A burst pipe and flooded the apartment - this is a nightmare of any owner of urban and suburban housing. And if it is located above the ground floor, the anxiety is aggravated by the terrible opportunity to flood the apartment of the neighbors from below, perhaps not one. What to do? The modern answer to this question is: use a security system.
The article we have presented describes in detail how Aquastoroz works - protection against water leaks. We will tell you why you need to put this sensitive intelligent device. A step-by-step instruction is provided to help independent craftsmen, compliance with which will ensure high-quality installation.
The content of the article:
- Leakage protection principle
- What is included?
- Advantages and disadvantages of the system
- Features of installation and installation
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Leakage protection principle
“Aquastorozh” is a complex of devices capable of detecting the presence of water leaks in the house and eliminating them literally in a matter of seconds.
Such systems operate as follows: special sensors are installed on the floor in places of possible leakage that react to a significant increase in humidity, i.e. for leakage.
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The most common emergency that damages both homeowners and neighbors is flooding.
In order for life not to be overshadowed by significant economic losses and legal proceedings, it is necessary to establish a system for protection against leakage.
Flooding occurs due to accidents in water supply networks and because of the forgetfulness of users who do not shut off water in a timely manner.
Even if you flood the apartment located in the ground floor, the damage will be significant. Buying and installing a security system will be cheaper
The flood protection system will prevent a lot of negativity in private residential buildings and office space.
Sensors of leak detection at the first signs of manifestation transmit a signal to shut off the supply of cold and hot water
The leak detection sensors included in the protection system are installed near the instruments and assemblies of the water supply and heating system
A set of flood protection devices Aquastorozh is available with wired and wireless sensors, which are constantly monitored by the controller
Common emergency situation
Flood Protection System
Flood in a country cottage
Why do I need Aquastorozh in the apartment
Lack of protection in the office space
Response device
Fixation location
Wired and wireless option
The signal from the sensors goes to the controller, which diagnoses a dangerous situation and completely blocks the water supply to the part of the plumbing system located in the apartment.
The water in the system dries out and the leakage stops. Controlling the flow of tap water is carried out with the help of special ball valves installed at the entrance of the water supply to the apartment.
The system of protection against major emergencies and the smallest leaks will eliminate the need to carry out repairs for themselves and their neighbors living below.
The system is more than relevant where most of the time tenants are absent, which does not allow for timely response to an emergency situation. Such automated complexes are not cheap, but it should be understood that the repair of their own homes and compensation for neighbors for a flooded apartment will be much more expensive.
Some prefer the solution from the “cheap and angry” series. They just block the water on the riser every time they leave the apartment.
Not the most reasonable option, since the resource of the stopcock for such treatment is not calculated. Soon it will have to be replaced. According to reviews of those who already use water leakage protection, aquastoroz is a reliable and convenient system.
This diagram clearly demonstrates the principle of operation of the “Akvastorozh” leakage protection system against it takes less than three seconds to receive a signal of a leak until the locking mechanisms trigger (+)
What is included?
To provide your home with reliable protection against leakage, it is enough to purchase a set of the following elements:
- controller;
- ball electric cranes;
- leakage sensors.
The manufacturer offers the buyer two options for completing the system: CLASSIC and PREMIUM. CLASSIC is one of the first options for completing the Aquastorozh system.
It includes:
- controller CLASSIC PRO - 1 pc;
- half an inch ball valve - 2 pcs .;
- wired leak sensor - 4 pcs .;
- power supply - 1 pc .;
- R14 battery - 3 pcs .;
- a set of wires for connecting sensors.
The Aquastorozh PREMIUM set consists of the same set of components, but some of them are a class above. The PREMIUM controller and the improved wire sensors of a leakage PREMIUM - 4 pieces are included in the package. The cost of the Aquastorozh set of PREMIUM is noticeably higher, therefore the classic version remains the top seller in this line of protective systems.
The standard set of leakage protection system “Aquastorozh” includes all the elements necessary for its successful installation. All necessary settings are already set “by default”
A pleasant and useful feature of “Aquastorozha” is the ability to add a ready-made kit with almost any necessary modules and even assemble your own kit from individual elements. For example, the manufacturer supplies in addition to wired and wireless sensors.
To install and connect them you will need a radio base. In addition, the buyer can assemble a suitable system from four different versions of controllers, three variants of shut-off electric cranes, three types of sensors, etc.
The cheapest version of the controller from “Aquastorozha” - CLASSICS. Almost any number of wired CLASSIC sensors and up to six electric cranes can be connected to it. It is possible to connect external devices through a low-current relay. The controller CLASSICS PRO is supplemented with a power bistable relay.
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The modular assembly principle of the controller allows you to extend the functionality by attaching additional modules to it.
