The water leak sensor: overview, types, features and reviews

In large and small cities happen every day among the thousands of accidents in water supply systems, heating. In apartments and office buildings every 9 out of 10 accidents – it leaks. That is why among most of the control systems environment is Central to the water leak sensor. With this sensor it is possible to protect your home or office from flooding.

There is a lot of sensors from different manufacturers. But it is believed that not all are equally effective. Some do not have sufficient sensitivity, other poorly protected from the effects of various interference. In today's article we look at some popular sensors, as well as learn their features and benefits.

How it works?

The Principle of operation is quite simple. After installation (diagram of the water leak sensor we have in our article), the device will go off when contacts. In the initial position the contacts are fully open. When they get water (which is a very good conductor of electric current), there will be a short circuit. The signal will be transmitted to the controller.

Then the controller will give the appropriate commands to the managed mechanisms. It may be solenoid valves or other similar devices. As a result of triggering the water will be blocked. The water leak sensor – the active protection from flooding, while waterproofing is the protection of passive type.

It is especially common sensors that respond to changes in potential difference. These changes appear when the liquid reaches the surface of the sensor. When you change the internal resistance will be the signal about the accident to the controller.

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Functionality

Modern systems perform two functions. Thus, the water leak sensor can block the operation of all parts of the system that are associated with emergency station. It works by removing the supply of various equipment (heating boilers, pumps). Also power is removed from the controls. In this case the electromagnetic valve to block the supply line of water on the crash site.

The Second function – it is a warning of emergency situations. Depending on the design features of the scheme of inclusion may vary. Manufacturers of modern systems of a type “smart home” include the possibility of audible and light signals and notify users by using CMC message on a mobile phone.

Types of sensor leakage

There are several types of these elements.

They differ in design, in functionality. Consider the features of sensors of each type.

Linear sensors

There are different names – they are also called conditioning, cable or tape. Their use gives the opportunity to control condition the main water supply. As the sensing element in these devices use a special cable in the form of a tape. It is laid along the water.

Offline

This water leak sensor is installed as a standalone unit. It is not necessary in the controller. Their main function – flow in case of incident sound or light signals.

Types according to the method of transmitting signals

By means of transmission of information the sensors are divided into fixed wireless and (devices connected to the control equipment by means of wires). Wireless water leak sensor can work remotely from a distance up to 300 meters. It is very convenient if the length of pipes is large. But the cost of such sensors is much higher.

The Fibaro Flood Sensor

This device works on the basis of the communication standard for systems of “Smart home” Z-wawe. The sensor appearance is not reminiscent of typical sensors, which monitor the leaks. In addition to the modern appearance, the device is characterized by the presence of the tilt sensor.

If it is to move, the owner immediately know about it. In a special application for smartphone will be sent the notice. There is also a temperature sensor, emergency siren, light indication. The temperature sensor can be used in different ways. With the help of it you can control Underfloor heating or for use as a fire sensor. The device can be installed on different surfaces due to the presence of telescopic probes. They have sufficient mobility on rough surfaces.

The Sensor is compatible with any professional alarm complexes. And you can install it yourself. With additional equipment, the sensor of this series are able to block operated valves.

Wally

This device is characterized in that the communication standard is not used here for traditional smart homes Z-wawe. For system called Wally Home has developed a separate Protocol. The device uses an antenna wiring in the apartment. Sensor data are forwarded to the controller of the system.

To begin using the system, you need to connect the hub and put the sensors in places where there are risks of water leaks.Usually this place is under the sink, the refrigerator and the dishwasher. In the event of a crash sensor water leak in the apartment will tell the master about the problem via the Internet. The sensor is not only able to capture a significant accident, but also tracks small puddles and mold. Due to the unique Protocol, the device is poorly compatible with other complexes “smart home”. This is his main drawback, according to users.

“Neptune”

This system is designed to protect apartment dwellers from the risk of flooding. The water leak sensor “Neptune” can emit an alarm or notifies through the controller. Also, the device is able to initiate the automatic closing of valves for shutoff of water flow. To turn on the water no sooner than the effects of leakage and the reasons will be eliminated.

In the base system there is one sensor AL-150, either wired or wireless, and actuators that carry out the overlap of the flow of water and the control device. Set this complex where there is a substantial risk of leaving the water.

This space for a washing machine, near bath. Reviews say that the design of the sensor is very compact. This allows you to place the device in any place.

Among the features there is also a security alert about the accident and synchronization with electrical drives. Reviews say that the taps with the drive almost instantly react to signs of leaks. Among modern most popular ball valves with an electric actuator. The installation is performed on the risers after the manual valves. Among its advantages is the presence of battery allows the device to work as a standalone. If electricity is all right, the battery operates in charging mode.

To install do not need any special knowledge. And to perform the installation without a significant impact on the design of the water supply.

“Sirena”

Water leak Sensor “Sirena” is an electronic system serving as one of the circuit elements and is designed to detect water. There are both wired and wireless sensors. They are designed for installation in different conditions. The mechanism is triggered if the moisture gets into the space between the contacts. This decreases the resistance and is transmitted to the controller an alarm signal.

Wired device report on the flooding with the help of special cable. Reviews say that the device is of high quality and reliability. But despite this, the element can substantially disturb the interior. In difficult areas where access is difficult, inconvenient installation. Sometimes is not enough supplied cable.

Despite all the cons, people get this water leak sensor. Price of 460 rubles has made it so popular. It is much lower than the cost of stand-alone devices. Among the advantages are the low supply voltage required for the device, good insulation and no need for additional power.

Wireless sensors from the brand communicate with the controller on the radio waves. As a power supply using conventional batteries. The advantage of these sensors-the absence of wires and cables, as well as small size.

“Astra”

Another representative in the market of equipment for smart homes – the company "Astra". The water leak sensor works on the principle of increasing operating currents when water gets on the contacts. This will cause an alarm. Also sent an SMS to the mobile phone of the landlord.

The Manufacture of the sensor with your hands

To Make the water leak sensor your own hands can anyone who is even slightly familiar with electronics and know how to hold a soldering iron. A homemade device will work is not worse than domestic device. At the core of the design is a chip-timer LM7555. In the circuit uses the widely adopted radio. The manufacturing costs barely reach hundreds of rubles.

This homemade sensor detects the presence of water on the floor by means of two contacts. Better to make them from copper, and then to protect zaludit tin. Contacts must be protected from oxidation.

Data contacts are connected to the positive terminal of power supply and comparator contained in the circuit. When the contacts become wet, then the resistance will fall and the current to rise. The voltage will rise considerably in the second pin. Then, after rising voltage to the switching threshold on the third contact, the voltage drops and opens the transistor, the current through which flows in the load – the led lights up.

As you can see, assembling this device is easy. Of course, a homemade device will differ in functionality. But the price of its production is not comparable with the cost of more major systems. However, experts do not recommend strongly to rely on such improvised equipment – it's not perfect, and there is no guarantee of reliability.

Conclusion

To organize a truly effective system to prevent water leaks, we need not only the sensor, but a whole range of devices. This is a special shut-off valves and the controller. It is best to purchase full andeffective protection system against leaks from trusted manufacturers. Self-made devices can be used only as a Supplement to the main. They do not provide the necessary reliability and protection.