Safe-Home.com

Question about advantages of Sensaphone Remote Monitoring Systems over security systems by national or local alarm and security companies.

Q: "We are building a new data center. Our choices are between a national or local alarm and security company with monthly monitoring fees or a Sensaphone system. We want to monitor power, temperature and humidity. We are also concerned about possible water leaks onto the flooring and being able to lower the thermostat in the room if one of the units begins to overheat. Which system do you recommend? Thanks. Bill."

Answer: For a data center, we would recommend the Sensaphone IMS-1000 Internet Remote Monitor, IMS-1002 or Sensaphone IMS-4000 PowerGate2 Outlet Switcher IMS-4302IMS-4000 unit over the Sensaphone Web600 Web-Monitor Alarm, No Land Line Needed. The WEB600 is a great starter solution with accessories like a battery back up, a temperature probe, a zone water detector and a humidity transmitter.  However, when you are talking a larger computer room or data center, you are talking about tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment that keep your business operational 24/7.

Sensaphone Systems offer these advantages:

• No Monthly Monitoring Fees: you buy the product and programs it to notify directly any employee or employees you choose without the cost of a central service that runs at least several hundred dollars annually.
• Real Sensor Values: Universal inputs read actual temperature values and more.
• Battery Backup: Either included or an inexpensive option.
• Maximum Flexibility: Notifications using custom voice phone calls, emails, faxes, text messages, SNMP traps, etc. Communication is via land phone lines, cell phones, Ethernet or satellite.
• Remote Access: You can program remotely whether a phone line product, a web-based products or a satellite product.
• No Dependencies: stand alone solutions mean you get direct communication without a central service, computer or server in the middle.
• Field Proven in Sensitive Applications: Proven reliability and validity in emergency response materials, military weapons systems, medicines, Homeland security, etc.
• Innovation: In-house engineering. Three US patents for unique technologies. Constantly working to make products more powerful and easier to use.
• Easy to Use: Simple, clear set up and maintenance. You don't have to be an electronics genius! Some products like the IMS series even automatically detect the sensor you've connected and configure it for you. The owners manuals are extensive and clear to follow. Telephone technical support is there, unlimited and toll free.
• Made in the USA:  Yes! Sensaphone is made in Pennsylvania. All engineering design, manufacturing, servicing, testing and support are here in the USA.

For your data center, Safe Home recommends you choose the IMS-1002 model and then choose from the 9 sensors listed:

• The IMS-1002 Model. The Sensaphone IMS-1000 Internet Remote Monitor, IMS-1002 is a web-based single room monitoring device with a voice modem. It will monitor up to 8 external sensors that are connected via Cat-5 cable. If your computer network failed, you will get a phone call or calls via a standard land line. It is fully Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) manageable.
• IMS-4811 or IMS-4813: The Sensaphone Temperature Sensor (F) for IMS-1000,4000 and the Sensaphone Room Temperature Sensor Celsius for IMS-1000,4000 are room temperature sensors with displays in F. or C.
• IMS-4812: Sensaphone Mini Temperature Sensor for IMS-1000,4000 monitors the temperature inside a cabinet or small space.
• IMS-4821: Sensaphone Humidity Sensor w/Display for IMS-1000,4000.
• IMS-4830: Sensaphone Water Detector IMS-4830 W/10 Ft Rope can be expanded by adding additional units for water detection.
• IMS-4840: Sensaphone 4840 External Power Failure Sensor for IMS-1000, 4000
• IMS-4841 or IMS-4842: Sensaphone IMS AC Current Sensor, up to 15 Amps, C13/C14 and the Sensaphone IMS AC Current Sensor, up to 20 Amps, C19/C20 are current sensors. Each reports the actual current flow in the circuit. If a generator fails to start, you know immediately.
• IMS-4860: Sensaphone Magnetic Reed Door Switch for IMS-1000,4000 monitors a door for unauthorized entry
• IMS-4861: Sensaphone IMS Passive Infrared Motion Sensor for monitoring unauthorized access into a data center
• IMS-4862: Sensaphone Smoke Detector for IMS 1000,4000. Smoke Detector functions independently from any primary fire alarm system.

If a sensor is disconnected, you will get an alert. Each sensor is continuously monitored by the IMS parent unit. Cat-5 jacks and cables make it easier to connect to remote sensors using existing structured cabling.

