Electrical Equipment and Electrical Safety Systems

Abstract

To reduce risk of a fire by detecting an electric failure and a risk factor at an early stage.SOLUTION: An electric safety device comprises: a socket that is provided so as to receive a power supply plug of an electrical device and connect power supply to the electrical device; a temperature sensor that is provided so as to detect a surface temperature of the power supply plug when received by the socket; and a processor that is configured to communicate with the temperature sensor and determine when the surface temperature detected exceeds a predetermined threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electrical safety devices for detecting the presence of an electrical hazard, and to systems including interconnected electrical safety devices for detecting and responding to electrical hazards. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the risk of fire caused by faulty home appliances has become an increasingly serious problem. It has been reported that 40% of residential fires are caused by electrical appliances and power sources. Many of these fires are caused by small electrical surges or potential changes in environmental conditions, which could have been mitigated if they had been detected and addressed at an early stage. Therefore, in today's world where there are an increasing number of home appliances that require constant electrical connections, measures are needed to ensure the safety of users and residents in homes that use such appliances.

[0003] One approach involves installing sensors in homes that detect parameters that indicate the presence of fire (e.g., smoke, CO, CO2, and dangerous gases). These sensors can detect the risk of fire and alert nearby residents by emitting an audible alarm. However, in many cases, by the time such notification is made, the fire has already started and it is too late to completely prevent damage and eliminate the danger to the building's occupants. Furthermore, such approaches do not always attract the attention of nearby residents, and it has been shown that such systems do not dramatically reduce the occurrence of residential fires. Also, in many cases, residents have no way of knowing what is happening in their home when they are not there, and it may not be until several weeks later that they actually learn of the detected parameters and the potentially devastating effects of a fire.

[0004] Thus, there is a need for a system that can detect potential fire risks at an earlier stage and prevent or mitigate the effects of the fire risks after detection. The present invention attempts to address at least some of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The electrical safety device of the present invention comprises a socket arranged to receive a power plug of an electrical appliance and connect a current source to the electrical appliance, a temperature sensor arranged to detect a surface temperature of the power plug when received in the socket, and a processor configured to communicate with the temperature sensor and determine when the detected surface temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0006] By detecting the surface temperature of the equipment's power plug and determining when that surface temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the electrical safety device of the present invention is able to identify potential electrical hazards at an earlier stage than conventional methods of detecting electrical hazards.

[0007] The temperature sensor is configured to detect a surface temperature of the electrical equipment, but may also detect the presence of a flame or an increase in ambient temperature. The temperature sensor is preferably arranged to detect a surface temperature of at least one, preferably both, of the power plug housing and the cable.

[0008] The processor may be configured to determine when the surface temperature exhibits a behavior indicative of a potential electrical hazard, for example when a temperature gradient on the surface of a housing and / or cable of the power plug exceeds a particular level, or when the surface temperature distribution of the plug exhibits a particular behavior or the rate of change of the surface temperature exhibits a particular behavior. The processor may use a machine learning algorithm and may be trained to identify such behavior indicative of a particular hazard. The electrical safety device further includes a memory configured to hold data of surface temperature behaviors associated with a particular hazard, and the processor may receive surface temperature data from the temperature sensor and compare it to the data stored in the memory to determine the presence of a hazard. The processor may be configured to determine the presence of a hazard based on the output of the temperature sensor and one or more further sensors, for example a machine learning algorithm may determine the presence of a hazard based on the output of a combination of sensors.

[0009] Preferably, the temperature sensor is an infrared sensor, such as an infrared thermal image sensor. In particular, the temperature sensor is preferably an infrared camera, which is composed of an array of thermopile type detector pixels. In this way, a very accurate surface temperature measurement can be determined so as to identify the risk factor with confidence. By using thermal images, the distribution and changes of the thermal temperature can be measured, and more information can be collected to identify electrical risk factors with greater confidence at an earlier stage.

[0010] Preferably, the temperature sensor comprises a lens with a wide field of view, for example between 30 degrees and 90 degrees, preferably about 60 degrees.

[0011] Preferably the temperature sensor is configured to provide a non-contact measurement of the surface temperature of the power plug when received in the socket, thereby providing a more accurate means of determining temperature and eliminating the need to precisely position the sensor in contact with the power plug, which could be rendered invalid if the sensor is misaligned slightly during operation of the device.

[0012] Preferably, the electrical safety device includes a housing, the socket is provided on a surface of the housing, and the temperature sensor is positioned to detect the temperature of an area external to the housing at the socket. By measuring the portion of the plug that is external to the electrical safety device (i.e. the plug housing and not the prongs), imaging of a significant portion of the plug body, where a fire is most likely to start and / or spread, can be performed since the heat of the electrical components of the electrical safety device itself does not affect the measurement.

[0013] Preferably, the socket comprises a plurality of recesses, and the temperature sensor is disposed between the socket recesses in the housing and faces outwardly from the housing to detect the temperature of the lower surface of the power plug when received in the socket. Alternatively, the temperature sensor is provided on a surface of the housing adjacent the socket, and the temperature sensor is oriented along an outer surface of the housing to detect the temperature of the side of the power plug and the connecting cable when received in the socket. Both configurations allow imaging of a significant portion of the plug housing and accurate determination of surface temperature measurements. The latter allows the temperature sensor to be positioned at a greater distance from the plug, allowing a larger portion of the plug to be measured. The former allows the temperature sensor to be fully contained within the housing of the electrical safety device so as to protect the temperature sensor.

[0014] In one example, the electrical safety device is a plug-in adapter unit, further comprising a plug part adapted to be received in a power socket and positioned relative to the socket to receive a power plug of an electrical equipment in the socket of the electrical safety device when the plug part is received in the power socket, thereby allowing the electrical safety device to be used with existing power sockets in a premises by simply plugging the plug part of the adapter unit into the power socket and plugging the plug of the equipment to be monitored into the socket of the adapter unit.

[0015] In another example, the electrical safety device is a power socket faceplate. Preferably, the power socket faceplate is configured to be mounted on a surface such as a wall and coupled to a power wiring. In particular, the electrical safety device is a power socket fascia that may be installed in a building in place of a conventional power socket unit, for example by screwing the device into the wall at an electrical access point. This allows the electrical safety device to be installed throughout a building and monitor all electrical equipment.

[0016] Preferably, the electrical safety device further comprises a relay switch configured to cut off the supply of power to an electrical device connected to the electrical safety device when the processor determines that the surface temperature of the plug exceeds the predetermined threshold. In this way, if the temperature of the plug of an electrical device reaches a level that is deemed dangerous, the electrical safety device can cut off the supply of current to the device and address the risk.

[0017] The electrical safety device may comprise one or more sockets, each of which may have its own current sensor and relay switch.

[0018] Preferably, the electrical safety device comprises one or more wireless communication links arranged to communicate with remote devices, such that the electrical safety device can be employed in a building-wide electrical safety system (i.e. an electrical safety device network) to identify risks, alert users and address the risks. Preferably, the electrical safety device is arranged to communicate with other electrical safety devices and / or remote devices over both a Wi-Fi network and a narrowband radio frequency network, such that it can be contingent upon the failure of one of the networks.

