Introduction to Water Leak Detectors.

Water leak detectors are the sensors that can identify the water’s presence and generate a signal to initiate notification by a leak detection system panel. It is the backbone of the leakage alarm system. This article will explain different types of water detectors and their applications. Also, we will compare all leak detector sensors. With changing technology, smart, wifi, ultrasonic, and infrared water leak sensors are available. The probe and water sensing cables are the most popular and economical. But, depending on the criticality of the application, we need to choose the right type of water sensor alarm.

A standalone water leakage detectors are suitable for residential use. I can be monitored through mobile Apps. But, we need a system with a reliable water leak detector sensor for commercial buildings, pump rooms, data centers, server rooms, and other applications. Let’s understand all about these detections sensors. 

Water leak detector supplier in UAE.

How do water leak detectors work?

The job of a water leak sensor detector is to provide a signal to the control panel once water touches it. Please note that the control cable connects detectors to the water leak detection panels. If you see the construction of these leak detection sensors, they have two discounted paths with running low voltages supplied by the water detection system. When leaked liquid touches the sensor, these two paths get shorted and complete the circuit. Thus, the central console of the water leak detector kit gets a trigger and considers this short as a leak, and generates an alarm.

If you see the wired water detection cable, it has a minimum of two twisted wires. Similarly, in the case of probe type sensor, it has two pointed mental connectors facing toward the ground. When the water touches these two wires or mental points, the return current can flow through it, and the panel gets activated. 

Types of water leak detectors.

Every water sensor has its pros and cons. There are many types of water alarms catering to every kind of site. There are wired and wireless or wi fi water leak detectors. We need to choose it depending on the size of the area to be protected, the type of water leak detection system, and the convenience of wiring connection between these water detectors alarms. 

The objective of installing a water leak detector tool is to get notification of a drip at every inceptive stage. For this, we need to ensure that the liquid’s probability of coming in contact with the leak sensors should be high. Thus, this is also a critical criterion when selecting the detection devices. There are three most commonly used liquid leak detectors as follows.

Wired water leak detector for server rooms.

Wired water leak detector.

A wire leak sensor is the most reliable type of detector of all. It superseded all other its peer in all respects except the cost. A water leak cable’s first and foremost advantage is that it is flexible and can be installed anywhere and around any object.

For example, if we like to leak protection on a pipe above the false ceiling, we can wrap or tie this water leak detector at the bottom of the pipeline. Otherwise, we need to install a metal tray below the pipe and fix the water leak sensor inside it. Due to its length, it offers a high chance of detecting the water. And if it is used in the mesh formate, we can multiply the chances. 

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Probe & Spot water detector sensor.

The probe or point water detectors are used when we need to monitor a specific small place. These water leak detector systems have two metal points facing the ground. Users can adjust the height of these metal points from the ground. When leaked liquid touches these two terminals, then only it will generate an alarm. Hence, it has a very low probability of sensing leaked water.

It is why we need to use it to monitor a tiny space. For example, it is perfect for installation in water touches, under the water heater and drip tray of an air conditioner, or inside the lift pith. We can connect multiple water leak sensors in a series connection.

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Probe or spot water detector.
Smart water leak detector for home.

Wireless water leak detector. 

A wifi water leak detector has an inbuilt module that facilitates the connection between the actual sensor and central water leak detection panel without a real wired connection. Many probes or spot sensors have this facility which acts as standalone smart leak detectors. In the case of the cable leak sensor, it required a wi-fi module to which this cable connected.

These units can be used with zone and distance read systems. Some manufacturers offer to monitor these waterleak detectors over the mobile App. It is most suitable for the large site where control cable laying is complex. 

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Infrared and underground water leak detector.

These portable leak detection systems are used for finding leakages in the wall or underground pipes. The infrared system is a camera that denotes surface temperature in different colors. The leak surface will have moisture with low temperatures. Thus, through the camera, this surface will be visible as blue. However, one needs expertise and practice to locate the exact water leak location with the help of this system.

An underground leak detection system is used to find pipes under the ground leakages. It uses robust acoustic sensors that can sense noise generated by the leak. A pipe leak detector is expensive, and the operator needs training.

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underground water leak detector for pipes

Applications and water detector sensors.

It is essential to select a suitable water leak detector to design a reliable, robust, and economically viable system. Wrong selection can increase your cost or might compromise accuracy. So, we need to balance out both factors. Let’s understand this further with the help of some examples.

  1. A wire water sensor is most suitable for vast spaces like warehouses or spaces divided into multiple rooms. 
  2. It is better to use water leak sensor cables for critical sites like datacenter, server rooms, and telecom rooms.
  3. For a small area, trenches, or water trays, probe-type water leak sensors are ideal.
  4. For pipelines, one can use probe or cable detectors. Hence, for longer pipes, it is better to tie the sensor cable on the lower side of the line. To use the spot leak detection kit, we need to install a metal tray below it.
  5. Ther sites like pump rooms where we can locate leak-prone points distinctly, point type are the best water leak detector. We can connect many units in the series.

