Water presence sensor in the pipe

Water sensor: variations, features

Various warning devices are a very important part for safety and the comfort of your home as well as production. They are used as part of the technique, or independently. These devices include a sensor for the presence of water in pipes and not only. The device is connected to a safe power source, and it will not pose any danger when touching the contacts.

The element itself, which is highly sensitive, consists of two plates.

The principle of operation is based on comparing the strength of the currents. When water hits the contacts, it begins to sharply decrease the resistance, and the device detects such changes, and then immediately turns on the alarm.

General information

How it works

As soon as the sensing elements can detect the ingress of water, the sensor will react as follows :

• Sound or light notification.
• Alarm triggering and transmission of signals to the electric drive in order to shut off the water.

Please note that if the installation of the sensor was not performed correctly (ie, at a great distance from the floor surface), then there is a risk of flooding.

Additional equipment is required to automatically shut off the water supply so - when the control unit receives a signal, it starts supplying voltage to the valve drive, and the pipe is blocked. After the leak is fixed, the gadget can be unlocked from the console.

Types of sensors for water

Types according to the operating conditions:

• Industrial type.
• Household type.

By the type of power supply:

• Wired - powered from the mains and the power supply unit.

• Autonomous - batteries act as power sources.

Variations of design by form factor:

• Cable that connects to the power supply.
• Hull.

There are also such sensitive elements that have only signaling or are connected to the control unit, motorized valves and shut-off valves.

Sensor arrangement

The following items can be found in the standard set:

• Water sensors (wireless and wired ).

• Control unit or controller.
• Cranes with electric drive (if provided).

The tasks of the sensor for the presence of water in pipes without actuators are a signal about flooding, and therefore they are in no way connected with various control units of electric drives. The device looks like a plastic head that has responsive elements. It is connected to a small alarm and power unit with several batteries.

Other devices have a plastic or metal case, which has display elements or works without a bottom.There are other products that look like a cable (cord) laid on the floor, which is connected to an autonomous power supply.

In inside the body of the device there are such elements as:

• Batteries (which act as an autonomous power source).
• A node that propagates a radio signal.
• Elements for signaling.

• Electrodes, made in the form of pads or plastic, that conduct current.
• A controller that records changes in resistance between the plates.

Batteries, i.e. our power supply and alarm systems, are located on a separate control unit.

They are made in the form of a plastic box, which looks like a switch or a flat box with separate cable outlets. The device with the contacts is facing downwards, and the housing is made in such a way that no water particles accidentally fall on them. The contact pads are raised above the floor by 0. 1-0. 2 cm due to the small legs or the shape of the body.

This will enable the device to operate, but only when the water level exceeds certain preset altitude parameters.

Functioning

The purpose of the water sensor is to alert about water leaks or as part of the security alarm, as well as generate a signal to block pipes, mechanisms that supply water ...

Functions of water sensors and other similar equipment:

• Analysis of schematic elements
• Use of channels from mobile communication in order to notify the user.

• Prompt opening and closing of water supply.
• Extending the schema, as well as using new elements to add.
• Separate signaling as well as drive group / individual control, and different sensors are used.

The separate notification method is used to separate the heating leak from the standard water supply.

The device will help to respond in a timely manner in ordinary emergency situations:

• Drainage under the bathtub and sink.

• Alarm for torn off water supply hoses, drain pipes from the washing machine and dishwasher.
• Leakage at the junction of water pipes, or piping from household appliances.
• Overflowing sink due to clogged drain.
• Breakthrough and cracks in pipes.

Now it will not be superfluous to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of water sensors.

Advantages and disadvantages

Automatic shutdown of water two seconds after a leak has been detected by the system, greatly increases the safety of operation of devices for water and other similar equipment.

Such reliable devices are protected against false alarms so as not to be triggered by an accidental spill of water.Wireless devices for communication with an element such as a controller are capable of emitting a radio signal with a frequency of 400-500 MHz. Of their advantages, one can single out the fact that such a device can be easily positioned throughout the room without carrying out full-fledged installation work, laying cables and other elements.

With their own power source - standard batteries - the products can work from two to four years without replacement.

Of the shortcomings, it should be noted that direct contact with water is required - if the installation location for contact with water is not chosen correctly (when the choice of the floor level is not taken into account or there are surface irregularities), the liquid will not immediately fall on the device.

How to use

Application features

Use the device in places where leakage prevention is required water:

• Bathroom.
• Toilet, bathroom.
• Kitchen.
• Boiler room.

The sensor is installed in those places where there is the greatest probability of water accumulation. The devices will be indispensable helpers for owners of autonomous heating and water supply. Places for placement are the most common - under the sink, bathtub, drain pipes, radiators and valves.

