Water Flow Sensor for Home Alarm Panel
Snuck over from the woodshed, hope y’all don’t mind the dust.
I’d like to have a water flow alarm added to my residential alarm panel as security against solder joint failure while at work (nervous nellie). The supply line into the basement is 3/4″ copper. The alarm company is only aware of flow sensors for commercial sprinkler systems (8″ diameter). Tried searching the Internet but only found sprinkler pipe sensors and flooded basement floor water sensors. Found some adjustable flow setting 1″ diameter brass sensors at Grainger’s for $180 that might work. Has anyone seen such a sensor in use and know the brand? Thanks.
Replies
Fire protection alarms are just a flapper that is inserted into a tee.
Most of the time the flapper has to be cut to fit the fitting.
But regular usage will cause the flapper switch to fail.
I reccomend a pressure drop switch that can be turned on when you leave.
A decent size leak will cause a pressure drop & engage a set of contacts, that would trigger an alarm.
But what kind of signal do you want it to have & who is going to be notified of the alarm tripping?
A small leak will not trip a pressure or flow switch.
If you're that worried you could install a solenoid valve that is wired to a switch so when you leave you just flip the switch & all the water is turned off.
You might be better off with a system that uses a water/flood sensor in bathrooms and kitchens, washer/dryer, and water heater areas instead of a flow sensor in the pipe.
I installed this in our house wiht old pipes and it has paid for itself twice -- both times it tripped:
http://www.watercop.com/
You can buy the parts at Amazon and other places.
Billy
I agree with Billy.
I think a flood sensor would be a better idea.
First there are normal usage of water when you are not home. An ice maker and humdifier are two.
And you might want to start a load of launder or a dishwasher as you leave.
And it is very easy to have a small leak that would not trigger a flow alarme, but after several hours can still make a big mess.
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I'll also tell you to use the Water Cop device. I did price out water sensors for the alarm panel and didn't bother going one inch further. Simple, sweet, and most important, think about this. What are you going to do from work or while driving home after the alarm notified the CO who then called you? Don't forget you might have a 3/4 or greater pipe failure that is blowing water into you house at better than 15GPM? The Water Cop closes the supply off from your well/street.
Sensors are placed at use locations. Are battery or AC powered and wireless.
FYI, I have 7 in service.