[0019] Preferably, the electrical safety device comprises one or more further local sensors, the one or more local sensors comprising one or more of a smoke and / or gas sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a moisture and / or water sensor, and a current sensor. This allows the device to detect the presence of a wider range of hazards and to identify the hazards more reliably. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical safety device comprises a smoke and / or gas sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, and a current sensor, and the processor is configured to determine whether a corresponding parameter detected by each sensor exceeds a predefined threshold. Such a combination of sensors allows for the identification of substantially all home hazards related to electrical appliances with greater certainty. Preferably, the processor is configured for identifying the presence of a hazard based on an output of a combination of sensors. In particular, the processor employs a combination approach that utilizes the output of multiple sensors to identify risks with greater certainty. For example, the processor employs a machine learning algorithm that utilizes the output of multiple sensors to identify risks. In this way, the identification of hazards can be more reliably performed than based on the output of a single sensor. For example, the combination of the output of a current sensor and a temperature sensor can be used to identify the presence of an electrical fault with greater certainty.

[0020] The electrical safety device is configured such that each sensed parameter has a corresponding threshold or behavior indicative of the presence of a hazard. The device may include a memory for storing data including such thresholds and patterns of change in behavior such that the processor can compare the sensed parameters to the corresponding data to identify the presence of a potential risk. Similarly, the processor may compare the behavior of a combination of sensed parameters to response data stored in the memory to more reliably identify the presence of a hazard than would be possible based on the output of a single sensor.

[0021] The device may further include a water sensor, the electrical safety device having a main housing containing the socket, the temperature sensor and the processor, the water sensor being positioned on a lower surface of the main housing of the electrical safety device and connectable to the main housing by a cable or wireless connection. This allows electrical faults as well as water leaks, which can be particularly dangerous, to be identified. The processor may be configured to analyze responses of the water sensor and one or more other sensors to more reliably identify the presence of a hazard.

[0022] Preferably, the electrical safety device further comprises means for issuing an alert to a user. The device may include an audible or visual alarm to notify a user when the processor determines that a sensed parameter exceeds a threshold. Preferably, the device is also configured to send an alert to a user device, such as a smartphone, to notify the user of the location and type of identified hazard. The device may also be configured to communicate with a voice assistant (e.g., Apple Watch Series 3 or 4) to notify the user of information regarding the hazard and directional information, such as a route to exit a building. TM Siri, Google TM Assistant, Microsoft TM Cortana, Amazon TM The device may be configured to notify Alexa.

[0023] The electrical safety device provides further advantages when installed within an electrical safety system having one or more electrical safety devices and one or more remote devices, such that the devices can communicate to inform a user of a risk and take action, either automatically or prompted by the user, to address the hazard.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an electrical safety system comprising an electrical safety device according to any preceding claim and one or more remote devices, the electrical safety device comprising a communications link and configured to transmit a signal to the remote devices using the communications link when the processor determines that a surface temperature of a power plug exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0025] In this way, the remote device can alert the user or take action to address the potential hazard. Remote devices include other networked devices that are not electrical safety devices as described above, such as smartphones, smart TVs, voice assistant devices, remote controlled valves, routers and hubs, mobile phone docking stations, other smart user devices such as fire alarms, smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, etc.

[0026] Preferably, the communication link comprises a wireless communication link, preferably provided by one or more of a narrowband radio frequency network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. The electrical system may comprise one or more electrical safety devices and one or more remote devices, the electrical safety devices and the remote devices forming a mesh network in which the electrical safety devices and the remote devices can communicate. In this way, each device can communicate with the other devices so that coordinated actions and alerts can be provided. Preferably, the electrical safety devices and the remote devices are configured to communicate by both a Wi-Fi network and a narrowband radio frequency network to handle the contingency if one of the networks stops working. The narrowband radio frequency network may in particular be in the 868 MHz band.

[0027] Preferably, at least one remote device may be a smart user device, configured to provide an audio or visual alarm after receiving a signal from the electrical safety device. For example, a smart phone may run software configured to operate with the electrical safety system. The software may present an alarm to a user, identify the location of identified risks, provide a description of the identified risks, and allow the user to select how to address the risks, such as shutting off gas, water, electricity mains or local supplies, activating a sprinkler system, calling the fire brigade, switching off equipment, etc.

[0028] Preferably, at least one remote device is a voice assistant device (e.g., Apple TM Siri, Google TM Assistant, Microsoft TM Cortana, Amazon TMIn one embodiment, the voice assistant device includes a voice assistant voice assistant (Alexa) configured to notify a user upon receiving a signal from the electrical safety device. The voice assistant device may be configured to provide one or more of the following: information about the type and location of the hazard; options for how to respond (e.g., calling emergency services, activating an isolation device); and information about how to safely exit a building to avoid the hazard.

[0029] Preferably, at least one remote device is an isolation unit with a communications link configured to restrict the flow of water, gas or electricity through the isolation unit upon receiving a signal from the electrical safety device. In this manner, the isolation unit can receive a communication from the electrical safety device that an equipment has exhibited behaviour indicative of a malfunction and the isolation device can take action to restrict or stop the provision of service to that particular equipment, part of a building or the entire building.

[0030] The isolation units may take a number of different forms. In one example, at least one isolation unit is a local water isolation unit adapted to be installed at the connection point of a local water supply to an electrical appliance. The local water isolation unit includes a cable or wireless connection for connection to the electrical safety device and a motorized valve. The local water isolation unit is configured to close the motorized valve upon receiving a signal from the electrical safety device to restrict water supply to the electrical appliance. In this manner, water supply to a particular appliance, group of appliances, or area of ​​a building can be restricted to prevent flooding or the spread of electrical faults caused by water.

[0031] Preferably, the at least one isolation unit comprises a mains supply isolation unit comprising at least one motorised valve adapted to be installed at a mains water supply, a header water tank or a mains gas supply, the mains supply isolation unit being configured to close the motorised valve to restrict the mains supply upon receiving a signal from said electrical safety device. Preferably, the at least one isolation unit comprises a power supply isolation unit comprising a power cut-off switch, the power supply isolation unit being configured to operate the power cut-off switch to cut off the power supply upon receiving a signal from said electrical safety device. Such a mains isolation unit can be used to stop further supply of gas, electricity or water to an entire building or to a specific area to prevent the spread of a hazard.

[0032] The power isolating unit is connected to a power consumer unit and configured to activate a main switch on the power consumer unit to interrupt the main power supply, or the power isolating unit may be integrated within the consumer unit or within a fuse box.

[0033] The isolation unit may comprise one or more local sensors for identifying a local risk factor, preferably comprising a processor and one or more of a temperature sensor, a smoke and / or gas sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a moisture and / or water sensor, and a current sensor, the isolation unit being configured to restrict the flow of water, gas or electricity when the processor determines that a parameter sensed by the local sensor exceeds a predefined threshold.

[0034] In another example of the present invention, an electrical device is provided with an integrated electrical safety device that monitors the temperature of the electrical device's internal components to identify potential hazards.

