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Damage to the water supply during the absence of the owners is everyone’s nightmare. To avoid a flood in an apartment or house, you can install leakage protection equipment. Previously, we compared the three most popular leak protection systems: Aquastorg, Neptune and Hydrolock. In this article we will analyze in detail “Aquastorage”. The equipment can be mounted at the stage of creation / repair, it can be installed in an already operating system.
The composition of the Aquastorage system and its purpose
Aquaguard is a system for monitoring water leaks and localizing water supply accidents in apartments and private houses. Produced in Russia by the Moscow company “Supersystem”. At the moment there are two options: the updated “Classic” – with basic functions and “Expert” – with additional features. They consist of a standard set of components:
- Cranes with electric drive.
- Water presence sensors (wired and wireless).
- Controllers that process data from sensors and transmit commands to cranes.
A new generation of equipment – “Aquastorage Expert” – is distinguished by the presence of metal gears in the drives of electric cranes (previously there were plastic ones). At the same time, the gearbox housing remained plastic, but the plastic is of high quality.
Another difference is the constant monitoring of the status of sensors and taps. The current situation in the system is displayed on the controller board. Both versions (“Classic” and “Expert”) can be in the “PRO” modification. In this case, the controller has an additional power relay through which you can turn on the load powered by 220 V. Most often this is a water pump.
The key difference from similar equipment of competitors is that the Aquastorg anti-leakage system closes the tap in 2,5 seconds – faster than all similar systems on our market.
Features and differences
The Aquastorage leakage protection system has some peculiarities in the operation algorithm, there are also special design solutions. How much they are needed, good or not – decide for yourself. Everyone has their own assessment criteria and vision of the situation.
The algorithm works
Actually, the principle of operation remains the same. When a signal from the sensor about the presence of water appears, the controller sends a signal to close the taps. In parallel, a sound and light signal is generated. In short, this is the whole algorithm of work. But there are features that are specific to Aquastorage:
- Sensors are polled continuously. In the event of a “loss”, the system shuts off the taps.
- If an emergency condition of the tap is detected – souring, other breakdowns, an alarm is generated (the LED lights up) and the water supply is shut off.
- In the event of a 220 V mains failure, the voltage is supplied from an autonomous power source – 3 R14 batteries (type “C”). After the batteries are discharged, the power comes from the built-in uninterruptible power supply. The UPS is used as a backup power source during a short-term (up to 1 hour) power outage in the network, even if the batteries are not available. At the same time, the System remains operational for an hour with the ability to control all connected cranes. The UPS is fully charged within 15 minutes of battery or power supply operation. The duration of operation from a fully charged UPS is 1 hour, after which the System starts the auto-shutdown program and goes into Sleep mode.
Leak protection system Aquastorage: principle of operation - Adjustable sensor sensitivity (high and low). Sometimes sensors generate a signal due to the fact that the humidity in the room rises and condensation forms on the contacts. Sensitivity adjustment allows you to choose the response threshold for each specific device.
- If the sensors are accidentally flooded (taking a shower, or washing the floor, for example), you can force the water to turn on for 60 minutes. After this time, the water will be shut off.
- The “Expert” version uses smart taps that independently control the position of the damper and transmit a signal to the controller. The wires from the controller to the taps rarely break, but such cases do happen. In the event of an open circuit in the power supply, a special signal is generated on the control unit (the LED lights up), the water is shut off.
- To prevent the “boiling” of taps, the controller closes/opens them in forced mode once every two weeks.
The Aquastorage anti-leakage system closes taps faster than others. But this speed negatively affects the effort of turning the cranes – the torque is the lowest. In order for a small torque to move the damper, a system of additional gaskets (two Teflon and one springy silicone) has been developed that minimize friction – the ball turns easier than in conventional taps. This contributes to the fact that they open / close with little effort.
