Security device

Abstract

The invention relates to a security device (10). More specifically, the invention relates to a security device (10) for monitoring a solar panel installation (100A, 100B, 100C) and alerting a user and / or remote response team (41) of impending theft and / or damage (i.e. fire). The security device (10) includes an alarm module (12), a connector (14) and primary and secondary electrical wires (16A, 16B). The connector (14) is mountable to at least one of one or more objects to be monitored, and comprises at least one switch having a contact plate (32) and primary and secondary linearly movable connector rods (28, 30). The connector rods (28, 30) are movable between a closed position, wherein first contact ends of the connector rods (28, 30) are in electrical contact with the contact plate (32), and an open position, wherein one or both of the first contact ends of the connector rods (28, 30) are spaced from and consequently not in electrical contact with the contact plate (32), wherein the connector rods (28, 30) are biased towards the closed position. The primary and secondary electrical wires (16A, 16B) are connectable at opposite ends to the connector rods (28, 30) and alarm module (12) respectively, such that the at least one alarm module (12), the switch and the electrical wires (16A, 16B) jointly form an electrical security circuit, with the primary and secondary electrical wires (16A, 16B) in use being securable to or threadable through the monitored objects thereby to tether them together. In the event of electrical continuity being lost in the electrical security circuit, either as a result of one or both of the electrical wires (16A, 16B) being severed or pulled towards the open position, the alarm module (12) is triggerable to output an alarm to a user and / or a remote response team (41).

Description

[0001] SECURITY DEVICE

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] THIS invention relates to a security device. More specifically, the invention relates to a security device for monitoring a solar panel installation and alerting a user and / or remote response team of impending theft and / or damage (i.e. fire).

[0004] As the world moves toward clean and renewable energy generation, the demand for solar panel installations for home and commercial power generation continues to rise. Unfortunately, and particularly in third world countries, solar panels have become the target of theft due to their financial and practical value.

[0005] Security systems for curbing theft are known. For example, Ingeteam Energy, S.A. in published European patent application no. EP2085938 teaches of an anti-theft device for solar panels comprising a cable passing through the solar panels with each end of the cable being connected to an electrical control box, configured to activate an alarm on the detection of the cable being cut.

[0006] Although the Ingeteam Energy, S.A. anti-theft device offers a workable solution, there are a few shortcomings. The first is that the alarm is only triggered when the cable is cut, at which point there may be insufficient time for the user and / or the response team to act and catch the perpetrators in the act. The second, and where there are many solar panels, is its inability to set up and monitor independent solar panel zones.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a solar panel security device that addresses the aforementioned shortcomings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to the invention there is provided a security device including: an alarm module comprising at least a power source and an alarm; a connector mountable to at least one of one or more objects to be monitored, the connector comprising at least one switch comprising a contact plate and primary and secondary linearly movable connector rods, the connector rods being movable between a closed position, wherein first contact ends of the connector rods are in electrical contact with the contact plate, and an open position, wherein one or both of the first contact ends of the connector rods are spaced from and consequently not in electrical contact with the contact plate, wherein the connector rods are biased towards the closed position; primary and secondary electrical wires each: having first ends being respectively connectable to the primary and the secondary connector rods; having second ends respectively being connectable to the alarm module, wherein at least the alarm module, the switch and the electrical wires jointly form an electrical security circuit; and in use, being securable to or threadable through the monitored objects there by to tether them together; such that in the event of electrical continuity being lost in the electrical security circuit, either as a result of one or both of the electrical wires being severed or pulled towards the open position, the alarm module is triggerable to output an alarm to a user and / or a remote response team. Generally, the movable connector rods are biased towards the closed position by a biasing means. Typically, the primary and secondary electrical wires are that of a dual core electrical cable.

[0009] Preferably, the connector comprises: a connector base housing the contact plate, the connector base defining mounting formations for mounting the connector base to the respective monitored object; and a connector block housing the biased connector rods, the connector base and connector block being releasably connectable to one another to enable cooperation between the contact plate and the biased connector rods thereby to form the switch.