[0035] In particular, there is provided an electrical device comprising a housing, an electrical component configured within the housing to provide a function of the electrical device, a temperature sensor arranged to detect a surface temperature of the electrical component, and a processor in communication with the temperature sensor, the processor configured to determine when the detected surface temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0036] Preferably, the temperature sensor is an infrared sensor, such as an infrared thermal image sensor. In particular, the temperature sensor is preferably an infrared camera, which is composed of an array of thermopile type detector pixels. In this way, a highly accurate measurement of the surface temperature of the internal electrical components can be determined using a non-contact measurement, so as to identify the risk factors with confidence. Using a thermal image, the distribution and changes of the thermal temperature can be measured, which allows to gather more information and to identify electrical risk factors with greater confidence at an earlier stage. Preferably, the temperature sensor is provided with a lens with a wide field of view, for example between 40° and 80°, preferably about 60°.

[0037] Preferably, the temperature sensor is configured to provide a non-contact measurement of the surface temperature of the internal electrical components during use for electrical compliance. This provides a more accurate means of temperature determination and eliminates the need for precise positioning of the sensor to contact the electrical components, which may be lost if the sensor is slightly misaligned during operation of the device. Thermal imaging allows information to be gathered in a non-contact manner, and specific behavior of the surface temperature of electrical components may identify the risk of fire within the equipment.

[0038] Preferably, the electrical appliance is one of a microwave oven, a gas or electric oven, a boiler, a consumer unit, a dishwasher, a refrigerator and / or freezer, a washing machine, a clothes dryer.

[0039] Preferably, the internal electrical component is one or more of a motor, compressor, heater, power source, fuse, electrical circuit, or other structure that may generate heat.

[0040] Preferably, the temperature sensor is mounted within a housing of the electrical equipment facing but not in contact with an internal electrical component, and preferably the temperature sensor is a thermal camera which images a substantial portion of the surface of the internal electrical component.

[0041] The processor of the electrical device may be configured to determine when the surface temperature exhibits a behavior indicative of a potential electrical hazard, for example when a temperature gradient exceeds a certain level, when the surface temperature distribution of the plug exhibits a particular behavior, or when a rate of change of the surface temperature exhibits a particular behavior. The processor may employ machine learning algorithms and may be trained to identify behaviors indicative of particular hazards, etc. The electrical safety device further includes a memory configured to hold data of surface temperature behaviors associated with particular hazards, the processor configured to receive surface temperature data from the temperature sensor and compare it to the data stored in the memory to determine the presence of a hazard.

[0042] Preferably, the electrical appliance further comprises one or more wireless communication links arranged to communicate with electrical safety devices and / or remote devices as described above. This allows the electrical appliance to be used in an electrical safety system (as described above) throughout a building to identify risks, alert users and address risks. Preferably, the electrical appliance is arranged to communicate with other electrical safety devices and / or remote devices over both a Wi-Fi network and a narrowband radio frequency network, this allows for contingency to be provided in case one of the networks fails.

[0043] Preferably, the electrical equipment comprises one or more local sensors comprising one or more of a smoke and / or gas sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a moisture and / or water sensor, a current sensor, and the isolation unit is configured to restrict the flow of water or gas, electricity when the processor determines that a parameter sensed by the local sensor exceeds a predefined threshold.

[0044] All the above functions relating to the electrical safety device can also be realized in an electrical appliance having an internal temperature sensor, said electrical appliance also being able to form part of the electrical safety system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically an electrical safety device according to the invention in the form of a power socket faceplate. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A shows diagrammatically an electrical safety device according to the present invention in the form of a power socket faceplate. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B shows diagrammatically an electrical safety device according to the present invention in the form of a power socket faceplate. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically an electrical safety device according to the invention in the form of a plug-in adapter unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically an electrical safety device according to the invention in the form of a plug-in adapter unit. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows a schematic diagram of a remote device of an electrical safety system according to the invention, the remote device being a mains supply isolation unit. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows a motorized valve. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a remote device of an electrical safety system according to the invention, the remote device being a power supply isolation unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates diagrammatically an exemplary electrical safety system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] FIG. 1 shows an electrical safety device 100 according to the present invention. The electrical safety device 100 comprises a socket 120 adapted to receive a power plug of an electrical device, and a temperature sensor 110 adapted to detect a surface temperature of the power plug when received in the socket 120 of the electrical safety device 100. The electrical safety device 100 further comprises a processor in communication with the temperature sensor 110, the processor being configured to determine when a detected surface temperature of the power plug received in the socket 120 exceeds a predetermined threshold. As the temperature sensor 110 is adapted to detect a surface temperature of the power plug received in the socket 120, the electrical safety device 100 is able to detect a dangerous condition that may lead to a fire at an early stage. In particular, a major cause of house fires is overheating due to an electrical fault in an electrical device. An electrical fault can be determined by an increase in the surface temperature of the power plug connection, and by monitoring such a parameter, an electrical fault can be detected before it spreads.

[0047] The electrical safety device 100 may further include a wide range of functionality to provide various responses when the processor determines that the sensed surface temperature of the power plug exceeds a predefined threshold. In particular, the electrical safety device may further include an internal alarm sounder that may sound an alarm when the temperature of the plug received in the socket 120 exceeds a predefined threshold, indicating a fire risk. The device 100 may further include a relay switch to stop current flow to the appliance through the electrical safety device 100. The device 100 may further include wireless communication capabilities to send an alarm to a user device, such as a smartphone, to take various actions to mitigate the risk, such as shutting off the water or gas supply. These enhanced capabilities of the electrical safety device 100 are described in more detail below.

[0048] [Temperature sensor] As mentioned above, the temperature sensor 110 is configured to detect the temperature in an area corresponding to the power plug when the power plug is received in the socket 120 in order to detect the surface temperature of the power plug. The temperature sensor 110 is provided by an infrared sensor, in particular an infrared camera configured with an array of infrared detector pixels. The infrared array sensor may comprise an 8×8 grid of thermopile elements that measure emitted infrared radiation to detect absolute temperature. The infrared array sensor can measure actual temperature and temperature gradient to provide a thermal image, allowing for highly accurate measurement of the surface temperature and identification of temperature changes. Preferably, the infrared array sensor also comprises a lens with a wide viewing angle so that a large area of ​​the power plug can be imaged when the temperature sensor 110 is located at a short distance. The lens may comprise an integrated silicon lens with a viewing angle of about 60 degrees. Preferably, the temperature sensor 110 is configured to detect temperature changes in the range of -20° C. to 100° C., and can track the surface temperature of the power plug as the temperature rise begins in the event of an electrical fault. Temperature sensor 110 may be, for example, a Panasonic Grid-EYE® sensor, which is commonly used for motion and presence detection, people counting, and light control.

