the aural alarm generates a noticeable alarm. Alternatively the alarm is a visual alarm. Preferably the visual alarm is a light.

Preferably the visual alarm is flashing light. Alternatively the alarm includes sending a text message to a telephone. Alternatively the alarm includes sending an email to a registered email address. Alternatively the alarm is issued via social media.

Preferably the monitor includes a battery absent warning.

Preferably the battery absent warning includes a flap extending away from the monitor should a battery not be present in the monitor.

Preferably the battery absent warning provides an indication that a battery is not providing power to the monitor Preferably the monitor includes an alarm-means-absent warning, triggered should the means to issue a visual, aural or other alarm be inactive.

Preferably the monitor may include an additional, auxiliary output. Preferably the additional output is connectable to an additional sensor, a transmitter for sending a telephone signal, to transfer data, or initiating a text or email message.

Preferably the monitor includes a low battery warning signal. The present invention provides, in accordance with a further aspect, a method of monitoring a fuse box temperature including positioning a temperature sensor within a fuse box casing, the sensor in communication with a means to compare a sensed temperature with a threshold temperature and a means to trigger an alarm if the sensed temperature exceeds the threshold temperature.

Preferably the temperature sensor is at a first end of a lead, the second end of which is connected to the comparing and triggering means. Preferably the lead passes through an opening in a fuse box casing, with the comparing and triggering means positioned outside the fuse box casing.

Preferably, when the comparing means determines that the temperature detected by the sensor exceeds the threshold temperature, the triggering means activates an alarm.

Preferably the alarm includes an aural alarm, a visual alarm, or a text, email or social media message. Preferably the method further includes issuing a battery absent warning if the monitor does not include a battery, or if the battery does not provide sufficient power for the monitor to work.

Preferably the method further includes an alarm absent warning if the means to issue an alarm are inactive.

Preferably the method further includes utilising second means to monitor a temperature. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 (a) shows a front view of a fuse box temperature monitor in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 1 (b) shows a rear view of the fuse box temperature monitor of Figure 1 (a),

Figure 1 (c) shows a perspective view of the fuse box temperature monitor of Figures 1 (a) and (b),

Figures 2 (a) and (b) show respective first and second side perspective views of the fuse box temperature monitor in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 3 shows a lead with a removable temperature sensor attached, and

Figure 4 shows the fuse box temperature monitor of Figures 1 (a) to (c) positioned adjacent a fuse box. Figure 1 (a) shows a fuse box temperature monitor 1 in accordance with the present invention comprising a box 3 with a test button 5 and alarm light 7 on a first side 9 and a lead 1 1 extending from a second side 13. The lead 11 is connected at a first end to a conventional temperature comparing means (not shown) contained within the box 3, and includes, at a second end 15 remote from the box 3, a conventional temperature sensor 17.

The temperature comparing means (not shown) within box 1 receives temperature readings from the sensor 17 and compares them to a threshold. In the event a temperature reading exceeds the threshold temperature, the results of the comparison are sent to a conventional trigger means (not shown) which initiates an alarm.

The test button is conventional and is provided so that a user may, on pressing the button, clarify what the alarm consists of, what it looks or sounds like, and so on, and also confirm that the monitor is working.

Figure 1 (b) shows a rear view of the fuse box temperature monitor of Figure 1 (a), with test button 5, alarm light 7, lead 11 and sensor 17 similarly positioned on first and second sides of the box 3. Figure 1 (b) also shows conventional adhesive pads 19 positioned on the rear surface of the box 3. These adhesive pads provide a means to adhere the fuse box temperature monitor to a wall adjacent a fuse box, although other means are contemplated and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Figure 1 (c) shows a perspective view of the fuse box temperature monitor of Figures 1 (a) and (b), showing the test button 5, alarm light 7, lead 11 and sensor 17.

Figures 2 (a) and (b) show respective first and second side perspective views of the fuse box temperature monitor in accordance with a second and third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 (a) shows, on a first side 9, an alarm light 7 provided as a visual alarm, and a further light 8, provided as a status light which will be illuminated either continuously or intermittently when the fuse box temperature monitor is actively monitoring a temperature by means of a sensor. Status light 8 can be for example an LED light, as such lights consume less power. Figure 2 (a) also shows a test button 5.

