Water leak detectors are sensors that can identify the presence of water 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.
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 detection sensors.
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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 that considers this event 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.
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 detector 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 is 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 Sensor
A wire leak sensor is the most reliable type of detector of all. It superseded all other its peers 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.
Know MoreWireless Water Sensor
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 water leak detectors over the mobile App. It is most suitable for large sites where control cable laying is complex.
Know MoreDesigning a water leak detection system for a data center is tricky. It is essential to know that data centers 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 data centers. 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 requirements 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. Much locating water leak detector panel has the facility to define up to 32 zones.
6. For a small room, you can opt for installing a water detector cable on the room's periphery. But for large sizes, you need to lay down the sensor in a Zic-Zac manner to cover the whole area.
7. Connect the panel with the water sensors and integrate it with the fire alarm or BMS as the procedure mentioned in the product manual.
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.
Price of Water Detector
It is vital to choose low-cost but accurate sensors to control the overall cost of the water leakage detection system. Among these three types of alarm, wifi leak detectors are the costliest, followed by wired and probe types.
Accuracy of Leak Detector Sensor
It is crucial, especially when addressing systems installed in sensitive sites like data centers. A wired water leak sensor is the most accurate, and point-type units are the least. Sometimes we need to use a combination of all three units.
Expandability of the Leak Locator Sensor
Growing companies and establishments require this feature. Many times we need to increase the number of detection units. A wifi water leak sensor is the easiest for expansion. After that, a cable water leak detector since it provided with male-female type sockets.
Compatibility of Water Alarm
A probe can be used with all types of consoles. The wi-fi water leak detector can only operate with the wireless leakage detection panels. Similarly, a distance read system only needs cable detectors to locate the leak.
Installation of Water Leak Finder
If you are tech-savvy, smart water leak detectors have painless installation procedures. The wire water sensing units need 'U' clips, and the probe needs screws to stick it on the ground. The cabling part is equally complicated in both.
Durability
All leakage detectors are durable. Wired sensors are available with different standards to install indoors or outdoors. Also, the probe unit is available with a weatherproof IP65 enclosure to install as an outdoor water leak detector.
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) come in contact with leaking water, leaked water acts as a conductive bridge between two terminals, and the panel gets current and therefore leaks signal.
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 higher due to its linear design.
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.
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.
There are three kinds of water leakage detectors; cable leak detectors, probe or point leak sensors, and wireless water sensor alarms. The wire sensor cable is the most commonly used one. Probe-type units are used for small areas. A wifi-based smart water sensor is easy to install, and users can easily add more detection units if required.
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.
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.
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.
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.