AVTECH Installation Note

Flood / Water Sensor

for use with... Room Alert hardware models running from Windows NT/2000/XP

Advanced Computer Room Environment Monitors with Automatic Alert & Response Capabilities

Principle of Operation

The AVTECH Software Flood / Water Sensor is activated by liquid (i.e. water) bridging the adjustable sensor probes (A) to make a consistent contact. The unit can detect water film from zero height (i.e sensors turned out to make contact with the floor or surface) to 1/8" height (i.e. sensors turned all the way in). The unit is factory adjusted to activate with 1/32" water film height which is satisfactory for most applications. The three adhesive pads provide a gap between the case and the surface to admit water under the unit, allowing for detection.

CAUTION: If the adhesive pads are removed completely, the flood / water sensor unit may form a seal with the surface. This could prohibit the sensor probes from detecting water until water rises high enough to enter through the top of the flood / water sensor unit.

If desired, the self-adhesive pad (B) feature may be used to secure the flood / water sensor device to a specific area by peeling off the thin protective layer from each pad. This helps assure that the sensor unit remains in place when located on a mounted surface and is important if the surface vibrates or is sloped, allowing for movement over time or when wet. Most facilities have a specific area that is close to a water source or known to be a low spot and therefore collects water before other areas. With this in mind, placement of the flood sensor in a specific area where flooding is expected to occur first or known to occur is always the best choice.

Although the two sensor probes (A) may be adjusted to make contact with the surface, it is recommended that a small gap be set between the sensors and the surface so undesired activation caused by dampness, dirt film or placement on an inappropriate surface (i.e. metal) does not occur.

When flooding caused by water or another liquid occurs to create contact between the two adjustable sensor probes (A) on the otherside of the flood / water sensor, a switch is tripped closed within the flood / water senor. The closing of this switch sends a low voltage signal to the Room Alert computer room environment monitoring unit in use. This signal causes an alarm to start for this sensor device and the PageR Enterprise software that comes with all Room Alert models starts the alarm notification process and any associated automatic corrective action. When the water or flooding condition is removed and contact between the two adjustable sensor probes no longer exists, the alarm is cleared and all alert notification activity is discontinued. An alarm cancel notification can be sent out and/or another automatic corrective action can be taken if desired.

Setup And Adjustments

The AVTECH Software Flood / Water Sensor comes pre-configured for immediate use. Simply connect the open contact wires to an open set of contacts on the Room Alert ID Box and then place the sensor unit in the desired location.

The open contact wire can be extended using a twisted pair wire (i.e. like 22 gauge copper speaker cable) to extend the distance up to approximately 1,000 feet.

CAUTION: It is critical to test the sensor when first installed and on a regular basis to be sure the signal is getting to the Room Alert ID Box. If the contact wires become damaged, disconnected or simply do not allow proper transfer of the signal, this could cause your organization to miss a critical alert.

To adjust the sensor height, hold a straight edge across the pads (B) closest to the sensor probes. Then turn the sensors (A) out or until distance to the straight edge equals the desired water detection level.

You can also extend the reach of the AVTECH Software Flood / Water Sensor by adding one or more sets of AVTECH Software Flood Extenders. These are little pods that connect to the flood sensor and allow you to monitor for flooding without having to add more at the more expensive AVTECH Software Flood / Water Sensors. If interested, ask your Product Specialist for more information or download the Flood Extender Installation Note from our website.

Once installation is complete, you can easily test the sensor by waiting 10 seconds and then connect the two sensor probes (A) with a paper clip. You should be able to hear the relay transfer. By holding this connection past until PageR Enterprise and Room Alert check the sensor, you should receive an alert notification if the software is set up properly.

Batteries

Two 9-Volt Alkaline batteries are required for use in the AVTECH Software Flood / Water Sensor. These are normally pre-installed by default so are likely already installed when you first received the unit. If you are replacing the batteries, simply remove the old ones and connect a battery lead to the terminal connection to the 9-volt replacement battery. Then, insert each of the two batteries into the associated retainer clip. The Alkaline batteries should be replaced once per year. If the unit is activated often, the batteries might need to be replaced sooner.

For best results, ALWAYS replace both batteries at the same time. It is strongly recommended that you replace both batteries at a regular time each year.

Whenever batteries are replaced, it is a good idea and practice to wipe clean the top surface of the AVTECH Flood / Water Sensor and the two primary sensor posts.

DO NOT use the AVTECH Software Flood / Water Sensor in “Explosive” environments.

DO NOT connect line voltage to the relay contacts (sensor posts “A”) of the AVTECH Software Flood / Water Sensor.