Smart lock for securing an electrical installation

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a smart lock for securing an electrical installation. The smart lock comprises a lock housing; a mechanical lock; an RFID reader; a processing unit; a temperature sensor; and a humidity sensor. The processing unit receives data provided by the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor to determine if there is a fault with the electrical installation. The fault may be overload or outage of power within the electrical installation. A plurality of smart locks operates in a wireless network, securing a plurality of electrical installations.

Description

Smart Lock for Securing an Electrical InstallationFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure is related to smart locks for securing electrical installations. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present disclosure is related to smart locks that read temperature and humidity data of the electrical installation to determine if there is a fault.BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that will be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Electrical installations are omnipresent in industrial settings, and in public settings alike. Electrical installations encompass distribution boards, electrical panels, and circuit breakers, for example.

[0004] Within industrial settings, which are likely to be on private property, businesses need to secure the electrical installations so that access is only granted to authorized users. Electrical installations often contain valuable metals such as copper wires, which are vulnerable to theft. Businesses need to secure the panels against theft, and to monitor access.

[0005] This issue is not limited to industrial settings, with publicly located electrical installations also being a potential target for unauthorized access and theft.

[0006] Additionally, publicly located electrical panels are prone to accidental damage, such as being involved in a vehicle collision. The operators of the electrical panel are unable to immediately determine if there is damage to an individual electrical panel, and whether access has been compromised.

[0007] Electrical panels may also be subject to unforeseen faults, such as power outages or power overloads. Existing systems are unable to determine whether an individual electrical panel is experiencing such a fault, or anticipate them as they are occurring.

[0008] The present disclosure seeks to mitigate one or more of the abovementioned problems. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present disclosure seeks to provide an improved smart lock for electrical installations.SUMMARY

[0009] There is provided according to a first aspect, a smart lock for securing an electrical installation. The smart lock comprises a lock housing; a mechanical lock; an RFID reader; a processing unit; a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the electrical installation, and output temperature data; and a humidity sensor configured to measure a humidity of the electrical installation, and output humidity data. The processing unit is configured to receive and process the temperature data and the humidity data to determine if there is a fault with the electrical installation.

[0010] The inventors have advantageously found that by monitoring the temperature and humidity of the inside of an electrical installation, a determination can be made as to whether the electrical installation is experiencing a fault, using a system that is external to the internal workings of the electrical installation. This is beneficial because by using an external system, i.e., the smart lock, it is not impacted by the performance of the electrical installation, and is resilient to faults of the electrical installation such as power outages or power surges.

[0011] The processing unit may be configured to compare one or more of the temperature data and the humidity data with a power outage threshold value to determine if there is a power outage.

[0012] The processing unit may be configured to generate the power outage threshold value.

[0013] The power outage threshold may be a lower limit. The power outage threshold may be a lower limit, below which the smart lock may determine that there is a power outage.

[0014] By virtue of the electrical components operating within the electrical installation, heat may be generated by the components of the electrical installation. By measuring a drop in temperature, the smart lock may determine that the electrical installation is no longer generating heat and that there is a power outage.

[0015] The processing unit may be configured to calculate the power outage threshold based on expected power passing through the electrical installation, thereby determining an expected temperature within the electrical installation. The processing unit may apply a buffer to account for temperature variance when determining the power outage threshold value.

[0016] The smart lock may measure the temperature external to the electrical installation. The temperature external to the electrical installation may form part of a function that determines the power outage threshold value.

[0017] The power outage threshold value may be predetermined.

[0018] When installing the smart lock, a power outage threshold may be predetermined by a user.

[0019] The power outage threshold may be preconfigured by a user remotely, on a remote system that wirelessly accesses the smart lock.

[0020] The processing unit may be configured to compare one or more of the temperature data and the humidity data with an overload threshold value to determine if there is an overload.

[0021] The processing unit may be configured to generate the overload threshold value.

[0022] he overload threshold may be an upper limit. The overload threshold may be an upper limit, above which the smart lock may determine that there is an overload.

[0023] By virtue of the electrical components operating within the electrical installation, heat may be generated by the components of the electrical installation. By measuring an increase in temperature, the smart lock may determine that the electrical installation is experiencing greater than expected power throughput and that there is an overload.

[0024] The processing unit may be configured to calculate the overload threshold based on expected power passing through the electrical installation, thereby determining an expected temperature within the electrical installation. The processing unit may apply a buffer to account for temperature variance when determining the overload threshold value.