For connecting modules that allow servicing not 6, but for example, 18 sensors, there are latches on one side of the device
For laying the wires used to connect additional units there is a channel located on the opposite side
To connect to the stationary controller of the unit with wireless sensors, a radio base is used, to connect which a separate place is allocated in the design
You can connect blocks with batteries to the main base of the controller to ensure system operation in the event of a power outage.
The battery packs are connected to the main element of the controller with a simple insert into the free sockets.
The system is assembled with additional units in the usual manner.
The use of additional blocks allows you to significantly expand opportunities. The system will work in any case, even in case of accidents in the central power grid
Modular principle of controller assembly
Latches on the device
Channel for wiring from blocks
Radio base and wireless sensors
Preparation of additional units for connection
Connecting the battery pack wires
Assembly in the usual way
Controller with connected modules
It allows you to connect a load of 220V to the controller, for example, to be able to automatically turn off the pump. This option is useful for autonomous water supply of a private house. The PREMIUM type controller differs from the CLASSIC versions increased up to 40 W with power and also with the ability to control an open sensor circuit.
The device is designed to connect up to five lines of series-connected sensors, each line may consist of hundreds of such detectors. In addition, it is possible to connect another line on which there is no control of open circuit.
Such a branched circuit controller can be very convenient in a large house or apartment, where there is a lot of plumbing.
Information about the specific location of the leak will allow you to quickly identify and fix the damage. As is the case with the CLASSIC PRO controller, the PREMIUM PRO modification is equipped with a bistable power relay for controlling additional devices. The rest of the design of this controller is no different from the version of PREMIUM.
The controller case consists of the main part, in which the electronic board and the block with batteries are located. It provides backup power to the device in case the power supply is disconnected for some reason.
The case dimensions are small: length is 199 mm, width is 120 mm and thickness is only 30 mm, so finding a suitable place for its installation will not be difficult.
The case of the controller of the leakage protection system “Aquastorozh” is very compact, it is not difficult to install it in a place accessible for monitoring and control
The electronic board has a number of connectors for connecting main and additional modules to the controller. To connect to the device wired sensors and shut-off valves, there are six connectors. The external battery pack is connected via a separate six-pin connector.
In addition, there are two more connectors: micro USB and RJ-45. The first allows you to connect another power supply, the second - a universal option for connecting the controller to other systems.
The current status of the protection system is displayed on the front control panel. Next to the buttons "Close" and "Open" there is an indication that allows you to immediately get information about the position of the shut-off valves. On the panel of PREMIUM type controllers (+ PRO) there are five additional LED indicators that indicate the status of the sensor connection lines.
On the controller board there are also two ionistors of 20 farads each, which play the role of internal elements of additional power. These supercapacitors provide the system with electricity for one hour, which allows quite promptly respond to an emergency even in the absence of an external power supply.
Two ionistors installed on the Aquastorozh leakage protection controller board provide the device with an additional power supply for one hour
The locking electric cranes of the Aquastorozh system look very compact. At the same time, their response requires only 5 V, and the time required to change the position of the mechanism is 2.5 seconds. Small size and minimum power achieved through the use of technology TEFLOSIL.
It consists of a combination of a springy silicone gasket and two Teflon gaskets, which allows you to drastically reduce the friction between the moving and fixed elements of the crane.
This scheme makes it possible to compare the features of the device of a conventional stopcock and the Aquastorozh device. The minimum friction allows the use of a small electric motor, which explains the compact dimensions of the cranes (+)
Of course, most of the time electric cranes are in a quiet position. This, as you know, can lead to souring mechanism. In order to move the soured faucet, power of 5 V is definitely not enough.
To prevent this dangerous phenomenon, a self-cleaning function is built into the system. It works very simply: once a month the controller closes and immediately opens the taps. This is quite enough to maintain the mechanisms in working condition.
The device leakage sensors "Aquastorozh" simple and reliable. Inside there is a board with contacts. When water enters the sensor, the contacts close and give a signal to the controller.
The sensor housing consists of a plastic base and a chrome lid. The base can be fixed in such a way that a gap of one millimeter remains between the floor and the sensor.
The wired sensor for leakage protection “Aquastorozh” is very simple. It consists of a plastic base, a board with gold-plated contacts and a chrome-plated cap.
This will protect the system from false alarms due to water droplets accidentally caught on the sensor. The lid has the same protective function. Leakage sensors “Aquastorozh” are highly sensitive. A total of 10 ml of water will immediately activate the protection system and shut off the water supply.
Wired leakage sensors “Akvastorozh” connect in series. CLASSIC type sensors have three connectors each. One of them is designed to connect to the controller or the previous sensor in the circuit. Two more sensors can be connected to the remaining connectors, which makes it easy to install these devices in suitable places.