Front side 20 of the monitor 1 includes a conventional battery cover 24 with a securing screw 25. In the absence of a battery a flap 22, shown on side 9 of the monitor, drops down to reveal for example a coloured interior surface, for example a red interior surface, to alert an observer that the monitor does not have a battery and so is not actively monitoring temperature. Alternatively or in addition the flap may show a written warning. The flap, which may be positioned on any surface of the monitor, may also drop down if a battery is present but has insufficient power for the monitor to work. Alternatively, other means may be provided to alert an observer that the monitor is not powered.

Front side 20 of the monitor also includes a conventional grill 26 through which an aural alarm may be broadcast should the temperature monitor detect that the sensed temperature has exceeded a threshold and trigger the alarm.

In accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor may not be hard-wired into the monitor but may be removably engageable therewith. Figures 2 (a) and (b) show a temperature sensor socket 21 into which a lead with a temperature sensor at a remote end (as shown in Figure 3) may be inserted. With the plug of such a removable temperature sensor lead inserted into the temperature socket 21 the sensor at an end of the lead remote from the socket may provide information in relation to a monitored temperature, to the monitor. The temperature sensor socket 21 is shown to be present on a top surface 28 of the temperature monitor but it may be placed anywhere on the monitor.

Adjacent the temperature sensor socket 21 is shown an auxiliary socket 22, which is available for, for example, an additional temperature sensor, a transmitter for sending a for example telephone signal to a receiver, means to transfer sensor data to a remote temperature comparison unit and/or an alarm or other suitable use. Figure 3 shows an exemplary, conventional, removable temperature sensor lead 30 comprising a lead 32 with a temperature sensor plug 34 at a first end for inserting into the temperature sensor socket 21 and a temperature sensor 17 at a second end. As stated, the temperature sensor monitor discussed in accordance with the present invention may monitor a temperature and send readings relating to the monitored temperature to a temperature comparison unit for comparison with a threshold. The temperature comparison unit is adapted to initiate an alarm should the monitored temperature breach the threshold. Alternatively, in a further embodiment, the sensor itself is primed to detect when a temperature breaches a threshold and will, when this occurs, send a signal to an alarm unit to trigger an alarm. Once the threshold at which the alarm should trigger has been selected, an appropriate sensor may be provided to the monitor. Such sensors are freely available. In a further embodiment the monitor may be provided with a sensor in which the temperature threshold may be adjusted (not shown).

Figure 4 shows an exemplary fuse box 40 with a fuse box temperature monitor 1 adjacent thereto and affixed to a wall by for example adhesive pads 19 as shown in Figure 1 (b). The fuse box 40 is conventional but includes, on a side wall 42, a small opening 44. Openings in fuse boxes are permitted although the sizes of such openings are regulated - they must be sufficiently small that a child's finger cannot enter into the interior space of the fuse box. As can be seen from Figure 4, lead 11 extends away from the fuse box temperature monitor 1 towards the fuse box 40, with an end 15 of the lead, including sensor 17, within the fuse box having entered in through the small opening 44. Alternatively a sensor, either with a predetermined threshold or with an adjustable threshold, may be positioned within the fuse box with the lead 11 passing through opening 44. The lead may be hard-wired into the temperature monitor, or plug 34 of a removable lead may be inserted into socket 21. In use the fuse box temperature monitor may be fixed in a position that is adjacent or close to a fuse box 40. The lead 11 with a temperature sensor 17 at a remote end is arranged such that the temperature sensor 17 is positioned within the fuse box 40. This may be accomplished by, for example, threading the lead 11 through an opening 44 in a side or other wall of the fuse box, sensor first, or by threading the lead through the opening, plug first, and inserting the plug into socket 21 of the monitor. With the sensor comfortably within the fuse box interior and the lead engaged with the fuse box 3 the temperature inside the fuse box will be monitored by the sensor, provided the monitor is powered, either by mains electricity or by a battery.

The monitor does not include a switch, so provided it is powered it will proceed to monitor the temperature at the sensor, thus ensuring that the monitor will not be accidentally switched off. Users can therefore be reassured that once in place the monitor will continue to monitor the temperature at the sensor and issue an alert should a problem arise. Should a battery not be present in the monitor, meaning that the monitor cannot carry out its function, the battery absent flap will be visible extending beyond the exterior surface of the monitor, preferably exposing an interior surface of the flap which will be of a colour to be easily seen, for example red, indicating to even a casual observer that there is a problem.

Light 8, which may be a low power consuming LED light, is provided to shine a light to indicate to an observer that the monitor is working. The light may be a continuous comforting light, for example a green light, conventionally used to confirm that there are no problems, or it may be an intermittent light, for example an intermittent green light, flashing at intervals for example intervals of approximately 45 seconds, although other time intervals are contemplated and fall within the scope of the present invention. The monitor may include a further alarm light 7 which will shine only in the event that an alarm has triggered indicating that the threshold temperature inside the fuse box has been breached.

