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Installing Water sensors

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This guide gives instructions on how to install Water Sensors so that they can report readings to the cloud. 

Quick access

  1. What you need
  2. Planning the installation
  3. Activation
  4. Mounting options
  5. Configuration
  6. Settling Period
  7. Check the signal strength

What you need

The number of sensors in a box can vary, ranging from as few as 1 to as many as 100, depending on the number of sensors ordered. As a standard practice, boxes containing either 25 or 100 sensors will feature a QR code, simplifying the process of claiming multiple sensors at once. In cases where these quantities are not met, the package will lack a QR code and each sensor will need to be claimed individually.

Besides the Water Detector Sensor itself, it is advisable to have the following on hand:

  • a laptop or a smartphone running the DT Studio web application studio.d21s.com. If your company does not have a DT Studio organization, get started at d21s.com/start
  • we also recommend having one or more online Cloud Connectors (gateways) close by to enable forwarding sensor data to the DT Cloud and to check the connectivity of the sensor once it is installed. Please refer to our guide for detailed instructions on how to properly install our Cloud Connectors.
  • optional: Range Extender accessories. 

Planning the installation

When installing our Water Detector Sensor, it is essential to consider the sensor's primary function: detecting water upon contact with its front surface. To achieve a robust installation, it is advisable to follow the guidelines provided below:

✅ Do: ❌ Don't:
  • Position the sensor in areas prone to leaks or spills
  • Ensure the sensor's front surface touches water sources for prompt detection
  • Make sure to position the sensor in a manner that allows it to dry rapidly and be prepared to trigger a new water detection alarm
  • We recommend our Water Detector Range Extender for secure, precise installation, preventing false alarms, and extending sensor range, even in challenging spots like under appliances
  • To detect water in larger areas, you can make use of the Water Detector Range Extender Textile Addon.
  • Avoid installing the sensor in areas with significant condensation or elevated humidity levels, as this can lead to false alarms by mimicking water contact
  • Steer clear of placing the sensor in locations that undergo frequent cleaning
  • Do not install the sensor in areas where it may remain consistently submerged underwater, as it is not designed for monitoring water levels.

Lastly, plan for adequate Cloud Connector coverage and consult the Safety & Use Manual before sensor installation for comprehensive guidance.

Activation

Claim the sensors in Studio by scanning the QR code found on the sensor packaging. If only a few sensors are needed, they can also be claimed individually in Studio. The sensor is now available in Studio and you can give it a name, a description, a label, etc.

As part of the activation process and before placing the sensors, set how often the sensor will transmit the readings by configuring the Heartbeat Interval for all Water Detector Sensors in Studio.

Mounting options

Secure sensors using their adhesive backing on clean, dry surfaces by removing the protective film and pressing firmly. If the surface is uneven or not entirely clean, consider using a stronger adhesive. Avoid placing sensors on metal surfaces to prevent potential connectivity issues. 

For installations involving our Water Detector Range Extender or Water Detector Range Extender Textile Addon, please refer to our PDF installation instruction manual for guidance.

Is adhesive not suitable?

For temporary installations or special conditions, look at adhesives for different mounting conditions.

Configuration

The sensor uses Heartbeat Interval (HBI) to transmit a message notifying the system that it is present and operational, which can be set to 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, or 60 min.

Settling Period

After the installation, the sensor is ready to immediately start sending the readings to the Studio. 

Check the signal strength

Tap the sensor to see its live response in Studio. The signal strength should show two bars (no signal icon) or more for a robust installation.

No response in Studio or boost mode?

If the sensor does not report upon touch (no signal icon) or is transmitting using boost mode (boost icon), we recommend installing an additional Cloud Connector or using sensor accessories with range extenders to improve coverage. If the sensor continues to be offline, look at troubleshooting.

Sensor not in Studio?

Check that the correct project is selected. If the sensor is still lacking, ask your administrator for access to the project that contains the sensors.

Experiencing an installation issue?

If you have any additional questions or if any problem should occur during installation, please reach out to us.