Safe-Home.com

Question about the EVA-DRY Dehumidifier Desiccant Silica Gel E-333 and EVA-DRY Mini Dehumidifier EDV500

Q: "What is the difference between these units and the disposable calcium chloride products that absorb humidity? Also what is the difference in capacity between the two units? I am concerned that whatever product/s I buy for my RV is non-toxic plus will reduce my concerns about mold and mildew growing during the weeks I store my RV. Thanks. John."

Answer: The E-333 is designed for up to a 333 cubic foot area which is an area about 6.5 ft by 7 ft by 7 ft. The higher capacity EDV 500 is for up to 500 cubic feet or about 8 ft. x 8 ft. x 7 ft. The advantages over the calcium chloride products are many.

EVA-DRY Dessicant Dehumidifier Features:

1. Renewable: When beads turn pink, plug into a power outlet. After a few hours, the indicator turns blue and the unit is ready to absorb moisture once more
2. Eco-Friendly: Use for up to 10 years,
3. Non-Toxic, Colorless and Odorless
4. Non-Corrosive
5. Child and Pet Safe
6. Spill-Proof: no chance for a mess
7. Will not damage clothes and valuables
8. Uses Silica Gel Crystals
9. Enclosed unit
10. Recharges in less than a day.
11. E-333 about 20-30 days before needs renewing via electrical outlet; E-500 last up to 30-60 days before needing renewing

Use several units and keep closet doors open if you plan to use this in an RV when 120VAC is not available. If you want, just leave units plugged in and when you use your RV, the units will automatically warm to release the water vapor in a few hours. Unplug and place in closets or drawers until you store the unit again.

We also sell the nearly silent EVA Dry electric dehumidifiers which are especially popular in humid areas of the country. There are two sizes, the EDV1100 and the EDV2200, the mid-size electric dehumidifier model. These both use a thermo-electric Peltier module, not a compressor. The 1100 and 2200 refer to the square feet of effectiveness in an open area.

Thank you for your questions.

Sincerely,

Barbara

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

 

Question about the EVA-DRY EDV2200 Mid-Size Dehumidifier and the EVA-DRY Petite Electric Dehumidifier EDV1100.

Q:"I live in a humid climate (Florida). When I have my carpets steam-cleaned, it can take days for them to be truly dry, this is with the AC on. Regular dehumidifiers are so noisy that we can't watch TV or enjoy music when we run one in the family room. I saw these electric units without compressors. Which unit should I buy? My house is about 1700 square feet on one floor. We also have animals so often are doing spot cleaning of the carpeting with our smaller carpet cleaning machine. We don't want to be growing mold and mildew while we wait for the carpets to dry. Thanks, Mike."

Answer: I recommend the EVA-Dry Mid-Size for these reasons:

• Capacity: 2 Liters of water
• Drying feature: warm air is released through outlets on each side of the machine.
• Water Level Detector: Automatic Switch to indicate tank is full 
• Effectiveness : 2,220 cubic feet
• Removes approximately 20.5 oz. moisture per day @ 86° F, 80% relative humidity 

Power consumption is only 72 watts so you can run this unit continuously if you choose at less than the cost of a single 100 watt light bulb. It is small so it will fit into a closet or small storage room where you want to control moisture.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about WaterCop water leak alarms.

Q: " I have a request to supply the town of ____ police, town hall and library a water leak alarm in three separate buildings within a 1000 ft. area. Is your radio-link capable of sending a relay output to an alarm monitor?" Thanks. Gilbert.

Answer: Yes, the WaterCop system has that capability. There are many questions that need to be answered before I can make recommendations. In our discussion by phone, you mentioned that the buildings are essentially closed each week-end and that the water leaked all week-end in the basement of one of the buildings.

Questions about the buildings and what the town wants:

1. Dimensions, number of stories, type of construction
2. Number and location of all water using appliances like toilets, sinks, water heaters, etc.
3. Diameter of incoming water pipes to all three buildings.
4. Does the town want to isolate certain areas of the building or buildings? For example, does the town want to shut off water to all but parts of the police station during night and week-end hours. Is there a humidifier that must run 24/7 in the winter? Note: Watercops and sensor codes can be set at the factory so that a water leak in one part of the building will not shut a water valve on a WaterCop in a different part of the building.

