Water leakage sensor: overview, types, characteristics and reviews

In big and small cities, more than a thousand different accidents happen every day in water supply and heating systems. In apartments and office premises, every 9 out of 10 emergencies are leaks. For this reason, among the majority of environmental control systems, the sensor of water leakage occupies a central place. With the help of this sensor you can protect the apartment or office from flooding.

On sale there are many sensors 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'll look at a few popular sensors, and also learn their features and advantages.

How it works?

The principle of operation is quite simple. After installation (the circuit of the sensor of leakage of water is in our article), the device will work at closing of contacts. In the initial position, the contacts are completely open. When water gets on them (which is a very good conductor of electric current), the circuit closes. The signal will be transmitted to the controller.

Next, the controller will issue the appropriate commands to the controlled mechanisms. These may be solenoid valves or other similar devices. As a result, the water will be blocked. The water leakage sensor is an active protection against flooding, while waterproofing is a passive type protection.

Now sensors are especially common, reacting to changes in the potential difference. These changes appear when the liquid hits the surface of the sensor. When the internal resistance changes, an alarm will be sent to the controller.

Functionality

Modern systems perform two functions. Thus, the water leak detector can block the operation of all parts of the system that are connected to the emergency site. This works by removing power from various equipment (heating boilers, pumps). Also, the power is removed from the control elements. In this case, the solenoid valve will block the water supply line through the emergency section.

The second function is to alert you of abnormal situations. Depending on the design features, the switching circuit may be different. Manufacturers of modern systems such as "smart house" provide the ability to provide sound and light signals, as well as notify users via CMC messages to the mobile phone.

Types of leakage sensors used

There are several types of these elements.

They differ in design, in functionality. Let's consider the features of sensors of each type.

Linear sensors

There are different names - they are also called band, 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 is used in the form of a tape. It is laid along the entire water pipe.

Autonomous

Such a water leakage sensor is installed as an independent device. For its operation there is no need for a controller. Their main function is the supply of sound or light signals in the event of an accident.

Types of the method of signal transmission

According to the methods of information transfer, the sensors are divided into wireless and stationary (devices connected to the control equipment by means of wires). A wireless water leak detector can operate remotely at distances 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 the "Smart House" Z-wawe systems. The sensor in appearance does not at all resemble typical sensors that monitor leaks. In addition to the modern appearance, the device is characterized by the presence of an inclination sensor.

If you move it, the owner immediately finds out about it. A special application for the smartphone will be notified. Also there is a temperature sensor, emergency siren, light indication. In this case, the temperature sensor can be used in different ways. With the help of it you can control the 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 of this series is able to overlap the controllable valves.

Wally

This device is distinguished by the fact that the traditional for smart houses Z-wawe is not used as a communication standard here. For the system called Wally Home, a separate protocol was developed. The device uses 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 are risks of water leaks. Usually this place is under the sink, near the refrigerator and dishwasher. In the event of an accident, the water leak detector in the apartment will inform the owner of the problem via the Internet. The sensor is not only able to record significant accidents, but also tracks small puddles and mold formation. Due to the unique protocol, the device is poorly compatible with other "smart house" 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 can emit a beep or notify through the controller. Also, the device is able to initiate automatic closing of the valves to shut off the water supply. Include water can not be earlier than the consequences of the leak and the causes will be 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 the control device. Establish this complex where there is a significant risk of water withdrawal.

This place under the washing machine, near the bath. Reviews say that the sensor design is very compact. This allows you to place the device anywhere.

Among the functions there is also the provision of warning of an accident and synchronization with electric drives. Reviews say that the cranes with the drive almost instantly react to signals about leaks. Among modern cranes are especially popular ball, equipped with an electric drive. Installation is performed on risers after hand cranes. Among the advantages is the availability of a battery, which allows the device to work as autonomously as possible. If the electricity is OK, the battery is in charge mode.

To install, you do not need any special knowledge. And you can perform the installation without significantly affecting the design of the water supply.

"Siren"

The 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 is triggered if moisture has fallen on the space between the contacts. Because of this, the resistance drops and an alarm signal is sent to the controller.

Wire 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 inconvenient. Sometimes a complete cable may not suffice.

Despite all the disadvantages, people acquire this water leakage sensor. The price of 460 rubles made it so popular. It is much lower than the cost of standalone devices. Among the advantages can be identified low supply voltage, necessary for the device, good insulation and no need for additional power.

Wireless sensors from this brand communicate with the controller on the radio waves. As a power supply, you use regular batteries. The advantage of these sensors is the absence of wires and cables, as well as small dimensions.

"Aster"

Another representative in the market for smart home equipment is the Astra company. The water leakage sensor works on the principle of increasing the operating currents when water hits the contacts. This will trigger the alarm. Also SMS will be sent to the mobile phone of the apartment owner.

Producing the sensor by one's own hands

Anyone who knows at least a little knowledge of electronics and can hold a soldering iron can make a water leak detector with his own hands. Homemade device will work no worse than domestic devices. The design is based on a timer chip LM7555. The scheme uses widely distributed radio components. Production costs barely reach hundreds of rubles.

This homemade sensor detects the presence of water on the floor with two contacts. To make them better from copper, and then to protect with tin. Contacts should be reliably protected from oxidation.

These contacts are connected to the positive power contact and the comparator contained in the chip. When the contacts get water, the resistance will fall, and the current will rise. The voltage will increase significantly on the second contact of the chip. Then, after the voltage rises to the switching threshold at the third contact, the voltage drops and a transistor opens, the current through which will flow to the load - the LED will light up.

Apparently, it's not hard to assemble such a device. Of course, the 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 strongly rely on such homemade equipment - it is imperfect, and there is no guarantee of reliability.

Conclusion

To organize a truly effective system to prevent water leaks, you need not only a sensor, but a whole set of devices. This is a special shut-off valve and controller. It is best to immediately acquire a full and effective complex of the protective system from leaks from proven manufacturers. Self-made devices can only be used as a supplement to the basic ones. They do not provide the necessary reliability and protection.