A capacitor mounted on the PREMIUM sensor leakage protection system “Aquastorozh” allows the controller to determine its condition as normal, alarm and wire breakage
PREMIUM type sensors are equipped with a feedback function. Their presence allows the controller to determine the line on which the connection was broken.
Such sensors are installed at the end of each line, and in the middle you can use simpler CLASSIC type sensors. For the serial connection of wired sensors using special wires. They are very thin, they can even be hidden in the seam between the tiles, for example, in the bathroom.
Advantages and disadvantages of the system
In general, positive reviews of the work of the Aquastoroz systems are coming. Of course, this is not a very cheap variant of protection against leakage, but it is one of the most reliable and convenient among analogs.
The advantages of “Aquastorozh” include the following points:
- low control voltage - only 5 V;
- availability of backup power;
- reliable locking electric cranes;
- intelligent crane cleaning system;
- no need for constant power supply at a static position of valves;
- the ability to adjust the sensitivity of the leak sensors;
- the number of sensors is almost unlimited;
- the presence of a sound signal about leakage, as well as the ability to turn it off;
- light indication on the controller panel;
- simple installation;
- stylish design;
- the ability to connect the controller to other systems;
- high quality, confirmed by certificates;
- warranty period 2 years.
The low control voltage ensures that in the event of a short circuit, no one from the household is in danger of serious electric shock, and that metallic communications will not be under dangerous voltage: water pipes, heating circuits etc.
The availability of a backup power source from the battery pack and ionistors inside the controller ensures that the system is triggered even with a complete blackout.
The “Aquastorozh” leakage protection system controller can be installed even under the sink, although it will not be very convenient to control the device operation here.
The controller monitors the condition of the batteries and reports that these batteries need to be replaced. In addition, the system can only work on backup power if there is no possibility or desire to connect it to a common power supply network. Brass ball valves are extremely reliable and provide sufficient throughput, despite their compact dimensions.
They are perfectly tolerate increased loads in emergency situations, while consuming minimal energy. In the closed or open position, they generally do not need electrical energy.
Power is needed only at the time of changing the position of the cranes. The system of regular intelligent cleaning of these devices has already been described above. The presence of adapters allows you to use them with pipes of different diameters.
Electric cranes, which are equipped with the Aquastoroz leakage protection system, can be connected to pipes by half an inch. For installation with communications of a different size, you will need an adapter
During the long absence of the owners of the apartment or house, anything can happen: the water supply is turned off, the power is turned on and off. But if in the event of a leakage, “Aquastorozh” turned off the water, the accidental switching of the taps to the “Open” position is impossible under any circumstances.
Sensitivity sensors can be adjusted by raising them above the floor. Random drops will not trigger the system, although it is not necessary to spill drinks or other liquids directly at the places where the alarms are installed. The number of sensors that can be connected to the controller is considered unlimited. The length of the wires allows you to cover almost any area.
The operation of the system in an emergency situation is accompanied by a characteristic sound. So that the noise does not distract or annoy, this signal can be turned off, while the valves will remain in the closed position. For this, a special button is provided. Of course, after eliminating the leakage, the sound should be turned back on.
The controller can be integrated into a security system, made part of a smart home, or connected to other external devices via two special outputs. Installation of the Aquastorozh system is also very simple. The controller can be hung on the wall, and the sensors simply put on the floor. Additional repairs are optional.
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A solid minus of the wired version of the system is the presence of these wires, which are better to be laid in a hidden way, and depending on the power supply
Wires laid to the controller from sensors and from cranes with an electric motor should be fixed, it is desirable to hide under the finish
Sensor pads are attached to the floor in the place chosen for installation. They are located close to home appliances and equipment places to heat and water supply networks.
Installed on the floor device to respond to the appearance of water closes the stylish decorative cover
The disadvantages of a wired system
The option of laying wires on the wall
Sensor pad installation
Protective and decorative sensor cover
Different elements of the system are connected using different plugs, so it is simply impossible to confuse the connection points. No need to solder and screw. You can buy a complete system or build your own from individual components for a specific situation.
In addition, Aquastorozh can always be modified or enhanced with additional modules. Both the sensors and the controller look stylish and modern. If there is no possibility to hide the control unit in any cabinet, it does not matter. He and the wall will look great.
The disadvantages of the “Aquastorozh” system are not the most convenient way to determine the position of the shut-off valves, the so-called “stop in the mikrik”. In similar systems of protection Gidrolock and Neptun used optical and electromechanical method, respectively. But practice shows that this option is quite acceptable for an ordinary user, especially when the light indication is present.
For the installation of wireless sensors will have to buy a not too cheap radio base. In the Gidrolock system, simply install the antenna. However, in most cases, you can easily use signaling devices with wires.
