Safe-Home.com

Question about the Washing Machine FloodStop FS3/4H-90 compared to the Watts IntelliFlow Automatic Washing Machine Water Shutoff Valves with Leak Sensor.

Q: "How do the Floodstop FS3/H-90 unit and the Intelliflow Series A2C-M differ? I am looking for a water leak alarm and am not certain which one to purchase. Thanks. Stefan."

Answer: All that I know about the Intelliflow water leak alarm is from Internet reviews and from the manufacturer's website.

I recommend you choose the Floodstop unit unless you are looking for a main water valve shut off such as the WaterCop that also uses individual water sensors. My recommendation is based on personal experience, customer feedback, repeat large orders from condo associations and plumbers and internet reviews. The IntelliFlow negative reviews are numerous on customer postings while the FloodStop Washing Machine units are all positive comments.

Safe Home Products has sold the Floodstop units since 2003 with only two customer problems. One customer had difficulty getting the automatic water valve on his hot water heater Floodstop to re-open after it closed when his water heater began leaking on the floor. The second person had a unit that was defective from the start, the actuator did not work properly. We have literally sold thousands of the different models with only praise.

FloodStop comments were all positive and include:

• Easily installed: less than 30 minutes.
• Off button: able to manually shut off water without reaching behind the washer.
• Works great.
• Does what it is supposed to do: protects from leaks.

IntelliFlow negative comments are related primarily to water flow:

• electronics fails completely sometimes in less than one year.
• electronics cause the unit to open and close the valves repeatedly causing knocking sounds.
• electronics cause the unit to cycle on and off with high efficiency machines
• electronics cause the unit to shut off the water before the extended high efficiency cycle (can often be over an hour on my Kenmore) is complete.

Basic descriptions of both the Watts IntelliFlow and the Floodstop follow.

Intelliflow Automatic Washing Machine Water Shutoff Valve Series A2C-M

The Watts IntelliFlow Automatic No. 2 (A2C-M) has a state of the art electric current sensing device. Water valves open when the washer is turned on and the current flow to the washer is sensed. After the full wash cycle is completed, the device senses the lack of current and closes the water valves. The logic is that an automatic operation protects against water damage if a washing machine inlet hose breaks when no one is around. Constant water pressure can cause traditional washing machine hoses to burst.

Also the leak sensor senses leaks during the wash cycle and shuts off the water valves to prevent flooding.

# IntelliFlow A2C-M Specifications: UL listed
# Maximum Pressure: 150psi (10 bars)
# Maximum Temperature: 180°F (82°C)
# 115VAC, 15A, 60Hz
# Cord: 15ft
# Current draw (with appliance off): 20mA
# Maximum appliance current rating: 15A
# Circuit breaker requirement: 15 amp. GFI *

FloodStop Washing Machine Unit:

Automatically shuts off water to the washing machine when water leaks from a hose or the machine and sounds an alarm. All other household plumbing fixtures and appliances are unaffected. Installation is simple.

To install, connect the two Floodstop Valves to the hot and cold water supply lines. Mount control unit to wall. Place sensor(s) on floor. Units are operated by either by 120 vAC adapter (included), Batteries OR BOTH!

NOTE: DO NOT PLACE SENSOR DIRECTLY ON METAL PAN OR DAMP FLOOR. If no water is present and sensor sounds alarm, place paper towel or cloth under sensor to "insulate" against dampness of floor or metal of pan. Once the paper or cloth gets wet, the sensor will activate the shut-off and sound the alarm. Sensor will sound if placed on metal.

Kit Contents: everything you need to protect your property:

    * Two 3/4" motorized ball valves with hose fittings to install on both hot and cold water inlets.
    * Water sensor to place on the floor. If there is a washing machine drain pan, purchase another sensor to place inside pan.
    * Control Unit to be mounted with screws or Velcro (included).
    * AC Adapter and/or batteries for power source.

Similarities: Both shut off water.

Differences:  How and by what means the valves are shut.

• IntelliFlow: Washer water valves are opened and closed at the beginning and end of what the Intelliflow believes is the washer's cycle, as evidenced by a sensor for electric current. In other words, the Intelliflow shuts off hot and cold water valves when the washer stops using electricity and/or when the moisture sensor senses a leak when the unit it operating.
• The Floodstop shuts off hot and cold water valces when a leak is sensed during machine operation, when a hose breaks, when the pan beneath the machine has water leaking into it from a washing machine leak, etc.when the washing machine is operating or when it is there with water sitting in the hoses.

I hope this has been helpful. Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

 

Questions about Gray Kids Edge Hearth Guard 54 Inch Pad Sticks and Gray Hearth Guard 7 Inch by 7 Inch Corners and Boing Edge Corner Strips (Pack of 4) -GREY

Q: "I am in charge of maintenance and safety in a factory that makes boxes and other packaging products. There are many sharp edges on railings, assembly lines, etc. We need wider corner and edge cushions due to the size of the edges. Are either of these products suitable? How difficult is it to install?