[0049] The temperature sensor 110 is arranged to provide a non-contact temperature measurement of the power plug of the electrical device when connected to the socket 20. By using a non-contact thermal image, the entire power plug can be imaged and temperature variations can be detected across the plug, rather than at a single point as would be necessary with a contact measurement. Also, with a contact measurement, a contact temperature sensor is arranged to maintain contact with the power plug when it is received in the socket 120. If the contact temperature sensor were to move out of position and lose contact with the power plug, it would not be able to provide an accurate temperature measurement and there is a risk that dangerous faults in the electrical device would not be detected. The infrared array sensor also offers the possibility of more complex processing of the thermal image received from the sensor. For example, more advanced machine learning based algorithms could be used to detect temperature change patterns indicative of high-risk faults in the device.

[0050] The temperature sensor may be positioned in many different ways to provide a surface temperature reading of the power plug. In FIG. 1, the temperature sensor 110 is positioned in the housing 130 of the device 100 between the recesses 121 forming the socket 120. In particular, the socket 120 has an opening 111 in the surface of the housing 130 at a central location, the opening 111 being provided between the recesses that receive the pins of the power plug. The temperature sensor 110 is located in the housing surface outside the housing 130 of the device 100. In this manner, the temperature sensor 110 images the base surface of the plug when it is received in the socket 120. The opening 111 may be larger than the IR sensitive array of the temperature sensor 110, and the temperature sensor may be recessed through the opening into the housing surface to provide a wide field of view of the bottom surface of the plug received in the socket portion 120. In this manner, the temperature sensor may provide a non-contact measurement of the surface temperature for an area of ​​the bottom surface of the plug received in the device 100. The temperature sensor 110 may be similarly positioned at many other locations to provide a non-contact surface temperature measurement relative to the power plug received within the electrical safety device 100 .

[0051] 2 and 3 show an alternative possibility, where the temperature sensor 110 is oriented along and located on the surface of the housing 130 so as to measure the surface temperature of the power plug. In particular, the temperature sensor 110 may be molded into the housing 130 of the electrical safety device 100. In this example, the housing 130 has an integrated protrusion 112 in the surface 131 that accommodates the infrared sensor, oriented along the surface of the housing 130 towards the socket part 120. FIG. 2B shows a side view of the electrical device 100 of FIG. 2A. The protruding housing part 112 is visible at the surface 131 of the housing 130. The temperature sensor 110 is held within this protruding housing part 112 so as to be aligned approximately parallel to the surface of the housing 130. The sensor 110 may be positioned at any point around the socket part 120, for example from the side as shown in FIG. 2A, or from below or above as shown in FIG. By positioning the sensor so that it is oriented along the surface of the housing in this manner, the sensor can be positioned at a distance from the plug to image a wide field of view around the plug when it is received in the socket. Because the lens of the temperature sensor 110 has a field of view of approximately 60 degrees, a significant portion of the power plug can be imaged to detect an increasing temperature gradient as the temperature increases. This allows for more accurate detection of temperature increases associated with electrical faults.

[0052] Although the temperature sensor 110 is configured to primarily detect surface temperature, which allows for early detection of potential faults before there is a significant temperature rise that could lead to sparks or flames, the temperature sensor can also clearly detect the presence of sparks or flames as such build up at the plugs due to the significant emission of IR radiation. Thus, the temperature sensor 110 allows for early detection of temperature rises associated with potentially dangerous faults within the device, and the device can provide various warnings and actions to minimize the risk of such faults, as described below.

[0053] [Power socket faceplate device] FIG. 2A illustrates further various features of the electrical safety device according to the present invention. The electrical safety device 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A is a power socket faceplate 100 configured to be mounted, for example by means of screws 101, at an electrical connection point on a wall or other surface. The power socket faceplate safety device 100 of FIG. 1a and FIG. 2A comprises a substantially flat enclosure defined by a housing 130, like a conventional power socket faceplate or fascia. The electrical safety power socket faceplate 100 is configured to be placed at an electrical access point of a building in place of a conventional power socket faceplate, providing increased safety against the risk of fire or electrical fault. In the example of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A, the power socket faceplate 100 comprises two sockets 120, but such an electrical safety device may also have one socket 120 or a greater number of sockets 120. Similarly, the device 100 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A is in the form of a faceplate to be mounted on a wall or other surface, but may also be provided as a mobile extension socket configured to be attached via a cable to a power socket.

[0054] Like a conventional power socket faceplate, the power socket faceplate device 100 includes a switch 102 for switching on the supply of electrical current to a corresponding socket 120. In use, the power socket faceplate device 100 replaces a conventional power socket faceplate and is attached to a wall by screwing it into place using screws 101. An electrical appliance is connected to the socket 120 of the device 100 and electrical current is supplied by switching the switch 102 to the on position. The surface temperature of the appliance plug inserted into the socket 120 is monitored by a thermal infrared sensor 110 that is directed towards the socket 120 along a surface of the housing 130. When a particular temperature or temperature change is identified by a processor (not shown), the device 100 determines the presence of a potential risk and can take a number of actions. The electrical safety device 100 first includes an internal alarm emitter 140 that is configured to emit a sound upon detection of a hazard to alert occupants of the surrounding area. The electrical safety device also includes a wireless communication link configured to communicate with one or more remote devices, and in particular the device 100 is configured to communicate with a user device, such as a smartphone, via the communication link in order to alert a user to the presence of a potential electrical fault and provide further information regarding the type of hazard detected and its location within the building.

[0055] The device 100 includes a reset switch 141 for resetting the device 100 or for muting the alarm 140 when it sounds. The electrical safety device 100 further includes a series of status LEDs to indicate to a user that the device 100 is functioning properly. In particular, the device of FIG. 2A includes corresponding LEDs to indicate the status of the network connection and power supply to the device, and the output of the alarm. A series of LEDs 142 are provided on the surface of the housing 130 to provide a visual alert to the user. The electrical safety device may also be configured to communicate with other user devices, such as smart TVs, smart watches, and other devices, via a wireless communication link, to indicate the presence of a potential hazard and to provide details regarding the detected hazard.

[0056] [Additional Sensors] Besides the temperature sensor 110, the electrical safety device 100 comprises a number of additional sensors to detect the presence of a hazard. In particular, the electrical safety device comprises a smoke and gas sensor 113 configured to detect smoke from any electrical device connected to the electrical safety device 100 or smoke and gas from nearby devices 100. The electrical safety device 100 also comprises a carbon monoxide sensor 114 configured to detect carbon monoxide from, for example, a gas fire or a boiler in the vicinity of the electrical safety device 100. The device 100 further comprises a current sensor 115 for monitoring the current supplied to the electrical equipment connected to the electrical safety device 100. The current sensor is located within the device and measures the current between the pins of the plug and corresponding contacts in the housing of the device 100.