The number of actuations of the locking mechanism at Aquastorozha is relatively small: 10 thousand. movements against 100 thousand at the Neptun system. But practice shows that this resource is quite enough for several years of work.
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The Aquastorozh radio base for the leakage protection system is equipped with two wireless sensors: the right one is a normal sensor in the photo, the left one is equipped with the functions of a crane control panel
On the back of both types of wireless sensors, there is a well-visible board with contacts that reacts to the appearance of water.
Structurally, a sensor with a button differs from a buttonless device only by its presence. Priborchiki are reliably collected, their stuffing is perfectly protected from water
Installing wireless sensors does not require wall shading and does not spoil the interior with hanging wires. With optional modules, the number of wireless devices can be increased to
Wireless Security Sensors
Back side wireless sensors
Differences in wireless design
Sensor near the washing machine
Features of installation and installation
The design of the system is relatively simple and the installation process is a bit like the assembly of a children's designer. The most difficult stage is the installation of shut-off valves at the beginning of the apartment water supply system.
These elements have very compact dimensions, therefore, with the choice of a suitable place for the installation of taps, problems usually do not arise. After that, you need to assemble and hang on the wall in a suitable place the controller with a battery pack attached to it. Inside the unit, of course, there should already be batteries.
This diagram shows the installation procedure for individual elements of the Aquastorozh leakage protection system. No repairs are required for this (+)
Now you should install the wired sensors in places of possible leakage: under the bathroom, kitchen sink, near the toilet, etc. Where there is no possibility to lay wires, put wireless signaling devices. Then wire sensors are connected in series with wires, inserting them into the corresponding sockets. Wires are connected to the controller.
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Install the mounting plate to the wall in a place convenient for maintenance of the controller
We attach the controller itself to the mounting plate, to which the planned number of modules have been attached in advance
For ease of installation work, the valves are disassembled, the threads are wrapped with fum tape
Having chosen a convenient place, most often it is located after the meters, we install in the plumbing taps with an electric motor
We connect the second crane to the pipeline, install motors on both ball devices and assemble the pipeline
Wires from electric motors installed on ball valves must be laid so that the risk of damage to them is reduced to zero.
The green arrow shows the connectors of the sensors, the blue one - on the sockets for taps, the lilac - the connection to external power supply, the yellow one to the block with batteries, the blue one to connect extension units
The assembled system must be tested for performance. If functioning normally, you can use
Step 1: Mount the mounting plate
Step 2: Fixing the controller on the wall
Step 3: Preparing the cranes for installation
Step 4: Installing the flow part of the cranes
Step 5: Crane Assembly and Pipe Connection
Step 6: Laying the ball valve wires
Step 7: Connect the wires in the sockets of the controller
Step 8: Monitoring the operation of the assembled system
After that, the system with wired sensors can be considered ready for operation.
To connect wireless sensors, you will need to install a radio base and then perform the following manipulations:
- briefly press the “+1” button;
- wait for the light display to flash, indicating the cell designated for this sensor;
- close the contacts on the wireless signaling device;
- wait for a short beep that indicates successful setup.
By the way, if you purchased a ready-made kit with wireless sensors, you do not need to configure them, everything has already been done.
If an emergency does not arise, you can forget about the existence of “Aquastorozha” in the house, but it will remind you of yourself in the following cases:
- if the backup battery or wireless sensor batteries are low and need to be replaced;
- if communication with one of the wireless sensors is lost;
- if there is a wire break.
These signals should be properly responded to, otherwise the system will consider the situation as an emergency and turn off the water, even in the absence of an apparent leakage.
If the accident does happen, the controller will squeak. All wireless sensors will also sound the alarm. The sound can be turned off, but it is not necessary to open the taps until all the sensors have been drained, otherwise the system will go back to the alarm state. Fortunately, there are two functions that allow the sensors to be turned off for one hour or 48 hours.
The first option is convenient if there is no time to dry the sensors or a wet cleaning is performed in the house. The shutdown mode for two days is used for situations where contact with water may be longer. In any case, the system will automatically turn on the sensors after the set time has elapsed.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
An overview of the features of the Aquastorozh system can be found here:
A detailed review of the “Aquastoroz Expert” kit is presented on this video:
In this video you can see detailed recommendations for the installation of the Aquastorozh system:
Of course, “Aquastorozh” is a convenient and reliable system for protection against leakage. It performs its functions clearly and requires minimal attention for maintenance. Even if a leak never happens in the house, Aquastorozh will save its owners from unnecessary disturbance.
Want to talk about how the leak protection system in your house / apartment works? Would you like to share the technological nuances known only to you? Please write comments in the block below, ask questions, express an opinion, post a photo on the topic of the article.