[0025] The smart lock may measure the temperature external to the electrical installation. The temperature external to the electrical installation may form part of a function that determines the overload threshold value.

[0026] The overload threshold value may be predetermined.

[0027] When installing the smart lock, a overload threshold may be predetermined by a user.

[0028] The overload threshold may be preconfigured by a user remotely, on a remote system that wirelessly accesses the smart lock.

[0029] The smart lock may comprise a sim card, the sim card enabling the smart lock to communicate wirelessly with a central server.

[0030] By providing the smart lock with a sim card, multiple smart locks can be configured on a wireless network to be remotely accessed on a single platform by the operator of the electrical installations. This provides a convenient and efficient way for the operator to monitor the status of all of the electrical panels remotely and quickly.

[0031] The electrical installation may be an electrical panel.

[0032] The smart lock may comprise a door sensor. The door sensor may be a hall effect sensor.

[0033] The door sensor may determine whether the door to the electrical installation has been opened. The door sensor may log a time and date of when it detected that the door has been opened. The time and date of the door opening may be transmitted to the processor.

[0034] The processor may transmit location data, and the time and date of when the door was opened to a central server. The processor may check if an authorized RFID tag was read at the same time and location as when the door sensor detected that the door was opened. If no RFID tag was read, the processor may determine that unauthorized access to the electrical installation has occurred.

[0035] There is provided, according to a second aspect, a method of securing an electrical installation. The method comprises mechanically locking the electrical installation with a smart lock, the smart lock comprising a mechanical lock; measuring a temperature and a humidity of an internal volume of the electrical installation; determining if there is a power outage or an overload based on one or more of the measured temperature or measured humidity; reading an RFID tag; and unlocking the mechanical lock if the RFID tag corresponds with an authorized user.

[0036] The method may comprise transmitting data wirelessly from the smart lock to a central server using a sim card, such that a status of the smart lock can be remotely accessed.

[0037] The method may comprise manually unlocking the mechanical lock with a physical key.

[0038] By having a physical, manual override, the user or operator is able to unlock the electrical installation physically in the event that power to the smart lock is compromised.

[0039] The method may comprise detecting when a door of the electrical installation is opened; and

[0040] logging metadata associated with the opening of the door of the electrical installation.

[0041] The reading of the RFID tag may comprise associating a timestamp and location data with the RFID tag.

[0042] The method may comprise detecting when a door of the electrical installation is opened; logging a timestamp and location data associated with the opening of the door of the electrical installation; and generating an alert if the timestamp and location data associated with the opening of the door of the electrical installation does not correspond to a timestamp and location data associated with an RFID tag.

[0043] By checking whether an authorized RFID tag has been used for a particular smart lock and electrical installation, at the same time that the door was opened, it can be determined whether the door opening was an authorized action or whether it was unauthorized. If there is no associated RFID tag reading for the door opening, an alert is generated to indicate that the door has been opened without authorization, indicating either potential damage (for example through a vehicle collision with the electrical installation), or through forced entry, for example.

[0044] There is provided according to a third aspect, a security system for a plurality of electrical installations, the security system comprising: a plurality of electrical installations; a plurality of smart locks according to the first aspect, each smart lock of the plurality of smart locks being associated with and securing a corresponding electrical installation of the plurality of electrical installations; and a central server in wireless communication with each smart lock, forming a network of smart locks.

[0045] It will be appreciated that features disclosed in relation to one aspect of the present disclosure may be applicable to other aspects of the present disclosure, and vice versa.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The manner in which the above-recited features of the present invention is understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the present disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a smart lock installed on an electrical panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig. 2 shows a smart lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of a smart lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig. 4A shows a block flow diagram of a smart lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig. 4B shows a flowchart of a loop function of a smart lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Fig. 4C shows a flowchart of a fault detection function of a smart lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Fig. 5 shows a security system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the invention itself, will be more fully understood from the following description of preferred embodiments, when read together with the accompanying drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The present disclosure relates to the field of smart locks for securing electrical installations, and more particularly to smart locks that read temperature and humidity data of the electrical installation to determine if there is a fault.

[0056] The principles of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5. In the following detailed description of illustrative or exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed embodiments. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. References within the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “embodiments,” or “one or more embodiments” are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Fig. 1 shows a smart lock installed on an electrical panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] The electrical installation 10 is an electrical panel 10. The electrical panel is similar to those that would commonly be found located in public spaces, managing the distribution of power to a local area or residential area.