Panel and water detector compatibility.

As we know, there are Zone, wireless, and distance measuring leakage alarm panels. Not each type of water leakage detector is friendly with every water leak detection panel. First, wifi-based smart water leak detectors are only compatible with wireless leak detection modules. We can’t use it with other types of systems. We can use a water leak sensor cable with all systems. However, due to its high cost, it is recommended to use only if you use a locating unit. Please note that for distance, read water leak finder, only cable water sensors are compatible.

We can use a probe-type sensing unit with locating panel, but it will not provide the exact leak location. Generally, for all crucial installations, it is always better to use a wire sensor since it offers robustness high prospect of detecting a leak fast, and it is easily expandable.

Water leak detector design for server rooms.

Designing a water leak detection system for a data center is tricky. It is essential to know that datacenters have devices that need or generate water that can lead to leakages. Computer rooms are the backbone of the operation of large businesses. Any flooding inside the server room, even for a few minutes, can cause substantial financial losses due to equipment damage and operational downtime.

One needs to know all equipment installed in the server room and its operation. An addressable water leak detection system is ideal for the data centers. And as you are aware, a distance read system is functional only with the water leak wire. We need to do a details site study to offer the best water leak detector system. 

  1. First of all, identify the devices where a leak can happen. For example, inside the server room, there will be a precision air conditioner, fan coil unit, or overhead pipes.
  2. Use an infrared camera to inspect the wall, roof, and floor to check if there is high moisture or existing leakages. If it exists, then we need to fix it with civil work.
  3. Note down the requirement of the clients regarding integration and notifications. 
  4. Depending on the size of the room, notification methods, and integration, decide if you need a zone or an addressable type of water leak detection system.
  5. If it is a large data center, divide it into different zones. 
  6. For a small room, you can opt for installing a water detector cable on the room’s periphery. But for large sizes, your need to lay down the sensor in a Zic-Zac manner to cover the whole area.
  7. Connect panel with the water sensors and integrate with fire alarm or BMS as the procedure mentioned in the product manual.

Comparison of Water sensors.

Now, let’s compare all types of water detection sensors and understand their advantages and disadvantages. For ease of the procedure, we will consider the three most commonly used water leak detectors. We will match these alarm-type LD detectors for their price, accuracy, expandability, compatibility, installation, and Durability. 

Water Leak Detector FAQs

How do water leak detectors work?

The water detection sensor works on the principle of conductivity. It has two conductive terminals separated from each other. When it is connected to the leakage detection panel, it interrupts the current flow due to a gap between two terminals. But when water detectors (and hence two terminals) comes in contact with leaking water, leaked water acts as a conductive bridge between two terminals, and the panel gets current and therefore leak signal.

How do water leak detectors work?

Which is the best water leak detector?

A water sensing cable is the best water leak detector of all. It is more accurate and can be used with distance reading and zone panels. Due to its flexibility, it can wrap around the pipes also. Also, its fixing is straightforward, and users can easily add more sensor cable length anytime. The probability of leak detection is more due to its linear design.

Which is the best water leak detector?

What is a water leak detector?

It is a device that senses the presence of water when it touches it and facilitates a signal to trigger an alarm to inform about the water leak. Different types of leak detector sensors depend on working principle and mounting. Some of these systems are standalone and generally connected to the water leak detection panels.

What is a water leak detector?

Can you rent a water leak detector?

Yes, you can rent an underground water leak detector that uses ultrasonic, infrared, and acoustic principles. These units are used to find out pipeline leakages. We can also take complete services from these companies, including equipment and finding leakages.

What are the types of water sensors?

There are three kinds of water leakage detectors; cable leak detector, probe or point leak sensor, and wireless water sensor alarm. The wire sensor cable is the most commonly used one. Probe type of units is used for small areas. A wifi-based smart water sensor is easy to install, and users can easily add more detection units if required.

What are the types of water sensors?

What is a smart water leak detector, and how does it work?

Smart or wireless leak sensors are portable devices that can connect to a central leakage detection console through wifi, and users can control it through Mobile applications. Generally, it is battery-powered and can easily shift from one place to another.

How accurate are the water leak detectors?

If we consider their accuracy, cable leak detection is the most accurate. At the same time, it is more expensive than the point-type water leak tester. With the help of locating type water detection system, the sensor cable helps to notify the exact location of water leakages. And by installing it in the zigzag fashion, we can increase the probability of leak sensing.

Where can I buy a water leak detector?

We can buy water detectors online from Amazon or any electronic shop for home use. For commercial use, we suggest contacting a dealer who will visit your site to offer you a customized design.

Where to install a water detector?

We can use it in water leak-prone areas like under the sinks and water heaters. Also, it is commonly used in water pump rooms, server rooms, data centers, telecom rooms, laboratories, water tanks, and pumping stations.