Safety and reliability
Another area in which manufacturers compete is ensuring the safety and reliability of the system. Security is understandable. Where water and electricity meet, one must be especially careful. To ensure safety, the Aquastorage anti-leakage system is powered only by a voltage of 5 V. This power is supplied to the taps and the control unit. An even lower voltage of 2,5 V is supplied to wired sensors. This makes the system safe. There are other features:
- Three power sources: power supply with converter 220/5 V; rechargeable battery, three batteries in the controller. It is possible to install two additional battery packs. All batteries in three blocks can support the system for 9 years (at the request of manufacturers).
- As an option, a tap remote control button (wired and wireless) can be installed. It is located near the front door. When leaving an apartment or house, you can turn off the water. There are two versions – wired and wireless.
- Units with installed batteries check the charge level. When it is low, the light alarm turns on. This happens very early – 2-4 months before the full discharge, so there is time for a replacement.
- If the batteries have not been changed, before the final discharge, a command is given to close the taps and the system goes to sleep.
According to the degree of autonomy, the Aquastorage anti-leak system is considered the best. Three times power redundancy will help you survive a very long period of power failure. Even with completely discharged batteries (all), the taps will close due to the discharge of powerful capacitors.
SENSORS
The Aquastorage anti-leak system can be equipped with wired and wireless sensors. They can be used both together and separately. Any of the sensors is periodically checked by the system for its “presence”. In the event of a wire break in wired models or a wireless connection, the controller shuts off the taps.
In the sensor of any type, two contacts are installed when water gets on them, an alarm signal is generated. Moreover, in the Aquaguard Expert variant and when the Zvezda extension is installed on the Classic, the flooded sensor is displayed on the display panel. That is, you know where the water leak occurred.
A metal plate is fixed at the bottom of the sensor. So that it does not oxidize, the surface of the plate is covered with gold. From the ingress of water drops, the sensors are protected from above by decorative covers. The plastic bottom in the form of a cross fixes the metal plate of the sensor. In the center of it there is a hole through which the sensor can be fixed with a self-tapping screw in a certain position.
Wired
Wired sensors are considered more reliable because they are connected to the controller by a physical circuit. To break it, you need to make some effort. The inconvenience is in their installation and the need to hide the wires. If the repair is over, it is not so easy to do it. As an option, you can use skirting boards with a cable channel, replacing ordinary skirting boards with them.
On the basis of wired water leakage sensors Aquastorage Classic, you can build an extensive monitoring system. To each of them, you can connect the next sensor or several, creating a kind of “tree”. On the one hand, this makes installation easier, fewer wires are required than if you pull a line from each. But on the other hand, a break at the beginning of the chain will turn off the whole “branch” at once. And to find exactly where the break occurred will not work right away.
The power supply of wired sensors is 2,5 V. This voltage cannot be dangerous to humans. Made in the form of a “tablet” with a diameter of 53 mm and a height of 12 mm.
There are wired Aquastorage sensors in the following versions:
- Classic. Passive water leakage control sensor. In standby mode, electricity consumption is zero. Its status is checked by the controller at regular intervals. Wire length 2m and 4m, maximum distance 500m. Temperature range — from 0°C to +60°С.
- Expert. With the same appearance and dimensions, an additional board is built in, which tests the state of the contacts and the integrity of the line to the controller. According to the results of the test, a signal of a normal operating condition or a break is sent to the controller. Cable length 2 m, 4 m, 6 m, 10 m, maximum distance – 500 m. Can be operated at temperatures from -40°C to +60°C.
The company provides a lifetime warranty for Aquastorage’s wire sensors. In the event of its failure (physical destruction is not considered), it will be repaired or replaced with a new one.
Wireless
Wireless water leakage sensors Aquaguard are hidden in a white square plastic case. Square side 59 mm, sensor height 18 mm. In addition to the contact plates, three AAA batteries and a transceiver for communication with the controller operating at a frequency of 2,4 GHz are installed in the case. In addition to the main task – monitoring the lack of water, the sensor performs the following functions:
- Exchanges signals with the controller.
