In large and small cities every day there are more than a thousand different accidents in water supply and heating systems. In apartments and office premises, every 9 out of 10 accidents are leaks. That is why, among most environmental control systems, the water leakage sensor occupies a central place. With this sensor, you can protect your apartment or office from flooding.
There are many sensors on the market 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 the effects of various interference. In today's article, we will look at several popular sensors, as well as find out their features and benefits.
How does it work?
The principle of operation is quite simple. After installation (the water leakage sensor circuit is in our article), the device will work when the contacts are closed. ATIn the initial position, the contacts are completely open. When water gets on them (which is a very good conductor of electric current), the circuit will close. This will be signaled to the controller.
Next, the controller will issue appropriate commands to the controlled mechanisms. These may be solenoid valves or other similar devices. As a result of operation, the water will be blocked. The water leakage sensor is an active flood protection, while the waterproofing is a passive type of protection.
Sensors that respond to changes in potential difference are now especially common. These changes appear when liquid hits the sensor surface. When the internal resistance changes, an alarm will be sent to the controller.
Functionality
Modern systems perform two functions. So, a water leak sensor can block the operation of all parts of the system that are associated with the emergency area. This works by removing power from various equipment (heating boilers, pumps). Also, power is removed from the control elements. In this case, the solenoid valve will block the water supply line in the emergency section.
The second function is emergency notification. Depending on the design features, the switching scheme may vary. Manufacturers of modern smart home systems provide for the possibility of sound and light signals, as well as notificationsusers via CMC messages to a mobile phone.
Types of applied leakage sensors
There are several types of these elements.
They differ in design and functionality. Consider the features of each type of sensor.
Linear 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 cable in the form of a tape is used. It is laid along the entire water supply.
Autonomous
This water leakage sensor is installed as an independent device. It does not require a controller to operate. Their main function is to give sound or light signals in case of an accident.
Types by signal transmission method
According to the methods of transmitting information, sensors are divided into wireless and stationary (devices connected to control equipment using wires). The wireless water leak sensor can operate 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 much higher.
Fibaro Flood Sensor
This appliance is based on the Z-wawe communication standard for smart home systems. The sensor in appearance does not at all resemble typical sensors that monitor leaks. In addition to the modern appearance, the device differstilt sensor.
If it is moved, the owner will immediately know about it. A notification will be given in a dedicated smartphone application. There is also a temperature sensor, emergency siren, light indication. In this case, the temperature sensor can be used in different ways. With it, you can control underfloor heating 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 shutting off controlled valves.
Wally
This device differs in that Z-wawe, traditional for smart homes, is not used here as a communication standard. A separate protocol was developed for a system called Wally Home. The device uses the electrical wiring in the apartment as an antenna. The sensor data is sent to the system controller.
To start using the system, you need to connect the hub and put sensors in places where there is a risk of water leaks. Usually this place is under the sink, near the refrigerator and dishwasher. In the event of an accident, the water leakage sensor in the apartment will inform the owner about the problem via the Internet. The sensor is not only capable of detecting significant accidents, but also monitors small puddles and mold formation. Due to the unique protocol, the device is weakcompatible 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 leak sensor can beep or notify through the controller. Also, the device is able to initiate automatic closing of valves to shut off the water supply. It will not be possible to turn on the water until the consequences of the leak and the causes are eliminated.
In the basic configuration of the system there is one AL-150 wired or wireless sensor, as well as drives that shut off the water flow and a control device. Install this complex where there is a significant risk of water leaving.
These are places under the washing machine, near the bath. Reviews say that the design of the sensor is very compact. This allows you to place the device anywhere.
Among the functions there is also the provision of alarm notification and synchronization with electric drives. Reviews say that motorized taps 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 manual 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 is in charging mode.
You don't need any special knowledge to install. BUTinstallation 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 circuit elements and is designed to detect water. There are both wired and wireless sensors. They are designed to be installed in various conditions. The mechanism starts if moisture gets 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 can 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 cons, people buy this water leak sensor. The price of 460 rubles made it so popular. It is much lower than the cost of standalone devices. Among the advantages are the low supply voltages required for the operation of the device, good insulation and no need for additional power.
Wireless sensors from this brand communicate with the controller via radio waves. Normal batteries are used as power. The advantage of these sensors is the absence of wires and cables, as well as their small size.
Astra
Another representative on the smart home equipment market is Astra. Water leak sensor workson the principle of increasing operating currents when water gets on the contacts. This will trigger an alarm. An SMS will also be sent to the apartment owner's mobile phone.
Make your own sensor
Anyone who is at least 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 circuit uses widely used radio components. Manufacturing costs barely reach hundreds of rubles.
This homemade sensor detects the presence of water on the floor using two contacts. It is better to make them from copper, and then tin them with tin for protection. Contacts must be protected from oxidation.
These contacts are connected to the positive power contact and the comparator contained in the microcircuit. When water gets on the contacts, the resistance will drop, and the current will increase. The voltage will increase significantly on the second contact of the microcircuit. Then, after the voltage rises to the switching threshold on the third contact, the voltage will drop and the transistor will open, the current through which will flow to the load - the LED will light up.
As you can see, it is not difficult to assemble such a device. Of course, a homemade device will differ in functionality. But after all, 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.reliability.
Conclusion
To organize a truly effective water leak prevention system, you need not only a sensor, but a whole complex of devices. This is a special shut-off valve and controller. It is best to immediately purchase a complete and effective set of protection systems against leaks from trusted manufacturers. Self-made devices can only be used as a supplement to the main ones. They do not provide the necessary reliability and protection.
