Emergency lighting system that monitors mains supply by capacitive coupling

摘要

An emergency lighting module for domestic premises comprises an effector module 4 in the form of a battery powered emergency light coupled to a mains sensor module 2 by a low voltage cable 6. The mains sensor module 2 is configured to detect a loss of mains electrical power and transmit an actuation signal to activate the emergency light 4. Mains power is monitored by non-contact capacitive coupling whereby a clip (100, fig. 7) comprising two copper strips (102 & 104, fig. 7) attaches to the outer casing of a mains supply wire (106, fig. 7). Since no direct electrical contact to the mains is required, the system may be easily installed by someone without electrical qualifications. Single or multiple emergency lights may be actuated by a single sensor module via either wired or wireless means. The effector module 4 may take alternative forms than that of a light, such as an audible alarm, sprinkler, fire extinguisher, etc.