[0057] Each sensor is electrically connected to a processor in the device such that the processor can calculate whether any of the sensed parameters are indicative of a potential risk factor. The processor is configured to determine the presence of a potential risk factor by identifying when the value of the sensed parameter exceeds a predefined threshold. However, more complex processing may be used to identify the presence of a risk factor, for example, by identifying the rate of change of the sensed parameter, or when the sensed parameter change exhibits a particular behavior or pattern associated with an increased risk of the risk factor. The processor may also be configured to determine the presence of a risk factor based on a combination of sensor outputs to more reliably identify risk. For example, the processor may use more complex algorithms, such as machine learning based algorithms that incorporate the output of multiple sensors to determine increased risk. For example, in a situation where the current sensor and temperature sensor measurements are below their respective thresholds, the behavior of the combined sensor measurements may be indicative of a developing risk factor, which may be detected at an earlier stage than with only one sensor. Similarly, an abnormal ratio of chances for one or more parameters may indicate the presence of a risk factor. The device 100 may include an internal memory for holding such sensor parameter data, and the processor is configured to compare the received data with data indicative of risk factors held in the memory to identify the presence of a risk factor. The processor may use more complex algorithms, such as machine learning algorithms that can be trained to identify parameter changes associated with increased risk for potential risk factors. For example, the machine learning algorithm may include a neural network (or support vector machine) that operates to receive data from the sensors as input, and may be trained on a set of simulated risk factors, and then be able to identify real-world risk factors from a combination of sensor inputs using weights and thresholds that are not set or pre-determined by an operator.In another example, a linear regression model may be used to determine changes in parameters over time to predict or estimate the level of risk.

[0058] The electrical safety device 100 may also comprise a water sensor 116 arranged to detect the presence of water in the vicinity of the device 100, as shown in FIG. 2A. In particular, the water sensor 116 may comprise a water sensor body 117 arranged to lie on the ground below the electrical safety device 100 to detect water that has collected on a surface below the device 100. The water sensor body 117 is connected to the device by a water sensor connection 118 as shown in FIG. 2A. This connection 118 may comprise a plug that fits into a corresponding socket on the device to connect the water sensor to an internal processor, which can receive a signal from the water sensor to identify the presence of water and alert the user with an alarm or a wireless communication link to a user device. The presence of water is particularly dangerous when there is an electrical fault in the appliance, and the additional water sensor 116 can detect the presence of leaks from household appliances or mains water to identify such a risk.

[0059] In addition to issuing an alarm or warning to a remote device such as a smart phone, electrical safety device 100 can also take action, either automatically or when prompted by a user, to respond to a detected hazard. In this manner, electrical safety device 100 forms part of an electrical safety system that can detect a hazard, warn a user, and take appropriate action to address the hazard.

[0060] The electrical safety system further comprises one or more remote devices, illustrated in Fig. 2A in the form of an isolation unit 150. The system comprises various types of isolation units, each with a communication link to the electrical equipment 100 and some form of activating a means to restrict or cut off the flow of water, gas or electricity upon receiving a signal from the electrical safety device 100 to mitigate the potential effects of a hazard. The isolation device 150 illustrated in Fig. 2A is a local water isolation unit 151 comprising a motorized valve as shown in Fig. 5B. The motorized valve 151 of the isolation unit 150 is located in a chilled water supply delivery line 161 which transports water from the mains supply to the electrical equipment. The local water isolation unit comprises a communication link 152 to the electrical safety device 100, which in the example of Fig. 2A takes the form of a cable connection 152 which connects to a port in the housing of the electrical safety device 100 and can send a signal from a processor to the motorized valve 151 to activate the valve. In this manner, when a hazard is detected by the electrical safety unit 100 using one of the sensors 110, 113, 114, 115, 116, a signal may be sent to the local water isolation unit to activate valve 151 to shut off the water supply to an electrical appliance, such as a washing machine or dishwasher.

[0061] The electrical appliance may be plugged into the electrical safety device 100 to which the remote valve 151 is connected. In this way, an electrical fault in the appliance itself can be identified, for example via the current sensor 115 or temperature sensor 110, and the water supply to the appliance can be shut off to prevent leakage from the faulty appliance. Similarly, if a water sensor 116 connected to the electrical safety device 100 detects the presence of a leak through a pool of water on the ground below the appliance 100, the processor of the appliance 110 can send a signal via a communication link 152 to a local water isolation unit 150 to shut off the water supply. By shutting off the water supply, the risk of an electrical fault in a particular appliance transmitting dangerous currents through the leaking water can be further mitigated. Instead of using a cable connection 152, the local water isolation unit 150 may be equipped with one or more modes of wireless communication to communicate with the electrical safety device 100 and other remote appliances in the electrical safety system.

[0062] The electrical safety device 100 also includes a relay switch within the device 100 that is configured to cut off the current supply to the electrical equipment connected to the electrical safety device 100 when the processor determines the presence of a hazard via signals from one or more sensors. In this way, when a malfunction is detected within the equipment, the supply of electricity from the power supply via the electrical safety device 100 can be immediately stopped to prevent the hazard from spreading further.

[0063] [Plug-in adapter safety device] Figures 3 and 4 show an alternative electrical safety device 200 according to the present invention. The electrical safety device 200 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is a plug-in adapter unit 200 that is configured to plug into a power socket and to receive a plug of an electrical appliance, with the current supply from the power socket being routed to the appliance via the adapter unit 200. In this way, rather than introducing an electrical safety device faceplate 100 as shown in Figures 1 and 2A, the plug-in adapter safety unit 200 may simply be plugged into an existing power terminal and the electrical appliance may be plugged directly into the adapter unit 200, providing the enhanced safety features as described above.

[0064] The electrical safety device 200 shown in Figures 3 and 4 provides all of the above features with respect to the faceplate safety device 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2A. In particular, the electrical safety device 200 includes an infrared array sensor 210 molded into a housing 230 of the device 200 and oriented across the exterior surface of the housing 230 in an area on the exterior surface corresponding to a socket 220, thereby detecting the surface temperature of the plug of an electrical device plugged into the adapter unit 200. The electrical safety adapter unit 200 also includes an internal current sensor 215 in a recess corresponding to the socket 220, a smoke and gas sensor 213, a carbon monoxide sensor 214, a separate water sensor 116 that can be plugged into the device 200 to detect the presence of water on the ground below the adapter 200, a remote local water isolation unit 150 configured to close a motorized valve to stop the flow of water to the washing machine or dishwasher, an internal alarm generator 240, a status LED 242, an on / reset / silence switch 241, and an internal processor configured to receive signals from each sensor, analyze each signal to determine whether it indicates the presence of a potential hazard, and issue an alarm to a user via the internal alarm generator 240 or send an alarm to a remote user device such as a smartphone.

[0065] A further feature that each electrical safety device 100, 200 of the present invention may have is an internal battery back-up so that if the power supply fails or is turned off by the security system, the electrical safety device 100, 200 will continue to operate for a certain period of time. Thus, the only difference between the device 200 of Figures 3 and 4 and the device of Figures 1 and 2A is that the device 200 takes the form of an adapter unit having a plug portion 223 as shown in Figure 4, by which the device can be plugged into a power point.

[0066] [Remote mains supply isolation] A further remote device forming part of the electrical safety system of the present invention is a mains supply isolation unit 250 as shown in Figure 5A. The mains supply isolation unit 250 comprises at least one motorised valve 251 arranged to be introduced into at least a mains supply, for example a mains water supply, a header water tank section and a mains gas supply. The mains supply isolation unit 250 further comprises a control unit 260 arranged close to the mains supply. The mains supply isolation control unit 260 has a communication link and sends a signal to the motorised valve 251 to shut off the mains supply. In the example of Figure 5A the motorised valve 151 is arranged in a mains water supply line 162 to shut off the mains water supply to the building. The mains supply isolation control unit 260 comprises a communication link 252 configured to receive signals from electrical safety devices such as those shown in Figures 1 to 4 and control the motorized mains shut-off valve 251 accordingly to shut off the mains supply if a hazard is detected by one of the electrical safety devices 100, 200 in the electrical safety device network.

