A situation is often the case when the water supply system becomes unusable and a water leak occurs, the absence of which does not guarantee the availability of new equipment, as it may be installed incorrectly. In order to avoid such incidents, special protective systems are used, the basis of which is a leakage sensor.
How does it work
At the moment water enters the sensor, depending on its design, it emits a sound signal or alerts the system and causes automatic shutdown of water supply using various electric drives. The inclusion of water is possible only after the consequences of the leak are eliminated.
Household appliances are distinguished by the possibility of universal application and, in addition to residential premises, are used in boiler rooms, industrial and warehouse buildings. The operation of various equipment and devices related to water becomes more secure using automatic shutdown of water supply.
Features
The standard design includes an AL-150 water leakage sensor (wireless or wired type), electronic actuators that shut off the fluid flow, and a control mechanism.
Installation of control elements is carried out in those places that are characterized by a high probability of liquid escape, for example, under a washing machine or bathtub. The compact design allows you to be anywhere and, as a result, control the entire space.
The functions of the control unit include the provision of sound notification of an incident and the synchronization of sensors with electric drives.
Special cranes equipped with a drive are distinguished by an instant response to a signal, after which the water supply is shut off. Among modern designs, the most common ball systems with electric drive. The installation of these elements is carried out on the risers of the fluid supply, as a rule, after a manual crane.
The design and dimensions of the drives can be different, their purpose has a direct effect on the installation. Installation can be carried out at any suitable time due to the absence of the need for much intervention in the water supply system. But it is advisable to carry out work in the process of completing the repair.
Advantages
The Neptune leak detector, like any other, functions only if there is an uninterrupted power supply. The system works even when there is a power outage thanks to the battery. If there is power, the battery is in recharge mode.
Reliability of the systems is ensured by the operation of ball valves, due to the quick response to the signal and excellent structural design.
Installation and connection do not require special knowledge and are carried out without serious intervention in the design of water supply. First of all, locking elements must be installed. The best place to find them is the space of the pipe after the manual crane, which separates the apartment from the common riser. In some cases, installation in this place is not possible, so it is worth remembering that the quality of protection increases with a decrease in the number of existing connections located between the elements.
Where to install
Leakage control sensors require careful selection of the installation location. Proper execution of the task affects the comfortable use and responsiveness of the entire system. For example, to protect the kitchen, the element should be as close as possible to the siphon. To prevent accidental switching on, which may be caused by puddles or splashes, it is advisable to choose a suitable free angle as the installation site in the bathrooms.
Difficulties with choosing a place can be avoided when planning ahead in the repair process. It is worth noting that thin conductors allow an inconspicuous summing up in tile seams. In this case, you need to remove the existing grout layer for laying the cable and cover it with a new layer. The wireless leakage sensor does not require such work and can be installed anywhere.
Security
The water leakage control system is safe for residents, since the nodes are powered by a relatively low voltage. Also, the current is supplied only by signal, that is, almost all the time the crane design is de-energized. Both the leakage sensor and the central unit have a sealed, secure housing.
Additional properties
Manufacturers added the ability to self-clean to existing functions. Its need is caused by the formation of natural salt growths on the inner surface of the pipes. You also need to pay attention to energy consumption. The main advantage of the systems is energy supply only at the moment when the crane closes or opens.
All elements are reliable and have a long service life due to the coating with a special anti-corrosion compound in those places where contact with the liquid is possible.
Due to the use of the general principle of all protective systems, they have identical structural elements. The basis is the controller, signals from sensors are transmitted to it, after the processing of which current is supplied to the taps that block the water supply. In addition to the main functionality, often the controller provides sound and light alerts. More modern models have the ability to connect GSM-elements and other alarm devices.
Kinds
The Siren Leak Sensor is an electronic mechanism that acts as the first element in a common circuit and indicates the presence of fluid. There are wireless and wired devices that are suitable for various installation conditions and subsequent operation. The mechanism turns on when moisture enters the space located between the contact elements, after which the resistance decreases and a signal is sent to the controller.
Wired water leakage sensor "Siren" notifies of flooding by cable. Despite the high quality and reliability, they often violate the harmony of the interior and are inconvenient for installation in places with complicated access. In some cases, the available cable length may not be enough, so it is advisable to plan their installation next to the controller. Elements of this type have gained distribution due to their lower cost compared to stand-alone options. Among the advantages, it is worth noting the low voltage required for operation, high-quality insulation and the absence of additional power.
The wireless leakage detector uses radio wave alerts. It will cost more than wired devices and runs on a separate power supply. Most often standard batteries are used as batteries. The main advantage of such elements is the absence of the need for cables. Small dimensions provide an opportunity of installation in any convenient place.
What you need to know
The leakage sensor can be located at a sufficient distance from the valves and the controller, as the wireless method of signal supply will ensure its relay from almost any distance.
Shut-off valves are represented by a design with power supply, which provides shut-off of water supply. Typically, a flood protection system uses two types of such devices.
Ball valves have a similar purpose, among the characteristic features it is worth noting a sufficient level of reliability and lack of need for maintenance. An electric insulated motor is used to provide moving parts. Manual control is possible in case of lack of electricity.