The data logging includes a time stamped collection of input values that can be viewed and graphed. Plus you will get a detailed event history of user logins, telephone calles, etc. It is possible to add video integration to have an image sent of the condition that tripped the alarm. This is web-based monitoring with a traditional phone line, too.

You can place the IMS-1000 or IMS-4000 into your server rack. There are no moving parts in the IMS-1000 series units: each is complately standalone with its own internal battery back up.

Please contact us if you have additional questions. Thank you for your questions.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Gizmode Water Screamer Water Alarm

Question: "I need several very loud water alarms. I live in an older house whose plumbing is being updated slowly. We had a leak under the kitchen sink that was so bad we had to remove the bottom of the cabinet and rebuild it. The flooring warped as well. Is this the right alarm for us? Thanks. Tom."

Answer: Yes, I would choose this alarm if you want a portable extremely loud water alarm. The Water Screamer has a tip resistant commercial grade design and is made from ABS plastic. The 4.5 inch diameter by 2.5 inch tall size means it takes up little room. Just put in on the floor or bottom of a cupboard. There are 4 stainless steel sensor pins that reach into carpeting. The 9 volt battery is not included: the battery can last for years because there is no power drawn from it unless there is a leak. There is a one year warranty on the water alarm itself.

Buy the economy pack if you want to protect 6 different areas. The Water Screamer 9Volt Water Alarm, 130 dB Alarm,6/PK is an economical choice compared to purchasing automatic shut off devices for all the water using appliances in your home.

Thank you for your question. Please contact us if you want information about individual water shut off devices with alarms such as the Flood Stop or a whole house unit such as the Water Cop. We can assist you with finding the best choices for your home.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Sensaphone 2000 Data Log Remote Monitor, Nema-4X Enclosure, Sensaphone CELL682 Remote Monitor Control System NEMA-4X Solid Door and Sensaphone 1400 Remote Monitor NEMA4X Enclosure Clear Door

Q: What is a NEMA4X enclosure? Do I need it on a Sensaphone remote monitor for my business? I see it listed on these Sensaphone units that I saw on your website.Thanks. Steve."

Answer: According to Nema.org, "Type 4X Enclosures constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts; to provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (windblown dust); to provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow, splashing water, and hose directed water); that provides an additional level of protection against corrosion; and that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure."

Sensaphone offers these enclosures on most of their remote monitors because many remote monitors are located in dusty or potentially corrosive industrial settings. Sensaphone monitors can be mounted inside buildings or outside. Those mounted in greenhouses are exposed to high humidity levels and water sprays as plants are watered. So purchase one with a NEMA4X enclosure if your situation requires it.

Choose a Sensaphone remote monitor according to the number of inputs you need and the complexity of your situation. For example the Sensaphone 2000 is a data logging monitor with 8 inputs and can contact up to 32 persons while the Sensaphone 1400 can monitor only 4 sensors for humidity, temperature, etc.

Thank you for your questions.

Sincerely,

Barbara

 

Question about the WaterCop Sergeant Basic Water Damage Actuator, Water Valve and Sensor Package with Low Lead Valve

Q: "I live in California. I want to install a WaterCop to protect my condominum from future water damage. Our condo association was not happy, nor was I, when repairs from a leaking dishwasher caused over $20,000 in repair costs from a leaking water dispensing refrigerator leak. I am encouraging the entire condo association to install WaterCops and moisture sensors to add protection and keep our insurance premiums down. Does this unit meet the specifications for California lead? Thanks. Tom.

Answer: Dynaquip controls has added what are called "lead free" or "low lead" brass full port water valves as an option to their Water Cop line. These valves comply with the California AB1953 Standard as well as the Vermont S.152 Ultra Low Lead Law. The cost of these units is more because making brass with little or no lead adds considerable expense to manufacturing.

The electrical actuator and moisture sensors are identical to the original units.

To protect your condominium community, please advise your condo board that WaterCop units and sensors should be ordered pre-set from the factory. We've handled orders like this in the past. What we need to know is the number of units and the number of sensors and adapters (most prefer AC rather than battery powered sensors). By numbering the units say 1 through 50, your condo community can be assured that if there is a leak in say Unit 101, that the unit next door will continue to have water because the actuator and sensor settings will be different!