[0067] The mains supply isolation control unit 280 may also comprise a number of local sensors with similar functionality to the electrical safety devices 100, 200, in order to detect the presence of a local hazard and accordingly shut off the mains supply. In particular, the mains supply control unit 260 may comprise a temperature sensor 261, for example as described above in relation to the electrical safety devices 100, 200, arranged to detect the presence of a spark, flame or temperature rise in the local vicinity, a smoke and gas sensor 263, a carbon monoxide sensor 264 and an optional water sensor 226 for detecting the presence of water collecting on the ground below the control unit 260. The mains supply isolation unit 250 therefore has the functionality required to detect the presence of a local hazard and accordingly shut off the mains supply as well as to issue an alarm to other devices in the network. The mains supply control unit 260 may also comprise an internal alarm generator 265 for alerting a user regarding the presence of a hazard and may send a signal to a user device such as a smart phone or smart TV to alert the user with a location description of the detected hazard. The device, like those described above, may also have an internal battery back-up 268. The device may also connect directly to a mains power supply via connection point 269.

[0068] The mains supply isolation unit 250 described above therefore provides additional functionality with respect to the control unit 260 having various sensors to detect local hazards. However, the mains supply isolation unit may also be less complex and more simply provided in the form of a motorised valve 251 and a radio receiver 252 arranged to receive the signal transmitted by the electrical safety device 100, 200 as shown in Figure 5B. In this case, the motorised valve 251 is provided in a mains supply line, e.g. a mains water supply, a header water tank or a mains gas supply, and this motorised valve 251 comprises a radio receiver component 252 which simply has the means to receive the signal transmitted by the electrical safety device in the electrical safety system and to operate the valve to cut off the mains supply.

[0069] The electrical safety system of the present invention may also comprise a power supply isolation unit 350 as shown in FIG. 6. The power supply isolation unit 250 comprises a power supply isolation control unit 360 having exactly the same functionality as the control unit 260 described above with respect to FIG. 5A. In particular, it is capable of receiving transmissions from the electrical safety devices 100, 200 and remote devices in the electrical safety system network, and is capable of detecting a number of local hazards using one or more local sensors. The power supply isolation unit 250 differs from the mains supply isolation unit 250 in that it comprises a wired or wireless communication link 352 to a main switch 351 in a consumer electrical unit (or fuse box). Thus, when the mains supply isolation control unit 360 receives a signal from an electrical safety device indicating the detection of a hazard or is able to detect a local hazard by one or more local sensors in the control unit 360, the internal processor transmits a signal via the communication link 352 to the main switch 351 of the consumer unit 353 to cut off the power supply. In this way, the electricity supply to the building can be further cut off to prevent the spread of a potential hazard. In alternative examples, the full functionality of the control unit 360 may be integrated directly into the consumer unit or fuse box, or, like the isolation unit described above, may take a simpler form, simply comprising a radio receiver integrated into the consumer unit 353 and an actuator which switches a main switch 351 in the consumer unit 353 when the radio receiver receives a signal from the remote device or electrical safety device 100, 200.

[0070] [Electrical safety system] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary electrical safety system network 400 according to the present invention. The electrical safety system 400 may comprise a number of the above-mentioned electrical safety devices 100, 200 and a number of remote devices 250, 251, 350, 402. All of the remote devices and electrical safety devices may be able to communicate via wireless connections, such as narrowband radio frequency, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Preferably, each device is configured to communicate via two communication channels, so that all devices can operate on two different types of networks as a fail-safe. In this example, the devices can communicate via Wi-Fi 404 and a wireless mesh network 403, for example at 868 MHz. The connections of each device in the network may be managed by a central smart hub 401, which is connected to a home router 405, and can manage the connections between the various remote devices and electrical safety devices. The smart hub 401 may also have the above-mentioned functions regarding sensors, connections, and alarms related to the devices mentioned so far. By having two communication networks, if one network fails, the equipment can still communicate and issue an alarm or perform a specific response, such as shutting off the mains supply, reducing the risk of a specific hazard.

[0071] As mentioned above, one particular remote device may be a smartphone 402 as shown in FIG. 7. This smartphone (or other smart user device) may run an app that allows the user to manage the system and receive alarms. In particular, when a hazard is detected, a signal may be sent to the user's smartphone and the app may display information about the hazard, e.g., that a fire has been detected and its location, and may provide the user with options to address the risk, e.g., by cutting off the electricity supply or calling emergency services. The app may also be configured to monitor the current usage of electrical equipment plugged into the electrical safety device 100, 200. In particular, the electrical safety device may be equipped with a current sensor that can be used to monitor the amount of current used by a particular device plugged into the electrical safety device 100, 200. In this way, the user may monitor the current usage and identify potentially faulty units that exhibit abnormal current usage characteristics.

[0072] The electrical safety system can also monitor the current consumption for each electrical safety device outlet, as the current sensor measures the current supplied to each socket. This data can be provided to a smartphone app and stored in memory, allowing the user to optimise their electricity usage. This allows for a more accurate measurement of power consumption, identifying high currents that use more electricity than normal over a period of time, and sending an alert to the smartphone. It can also be used as a safety system, for example the electrical safety device will alert the smartphone if no activity is detected during a certain time of day. This can be used to identify a lack of activity which may be of concern, for example for people living alone, such as sick or elderly people, who are more at risk.

[0073] The app also allows remote control of the relay switches of any electrical safety devices to switch on or off the current supply at a particular socket, for example the app allows functions like switch on or off, delay timer, random mode in case of absence from the building.

[0074] The electrical safety system 400 may also be configured to automatically take appropriate action without requiring user input via the user device 402. Such automatic action may be programmed to be performed based on identified risk factors. For example, in the system of FIG. 7, if water is detected by the water sensor 116 connected to the electrical safety adapter unit 200, the electrical safety adapter unit may send a signal to the connected local water isolation unit 150 to operate the remote valve 151, closing the local water supply to the connected equipment and preventing further leakage. Similarly, if a current sensor in the electrical safety device 100, 200 detects a power surge or an infrared temperature sensor detects a temperature increase associated with a power surge, the power isolation unit 350 may be operative to deliver a signal to the main switch 351 of the consumer unit 353 to shut off the power supply.