Answer: Both lines of product are fire-resistant, non-toxic and easily applied with contact cement if you prefer not to use the adhesive tape on the Kids Edge products. Boing recommends only the GE-Silicone I brand rubber silicone cement. A long sharp knife like a fillet knife is recommended for the cleanest cut. Lubricating the entire length of the knife with soapy water or liquid soap, then moving the knife back and forth with the blade straight will give the cleanest cut.

Gray and yellow are the more popular colors for industrial usage. If you have poles that require padding, we recommend the Boing Yellow Pole Pad if your poles have a 5 inch diameter. This brand has two halves that connect. Each half is 19.5 inches long and .5 inches thick. The other choice is the Kids Edge yellow padding which is 48 inches high and has an interior diameter of 2 1/8 inches. Two pieces can be wrapped about a pole and pieces can be added to fit. There are also matching yellow corners and wall padding for the Boing products.

Thanks for your question. Let us know if we can help further.

 Sincerely, Barbara

Question about Standard 3 prong ivory sliding door outlet covers and Decora outlet covers.

Q: "Our hospital and affiliated communicty medical clinics were advised that the Joint Commission now requires electrical safety proofing of all patient waiting rooms in order to get Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement. This includes installing child resistant electrical outlet covers. Do you sell these in various colors and do you accept purchase orders for larger quantities?"

Answer: Currently the more popular sliding door outlet covers are in ivory and white. We do have red available only in the 3 prong standard outlet type. Most hospitals and clinics need the standard sliding door covers. One hospital has ordered both Decora and standard in ivory and white to match the walls more closely. We do accept purchase orders from hospitals for purchases $250 or over. Otherwise, we do accept credit cards and prepayment by check. Depending upon the quantities ordered, shipment time may be up to 15 business days. One of our hospital customers in Utah is ordered per clinic which means smaller quantities shipped per order and less lead time. Another customer recently ordered over 1000 units which should ship within two weeks. More...

Question: about the WaterCop and the Flood Stop

Q:"Does Safe Home Products have an opinion as to the comparison between Water Cop and Flood Stop? I've read the product guides and understand the product's features. Which is more reliable or has the best track record? Thanks, David S"

Answer: Your decision needs to be made upon these factors:

1. What do you want to protect? A single appliance or several appliances? Floodstop makes single water appliance units for water heaters, washing machines, sinks, icemakers, etc.     More...

Question about the product 16 oz. Bottle Grip On Anti-Slip Solution SS0016

Q: "Can this be used on fingers/hands?" Carl
Answer: No, Grip-On is not for use on hands. To apply it to ceramic tile, concrete, marble, etc. to increase the coefficient of resistance to slipping, skidding, etc. , you should wear rubber gloves or be careful not to get the product on your hands.

Below is information from the Material Data Safety Sheet:

Chemical Name: Hydroxy Acetic Acid.

Physical State: Clear yellow, mild odor.

pH: 7.6.

Caution: Keep out of reach of children. Avoid eye contact. Wear rubber gloves. Use in ventilated area. Can be fatal if swallowed. Do not use on wood, vinyls or plastics.

Our feedback on this product has been completely positive. Applying the solution to my bathroom ceramic tile took only minutes. Since the product is clear and invisible after application, you don't have to worry about applying it "perfectly." I applied it over 3 years ago. It is great to get out of the shower or tub and not worry about hydroplaning with my wet feet.

Thank you for your question.
Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the product Product Code:WaterCop 3/4 Inch Electric Ball Valve, 3 Flood Sensors WVA-075.

Q: "Can more than one remote switch be installed to turn each Water Cop valve on and off. If there is a power failure does it remain in the on position if that is how it was set or is it able to shut off in the event of power failure? " Thanks. Don Smith

Answer: With a splitter, each WaterCop can be controlled with up to two remote wall switches. If the power fails, the WaterCop remains in the operating position at the time the power failed.

Your options are to remove the actuator and use a wrench to turn the valve on or off.

Or you can install a UPS battery back-up unit. The manufacturer recommends the APC Model BE500R or its equivalent. That unit provides between 50 and 72 hours of power to the WaterCop with sufficient power to turn the valve once at the completion of your test.

If you plan to use a back-up power supply, use only batteries in the moisture sensor units (Water Hounds) as the sensors send a radio signal to the WaterCop actuator. Batteries typically last at least one year.

The manufacturer recommends that the Water Cop be activated at least once per month, i.e. press the red button to turn off the water and the green button to turn the water back on. That way you are sure the valve moves easily when you need it to open or close.

Thank you for your question. I've had a WaterCop for over 7 years. Other than turning off and on the water for the plumber when he installed new faucets (and a shut off for my bathtub), I've never needed its protection, only its convenience! I have sensors under my water dispensing/ice making fridge, my dishwasher and sink and next to the washer, hot water heater, main sewer drain, water softener and A/C drain. I sleep quite well every night.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about Safety Straps and Topple Stops for earthquake safety.