Operation

So, to begin with, they usually install the control unit, and usually it is attached to the wall with anchor bolts or hung on a mount. After that, the taps and special sensors are connected.

The sensing tape or sensors are mounted on special fasteners, double-sided tape, or simply laid on the floor surface on the right side.

The sensor for the presence of water in the pipe is connected to the controller and the power supply, and the latter to the servos on the tap. After that, the power is connected last, and then the alarm volume settings and the parameters of the sensor triggering on the controller are set. The device will start to automatically perform self-diagnostics, and give out signals, and thereby warn about the presence of malfunctions in the equipment, as well as indicate a low battery charge.

There are no special precautions regarding electrical safety, and it turns out that this device is safe for human health.

The current strength between the plates is small and will not harm a person in any way. In addition to recorders, servo-type ball valves are often used. They are installed in front of water meters, at the entrance to the heating circuit, at the exit from the boiler, and also at the beginning of the collector system. The drives are designed for low voltage and will start to operate even if the battery charge is low.

The ball valve can be inserted after, not before the main valve.

After that, a servo drive is installed on it, and if the device is electrical-mechanical, but usually there are ready-made cranes with an installed electric drive. If necessary, they should be purchased separately and it is desirable that everything is from one brand.The signal of the wireless device can be modulated to avoid triggering from electrical and mechanical interference. Each manufacturer can create their own modulations, and for this reason, devices from different companies cannot be considered interchangeable.

Possible malfunctions

Sometimes it may require repair with water sensors, if, for example, your control unit does not respond to a wireless sensor, and then you need to check the power supply, and then the permissible distance to the receiver (wireless).

If, nevertheless, there is a malfunction of the wired product, first you should check all the cables for a break, and also find out the tightness of the plug and controller connection. Malfunctions can appear due to plaque, dirt, and for this reason, the devices should be wiped with a damp cloth at least once a month.

If there are no malfunction signals on the sensor, and the console simply does not register them, then the problem lies in the control unit. According to the instructions, the maximum permitted distance of devices from the control center should be taken into account.

Check all power supplies, mains voltage, batteries, and in such cases, check:

• Is there any contact with moisture, on the unit and the sensor should light up the alarm indicator, and the electric valve drive will not work.

• Recorders do not react when wetted with water.

If voltage appears while wetting the sensors with liquid, but the tap does not shut off the water, disconnect the wires from the electric drive of the tap, and then check the voltage on them. If it appears, then the malfunction is hidden in the crane servo. If there is no voltage, then you should ring the cable for a break, and for this you should close both ends at one end of the cable, and call back at the other.

Manufacturers and range of sensors

So, now we can talk about manufacturers.

1. NEP TUN. This brand can be attributed to the Russian company "Special Technologies and Systems". The company offers its customers simple and comfortable integrated solutions, as well as the latest wireless technologies, motion sensors and remote-controlled sockets, etc. The manufacturer has a developed service system.

1. RSW+/Ner tun P rо W / Ner tin A quaco ntro l 220 V - in this case, the elements are selected separately according to the manufacturer's catalog.

   Additional types of sensors and valves can be added to the basic package. Mini 1/2 ”is a ready-made solution of the budget type for wired type sensors. The control unit is designed for cable connection. This is the best package for standard requirements.

2. Bugatti ProW + 2014 3/4 (20 mm) has extended functionality, and this allows simultaneous connection of a large number of sensors with different types of communication.

3. Altronis WТ-04, WТ-03 - these are special samples of relatively inexpensive gadgets for use in domestic conditions. They are quite simple to install. By the way, the devices consist of a tape-shaped sensor that is connected to a power supply. Wireless central-type control units and an alarm should be purchased separately for the sensors. The Altronis SM-01 is an incredible example for stand-alone wireless sensors.

   It can work independently or using the main wireless control panel, which must be purchased separately.

4. "Aq act opozh " is a Russian-made brand that was able to demonstrate expensive affordable solutions. Ready-made basic kits for fixing leaks may draw attention.
5. Classic 1-25 Radio Pro - set, which can rightfully be called exemplary, which makes it possible to connect simultaneously radio sensors and cable sensors. The equipment is sold ready-made, after purchase, you can immediately install it yourself, and the kit includes ball valves with servos.

6. Classic 2-15 - a type of wired equipment that enables all basic tasks to be performed during leak detection, and this includes pipeline shut-off.
7. The "Classic" sensor - is also a standard set that connects to the cable, but at the same time it has an unusually beautiful case design.

We hope this article helped you choose a water sensor that protects your pipes and heating system from leaks.