[0075] The electrical safety system can perform the following actions automatically or upon user prompting via a control interface, for example a smartphone app:

[0076] If the electrical safety device identifies the presence of a potential hazard when the processor determines that the output of the sensor exceeds a corresponding threshold, the electrical safety device may take one or more of the following actions: Raise a local alarm. - Locally switch off the electricity for each outlet of a plug-in adapter, single socket or twin socket. · Sends a signal to the Hub via a wireless MESH network, which then sends an alert to all smartphones paired with the system via AWS (Amazon Web Services). The Hub can also notify third party devices via industry standard protocols, such as IFTTT (If This Then That) (other third party protocols are available). Alert other devices on the MESH network, activate a sound generator, and shut off configurable outputs. Alert the voice assistant device and provide information about the hazard, response options, and guidance to the user, for example, how to safely leave the area. Sends a signal to activate and automatically shut off the mains chilled water feed and header tank remote water isolation valves and the remote gas isolation valves. Send a signal to the power isolation unit to remotely turn off the power consumer units.

[0077] The electrical safety device according to the invention can provide early detection to identify hazards at an early stage. In particular, by providing a temperature sensor oriented to detect the surface temperature of the plug of the electrical device when inserted into the electrical safety device 100, 200, electrical safety failures can be detected before they develop into serious hazards such as fire. The additional functionality provided by the additional sensor and in the connection between the electrical safety device and the remote device allows hazards to be detected at an early stage and allows the user to be alerted and appropriate action to be taken to address the hazard. Thus, the present invention is an advance over existing devices in terms of the speed at which potential hazards are identified and the additional functionality allows the hazards to be automatically addressed and the user to be alerted efficiently.

[0078] [Electrical device with integrated temperature sensor] As another possibility, an electrical device with integrated electrical safety is provided, in particular the electrical device includes a housing, an electrical component configured within the housing to provide a function of the electrical device, a temperature sensor arranged to detect a surface temperature of the electrical component, and a processor in communication with the temperature sensor, the processor configured to determine when the detected surface temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0079] In particular, the electrical appliance may be a microwave oven, a gas or electric oven, a boiler, a consumer unit, a dishwasher, a refrigerator and / or a freezer, a washing machine, a clothes dryer, or a charger.

[0080] The temperature sensor is an infrared array sensor as described above and is positioned within the electrical device to non-contact measure the surface temperature of the device's internal electrical components. The temperature sensor is oriented toward the internal electrical components most susceptible to heating, such as one or more of the motor, heater, power supply, fuse, and connected electrical circuitry. The temperature sensor uses a lens with a field of view to cover a sufficient portion of the electrical component being monitored. The above description applies equally to electrical devices with integrated temperature sensors, as the internal electrical safety device integrated within the electrical device operates in exactly the same way as the electrical safety device described above, except that it is directed toward a specific internal electrical component rather than the device plug.

[0081] The electrical equipment also includes a wireless communication link that enables it to be integrated into the electrical safety system described above to achieve the processes and effects described above.

[0082] [Notes defining aspects of the invention] The system according to the present invention comprises risk factor detection devices and mitigation devices connected via a network. The devices of the system are equipped with wireless network capabilities and can communicate with each other and with external mobile communication devices such as smartphones. The communication between the devices can be performed directly using a local network or via a remote server.

[0083] An electrical safety plug adaptor comprises a socket adapted to receive a plug of an external device and a plug portion adapted to be inserted into a socket of an external power source, such as a mains wall socket. The plug adaptor is generally adapted to provide a selective electrical connection between an electrical device (the external device) and a domestic power source (the mains wall socket).

[0084] The adapter device includes at least one hazard sensor that can determine a potential hazard and disconnect the external device from the power supply. In this way, the adapter device can detect the hazard locally and prevent the hazard from worsening to the external device. For example, if a fire occurs in a refrigerator, the power supply to the refrigerator can be turned off, and the fire situation in the refrigerator can be prevented from worsening. In addition, since the sensor is closer to the likely source of the hazard, the adapter device detects the hazard earlier than conventional detection systems.

[0085] The socket and plug portion are connected via an internal circuit of the adapter. The internal circuit may include a relay arranged to selectively control the current between the plug portion and the socket. Alternative means for selectively turning off the power supply to the external device may also be considered. The internal circuit may also include components for wireless communication, such as MESH wireless networks, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth chipsets.

[0086] The adapter also includes an integrated set of hazard detection sensors, such as CO, CO2, smoke, gas, temperature, flame and water detection sensors. Each sensor is networked into the system via internal circuitry.

[0087] The smoke sensor is adapted to detect ambient levels of smoke and may include sensing components adapted to utilize either optical (e.g., photoelectric detection) or physical (e.g., ionization) detection methods or both. When the detected ambient smoke level exceeds a threshold, the smoke sensor communicates with internal circuitry to indicate a risk of fire.

[0088] The gas sensor is adapted to detect ambient levels of hazardous gases, such as combustible, flammable, or toxic gases. The gas sensor may include sensing components adapted to utilize any or a combination of electrochemical, pellistor, photoionization, infrared point, or semiconductor detection methods. When the detected ambient hazardous gas level exceeds a threshold, the gas detector communicates with internal circuitry to indicate a gas leak or risk of fire.

[0089] The carbon monoxide sensor is adapted to detect ambient levels of carbon monoxide (CO). The CO sensor may include sensing components adapted to utilize any or a combination of biomimetic, electrochemical, opto-chemical, and semi-conductor sensing methods. When the detected ambient CO level exceeds a threshold, the CO detector communicates with internal circuitry to indicate a CO leak or risk of fire.

[0090] A temperature sensor is configured to detect ambient levels of heat energy and may include sensing components configured to utilize either mechanical or semiconductor heat detection methods or both. The temperature sensor can detect the surface temperature or open flame of any electrical equipment or faulty equipment leading to short circuits and potential fires. When the detected ambient heat energy level exceeds a threshold, the heat detector communicates with the internal circuitry to indicate a fire hazard.

[0091] Additional temperature sensors may monitor connections within the device to identify abnormal current flow or localized hazard creating conditions. Additional IR temperature sensors may generate a thermal image of the localized area to identify hazards before they spread.

[0092] If one of the on-board sensors detects a parameter indicative of a potential hazard and / or fire, the adapter automatically activates a relay to interrupt the electrical connection between the plug portion and the socket, thereby immediately cutting off power to potentially hazardous equipment when a potential hazard is sensed by the adapter.

[0093] The adapter may further be connected to the system network via a mesh wireless network, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth chipset. The adapter may be connected to the Internet or a local network by Wi-Fi, and each device may communicate with each other or with a central server. A mesh network module may also be provided, allowing the adapter to communicate with devices in the building, such as isolation units, described below, or with a central hub located in the building that communicates with all devices in the building.

[0094] If a wireless communication device, such as a smartphone, is connected to the network, the plug may communicate with the wireless communication device to send an alert. Typically, such an alert may include a visual message and / or an audible sound.

[0095] The adapter may further include one or more LEDs to indicate the status of the adapter: for example, one LED may indicate an alarm condition, another may indicate a normal condition, and yet another may indicate that communication is occurring.

[0096] Adapters may be provided to supply power from a wall supply point to a variety of electrical appliances, for example adapters may be provided to connect to power outlets, coffee makers, microwave ovens, electric kettles, extension sockets, toasters, hair straighteners, washing machines, dishwashers, wall mounted boilers, electric ovens, clothes dryers, refrigerators / freezers, consumer units.