[0059] The electrical panel 10 has a body 14 and a pair of doors 12. The doors 12 are openable so that the operator of the electrical panel, or a maintenance crew, is able to access the wiring and electronics inside to perform inspections, maintenance, or repair, for example.

[0060] The doors 12 are secured in a closed position by the smart lock 100. The smart lock 100 comprises a mechanical lock (or electromechanical lock) that secures the doors and enables them to be locked in a closed position or released into an open position.

[0061] Fig. 2 shows a smart lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] This figure shows the external view of the smart lock 100. The smart lock 100 has a housing 106, within which the electrical and physical components of the smart lock 100 are housed.

[0063] The upper portion 104 of the smart lock houses an RFID reader (not shown, but present in Fig. 3). It is on this panel 104 that a user attempting to gain access to the electrical installation may place their RFID card to be read by the smart lock to determine whether the user is authorized access to the electrical panel or not.

[0064] Also in the upper portion is a removable panel 102. The removable panel 102 conceals a keyhole (not shown) that enables a user in possession of a key that matches the keyhole to unlockthe smart lock, bypassing the RFID reading. This advantageously allows the smart lock to be able to be opened manually in the event of a fault or a power outage with the smart lock itself.

[0065] Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of a smart lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Starting with the rightmost side of the figure, the upper portion 104 of the smart lock 100 is shown with an opening that is covered with a removable panel 102. The removable panel is fixed into the upper portion with a friction fit, to enable access to the opening without the need for tools such as a screwdriver.

[0067] Behind the upper portion is an RFID scanner 108. The RFID scanner is configured to read RFID tags presented by users to identify the user and to determine whether the user is authorized to access the electrical panel and unlock the smart lock. The RFID reader 108 is capable of reading an RFID tag or card that is presented to the exterior surface of the upper portion 104.

[0068] Behind the RFID reader 108 is a seal 110 that connects the upper portion to the AC power termination 114. It can be seen that the opening in the upper portion 104 continues through the AC power termination 114, within which a manual mechanical lock 112 is housed. By removing the removable panel 102, a user is able to insert a key through the opening and manually actuate the mechanical lock 112, to open the smart lock in the event of a loss of electrical power to the smart lock.

[0069] Behind the AC power termination 114 is a circuit 115, on which is located a 4G sim card 116, a battery 118, a processing unit 128, and a sensor array 120.

[0070] The 4G sim card 116 enables the smart lock to wirelessly communicate with a central server, to transmit data including: door opening data, which includes the location and timestamp of the door opening; sensor data, which includes temperature data and humidity data of the inside of the electrical panel; RFID data, which includes the identity of the user requesting access with the RFID tag and the timestamp of when the access was requested; and alert data, which includes alerts determined by the processing unit when it is determined that there is a fault with the electrical panel or when unauthorized access has been attempted.

[0071] The battery 118 provides electrical power to the smart lock 100. The battery 118 includes a charging circuit that draws power from an AC supply within the electrical panel, to ensure that the smart lock is continuously operational.

[0072] The processing unit 128 receives the abovementioned exemplary data from the sensor array 120 and the RFID reader, and processes the data. The processing unit then transmits that data using the 4G sim card 116 to a central server.

[0073] The sensor array 120 includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor that are configured to measure the temperature and humidity within the electrical panel.

[0074] In embodiments, a sensor array is also provided that measures the temperature and humidity external to the electrical panel, so that a determination of threshold internal temperatures and humidities can be made as a function of the ambient conditions surrounding the electrical panel.

[0075] The processing unit 128 receives the temperature and humidity data, and compares that data to a threshold value. If the temperature is above a threshold value, for example, the processing unit may determine that there is an overload within the electrical panel. If the temperature is below a threshold value, the electrical panel may determine that there is a power outage within the electrical panel. If the humidity (or relative humidity) is below a threshold value, the processing unit may determine that there is an overload within the electrical panel. If the humidity (or relative humidity) is above a threshold value, the processing unit may determine that there is a power outage within the electrical panel.

[0076] Behind the circuit 115 is a plastic membrane 122. The plastic membrane insulates the circuitry of the smart lock. The plastic membrane includes an opening such that the sensor array 120 can take measurements of the inside of the electrical panel.

[0077] At the back of the smart lock is the housing 106, which houses the electromechanical lock 124. As mentioned, this lock can be overridden by the turning the manual lock 112 with a key.

[0078] The electromechanical lock 124 is operated by the processing unit 128 and is switched to an unlocked configuration when the processing unit determines that an RFID tag of an authorized user has been scanned by the RFID reader 108.

