Question about water sensors and hopefully using ELK

ghurty

Active Member
I am looking to maybe use the ELK to hook up to a few water sensors. The sensors can be up to 600 (in different directions) feet away from the main unit.
I would rather wireless, but I doubt that would work over the distance and due the fact the walls are made out of cinderblock. So I would probably have to go wired. What is the best way t go about this? I would have two sensors per room and would want them to share as much wiring as possible.
 
Is the elk even the best way?
 
Thanks
 
What are you going to do with the info - turn off a single central water valve, or do you need to know exactly which sensor went off, or which room?
 
Also depending on budget there are some other options - one such is to use long range wireless, or wired.  The Elk can accept a variety of wired sensors just in the input terminals.  Otherwise if range is an issue but you'd really rather spend a few more bucks vs. going wired, you could look at a Linear Transmitter and Linear Receiver which is about the longest range option I'm aware of for an application like this.
 
You could use wireless sensors if running wire is going to be a horrible job.  Just get a repeater (or more) made by Resolution.  ASI Home has them.  All they do is listen for the signal, and then they repeat it.  No having to join sensors to it or hook it to you panel.  Zero configuration.
 
I have a Resolution Products driveway sensor (great product) and the distance is more than 200 ft. I once tried long-range testing a GE sensor using a walk test (the sensor was included in the walking part). I was surprised at the distance it could operate. Resolution Products appears to be now selling a wireless home-disaster sensor that includes a water sensor - http://resolutionproducts.com/home-disaster.
 
A repeater is a good idea. It’s also possible for combine two Elk GE receivers to improve coverage area. You would have to run a 4-wire back to ElkM1 controller. Although, I don’t suspect that the entire 600 ft would have not have to covered.
 
Back
Top