- Controls the charge level of the batteries. When it drops below a critical value, it generates an alarm and transmits it to the control unit.
- It has a built-in alarm that turns on when water appears on the contacts. So it’s easy to spot the leak.
The maximum distance of the sensor from the controller with the radio base is 1000 m, but this is subject to open space. In the presence of obstacles (including walls), the range of reliable reception is much less. To determine whether the controller “sees” the wireless sensor in the selected location or not, you can test (fill the contacts of the button with water and track the turning off and on of the water), or you can use the radio button.
The ability to turn on and off not only from the controller, but also from other points, is implemented using special buttons. They are of two types – wired and wireless. They are usually located near the front door. This is especially convenient for owners of private houses who have the Aquastorage flood protection system installed in the basement.
A wired button is very similar to a conventional two-gang switch. Each key is signed – “close” or “open”. When pressed, the corresponding action is performed. If you hold down any of the buttons for a long time, the system will go into a “sleep” state and stop tracking signals. A wired button for remote shutdown of the Aquaguard is supplied complete with a cable 10 meters long.
The wireless button has one key. Pressing on the top of the system opens it, and on the bottom it closes. When pressed, a beep is heard. A similar signal confirms the execution of the command. This button can be used as a test button. Put it in the place where you plan to install a wireless sensor, check how well the commands are executed. If there are no misfires, you can put the sensor in this place.
Cranes
Aquastorage ball valves are made of brass and plated with nickel. They close and open with electric motors. They have plastic gearboxes. The Expert version uses metal gears, while the Classic version uses plastic gears. In addition, the valves differ in that in the Expert version they control the position of the locking element and transmit a signal to the controller. In order to be able to distinguish them, the “Expert” wire has a bright red stripe, the taps of the “Classic” version have a black one. They can only work with controllers of their own type.
Power is supplied to the electric motors at 5 V, which increases when the capacitors are discharged up to 40 V. Moreover, this voltage is supplied regardless of the state of the power supply. As a result, the taps close in 2,5 seconds.
To ensure that the small force generated by the electric actuators is enough to turn the damper, additional gaskets have been added to the design of the crane, which reduce friction. This allows you to quickly turn the dampers with little effort. The gearboxes are covered with plastic caps that protect against splashes.
Electric taps are available for shutting off Aquastop water in three sizes – 15, 20 and 25 mm in diameter. Can be installed in both cold and hot water risers.
Controllers
The control blocks of the Aquastorage anti-leakage system have a modular structure. To expand the functionality or increase the number of serviced devices, optional ones are added to the main control unit. Depending on the release version, 5 (Expert) or 6 taps (Classic) and an unlimited number of wired sensors can be connected to one block. To connect wireless, you need to purchase an additional “Radio base” unit and connect it to the main module.
The front panel contains LED indicators that display the status of connected wireless sensors. Even on the control unit, it is possible to connect external devices such as “Smart Home”. The UPS is integrated into the case, which ensures continuous operation from three different power sources. In addition, the UPS itself, without extraneous power sources, ensures system performance for an hour. If no new sources have appeared during this time, a signal is generated to shut off the taps and the system goes into sleep mode.
In addition to the differences described above, the Expert version controller provides the following information:
- Control of open circuit of wired sensors and closing of taps in case of “loss”. At the same time, the LED on the panel will light up, which is “tied” to a specific sensor.
- Wire break monitoring of ball valves and fault indication.
As mentioned above, both options – Classic and Expert – have a PRO variation. In this case, there is also a bistable power relay (220 V, 16 A), which, in the event of an accident, will turn off the power of a third-party device. This option is good for a private house. Through the contacts of this relay, power is usually supplied to the pump. So the system not only shuts off the water, but also stops the pump.
The valve damper position control function is available in any version. The condition of the locking ball is checked after each operation cycle (including after self-cleaning). If the position differs from the standard, the audible alarm is activated and all the LEDs on the panel blink.