If your community plans to expand, the best approach is to have the WaterCop ready lead free valves installed during the initial construction. Then the actuators and water sensors can be added later just prior to occupancy.  Why pay twice for a water valve!.

Currently, these units are available in 1/2 inch valve, 3/4 inch valve , 1 inch valve and 1 1/4 inch valve sizes. The 1 1/4 inch actuators and valves are more expensive: the power requires to quickly open and close the valve is higher for the larger valves. Remember you can reduce the size of a water line to fit a smaller valve. The most popular sizes are the 3/4 inch and the 1 inch.

Thanks for your question. Please contact us for a quotation when your condo association is ready to install the WaterCops. One condo association reported to us that they were close to being uninsurable until they installed the WaterCops. Then the yearly premiums dropped 15%.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Floodstop 3/8 Inch Automatic Water Shut-Off and Alarm.

Q: "Water is seeping through the floor under my dishwasher. Right now there is just a small wet spot. My basement is to be finished this winter so I want to protect the house from water leaks from the dishwasher, toilets, etc. if I can. I see that you have a device that would shut off the water to the dishwasher and sound an alarm if the new dishwasher (to be installed soon) leaks in the future. How complicated is it to install the valve? What other units are available? Thanks. Tom"

Answer: My suggestion is to have the appliance store deliver the new dishwasher and have their plumber install the Floodstop at the same time. Check your local tax laws. Currently, at least in Iowa and in Pennsylvania, you don't pay sales tax on the appliance if the store delivers the unit and does the installation. Depending upon your locale, the additional plumbing charge may be $50 and up. The protection is worth it.

Most dishwashers are next to a sink since they use the sink drain. The plumber would install one or more water sensors on the floor where the dishwasher will be placed (we recommend a minimum of two), the water valve, attach the alarm valve turn off unit to the wall (probably under your sink), and plug in the unit. The sensors should be tested by wetting them. After they are dried and the water valve is reset, then the dishwasher is installed.

The FloodStop unit for dishwashers and toilets has a 3/8 inch compression valve that connects to the angle stop and the supply line. You do need electricity unless you plan to change batteries at least once per year. (The unit draws power only to open or close the valve.) For AC, use the 4 C batteries, not included, as back-up. Contacts allow the option of connecting to phone dialers, alarm systems, X10 home automation devices, etc. There is also a 9 foot controller valve extension cord available to allow mounting of the controller in a more or less visible location. The length of cord included with Flood Stop leak detection alarms is 2.5 feet.Transformer extension wires are also available.

We also sell Floodstops for water heaters, washing machines that does not require a plumber, sinks, icemakers with 1/4 inch lines etc. All units have a one year warranty by the manufacturer. We've had customers literally saved from flooded homes from these units especially from leaking washers and water heaters.

Floodstop Dishwasher, Toilet and Ice Maker Unit Information:

* The FloodStop valve is connected to the angle stop and supply line

* Water/leak sensor is placed at the base of the appliance or fixture (Dishwasher; Sink; 3/8" Icemaker; Toilet; etc.)

* Valve stays open until water loss is detected

* Water on sensor closes FloodStop valve and sounds alarm * Valve stays closed until problem is attended to and system is reset

FloodStop 3/8 Inch Water Valve and Water Alarm Components:

1. Motorized Full-Port Ball Valve (3/8" Compression).

2. Control Unit with Battery Backup (4 C batteries, not included).

3. AC Power Adaptor (or use 4 X C Batteries as Primary Power Source).

4. Water Leak Sensor.

5. Output Contact Wires (2).

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Eliminate monthly monitoring fees with the HouseEvolve home monitoring system by FreeVolve. This system improves home safety and allows you to monitor and manage your home from anywhere in the world. Other features include being able to call to check on current conditions, receive warnings of developing problems, and adjust environmental conditions at any time.

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

 

Barbara discusses the FloodChek washing machine hoses and the FloodStop automatic water shut off valve system for washing machines. The FloodStop system with water alarm and water sensors alerts of washing machine leaks. Easily installed, the rupture proof washer inlet hoses plus the FloodStop prevent or stop water leaks from causing water damage. 24/7 protection from leaking washing machines or leaking hoses.

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 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...