[0010] Most preferably, the connector block is: at a first end thereof, releasably connectable to the connector base via correspondingly engageable clipping formations; and at a second end thereof, protected from weather elements by a weather boot mountable over the second end of the connector block; such that the connector block is replaceable and / or interchangeable with differently configured connector blocks.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a security device including: an alarm module comprising at least a power source and an alarm; a connector mountable to at least one of one or more objects to be monitored, the connector comprising at least one switch comprising a contact plate and a primary linearly movable connector rod, the connector rod being movable between a closed position, wherein a first contact end of the connector rod is in electrical contact with the contact plate, and an open position, wherein the first contact end of the connector rod is spaced from and consequently not in electrical contact with the contact plate, wherein the connector rod is biased towards the closed position; a primary electrical wire: having a first end connectable to the primary connector rod; having a second end connectable to the alarm module; and in use, being securable to or threadable through the monitored objects there by to tether them together; a secondary electrical wire: having a first end connectable to the contact plate; and having a second end connectable to the alarm module, wherein at least the alarm module, the switch and the electrical wires jointly form an electrical security circuit; such that in the event of electrical continuity being lost in the electrical security circuit, either as a result of one or both of the electrical wires being severed or pulled towards the open position, the alarm module is triggerable to output an alarm to a user and / or a remote response team.

[0012] Generally, the movable connector rod is biased towards the closed position by a biasing means. Typically, the connector comprises: a connector base housing the contact plate, the connector base defining mounting formations for mounting the connector base to the respective monitored object; and a connector block housing the biased connector rod, the connector base and connector block being releasably connectable to one another to enable cooperation between the contact plate and the biased connector rods thereby to form the switch.

[0013] Preferably, the connector block is: at a first end thereof, releasably connectable to the connector base via correspondingly engageable clipping formations; and at a second end thereof, protected from weather elements by a weather boot mountable over the second end of the connector block; such that the connector block is replaceable and / or interchangeable with differently configured connector blocks.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a security device including: an alarm module comprising at least a power source and an alarm; a connector mountable to at least one of one or more objects to be monitored; a primary electrical wire doubled on itself thereby to define: a connecting end comprising terminal ends of the primary electrical wire, the terminal ends being connectable to the alarm module; and a looped end capturable in the connector, wherein a primary contact point is located on the primary electrical wire at or near the looped end thereby defined by an opening in a sheath of the primary electrical wire; the doubled primary electrical wire, in use, being securable to or threadable through the monitored objects there by to tether them together; a secondary electrical wire: having a first end connectable to a contact plate housed in the connector; and having a second end connectable to the alarm module, wherein the primary contact point of the primary electrical wire and the contact plate are contactable to co-operatively form a switch, and further wherein at least the alarm module, the switch and the electrical wires jointly form an electrical security circuit; such that in the event of electrical continuity being lost in the electrical security circuit, as a result of the electrical wires being severed, or pulled to break contact between the primary contact point of the primary electrical wire and the contact plate of the switch, the alarm module is triggerable to output an alarm to a user and / or a remote response team.

[0015] Generally, the connector comprises: a connector base housing the contact plate, the connector base defining mounting formations for mounting the connector base to the respective monitored object; and a connector block for capturing the looped end of the primary electrical wire, the connector base and connector block being releasably connectable to one another to enable co-operation between the primary contact point of the primary electrical wire and the contact plate.

[0016] Preferably, the connector block is: at a first end thereof, releasably connectable to the connector base via correspondingly engageable clipping formations; and at a second end thereof, protected from weather elements by a weather boot mountable over the second end of the connector block; such that the connector block is replaceable and / or interchangeable with differently configured connector blocks.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a security device including: an alarm module comprising at least a power source and an alarm; a connector mountable to at least one of one or more objects to be monitored; an electrical wire doubled on itself thereby to define: a connecting end comprising terminal ends being connectable to the alarm module, wherein at least the alarm module and the electrical wire jointly form an electrical security circuit; and a looped end capturable in the connector body; the doubled electrical wire, in use, being being securable to or threadable through the monitored objects there by to tether them together; such that in the event of electrical continuity being lost in the electrical security circuit, as a result of the electrical wire being severed, the alarm module is triggerable to output an alarm to a user and / or a remote response team.

[0018] Typically, the connector comprises: a connector base defining mounting formations for mounting the connector base to the respective monitored object; and a connector block for capturing the looped end of the primary electrical wire. Preferably, the connector block is: at a first end thereof, releasably connectable to the connector base via correspondingly engageable clipping formations; and at a second end thereof, protected from weather elements by a weather boot mountable over the second end of the connector block; such that the connector block is replaceable and / or interchangeable with differently configured connector blocks.