Radio base
This is a small unit that connects to the main controller or any other peripheral device. It is intended for servicing wireless water leakage sensors. Up to 8 sensors can be connected to one radio base. They are scanned continuously at short intervals. If the sensor fails to communicate within 10 minutes, a command is given to close the valves.
When installing wireless sensors, they must first be registered in the database. To do this, bring the sensor to the base, press the +1 button on the case. The device writes information about the sensor to a free cell of non-volatile memory. So one by one we memorize all the sensors. So that there are no problems with identification when triggered, it is better to put numbers on the case, and write the location of the sensor installation opposite the corresponding LED.
In normal mode, when powered through an adapter (there is a 220 V network), wireless sensors are scanned almost continuously. When powered by batteries or battery, there are two options for operation: active and energy-saving. The choice of mode is up to the user. To switch to power-saving mode, remove the corresponding jumper on the radio base. In this case, testing will occur approximately once a minute, so there will be some delay in case of a crash. But the charge of three batteries will be enough for about 3 years. With the active mode of operation and continuous testing of sensors, the batteries are discharged much faster.
Periphery
One of the main advantages of the Aquastorage anti-leak system is its modular structure. You can expand the functionality and number of sensors at any time. It is enough to purchase the appropriate equipment and connect it to the existing one.
We have already talked about the radio base and the remote opening / closing buttons, there are three more blocks left:
- Additional battery pack. Up to three battery packs can be connected to one controller. In a complete set on batteries, the system can work up to 9 years. But it is in standby mode. With each operation, the charge is significantly reduced, the time is reduced.
Modular design is convenient - A power expander can be connected to the Classic controller (no more than 2 pcs per controller). This is a panel through which you can turn on / off or open / close third-party devices powered by a voltage of not more than 220 V. A power relay is installed in this block. It can be connected to a load of not more than 2 kW.
- Star panel. This block allows for the Classic version to add the function of identifying a triggered wired sensor. Up to 12 water leakage control devices can be connected to one unit.
Additional blocks allow you to expand the capabilities of the system and increase its reliability.
Disadvantages of the Aquastorg leakage protection system
Unfortunately, there are no ideal systems. Everyone has flaws, and Aquaguard flood protection is no exception. Almost all of the minuses have already been voiced, but we will repeat them again. This will make it possible to evaluate them more clearly.
- Plastic gear drive in both versions and gears in the Classic version.
- Small effort applied to turn the valve of the electric crane.
- Additional gaskets in ball valves reduce friction, but reduce the reliability of the system – more points of possible leakage.
Special structure of cranes - A small number of wired sensors that can be connected to one unit. Branched “branches” – not the best way out.
- The need to install an additional unit to use wireless water leakage sensors.
Closing taps when the sensor is lost does not seem appropriate to everyone. But here you can argue and everyone determines for himself whether it is good or bad.
Installation
The principle of installation of the Aquastorage system is demonstrated in the official video.
Despite the ease of installation, the owners have two main questions:
- Does the water watchman install before or after the counter?
- Do I need a coarse filter in front of an electric faucet?
In order to provide reliable and up-to-date information, we consulted with representatives of Supersystem LLC by calling the free phone number 8 800 555-35-71.
According to the recommendations of the support service, coarse filters and meters should be installed after the electric cranes of the Aquaguard system. This is due to the fact that both filters and meters can cause leakage.
Since the management company (UK) may refuse to seal the meter if an electric crane is installed in front of it, this issue should be clarified before installing the system.
Below is an example of how not to install elements of the plumbing system.
Often plumbers start from what is more convenient for them to do, and not from what is right / better.
In a specific case, the possibility of installing electric cranes up to the meters was agreed with the management company and the wiring was re-soldered.
Water quality must be taken into account before installation. If it contains a large amount of mechanical particles, then a coarse filter should be installed in front of the tap, otherwise the tap may quickly fail during operation.
The video below demonstrates the installation of the Aquaguard system by an experienced plumber.
Advice! Use “American” in front of the counter only if necessary. “American” is a quick connector that can cause failure to seal the meter.