[0079] The housing 106 also has an opening 126 at the back to allow the sensor array 120 to measure the temperature and humidity of the inside of the electrical panel.

[0080] Fig. 4A shows a block flow diagram of a smart lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] The center of the block flow diagram has the main controller and Wi-Fi 200. In embodiments, the smart lock also has a local Wi-Fi network.

[0082] Power is drawn from the electrical panel 210 in the form of 230 volt alternating current at 60 Hz. This AC power undergoes AC to DC conversion 212 so that it can be used in the battery charger 214 to charge the battery 216.

[0083] In embodiments, during normal operation, the smart lock draws its power directly from the converted DC electricity, and only relies on battery power when there is an interruption in the power from the AC source.

[0084] A powered USB 218 is also provided.

[0085] Also being input into the main controller 200 is door detection 240 data, and lock detection 242 data. The door detection 240 data comes from a hall effect sensor installed in the smart lock, which determines whether the door is open or closed. The hall effect sensor may also generate a timestamp associated with each instance of the door opening and closing, which is communicated to the main controller 200. The lock detection 242 detects when the lock has been locked and unlocked. This may be through the use of a hall effect sensor. The lock detection 242 may also generate a timestamp associated with each instance of when the lock was locked and unlocked. The lock detection 242 may differentiate between when the lock was opened electromechanically through successful authorization of an RFID tag, and when the lock is opened manually through the use of a key. Humidity sensor 244 sends humidity data of the inside of the electrical panel to the main controller. The sending of humidity data may occur periodically. The sending of humidity data may occur continuously. Temperature sensor 246 sends temperature data of the inside of the electrical panel to the main controller. The sending of temperature data may occur periodically. The sending of temperature data may occur continuously.

[0086] As a control output of the main controller 200, there is an RGB LED 220. The RGB LED comprises a physical LED that is visible on an external surface of the smart lock. The LED may indicate a different state of the smart lock. For example, a green light may mean that the smart lock is successfully and securely locked. A yellow light may indicate that the lock is open. A red light may indicate that there is unauthorized access. A blue light may indicate that the smart lock is connecting to the server. A cyan light may indicate that the GSM is not connecting with the server, or that the sim is not found. A magenta light may indicate that the webpage is open. A white light may indicate that the smart lock is not currently in use.

[0087] In embodiments, there is also a buzzer as an output. The buzzer may emit a buzzing sound when the lock is opened by an RFID card. The buzzer may emit a buzzing sound when the smart lock is opened by the key. The buzzer may sound for five seconds.

[0088] Another control output of the main controller 200 is the electrotechnical lock 222. When an RFID card associated with an authorized user is detected by the RFID scanner and matched with a preconfigured list of authorized users, the main controller 200 controls the electrotechnical lock 222 to switch to an unlocked position.

[0089] The main controller 200 also controls the RFID reader 230. The main controller 200 calls a read function of the RFID scanner 230 at periodic intervals. In embodiments, the read function is called by the controller every 200 milliseconds. More detail on these functions will be described in relation to Fig. 4B.

[0090] The controller 200 also controls the data that is transmitted via wireless networks 232 to the central server.

[0091] Fig. 4B shows a flowchart of a loop function of a smart lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] The loop function 300 encompasses a plurality of sub -loops that are either in continuous operation, managed by the main controller, or are sub -loops that are called by other functions during operation.

[0093] Prior to the loop function coming into effect, the smart lock is initialized and set up. The beginning of the setup process includes turning the red LED on and off, and activating the buzzer for one second, to ensure that they are functional. The internal fuel gauge parameter is then initialized. The magenta LED is then switched on. A webpage service set identifier (SSID) is started for “SmartLock”. The user then fills in a form that is stored into flash memory. The webpage is then turned off. All flash data is stored to a local variable. An MQTT username and password is generated, a message is published, and a topic is then subscribed to. The blue LED is then switched on. Next initialization of GSM occurs, and the smart lock connects with Azure MQTT and the subscribed topic. If the GSM status is not connected, then a cyan LED is activated, and a buzzer is sounded. It is then checked in the webpage if the GPS parameter is given or not. If not given, then the GPS parameter is obtained from the GSM. The RFID is then initialized, and power is fully switched on to the RFID. The LED is then turned to green. It then enters a lock pin status loop where the lock pin status is determined to be open or closed. If closed, then the timer is initialized for another 10 milliseconds. If open, then the LED is turned to yellow.