[0019] The alarm module may be powered by mains and / or a rechargeable battery, the alarm module further including: one or more electrical wire inputs to enable the setup of one or more monitoring zones, wherein each monitoring zone tethers together one or more monitored objects; one or more outputs for outputting alerts; and one or more control inputs for inputting control instructions.

[0020] Generally, the security device further includes: audio and / or visual alert output components, being triggerable by alert signals communicated via the outputs of the alarm module; and / or a transmitter for transmitting wireless alerts to the user and / or response team, the transmitter being triggerable by alert signals communicated via the outputs of the alarm module.

[0021] Typically, the control input is a remote, a keypad or a wireless receiver for, through the control input of the alarm module, inputting armed / disarmed and other control instructions thereto. It will be appreciated that the transmitter and the receiver may be one and the same transceiver.

[0022] Preferably, the security device also includes: one or more grommets fitted within securement holes: in the bodies of the monitored objects; or defined in securement brackets mountable to the monitored objects, wherein the electrical wires pass freely through the grommets; and one or more end anchors for fastening the wires to respective monitored objects; wherein in use, the connector is mounted to the first of an array of monitored objects in a respective monitored zone; the end anchor fastens the wires to the last of the array of monitored objects; and the wires pass through the grommets in the first, the last and intermediate monitored objects lying between the first and the second monitored objects, thereby to tether together such array of monitored objects.

[0023] Most preferably, the monitored objects are solar panels.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a security device to an array of monitored objects including the steps of:

[0025] (A) fastening a connector to a first monitored object;

[0026] (B) threading electrical wires, connected to the connector, through securement holes defined in at least the intermediate monitored objects or defined by securement brackets mountable to the monitored objects;

[0027] (C) fastening the wires to the last monitored objects; and

[0028] (D) wiring the wires to an alarm module. It will be appreciated that the method may further include the step of wiring the electrical wires to a switch housed in the connector.

[0029] Generally, the wires threaded through the first, the last and the intermediate monitored objects pass through grommets fitted within the securement holes.

[0030] Typically, the securement holes are pre-formed in the monitored objects, or post-formed in the monitored objects by drilling securement holes in opposing ends of the monitored objects.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a security device in accordance with the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 is a cross sectioned perspective view of a connector of the security device of Figure 1 shown in a closed position;

[0035] Figure 3 is a cross sectioned perspective view of the connector of Figure 2 shown in an open position;

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a security device in accordance with the present invention.

[0037] Figure 5 is a cross sectioned perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a connector of the security device of Figure 1 shown in an open position; Figure 6 is a cross sectioned perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a connector of the security device of Figure 1 ; and

[0038] Figure 7 is a cross sectioned perspective view of yet a further alternative embodiment of a connector of the security device of Figure 1 .

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] A security device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is designated generally in Figure 1 with reference numeral 10. The security device 10 includes an alarm module 12, a connector 14 and electrical wiring 16 threaded through monitored objects, in the depicted application, being in the form of solar panels 100A, 100B and 100C.

[0041] With reference now also to Figure 2, the connector 14 comprises a connector block 18 releasably connectable at a first end thereof, by correspondingly engageable clipping formations 19, to a connector base 20. The connector base 20 defines mounting formations 21 for mounting to the solar panel 100. The connector 14, at a second end thereof, is covered by a weather boot 22, which weather boot 22 defines a wiring port 23 for receiving the electrical wiring 16 therethrough.

[0042] It will be appreciated that the correspondingly engageable clipping formations 19 make the connector block, relative to the connector base 20 and weather boot 22 replaceable and interchangeable with differently configured connector blocks as will be described in more details later in this description.

[0043] The connector block 18 defines a pair of primary and secondary connector channels 24, 26, within which primary and secondary connector rods 28, 30 are receivably housed, and to which first ends of primary and secondary electrical wires 16A, 16B are electrically connected. The electrical wiring 16 may be independent primary and secondary electrical wires 16A, 16B, or primary and secondary electrical wires of a dual core electrical cable.

[0044] The primary and secondary connector rods 28, 30 are linearly moveable within the connector channels 24, 26 between closed and open positions with respect to a contact plate 32 housed in the connector base 20 such that the connector rods 28, 30 and the contact plate 32 co-operatively form a switch.