Thus if the monitor shows only a continuous or intermittent green light it is clear that the fuse box temperature monitor is working and the temperature within the fuse box is within permitted parameters. If the monitor shows for example a red light 7 the fuse box temperature monitor is warning that the temperature within the fuse box has breached the threshold set.

Alternatively there may be a single light which shines green, continuously or intermittently to show that the monitor is working and the temperature inside the fuse box is within acceptable parameters and which may turn red, or red and flashing should the temperature within the fuse box breach the threshold set. Alternatively of course other coloured lights may be used. Of course, the alarm that is triggered should the temperature sensed by the sensor at the end of the lead, within the fuse box, breach the threshold set, an additional or alternative alarm may be triggered. For example the triggered alarm may include a noise or the transmission of a message to a predetermined individual or body. The message may include a text message to a specified telephone, an email to a specified email address, and/or the message may be a social media message.

If the alarm includes a noise it may be a loud noise, for examples a noise sufficiently loud to raise a sleeper, which would be useful if the alarm was triggered during the night, alternatively it may be a noise which is not particularly loud but may be sufficiently unusual to be noted easily. For example in a hospital, or a setting where a very loud noise should be avoided, the noise would be sufficient to alert those present in the building to the detected danger.

The temperature of the internal space of the fuse box will generally be governed by the ambient temperature of the room in which the fuse box is placed, with a potential contribution from the temperature of the wires in the fuse box itself. In particular when an electric device is switched on, such as a vacuum cleaner, a washing machine, oven, electric shower or the like, electricity will flow through the relevant cables, which will heat up. Such cable heating is not contemplated to increase the temperature inside the fuse box to a degree sufficient to breach the threshold set, even if several devices are active at the same time, and the threshold set will take account of this effect. The sensor of the present invention, positioned within the interior of the fuse box, will in its monitoring capacity continue to either forward the detected temperatures to the temperature comparison means, where the temperature detected is compared to a reference, threshold temperature, or detect when the temperature sensed breaches a threshold. The reference threshold temperature selected will depend on the circumstances and where a variable sensor (i.e. a temperature sensor with a variable threshold) is used, the threshold may be adjusted accordingly.

It is contemplated that the threshold temperature is likely to be set, in a domestic setting, to approximately 35 degrees centigrade, although other temperatures are contemplated and fall within the scope of the present invention. Threshold temperatures in other settings may vary.

If there is a fault within the fuse box, or in one of the cables, resulting in an effect such as for example arcing, the temperature within the fuse box will rise significantly and the alarm is likely to be triggered, thereby notifying in a predetermined manner that there is a potential problem with the fuse box, that the temperature within the fuse box has exceeded the threshold set, and that there may be a fire or the potential for a fire, within the fuse box.

This provides a very early warning of a potential fire, allowing action to be taken to for example evacuate a building, remove the cause of the temperature increase or other actions. This timely alert of potential problems is very useful and cost effective, and may avoid fires which can devastate buildings and businesses and, more importantly, endanger lives.

In an additional feature, should the alarm be deactivated, such that for example a triggered alarm will not issue a warning due to the means to issue the warning being inactive, either by for example a bulb (such as the red bulb for the visual alarm) being blown, or the speaker being unable to issue any sound, or the device being unable to send a text or email, or for any other reason, the monitor will also issue an alert, perhaps for example by means of the low battery flag, or other means. The fuse box temperature monitor of the present invention may be placed anywhere, and in addition it is contemplated that the sensor might be positioned close to the fuse box, if not inside it. The fuse box temperature monitor of the present invention provides further means to supplement the safety measures already available with the added advantage over current safety methods such as smoke detectors that the fuse box temperature monitor detects the conditions likely to lead to a fire before a fire actually occurs, thereby providing for additional time and opportunity to avoid a fire or at least ensure lives are not lost or property damaged.

The fuse box temperature monitor of the present invention has the additional advantage that it is easy to fit and simple to operate. The monitor may be powered either by battery or by mains power, and where powered by battery may include a low battery power warning facility.