[0097] Alternatively, the above-mentioned internal circuitry, wireless communication module, and hazard detection sensor may be built into the integrated wall socket. During use, if a fire, water, CO, or CO2 hazard level is detected locally or at any other remote device in the network, the integrated wall socket will automatically shut off and isolate the electrical supply to the connected appliances. As with other devices in the network, the wireless communication module allows the integrated wall socket to wirelessly communicate with other devices in the network over the mesh network via Wi-Fi and narrowband radio frequencies of 868 MHz.

[0098] In another example, the above-mentioned internal circuit, wireless communication module, and hazard detection sensor may be equipped in a docking unit. The docking unit may further include a connection that allows connection with an external mobile communication device, such as a smartphone. During use, if a fire, water, CO, or CO2 hazard level is detected locally or in any other remote device in the network, the docking unit will emit an alarm sound from the built-in speaker. If an external mobile communication device is connected to the docking unit when a hazard is detected, the docking unit can also send a signal to the mobile communication device to emit an alarm sound from the external device. As with other devices in the network, the wireless communication module allows the docking unit to wirelessly communicate with other devices in the network over a mesh network via Wi-Fi and narrowband radio frequencies of 868 MHz.

[0099] In addition to disconnecting the local power supply to the connected equipment or external device, the internal circuitry may also be configured to provide a disconnect message to a remote device or isolation unit. The isolation unit may be configured to shut off the hazard generating condition or other aspects that may exacerbate the hazard.

[0100] For example, a water sensor placed on the kitchen floor and connected to an adapter may detect the presence of water and remotely activate a valve that shuts off the mains water supply to the building to prevent further damage from a leak. Additionally, smoke or fire sensors may be used to detect fire hazards and shut off gas supplies that may exacerbate the effects of a fire.

[0101] The isolation unit may include a wireless communication module and one or more isolation valves. The isolation unit is adapted to be attached to a fluid treatment system, such as a water pipe, and controls the flow of fluid through the fluid treatment system. For example, the isolation unit may be installed on a water pipe that supplies water to an appliance such as a dishwasher or a washing machine. In other examples, the isolation unit may be installed on a supply pipe such as a water pipe providing a mains water supply, a header water tank outlet, a gas supply, etc. The isolation unit may also be part of an electrical supply system and may remotely disconnect the electrical supply to the building, such as by using an RCD or residual current device.

[0102] The wireless communication module of the isolation unit may be a dual communication module, in particular, it may be a narrowband mesh wireless network and a CPU.

[0103] The isolation unit may further include one or more LEDs to indicate the status of the isolation unit, for example one LED may indicate an alarm condition, another may indicate a normal condition, and yet another may indicate that communication is occurring.

[0104] In use, the isolation unit may respond to a wireless communication signal from a detection device, such as a plug adapter, indicating that a potential hazard has been detected. When the isolation unit receives such a signal, the isolation unit may operate to close or open the isolation valve. The isolation unit may also send a communication message over a network to the detection device or to a portable communication device, such as a smart phone.

[0105] In some examples, the isolation unit itself may further comprise one or a combination of the hazard detection sensors described above arranged to detect the level of the hazard parameter. In this case, upon detection of a leak or other risk, the isolation unit may activate an isolation valve in response to the local detection. The isolation unit may further communicate with other devices in the network or system using the wireless communication module to activate further valves or send messages to a wireless communication device such as a smartphone.

[0106] Typically, the isolation valve of the isolation unit is a motorized valve arranged to isolate the mains water supply if a leak is detected locally or at other remote devices in the network or system.

[0107] Each of the devices in the system including the local adapter and the remote isolation unit may include one or more CPUs or microprocessors to perform the functions described above. Instructions may be stored on a computer readable medium that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to carry out the instructions. The device may include a watchdog CPU that functions to reset the radio or Wi-Fi module.

Claims

1. An electrical device, comprising: Housing and internal electrical components disposed within the housing and configured to provide the functionality of the electrical device; a temperature sensor configured to be capable of contactlessly measuring a temperature of the internal electrical components within the housing; an additional sensor, the additional sensor being one or more of a smoke and / or gas sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a current sensor, a moisture and / or water sensor; a processor in communication with the temperature sensor and electrically connected to the additional sensor; A memory for storing data indicative of risk factors; a wireless communication link configured to enable communication with one or more remote devices; Equipped with the processor is configured to determine a presence of an electrical hazard when the detected temperature of the internal electrical component exhibits a particular behavior; the processor is configured to compare the data held in the memory with a behavior of a combination of parameters sensed by each of the temperature sensor and any of the additional sensors to identify the presence of a risk factor; a signal is transmitted to a remote device using the wireless communication link when the processor determines the presence of an electrical hazard. Electrical equipment.

2. a microwave oven, a gas or electric oven, a boiler, a consumer unit, a dishwasher, a refrigerator and / or a freezer, a washing machine, a clothes dryer, or a charger; 2. The electrical device according to claim 1.

3. the internal electrical components include one or more of a motor, a compressor, a heater, a power source, a fuse, an electrical circuit, or other components that may heat up; 3. An electrical device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The memory holds behavioral data regarding surface temperature behavior associated with a particular risk factor; The processor is configured to receive surface temperature data from the temperature sensor and compare the received surface temperature data with the behavior data stored in the memory to determine the presence of a risk factor.

4. An electrical device according to claim 1.

5. The processor is configured to determine whether a corresponding parameter sensed by each of the temperature sensor and any of the additional sensors exceeds a predetermined threshold.

5. An electrical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Further comprising a current sensor, the processor is configured to determine the presence of an electrical fault using a combination of an output of the current sensor and an output of the temperature sensor.

6. An electrical device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the processor is configured to utilize a machine learning algorithm to identify the presence of an electrical fault using a combination of the output of the current sensor and the output of the temperature sensor.

7. An electrical device according to claim 6.

8. The processor is operable to receive data from a plurality of sensors as input and is configured to utilize a neural network based machine learning algorithm that, after being trained on a set of simulated risk factors, identifies risk factors from a combination of inputs from the sensors.

8. An electrical device according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. An electrical device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; one or more remote devices; Equipped with the electrical device includes a communications link and is configured to transmit a signal to the remote device using the communications link when the processor determines that the temperature of the internal electrical component exceeds a predetermined threshold. Electrical safety systems.

10. the communication link includes a wireless communication link; The wireless communication link is realized by one or more of a narrowband radio frequency network, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; 10. An electrical safety system as claimed in claim 9.

11. One or more of the electrical devices are provided, the electrical device and the remote device form a mesh network through which the electrical device and the remote device can communicate; 11. The electrical safety system of claim 10.

12. the electrical appliance and the remote device are configured to communicate over both a Wi-Fi network and a narrowband radio frequency network; 12. An electrical safety system according to claim 10 or 11.

13. the one or more remote devices include one or more of a smart user device configured to provide an audio or visual alert after receiving a signal from the electrical appliance, and an isolation unit including a communication link; the isolation unit is configured to restrict a flow of water, gas, or electricity through the isolation unit upon receiving a signal from the electrical device.

13. An electrical safety system according to claim 11 or 12.

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