[0045] In the closed position as depicted in Figure 2, the primary and secondary connector rods 28, 30 are biased by biasing means 34A, 34B (e.g. compression springs) to maintain first contact ends thereof in electrical contact with the contact plate 32.

[0046] In the open position as depicted in Figure 3, one or both of the first contact ends of the connector rods 28, 30 are spaced from and consequently break electrical contact with the contact plate 32. It will be appreciated that movement of the connector rods 28, 30 towards the open position requires a pull force to be applied thereto to overcome the bias of the biasing means 34A, 34B.

[0047] With reference now back to Figure 1 , the alarm module 12 is typically powered by mains and a rechargeable back-up battery (not shown), and comprises at least one electrical wire input 36 for receiving second ends of the primary and secondary electrical wires 16A, 16B, one or more outputs 38A, 38B for outputting alerts and at least one control inputs 40 for inputting control instructions.

[0048] The security device 10 includes an audio alert output component in the form of a loud speaker or siren 42, and a visual alert output component in the form of a light source or strobe light 44, each being triggerable by alert signals communicated via one of the outputs 38B of the alarm module 12. Although the output 38B is depicted as a hardwire output, it will be appreciated that it could be a hardwire output or a wireless output.

[0049] The security device 10 preferably further includes a transmitter (not shown) for transmitting wireless alerts to a user’s mobile phone and / or to a response team 41 (i.e. a security company). Like the audio-visual alert output components 42, 44, the transmitter is triggerable by alert signals communicated via the output 38A of the alarm module 12. Although the output 38A is depicted as a hardwire output, it will be appreciated that practically it will more likely be a wireless output.

[0050] It will be further appreciated that the control input 40 may receive control inputs through hardwire (i.e. from keypad 46) or wirelessly via a receiver (not shown) from a remote, a user’s mobile phone or a response team control station. Where wireless communication is preferred, the security device 10 is preferably outfitted with a wireless transceiver (not shown) in the place of the independent transmitter and receiver.

[0051] In the envisaged application of a monitored array of solar panels, the connector 14 is mounted to a first side of the first solar panel 100A, with a second side thereof defining a securement hole into which a grommet 102 is snuggly fitted. It will be appreciated that the securement hole is pre-formed in the solar panel or drilled thereinto as required during installation. The description that follows assumes that the securement holes are not pre-formed in the solar panels.

[0052] First and second sides of one or more intermediate solar panels 100B are drilled to define securement holes into which further grommets 104, 106 are snuggly fitted. Similarly, first and second sides of the last solar panel 100C are drilled to define securement holes.

[0053] A grommet 108 is snuggle fitted into the securement hole of the last solar panel 100C closest to the intermediate solar panels 100B. The securement hole of the last solar panel 100C farthest from the intermediate solar panels 100B is fitted with an end anchor 110.

[0054] The primary and secondary wires 16A, 16B are electrically connected at their first ends to the connector 14, threaded through the grommets 102, 104, 106, 108 and the end anchor 110, and electrically connected at their second ends to the alarm module 12 thereby to jointly form an electrical security circuit.

[0055] It will be appreciated that the grommets 102, 104, 106, 108 provide protected passage (i.e. protected from damage by the bodies of the solar panels) to the wires 16A, 16B through the securement holes of the solar panels 100A, 100B, 100C, while the end anchor 110 fastens the wires 16A, 16B within the respective securement hole of the last solar panel 100C.

[0056] In use, and with the array of solar panels 100A, 100B, 100C tethered to one another by the primary and secondary wires 16A, 16B, the solar panels are monitored against tampering, impending theft and / or damage. In the event of electrical continuity being lost in the electrical security circuit, either as a result of one or both of the electrical wires 16A, 16B being severed or pulled towards the open position, the alarm module 12 is triggered to output alert signals to activate the loud speaker 42, the light source 44 and / or the transceiver to transmit a communication to the user’s mobile phone and / or to the response team.

[0057] With reference to Figure 4, and with like reference numerals designating like components, the alarm module 12 of the security device 10 preferably comprises multiple electrical wire inputs 36A, 36B, 36C for receiving second ends of the electrical wires 16, 1016, 2016 of more than one array of solar panels 100, 1100, 2100 to enable the setup of multiple monitoring zones.