[0094] Turning back to Fig. 4B, the update sensor value loop 310 includes: taking a measurement of the temperature and humidity using the temperature and humidity sensors; adding a calibration value; and updating the value for the temperature and humidity. This loop runs every two seconds.

[0095] The GSM receiving function 320 includes either receiving a “GET Request” or a “SET Request”. The GET Request is a request instructing retrieval of information, such as: time and date, location, temperature and humidity, AC power status, battery voltage, signal strength, RFID mode, RFID save card list, LED status, buzzer status, hall sensor status, or one or more of any of the aforementioned information, for example. The SET request is an instruction such as: setting an LED, setting the buzzer, changing the RFID frequency, adding an RFID card, removing an RFID card, or unlocking the lock, for example.

[0096] The RFID read function 370 is called periodically at an interval of 200 milliseconds. First, a read command is sent to the RFID reader. A read response is activated for 40 milliseconds and stored into a buffer. An “extract card ID” function is then called, which extracts the card numberfrom the buffer. If the card number was unable to be found from the buffer, the timer value is reset, and the RFID read function loop restarts. If the card number was found from the buffer, then the card number is compared with a preconfigured list of authorized cards. If there is no match to an authorized card, then an unauthorized access messages is sent to the server, along with the unauthorized card number. The timer value is then reset and the loop restarts. If there is a match between the card number and an authorized card on the preconfigured list, then a card match flag is set, and the lock function 330 is called to open the lock. A message is also sent to the server with the card number that accessed the lock. The timer value is then reset and the loop restarts.

[0097] The lock function 330 may be called when called by the RFID read function 370.

[0098] Firstly, when the lock function 330 enters the loop, it checks if the RFID tag read by the RFID reader matches with an authorized corresponding card number in the preconfigured list of authorized numbers. If there is a match, then the lock function 330 opens the lock and sends a message to the server that the lock has been opened, and with which RFID tag the lock was opened with. The LED is also changed to yellow and the buzzer is played.

[0099] If there is no match, then the lock function checks whether the mechanical lock was operated manually with a key. This detection may be done with a hall effect sensor. If the mechanical lock was opened with a physical key, then a message is sent to the server that the lock was opened manually with a key. The LED is also changed to yellow and a buzzer is played.

[0100] If the mechanical lock was not opened with a key, then the lock function checks whether there has been unauthorized access. If there was unauthorized access, then an alert message is sent on the server, and the LED is changed to red and the buzzer is sounded. If there was no unauthorized access, then the loop returns to the start and repeats.

[0101] In embodiments, the lock function loop is run continuously, so that it continually checks for RFID matches, keyed opening, and forceful entry, even when not expressly called by another loop or functions.

[0102] The buzzer function 350 is dictated by the buzzer status flag. Depending on one of four status flags, the buzzer function will behave differently.

[0103] For example, if the lock function 330 determines that the lock has been unlocked with a key, it may set the buzzer status flag to a number associated with key unlocking (any number would be suitable, such as 3). This would cause the buzzer to turn on and off every 200 milliseconds eight times. After this, the buzzer status flag would be set to zero, which turns off the buzzer. If the lock function unlocked the lock using an authorized RFID tag, then the status flag number may be 2 for example, and the buzzer would play for 5 seconds, after which the buzzer status flag would onceagain be set to 0. If there is a server call request or an unauthorized access event, then the buzzer status flag may be set to 1, which may turn on the buzzer until there is intervention by a person. .

[0104] Like the buzzer function, the LED function 360 is determined by the LED status flag. In embodiments, the status flags are as follows:Table 1

[0105] Finally, there is a status function 340. The status function 340 loops continually at an interval of every two seconds. The status function starts by checking the AC power pin and updating its status. Then, it reads the battery voltage and the state of charge (SOC) value of the battery. Then it reads the temperature and humidity. If the temperature and humidity readings return a zero value, the loop performs a reading nine additional times. If, in any of the ten total readings, there is a nonzero reading for temperature and humidity, the loop resets. If the temperature and humidity readings return a zero value ten times in a row, then the function returns an error message to the server indicating that the sensor has stopped working.

[0106] In embodiments, there is a fault detection function, or a fault detection sub -loop embedded within the system. For example, it may be embedded within the status function 340. It may be embedded within the update sensor function 310. It may be a loop of its own.