Q: "The recent earthquakes have me worried because I live in California in a home built to the latest earthquake standards. (Actually, there are tremors in Alaska, Hawaii, etc., too.) It is time to protect against falling furniture and TVs since I believe my walls will remain standing. I also have small children who are climbers. Please explain what you sell that would help me. Thanks." Mary.

Answer: Topple Stops were recommended by Consumer Reports to stabilize furnishings to increase home safety. These fastener kits let you keep furnishings from toppling by securing them to wall studs. Then use Safety Straps to secure objects on the bookcases or furniture to the furnishings now protected from toppling over. Safety straps come in white or black.

First, determine how many fastener sets you need by number of appliances or furniture you want to secure to the wall studs, keeping in mind the weight. For example, use two sets for appliances and furniture up to 400 pounds. Keep in mind that a combination of Topple Stops and Safety Straps is needed to secure a TV set to a TV stand which then is secured to a wall stud.

Each Topple Stop Kit Contains 2 Topple Stops Each of Which Includes:

* Two (2) grey thumb lock fasteners, 2" long by one wide with 3/4" lock lever. Use with wood screws or 3M VHB adhesive attachment. (Bonding Times: Wait four hours before adding strap. Adhesive fully bonds after 72 hours.)
* Two (2) 12" long, 3/4" wide grey locking strap with grommet for wood screw attachment.
* Four (4) #8 x 1" wood screws for furniture attachment
* Two (2) #10 x 2" wood screws for wood wall stud attachment.

Thumb lock fastener attaches to locking strap. Fastener can be moved and locked in either direction on the strap. Lift locking lever to "open." Lock fastener on strap by pushing lever down firmly. Note: Thumb Lock adhesive is non-hardening. Fasteners can be removed without damaging surface if slowly and gently pried off with appropriate tool.

The Safety Straps come in a kit that contains 4 buckles and 2 locking straps. The choices are black or white. To use, peel and press adhesive square in place. You'll get four (4) white buckles (2" x 2") and two (2) 5" white locking straps(5/8" wide). Bonding time: Four hours to set adhesive for buckle before adding strap. Full bonding after 72 hours. Use 2 Safety Straps for "low profile" equipment up to 50 lb. Use 4 Safety Straps for heavier weight and top heavy items up to 100 lbs.

Do remember your family emergency kit as well with flashlights, food bars, water, etc.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about Sensaphone remote temperature monitors that do not need hard wired telephone lines.

Q: "I've looked at your Temperature Guard Monitor for several years. I am now free to travel since I retired. I want to protect my home from furnace or air conditioner failures. But that monitor requires a land-based phone line and I don't have that anymore. (I discontinued my telephone land line and now use a VOIP,voice over internet phone.)Do you have a remote temperature monitor that does not need a land telephone line? I have high speed internet access." Thanks. Tom

Answer: Sensaphone just released a new product,the Sensaphone Web600. This is a compact web-based remote monitor that has an optional battery back-up for when power fails.

The Web600's compact case measures 4.5 inches by 3.25 inches by 1.5 inches. There are 6 available zone inputs. A battery back-up unit (not included) plugs into the left side of the unit. Also there is an ethernet connection and a input for the 5V DC power adapter. There are two lights, a power and an alarm light on the top of the unit.

Besides temperature monitoring, the Web600 can also read values from humidity sensors, air quality sensors, water leak detection sensors and much more. For example, if you are worried about your sump pump failing, install the Sensaphone Compatible Water Detection Sensor.

Thanks for your question. Enjoy your travels and let the Sensaphone contact you or a neighbor or friend if something goes amiss at home.

Sincerely, Barbara

Questions about the Safe Escape Smoke Hoods, 30 minute and 60 minute versions.

Q: "My company has offices in a high rise office building. We checked expirations on our Evac-u8 smoke hoods, checked on line and realized these were recalled several years ago. We need to replace them. What do you suggest?" Thanks. Steve

Answer: I recommend that first decide on 30 minutes or 60 minutes escape time and then on a hard or a soft case. Your 30 minute choices are the 30 minute hard case Safe Escape Smoke Hood or the 30 minute soft case Safe Escape Smoke Hood.
Your 60 minute choices are the 60 minute hard case Safe Escape Smoke Hood or the 60 minute soft case Safe Escape Smoke Hood.

We, too, were surprised when all Evac-u8 smoke hoods made during a 6 year time frame were recalled by Brookdale International, a Dupont company. We learned recently that the reason was that the units, which resembled a sealed transparent soda pop can, were leaking air which was causing the filters not to function properly.

Once a privacy statement was signed by Brookdale, our customer list was given to them and they handled customer notification and recalls.

The units we are selling currently are made in China by Safe Escape. These are vacuum sealed in a plastic bag so don't remove them for examination or they will not function properly when you need them.

Please contact us with the number of fire hoods you need and we can quote price plus shipping costs. We typically stock several cases of each on site in Iowa.

Sincerely, Barbara