[0058] The description that follows describes alternative embodiments of the invention, and focuses mainly on parts that are specifically different from the aforementioned preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0059] With like references designating like parts, Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the connector 114, and in particular, an alternative embodiment of the connector block 118, which instead of two biased connector rods houses only a single biased connector rod.

[0060] The connector block 118 defines a primary connector channel 124 within which a primary connector rod 128 is receivably housed, and to which a first end of a primary electrical wire 116 is electrically connected, with a second end thereof connected to the electrical wire input 36 of the alarm module 12.

[0061] The primary connector rod 128 is linearly moveable within the primary connector channel 124 between closed and open positions with respect to a contact plate 132 housed in the connector base 120 such that the connector rod 128, biased towards the closed position by a biasing means 134A, and the contact plate 132 co-operatively form a switch.

[0062] A secondary wire 117 has a first end connected to the contact plate 132 and a second end connected to the electrical wire input 36 of the alarm module 12 such that at least the alarm module 12, the switch in the connector 114 and the electrical wires 116, 117 jointly form an electrical security circuit.

[0063] In use, and with the array of solar panels 100A, 100B, 100C tethered to one another by the primary and / or the secondary wires 116, 117, the solar panels are monitored against tampering, impending theft and / or damage. In the event of electrical continuity being lost in the electrical security circuit, either as a result of one or both of the electrical wires 116, 117 being severed or the primary connector rod being pulled towards the open position, the alarm module 12 is triggered to output alert signals to activate the loud speaker 42, the light source 44 and / or the transceiver to transmit a communication to the user’s mobile phone and / or to the response team.

[0064] With like references designating like parts, Figure 6 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the connector 214, and in particular, an alternative embodiment of the connector block 218, which instead of any biased connector rods simply captures a looped end 215 of a primary electrical wire 216.

[0065] The connector block 218 defines a substantially U-shaped connector channel 224 within which the looped end of the primary electrical wire 216, formed by doubling the primary electrical wire 216 on itself, is captured.

[0066] At or near the looped end of the primary electrical wire 216, a sheath 225 thereof is opened to expose a primary contact point 227 thereby to place the primary contact point 227 of the primary electrical wire 216 into contact with the contact plate 232 cooperatively to form a switch.

[0067] At an opposite connecting end of the primary electrical wire 216, terminal ends thereof are connected to the electrical wire input 36 of the alarm module 12. A secondary wire 217 has a first end connected to the contact plate 232 and a second end connected to the electrical wire input 36 of the alarm module 12 such that at least the alarm module 12, the switch in the connector 214 and the electrical wires 216, 217 jointly form an electrical security circuit.

[0068] In use, and with the array of solar panels 100A, 100B, 100C tethered to one another by the primary and / or the secondary wires 216, 217, the solar panels are monitored against tampering, impending theft and / or damage. In the event of electrical continuity being lost in the electrical security circuit, either as a result of: one or both of the electrical wires 116, 117 being severed; or the primary contact point 227 being disconnected from the contact plate 232 by a pulling action causing the connector block 218 to unclip from the connector base 220; the alarm module 12 is triggered to output alert signals to activate the loud speaker 42, the light source 44 and / or the transceiver to transmit a communication to the user’s mobile phone and / or to the response team.

[0069] With like references designating like parts, Figure 7 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the connector 314, and in particular, an alternative embodiment of the connector block 318.

[0070] The connector block 318 defines a substantially U-shaped connector channel 324 within which a looped end 315 of the primary electrical wire 316, formed by doubling the primary electrical wire 316 on itself, is captured.

[0071] At an opposite connecting end of the primary electrical wire 316, terminal ends thereof are connected to the electrical wire input 36 of the alarm module 12 such that at least the alarm module 12 and the primary electrical wire 316 form an electrical security circuit.

[0072] In use, and with the array of solar panels 100A, 100B, 100C tethered to one another by the primary wires 316, the solar panels are monitored against tampering, impending theft and / or damage. In the event of electrical continuity being lost in the electrical security circuit as a result of the primary electrical wire 316 being severed, the alarm module 12 is triggered to output alert signals to activate the loud speaker 42, the light source 44 and / or the transceiver to transmit a communication to the user’s mobile phone and / or to the response team.

[0073] Although the invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many modifications or variations of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0074] For example, instead of drilling the securement holes into the monitored objects, the monitored objects could be outfitted with securement brackets defining the required securement holes.