It is contemplated that in addition to the obvious safety advantages of the present monitor in domestic environments, the monitor is also useful in all kinds of other settings, for example in computer rooms, which can be very temperature sensitive and where a fire can be very damaging, in shops and other commercial environments, and in hospitals, schools and so on.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. For example the variety of buttons, sockets, lights, grills and so on may be positioned on any suitable side of the fuse box temperature monitor, they are not restricted to the locations shown. Similarly the lead 11 may extend from any portion of the monitor, and not a second side, opposite the first side, or top, of the monitor. The monitor may not be a rectangular box, as shown in the figures, but may be any suitable shape. It is contemplated that the fuse box temperature monitor may be affixed to a wall adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, a fuse box by a screw or by any other suitable means. The temperature comparison means may send a continuous signal to the alarm, which may change when the temperature exceeds the threshold temperature, or a different, alternative means may be relied upon to trigger the alarm triggering means. The fuse box temperature monitor has been described as being positioned adjacent or near the fuse box whose temperature is being monitored, however it may be positioned within the fuse box itself or quite a long distance away, depending on the circumstances and the desires of the user.

Claims

Claims:

1. A fuse box temperature monitor comprising:

a temperature sensor for positioning inside a fuse box, and in communication with:

comparing means adapted to compare a temperature detected by the sensor with a threshold temperature, and

triggering means adapted to trigger an alarm when the temperature detected exceeds said threshold.

2. The fuse box temperature monitor of claim 1, wherein said temperature sensor includes said comparing means and is positioned at a first end of a lead, the lead connected at a second end to said triggering means.

3. The fuse box temperature monitor of claim 1, wherein said temperature sensor is positioned at a first end of a lead, the lead connected at a second end to said comparing and triggering means.

4. The monitor of claims 2 or claim 3, wherein said lead is removably connected to said means.

5. The fuse box temperature monitor of claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein said lead is sized to pass through an opening in a fuse box casing.

6. The monitor in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is a variable sensor, the threshold temperature being adjustable

7. The fuse box temperature monitor of any of the preceding claims, wherein said alarm is an aural alarm.

8. The fuse box temperature monitor of claim 7, wherein said aural alarm generates a loud noise.

9. The fuse box temperature monitor of claim 7, wherein said aural alarm generates a noticeable alarm.

10. The fuse box temperature monitor of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein said alarm is a visual alarm.

11. The fuse box temperature monitor of claim 10, wherein said visual alarm is a light.

12. The fuse box temperature monitor of claim 10, wherein said visual alarm is flashing light.

13. The fuse box temperature monitor of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said alarm includes sending a text message to a telephone.

14. The fuse box temperature monitor of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said alarm includes sending an email to a registered email address.

15. The fuse box temperature monitor of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said alarm is issued via social media.

16. The fuse box temperature monitor of claim 1, wherein said monitor includes a battery absent warning.

17. The fuse box temperature monitor of claims 16, wherein said battery absent warning includes a flap extending away from the monitor should a battery not be present in the monitor.

18. The fuse box temperature monitor of claim 16, wherein said battery absent warning provides an indication that a battery is not providing power to the monitor

19. The fuse box temperature monitor of claim 1, wherein said monitor includes an alarm means absent warning, triggered should the means to issue a visual, aural or other alarm be inactive.

20. The fuse box temperature monitor of claim 1, wherein the monitor may include an additional, auxiliary output.

21. The fuse box temperature monitor of claim 20, wherein the additional output is connectable to an additional sensor, a transmitter for sending a telephone signal, to transfer data, or initiating a text or email message.

22. The fuse box temperature monitor of claim 1, wherein the monitor includes a low battery warning signal.

23. A method of monitoring a fuse box temperature including:

positioning a temperature sensor within a fuse box casing, the sensor in communication with a means to compare a sensed temperature with a threshold temperature and a means to trigger an alarm if the sensed temperature exceeds the threshold temperature.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the temperature sensor is at a first end of a lead, the second end of which is connected to said comparing and triggering means.

25. The method of claims 24, wherein the lead passes through an opening in a fuse box casing, with the comparing and triggering means positioned outside the fuse box casing.

26. The method of any of claims 23 to 25, wherein when the comparing means determines that the temperature detected by the sensor exceeds the threshold temperature, the triggering means activates an alarm.

27. The method of any of claims 23 to 26, wherein said alarm includes an aural alarm, a visual alarm, or a text, email or social media message.

28. The method of claim 23, further including issuing a battery absent warning if the monitor does not include a battery, or if the battery does not provide sufficient power for the monitor to work.

29. The method of claim 23, further including an alarm absent warning if the means to issue an alarm are inactive.

30. The method of claim 23, further including utilising second means to monitor a temperature.

31. The fuse box temperature monitor as herein described with reference to the accompanying description.

32. The fuse box temperature monitor as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.