[0107] Fig. 4C shows a flowchart of a fault detection function of a smart lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Firstly, the temperature and humidity data of the inside of the electrical panel is determined 400 by the sensors. This may be done at periodic intervals, such as once every two seconds.

[0109] Then, the processor determines the threshold value 410. The threshold value may be determined as a function of expected power throughput for the electrical panel. The threshold value may be determined as a function of the ambient atmospheric conditions around the electrical panel.If the ambient conditions are cold, for example, the threshold temperature value for an overload may be lower than for hot ambient conditions. If the ambient conditions are humid, then the threshold humidity (or relative humidity) for an overload may be higher than for dry conditions, for example.

[0110] In embodiments, the user sets the threshold values based on empirical data.

[0111] The next step compares 420 the actual humidity and temperature values with the threshold values. If the temperature and / or humidity values fall above or below their respective threshold values, a fault may be determined 430.

[0112] For example, if the temperature is above the threshold value, an overload may be determined. If the temperature is below the threshold value, a power outage may be determined. If the humidity is above the threshold value, a power outage may be determined. If the humidity is below the threshold value, an overload may be determined.

[0113] In embodiments, in the determining step 430, a trend of humidity and temperature may be generated in real-time. The determining step may alert a user that an overload will likely soon be occurring based on an increasing temperature profile, for example, even if it had not yet reached the threshold value.

[0114] Fig.5 shows a security system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] A plurality of electrical panels 10, each with a corresponding smart lock 100 are in wireless communication with a server 500. The smart locks receive instructions and transmit data to and from the server wirelessly, as part of a network. A user accesses the network on their personal computer 510, which has access to the server 500. A webpage on the user’s computer 510 may provide access to a platform that allows easy remote monitoring of all of the smart locks 100 within the network.

[0116] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The disclosures and the description herein are intended to be illustrative and are not in any sense limiting the present disclosure, defined in scope by the following claims.

[0117] Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification and the accompanying drawings, which disclose the preferred embodiments thereof. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications, which do not depart from the spirit andscope of the present disclosure, are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is to be limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. A smart lock for securing an electrical installation, the smart lock comprising:a lock housing;a mechanical lock;an RFID reader;a processing unit;a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the electrical installation, and output temperature data; anda humidity sensor configured to measure a humidity of the electrical installation, and output humidity data;wherein the processing unit is configured to receive and process the temperature data and the humidity data to determine if there is a fault with the electrical installation.

2. The smart lock according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit is configured to compare one or more of the temperature data and the humidity data with a power outage threshold value to determine if there is a power outage.

3. The smart lock according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit is configured to compare one or more of the temperature data and the humidity data with an overload threshold value to determine if there is an overload.

4. The smart lock according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit is configured to generate the power outage threshold value.

5. The smart lock according to claim 2, wherein the power outage threshold value is predetermined.

6. The smart lock according to claim 3, wherein the processing unit is configured to generate the power outage threshold value.

7. The smart lock according to claim 3, wherein the overload threshold value is predetermined.

8. The smart lock according to claim 1, wherein the smart lock comprises a sim card, the sim card enabling the smart lock to communicate wirelessly with a central server.

9. The smart lock according to claim 1, wherein the electrical installation is an electrical panel.

10. A method of securing an electrical installation, the method comprising:mechanically locking the electrical installation with a smart lock, the smart lock comprising a mechanical lock;measuring a temperature and a humidity of an internal volume of the electrical installation;determining if there is a power outage or an overload based on one or more of the measured temperature or measured humidity;reading an RFID tag; andunlocking the mechanical lock if the RFID tag corresponds with an authorized user.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises:transmitting data wirelessly from the smart lock to a central server using a sim card, such that a status of the smart lock can be remotely accessed.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises:manually unlocking the mechanical lock with a physical key.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises:detecting when a door of the electrical installation is opened; andlogging metadata associated with the opening of the door of the electrical installation.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the reading of the RFID tag comprises associating a timestamp and location data with the RFID tag.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the method comprises:detecting when a door of the electrical installation is opened;logging a timestamp and location data associated with the opening of the door of the electrical installation; andgenerating an alert if the timestamp and location data associated with the opening of the door of the electrical installation does not correspond to a timestamp and location data associated with an RFID tag.

16. A security system for a plurality of electrical installations, the security system comprising:a plurality of electrical installations;a plurality of smart locks according to claim 1, each smart lock of the plurality of smart locks being associated with and securing a corresponding electrical installation of the plurality of electrical installations; anda central server in wireless communication with each smart lock, forming a network of smart locks.

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