[0075] The wireless transmission of signals and communications maybe via radio frequency, WiFi, Bluetooth, GSM or other means, or combination thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A security device including: an alarm module comprising at least a power source and an alarm; a connector mountable to at least one of one or more objects to be monitored, the connector comprising at least one switch comprising a contact plate and primary and secondary linearly movable connector rods, the connector rods being movable between a closed position, wherein first contact ends of the connector rods are in electrical contact with the contact plate, and an open position, wherein one or both of the first contact ends of the connector rods are spaced from and consequently not in electrical contact with the contact plate, wherein the connector rods are biased towards the closed position; primary and secondary electrical wires each: having first ends being respectively connectable to the primary and the secondary connector rods; having second ends respectively being connectable to the alarm module, wherein at least the alarm module, the switch and the electrical wires jointly form an electrical security circuit; and in use, being securable to or threadable through the monitored objects there by to tether them together; such that in the event of electrical continuity being lost in the electrical security circuit, either as a result of one or both of the electrical wires being severed or pulled towards the open position, the alarm module is triggerable to output an alarm to a user and / or a remote response team.

2. The security device according to claim 1 , wherein the movable connector rods are biased towards the closed position by a biasing means.

3. The security device according to claim 1 , wherein the primary and secondary electrical wires are that of a dual core electrical cable.

4. The security device according to claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises: a connector base housing the contact plate, the connector base defining mounting formations for mounting the connector base to the respective monitored object; and a connector block housing the biased connector rods, the connector base and connector block being releasably connectable to one another to enable cooperation between the contact plate and the biased connector rods thereby to form the switch.

5. The security device according to claim 4, wherein the connector block is: at a first end thereof, releasably connectable to the connector base via correspondingly engageable clipping formations; and at a second end thereof, protected from weather elements by a weather boot mountable over the second end of the connector block; such that the connector block is replaceable and / or interchangeable with differently configured connector blocks.

6. A security device including: an alarm module comprising at least a power source and an alarm; a connector mountable to at least one of one or more objects to be monitored, the connector comprising at least one switch comprising a contact plate and a primary linearly movable connector rod, the connector rod being movable between a closed position, wherein a first contact end of the connector rod is inelectrical contact with the contact plate, and an open position, wherein the first contact end of the connector rod is spaced from and consequently not in electrical contact with the contact plate, wherein the connector rod is biased towards the closed position; a primary electrical wire: having a first end connectable to the primary connector rod; having a second end connectable to the alarm module; and in use, being securable to or threadable through the monitored objects there by to tether them together; a secondary electrical wire: having a first end connectable to the contact plate; and having a second end connectable to the alarm module, wherein at least the alarm module, the switch and the electrical wires jointly form an electrical security circuit; such that in the event of electrical continuity being lost in the electrical security circuit, either as a result of one or both of the electrical wires being severed or pulled towards the open position, the alarm module is triggerable to output an alarm to a user and / or a remote response team.

7. The security device according to claim 6, wherein the movable connector rod is biased towards the closed position by a biasing means.

8. The security device according to claim 6, wherein the connector comprises:a connector base housing the contact plate, the connector base defining mounting formations for mounting the connector base to the respective monitored object; and a connector block housing the biased connector rod, the connector base and connector block being releasably connectable to one another to enable cooperation between the contact plate and the biased connector rods thereby to form the switch.

9. The security device according to claim 8, wherein the connector block is: at a first end thereof, releasably connectable to the connector base via correspondingly engageable clipping formations; and at a second end thereof, protected from weather elements by a weather boot mountable over the second end of the connector block; such that the connector block is replaceable and / or interchangeable with differently configured connector blocks.

10. A security device including: an alarm module comprising at least a power source and an alarm; a connector mountable to at least one of one or more objects to be monitored; a primary electrical wire doubled on itself thereby to define: a connecting end comprising terminal ends of the primary electrical wire, the terminal ends being connectable to the alarm module; and a looped end capturable in the connector, wherein a primary contact point is located on the primary electrical wire at or near the looped end thereby defined by an opening in a sheath of the primary electrical wire;the doubled primary electrical wire, in use, being securable to or threadable through the monitored objects there by to tether them together; a secondary electrical wire: having a first end connectable to a contact plate housed in the connector; and having a second end connectable to the alarm module, wherein the primary contact point of the primary electrical wire and the contact plate are contactable to co-operatively form a switch, and further wherein at least the alarm module, the switch and the electrical wires jointly form an electrical security circuit; such that in the event of electrical continuity being lost in the electrical security circuit, as a result of the electrical wires being severed, or pulled to break contact between the primary contact point of the primary electrical wire and the contact plate of the switch, the alarm module is triggerable to output an alarm to a user and / or a remote response team.

