In big and small cities, more than a thousand different accidents occur in water supply and heating systems every day. In apartments and office premises, every 9 out of 10 accidents are leaks. That is why among most environmental monitoring systems, a central place is occupied by a water leakage sensor. Using this sensor, you can protect your apartment or office from flooding.
There are many sensors on sale from different manufacturers. But it is believed that not all of them are equally effective. Some do not have sufficient sensitivity, others are poorly protected from various interference. In today's article, we will look at several popular sensors, as well as find out their features and advantages.
How it works?
The principle of operation is quite simple. After installation (there is a diagram of a water leakage sensor in our article), the device will work when the contacts are closed. In the initial position, the contacts are fully open. When water gets on them (which is a very good conductor of electric current), the circuit will close. A signal about this will be transmitted to the controller.
Next, the controller will issue the appropriate commands to the controlled mechanisms. It can be solenoid valves or other similar devices. As a result, the water will be shut off. A water leakage sensor is an active protection against flooding, while waterproofing is a passive type of protection.
Sensors that respond to changes in potential differences are especially common. These changes appear when liquid enters the surface of the sensor. When the internal resistance changes, an alarm will be sent to the controller.
Functionality
Modern systems have two functions. So, a water leakage sensor can block the operation of all parts of the system that are associated with the emergency site. This works by removing power from various equipment (heating boilers, pumps). Also, the power is removed from the control elements. At the same time, the electromagnetic valve will block the water supply line through the emergency section.
The second function is an emergency alert . Depending on the design features, the switching circuit may vary. Manufacturers of modern systems such as "smart home" provide for the possibility of sound and light signals, as well as notifying users using CMC messages on a mobile phone.
Types of leakage sensors used
There are several types of these elements.
They vary in design, in functionality. Consider the features of sensors of each type.
Line sensors
There are different names - they are also called zone, cable or tape. Their use makes it possible to control the technical condition of the water main. As a sensitive element in these devices, a special ribbon cable is used. It is laid along the entire water supply.
Standalone
Such a water leakage sensor is installed as a standalone device. For its operation there is no need for a controller. Their main function is to provide sound or light signals in the event of an accident.
Types of signal transmission method
By the methods of transmitting information, the sensors are divided into wireless and stationary (devices connected to control equipment using wires). The wireless water leakage sensor can work remotely at a distance of up to 300 meters. This is very convenient if the length of the pipes is large. But the cost of such sensors is an order of magnitude higher.
Fibaro flood sensor
This device operates on the basis of the communication standard for Z-wawe Smart Home systems. The sensor in appearance does not at all resemble typical sensors that monitor leaks. In addition to its modern appearance, the device is characterized by the presence of a tilt sensor.
If it is moved, the owner will immediately know about it. A special application for the smartphone will be notified. There is also a temperature sensor, emergency siren, light indication. In this case, the temperature sensor can be used in different ways. Using it, you can control a warm floor or use it as a fire sensor. The device can be installed on different surfaces due to the presence of telescopic probes. They have sufficient mobility on uneven surfaces.
The sensor is compatible with any professional alarm systems. And you can install it yourself. Together with additional equipment, the sensor from this series is capable of blocking controlled valves.
Wally
This device is characterized in that the standard Z-wawe for smart homes is not used as a communication standard. A separate protocol has been developed for a system called Wally Home. The device uses electrical wiring in the apartment as an antenna. Sensor data is sent to the system controller.
To start 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, near the refrigerator and dishwasher. In the event of an accident, a water leak detector in the apartment will inform the owner of the problem via the Internet. The sensor is not only capable of detecting significant accidents, but also tracks small puddles and mold formation. Due to the unique protocol, the device is poorly compatible with other smart home complexes. This is its main drawback, according to users.
"Neptune"
This system is designed to protect residents of apartments from the risk of flooding. The Neptune water leakage sensor may emit an audible signal or notify via the controller. The device is also able to initiate automatic valve closure to shut off the water supply. It will not be possible to turn on the water before the consequences of the leak and the causes are eliminated.
In the basic configuration of the system, there is one AL-150 sensor wired or wireless, as well as actuators that shut off the water flow and control device. Install this complex where there is a significant risk of water leaving.
These are places under the washing machine, near the bathtub. Reviews say the sensor design is very compact. This allows you to place the device anywhere.
Among the functions there is also the provision of accident alerts and synchronization with electric drives. Reviews say that actuated cranes respond almost instantly to leak signals. Among modern cranes, ball valves equipped with an electric drive are especially popular. Installation is carried out on risers after hand cranes. Among the advantages is the presence of a battery, which allows the device to work as autonomously as possible. If everything is in order with electricity, then the battery works in charging mode.
Installation does not require any special knowledge. And installation can be done without a significant impact on the design of the water supply.
"Siren"
Water leakage sensor “Siren” is an electronic system that acts as one of the elements of the circuit and is designed to detect water. There are both wired and wireless sensors. They are designed for installation in various conditions. The mechanism starts if moisture has got into the space between the contacts. Because of this, the resistance drops and an alarm signal is transmitted to the controller.
Wired devices report flooding with a special cable. Reviews say that the device is of high quality and reliability. But, despite this, the element is able to significantly disrupt the interior. In difficult places, access to which is difficult, installation is inconvenient. Sometimes the bundled cable may be missing.
Despite all the disadvantages, people get this water leakage sensor. The price of 460 rubles made him so popular. It is significantly lower than the cost of stand-alone devices. Among the advantages are the low supply voltages required for the operation of the device, good insulation and the absence of the need for additional power.
Wireless sensors from this brand communicate with the controller on radio waves. Conventional batteries are used as power. The advantage of these sensors is the absence of wires and cables, as well as their small size.
"Aster"
Another representative on the market for smart home equipment is Astra. The water leakage sensor works according to the principle of increasing operating currents when water enters the contacts. This will trigger an alarm. An SMS will also be sent to the mobile phone of the owner of the apartment.
DIY sensor manufacturing
Anyone who is even a little familiar with electronics and knows how to hold a soldering iron can make a water leakage sensor with their own hands. A home-made device will work no worse than domestic devices. The design is based on the LM7555 timer chip. The scheme uses widespread radio components. Manufacturing costs barely reach hundreds of rubles.
This homemade sensor detects the presence of water on the floor with two contacts. It is better to make them from copper, and then to protect it with tin. Contacts must be protected from oxidation.
These contacts are connected to the positive power contact and the comparator contained in the chip. When water gets on the contacts, the resistance will fall, and the current will increase. The voltage will increase significantly at the second contact of the chip. Then, after the voltage rises to the switching threshold at the third contact, the voltage drops and the transistor opens, the current through which flows to the load - the LED lights up.
As you can see, assembling such a device is not difficult. Of course, a home-made device will differ in functionality. But the price of its manufacture is not comparable with the cost of more serious complexes. However, experts do not recommend relying heavily on such home-made equipment - it is imperfect, and there are no guarantees of reliability.
Conclusion
To organize a truly effective system for preventing water leaks, you need not only a sensor, but a whole range of devices. This is a special stop valve and controller. It is best to immediately purchase a full-fledged and effective complex of protective systems against leaks from trusted manufacturers. Self-made devices can only be used as an addition to the basic ones. They do not provide the necessary reliability and protection.