Wireless Flood Alarm Prevention Systems

A complete security system must include detectors that can ensure the safety of the protected area. One of these detectors is a water leakage control sensor — a device that is designed to detect and prevent flooding.

To select a water leakage sensor, you need to understand its types and principles of operation. How does a water leak sensor work

Most flood sensors have a similar package:

• Control panel. Several sensors can be connected to it at the same time.
• The sensor itself is equipped with electrodes.
• Siren or indicator lights.
• Some flood detectors include means of remote communication via GSM or Wi-Fi.
• Optionally, the user can connect valves for an emergency shutdown of the water supply.

The water leakage sensor is most often installed on the floor in potentially problematic pipeline areas, bathrooms and kitchens. After water enters the device’s contacts, the electrical circuit is closed, and the current flows to the control panel. After receiving a signal about the activation of the sensor, the control panel performs the programmed actions: turning on the siren, shutting off the water supply valve and, if there is a Wi-Fi or GSM connection, notifying the users of the system. After the sensor contacts dry, it switches to the usual mode of operation. Primitive leak detection devices are dispensed with only by the operation of a siren.

Water leakage sensors use a low-voltage power supply for operation, which does not exceed 5 watts and does not pose a danger to the owners of the premises.

Types of water leakage sensors​

Leak sensors differ in the principles of operation. Classification of the water leakage control sensor occurs according to several criteria:

According to the type of connection of the touch sensor with the control panel — wired and wireless.

• The device’s appearance is a compact plastic case or a tape detector.
• The method of notification of an accident is sound, light or combined alarm, notification of owners via a mobile phone, or all of the above actions together.
• By application area — industrial and domestic. Industrial ones are designed for use on main pipelines supplying water to multi-storey buildings. Household detectors — for apartments and private houses.

By way of information transfer​

The alarm signal from the leak detector to the control panel is transmitted either via a wired connection or via radio. In the first case, the wire is the power supply source for the sensor. When the contacts close due to water leakage, the voltage in the power circuit decreases and the current increases. The controller connected to the sensor detects the change in parameters and gives the command to close the water supply or turn on the warning signal.

The operation of the wireless water leakage sensor is provided by independent energy sources: batteries or accumulators. The built-in transmitter and controller fix fluctuations of the electromagnetic field. The signal about leakage and closing of contacts is sent to the translator, and after processing — to the electronic control unit.

The range of wireless sensors differs depending on the manufacturer, but in most cases — the distance is up to 100 meters, in the absence of obstacles.

Wireless water leakage sensors are more convenient in the way of installation. It is easier to integrate them into the interior. Wired leakage sensors require wiring lines to be masked.

By accommodation options

The location of the water leakage sensor depends on the greatest likelihood of leakage. It is often a bathroom, toilet, kitchen. Ways to place protection against water leakage — floor and internal.

If all plumbing communications are laid, floor placement of water leakage sensors is used. The detector is installed with contacts to the surface, and to avoid false positives, it is better to install it at the height of 3-5 mm above the surface.

When placed internally, the contact plates of the sensor are brought out 2-3 cm above the floor. This height of location eliminates false alarms of the system in case of accidental splashes.

The main advantages of having flood sensors in the room:

Saving

It is worth investing once in a quality device that will prevent a flood so that when a threat occurs, you do not have to pay for the consequences of the incident.

Minimizing the effects of water leakage

It is worth investing once in a quality device that will prevent a flood so that when a threat occurs, you do not have to pay for the consequences of the incident.

Convenient informing

Water leakage sensors with the ability to connect to Wi-Fi or GSM, in addition to sound and light signals, transmit messages to users of the system mobile devices. Thanks to this, residents will be notified of the accident, even outside the home.

Automatic water shut-off

If the installed detector is connected to automatic shut-off valves, the user receives a security system that is able to automatically close the emergency section of the pipeline. This requires the installation of valves with servo drives. They are controlled by a central control panel. In the event of an alarm from the water leakage sensor, the controller shuts off the water supply, which minimizes the consequences of an accident.

Ajax LeaksProtect wireless flood sensors detect a leak when the first drops hit the sensor contacts. The system will instantly raise the alarm, after which users and the security company will receive notifications about the incident. And by controlling the solenoid valve through a relay, the Ajax system will automatically shut off the water until the emergency service arrives.

Features of Ajax LeaksProtect Wireless Flood Detector

• Up to 5 years of pre-installed batteries
• Housing protection against dust and moisture
• Installation does not require the use of tools
• Communication with the hub at a distance of up to 1300 m
• Sending a signal about the drying of water after an alarm is triggered
• In case of a threat, the leakage sensor can automatically shut off the water

Setting up and installing a flood protection system

The Ajax Water Leak Sensor is a wireless device that works via Jeweler radio communication.

No tools are needed to install LeaksProtect. The flood sensor is to be installed in the places of the alleged leakage: under the bathtub or bathroom sink. The body of the flood sensor is protected from dust and moisture, and the small size allows you to place the device in a hard-to-reach place.

To install an anti-flood system, the user needs:

• Water leakage sensor LeaksProtect
• Compatible solenoid valve
• Relay WallSwitch or Relay

In the event of a leak, the system owner can turn off the water using the Ajax mobile application, and thanks to the installation of a relay, automatic interruption of the water supply will be available after the wireless leak sensor alarm is triggered.

To activate LeaksProtect, you need to make the following steps:

1. Create an account in the app.
2. Turn on the device and add a hub to the control panel.

Before commissioning, you need to check the device for proper operation immediately after setting up the wireless flood sensor. To check, you need to wet the flood sensor. If the alarm does not work, you should pay attention to the correct connection, the integrity of the electrical circuit, the condition of the sensors, the control module and valves.

After the problem is found, the flood simulation should be repeated.