11. The security device according to claim 10, wherein the connector comprises: a connector base housing the contact plate, the connector base defining mounting formations for mounting the connector base to the respective monitored object; and a connector block for capturing the looped end of the primary electrical wire, the connector base and connector block being releasably connectable to one another to enable co-operation between the primary contact point of the primary electrical wire and the contact plate.

12. The security device according to claim 11 , wherein the connector block is:at a first end thereof, releasably connectable to the connector base via correspondingly engageable clipping formations; and at a second end thereof, protected from weather elements by a weather boot mountable over the second end of the connector block; such that the connector block is replaceable and / or interchangeable with differently configured connector blocks.

13. A security device including: an alarm module comprising at least a power source and an alarm; a connector mountable to at least one of one or more objects to be monitored; an electrical wire doubled on itself thereby to define: a connecting end comprising terminal ends being connectable to the alarm module, wherein at least the alarm module and the electrical wire jointly form an electrical security circuit; and a looped end capturable in the connector body; the doubled electrical wire, in use, being being securable to or threadable through the monitored objects there by to tether them together; such that in the event of electrical continuity being lost in the electrical security circuit, as a result of the electrical wire being severed, the alarm module is triggerable to output an alarm to a user and / or a remote response team.

14. The security device according to claim 13, wherein the connector comprises: a connector base defining mounting formations for mounting the connector base to the respective monitored object; anda connector block for capturing the looped end of the primary electrical wire.

15. The security device according to claim 14, wherein the connector block is: at a first end thereof, releasably connectable to the connector base via correspondingly engageable clipping formations; and at a second end thereof, protected from weather elements by a weather boot mountable over the second end of the connector block; such that the connector block is replaceable and / or interchangeable with differently configured connector blocks.

16. The security device according any one of claims 1 , 6, 10 or 13, wherein the alarm module is powered by mains and / or a rechargeable battery, the alarm module further including: one or more electrical wire inputs to enable the setup of one or more monitoring zones, wherein each monitoring zone tethers together one or more monitored objects; one or more outputs for outputting alerts; and one or more control inputs for inputting control instructions.

17. The security device according to claim 16 including: audio and / or visual alert output components, being triggerable by alert signals communicated via the outputs of the alarm module; and / or a transmitter for transmitting wireless alerts to the user and / or response team, the transmitter being triggerable by alert signals communicated via the outputs of the alarm module.

18. The security device according to claim 17, wherein the control input is a remote, a keypad or a wireless receiver for, through the control input of the alarm module, inputting armed / disarmed and other control instructions thereto.

19. The security device according to claim 18, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are one and the same transceiver.

20. The security device according any one of claims 1 , 6, 10 or 13 including: one or more grommets fitted within securement holes: in the bodies of the monitored objects; or defined in securement brackets mountable to the monitored objects, wherein the electrical wires pass freely through the grommets; and one or more end anchors for fastening the wires to respective monitored objects; wherein in use, the connector is mounted to the first of an array of monitored objects in a respective monitored zone; the end anchor fastens the wires to the last of the array of monitored objects; and the wires pass through the grommets in the first, the last and intermediate monitored objects lying between the first and the second monitored objects, thereby to tether together such array of monitored objects.

21. The security device according any one of claims 1 , 6, 10 or 13, wherein the monitored objects are solar panels.

22. A method of installing a security device to an array of monitored objects including the steps of:(A) fastening a connector to a first monitored object;(B) threading electrical wires, connected to the connector, through securement holes defined in at least the intermediate monitored objects or defined by securement brackets mountable to the monitored objects;(C) fastening the wires to the last monitored objects; and(D) wiring the wires to an alarm module.

23. A method according to claim 22 including the step of wiring the electrical wires to a switch housed in the connector.

24. A method according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the wires threaded through the first, the last and the intermediate monitored objects pass through grommets fitted within the securement holes.

25. A method according to claim 13, wherein the securement holes are pre-formed in the monitored objects, or post-formed in the monitored objects by drilling securement holes in opposing ends of the monitored objects.

Images