Water Leak Detection System (WLDS)

System Overview

The AGNI Water Leak Detection System (WLDS) is a specialized monitoring and alarm system designed to detect the presence of water or conductive liquids at an early stage preventing costly damage to sensitive areas such as data centers, electrical switch rooms, server racks, raised floors, laboratories, and other mission-critical facilities.
The system provides continuous real-time monitoring and issues an immediate alert when water is detected, allowing maintenance personnel to respond before a major leak or flooding occurs.

Operating Principle

The WLDS operates using sensing cables or probes that continuously monitor for moisture or conductive liquids along their length or at specific points.
When water or another conductive liquid comes into contact with the sensor, it changes the electrical characteristics (resistance or capacitance) of the sensing element.

The Leak Detection Controller interprets this change and:

  • Triggers an audible and visual alarm
  • Displays the exact leak location (in meters or zone ID),
  • Sends a signal to the Building Management System (BMS) or Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) for integration and remote monitoring.

System Types

There are two primary types of water leak detection systems:

Zone (Non-Addressable) Type

  • Monitors individual zones or areas using separate sensing cables or probes.
  • Activates an alarm when water is detected within a specific zone.
  • Provides simple leak detection — ideal for small or medium-sized installations.

Addressable (Distance-Readable) Type

  • Uses a single continuous sensing cable connected to an intelligent controller.
  • Precisely locates the leak position (in meters) along the sensing cable.
  • Supports multiple cable segments for extended coverage.
  • Ideal for data centers, large buildings, or critical facilities requiring pinpoint leak location.

System Components

Component

Description

Leak Detection Controller

Central processing unit that monitors sensor cables or probes, displays leak and fault conditions, and interfaces with BMS or alarm systems. 

Sensing Cable (Water Sensing Cable)  

Polymer-coated, multi-core cable that detects conductive liquids along its entire length; reusable after drying.

Spot Sensors / Point Probes

Fixed-point detectors for localized leak monitoring (e.g., under HVAC units or valves).

End-of-Line Terminator

Installed at the end of sensing cables to complete the circuit and enable supervision.

Interface Module / Relay Output Card

Provides potential-free contacts for alarm and fault output to external systems (BMS, fire alarm, etc.).

Power Supply / Battery Backup

Ensures continuous operation during power outages; typically 24V DC.

Mounting Accessories

Clips, junction boxes, and cable management hardware for proper installation.

Technical Features

  • Continuous real-time monitoring for water leaks or conductive liquid presence.
  • High sensitivity to even small amounts of liquid (as low as 3 mL).
  • Addressable systems can locate the leak position within ±1 meter accuracy.
  • Multi-zone and multi-cable capability for large-area protection.
  • LED indicators for Power, Alarm , and Fault conditions.
  • Audible and visual alarms with silence/reset controls.
  • Built-in RS-485 Modbus , BACnet , or dry contact outputs for integration with BMS/FACP.
  • Auto-supervision of cable continuity and short/open circuit faults.
  • Sensor cables resistant to corrosion, dust, and mechanical wear.
  • Modular and expandable system architecture.
  • Quick recovery — sensor cables are reusable after cleanup and drying.

Environmental and Electrical Specifications

Parameter

Typical Specification

Detection Method

Conductive sensing (resistance change)

Sensing Cable Length

Up to 1000 meters (depending on model)

Leak Location Accuracy 

±1 meter (addressable type)

Alarm Response Time

< 10 seconds

Operating Voltage

24V DC nominal

Operating Temperature

0°C to 55°C 

Communication Protocols

Modbus RTU / BACnet / RS-485

Alarm Outputs

Relay contacts (NO/NC), 1A @ 30V DC 

Enclosure Rating

IP30 (controller), IP65 (sensor junction boxes)

Compliance 

CE, RoHS, UL, IEC 61010-1

Advantages

  • Early detection — prevents equipment damage and downtime.
  • Continuous coverage — detects leaks anywhere along the cable.
  • High accuracy — pinpoint leak location with digital controller.
  • Integration-ready — interfaces easily with existing BMS or alarm systems.
  • Cost-effective — minimizes repair costs and operational disruptions.
  • Flexible installation — suitable for under floor, ceiling, or pipe routing.
  • Reusable sensors — low maintenance and long service life.
  • Scalable system — expand coverage by adding zones or cables.

Typical Applications

  • Data centers and server rooms
  • Raised floor systems
  • Electrical switchgear and control rooms
  • HVAC units and chilled water pipelines
  • Laboratories and clean rooms
  • Communication and IT facilities
  • