How to configure moisture detector with Elk M1G

[cezar_oz]

We've got our building designs approved and the fun is about to start. Working through the caveats however, we discovered a clause about flood protection. to cut the story short we'll have to install a moisture/water detector that will trigger a sliding gate to close.

What is the best way to implement it?

My thoughts were to use a following config:

- install a moisture sensor near the gate
- install relay expansion module (ELK-912?) to control the gate motor (into the M1 enclosure ?)
- As the motor is near the gate in front of the house, run a zip cord to drive it. Connect it to UPS, in case the mains power is cut-off due to flooding.

Is this going to work?
Does Elk make its own moisture sensors? - if not, what works best?

Thanks heaps

 

[Neurorad]

Curious - what kind of gate do you need to close, in the event of moisture/flood?

 

[cezar_oz]

Curious - what kind of gate do you need to close, in the event of moisture/flood?

It's like a mini-garage door, still working out the details. Obviously it will need to be flush with the concrete on the ground.

 

[icellama21]

I wouldn't worry about the M1G specific stuff at this point. This sounds like a major property-damage item. Use a backup power supply, protect the motor/mechanism from flooding, etc. Then run a piece of wire, how ever many conductors you need, from the gate house to your home. Don't use anything flimsy like Cat5 wire, etc. Get something designed to be buried or outside, you want this to last for decades without worry, good copper, heavy conductors, watertight insulation, etc.

Then, after securing all of the above details, think about automation. Maybe you will find the M1G effective for this(it can definitely handle it), maybe you will not. Focus on reliability, backup power and simplicity. If it fails can you still activate the gate easily? I'm not sure I'd put anything other than the simplest circuit between the water sensor and the gate. Use the M1 to monitor its status, notify you of its status, and to override the system. If a flood is coming, rig the gate to just close, no automation needed there, just basic electronics and is probably already built into the mechanism you will use. Why add a major point of failure(relays, computers-the M1 is an embedded computer, connectors, expansion boards, etc), just use your automation to monitor and override.

 

[gatchel]

I agree if minimizing failure is a concern, I would monitor the gate or water status with the M1 but would use as little as possible to get the gate closed. You could use a water detector at the gate powered off of the gate power supply (depending on the gate) and simple have it send a signal to the gate close input. Any water detector with a dry contact would work. I have used water bug's in the past to do water detection. 12 or 24vdc power.

http://www.winland.com/products/WB200/WB200.htm

 

[Neurorad]

I'll be using GRI (George Risk Industries) water sensors. 2600 Series.

You may want to use a couple sensors, in case one fails, if it's really important.

 

[mustangcoupe]

I would also use a sensor to be sure the gate closed after commanded...

and run extra wires

 

[cezar_oz]

I would also use a sensor to be sure the gate closed after commanded...

and run extra wires

Thanks everyone, much appreciated