Water leaks can result in very heavy losses. But in this day and age, we have a new type of home - a "Smart Home". Smart homes are part of the Internet of Things (IOT). Most smart home systems include water leak detectors, capable of interacting with a centralized management system. The most advanced water sensors are battery-powered and work via a number of various kinds of wireless technologies. For example, Z-Wave. They are connected through a central hub in the home. You can track the status of the leak-sensing device (and your home) by using your smartphone or tablet.
Here is an introduction to several such “smart” devices that are present in the market and are compatible with many home automation systems.
Working with the use of wireless communication standard Z-Wave, sensor Fibaro Flood Sensor looks nothing like the typical sensor that monitors leaks. In addition to its futuristic design, it differs in that it contains a tilt sensor (i.e. if someone moves it from it's place, you will get a message on your mobile phone), a temperature sensor, siren, LED, and a built-in testing signal. Plus, the built-in temperature sensor can be used to control floor heating systems or serve as a fire sensor.
Fibaro Flood Sensor can also be used on uneven surfaces, thanks to telescopic probes.
The device can operate in conjunction with any professional alarm system, but it is easy to install. When used together with a control relay, such as the Fibaro Controller/Relay, the sensor can independently shut off an automatic valve. The sensor is powered from the battery, the life of which is approximately 2.5 years. To take full advantage of the Fibaro Flood Sensor, you will need a hub, the Fibaro Home Center 2 or another hub based on Z-Wave. I found this awesome site which shows you a number of compatible hubs for the Fibaro Flood Sensor. One such hub that's available on Amazon is the Securifi Almond+.
Product websites: fibarozwaveshop.com
$59.98 at Amazon (as of 13-Oct-2015)
Wally
The WallyHome system is quite simple, and it does not use the usual Z-Wave, Bluetooth, or Zigbee; instead, it uses it's own protocol SNUPI (Sensor Network Utilizing Powerline Infrastructure). This means that the existing wired network wiring is used as an antenna that can transmit data from the sensors to the WallyHome hub.
You need to include a hub in a network via Ethernet and install sensors in problem areas – under the sink, next to the refrigerator, hot water heater, dishwasher, etc. All notifications will be sent to your mobile device via the Internet. The Wally water sensor also senses the temperature and humidity levels, which is really cool because it not only allows you to monitor significant water leakage, but also the formation of small puddles and even the appearance of mold.
It's rumoured that it's not easy to get Wally to work with other systems because of its own unique wireless system. However, their website has dedicated a link to Nest, and seem to have a thorough explanation of how to set it up with a Nest thermostat. Therefore, it seems it is possible to connect it to other compatible devices.
Product website: www.wallyhome.com
At Amazon, the cost is $ 299 a set (as of 13-Oct-2015), and it includes a hub, six sensors, power wire and Ethernet cable. The Wally water sensor can also be purchased separately for $ 35 (as of 13-Oct-2015).
Article ID: 145