The largest non-commercial sized WaterCop available is one with a 1.25 inch pipe capacity. There are also 1 inch, 3/4 inch and 1/2 inch sizes available. Each WaterCop has a built-in I/O port with an RJ45 connection for a security system or other similar notification device like a Sensaphone unit. Water leak sensors can be used with batteries or with AC adapters. For optimal protection, a waterhound moisture sensor needs to be next to each water using appliance. For back-up drain protection, you can install units next to drains as well.

There is a signal repeater available that can increase range of the signal up to 200 feet farther. I checked with the manufacturer who suggests that you first install the WaterCop before adding repeaters as you may not need them.

Also remote water shut offs can be installed so that water could be shut off as part of the shut down and security system setting each time the building is closed down for the day.

If you need help with installation, there is technical assistance available. Please let me know the answers to the questions above so I can make more specific recommendations to your town.

Thanks for your questions.
Sincerely, Barbara

Question about Water Alarms.

Q:"What kind of stand alone water alarms do you sell?" Thanks. Lee

Answer: Safe Home Products sells three different water alarms that are stand alone.

1. The Flood Detective: The only water alarm that features AC operation with battery back-up. 92 dB alarm. The water sensors detect water at a depth of 1/32", are wafer thin for use under carpets or small spaces and have adhesive strips to keep sensors firmly in place. Flood Detective's fail-safe technology informs you of A/C power loss or low battery levels. 8 foot cord on each sensor. Daisy chain additional water sensors to expand coverage of a single Flood Detective water alarm unit. Multi-sensor Capable: one water alarm can monitor multiple sensors. (Maximum of 5 is recommended for easier location of water leaks.) 7 year warranty.

2.The Gizmode Water Alarm : This is a battery only water alarm with a very loud alarm: Sounds at 110+ db for up to 72 hours. Construction: Sturdy ABS plastic outer shell with 4 stainless steel sensors. Powered by a single 9 volt battery (not included) Low battery warning. Tip resistant. Moisture Sensors: Sensitive to low moisture levels. Standing water not required. Stainless steel sensors: Will not corrode nor stain. Sensor contacts sink deep into carpet, thus detecting the first signs of moisture below the carpet's surface. Size: 3" Diameter x 3" Tall. Takes up minimal space. Optional Sump Pump or Water Overflow Attachment. (Sold Separately). 1 year warranty.

3. The Water Screamer Stand Alone Water Alarm, 130 dB Alarm: This is an extremely loud stand alone water alarm and moisture alarm. Remember that a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is 85 decibels. Use this in basements, near toilets, under sinks, near water heaters, etc. Powered by a single 9 volt battery, the Water Screamer by Gizmode is 4.5 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches tall. There are four stainless steel probes. Use on carpeting or hard flooring. This is a great unit for crawl spaces, condo complexes, etc. Avoid thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage plus inconvenience by using a Water Screamer that you can hear through walls!

4. The WaterHound moistures sensors: These are battery only or AC only (with adapters that are not included.) Each moisture sensor unit has a 65 dB alarm and a six foot sensor cord. Two versions are available, one with a single probe and one with two probes each on its own 6 foot sensor wire. Use as a stand alone remembering that 65 db is about the sound produced by a wrist watch alarm. These units are better used with the WaterCop which is a motorized ball valve that responds to radio signals from the Waterhound and shuts off the main water valve when signaled in the event of a moisture sensor alert. 1 year limited manufacturer's warranty.

So, if your concern is a window well, the better choice is the Gizmode Water Alarm. If you are concerned about water seeping in under a carpet, the Flood Detective would be least obtrusive. However the Gizmode would work as well. For use under a water dispensing refrigerator, the Flood Detective or the WaterHound are better choices since they do not require much room.

If you have additional questions, please contact us. We do offer discounts on purchases of quantities of any of these units.

Sincerely,

Barbara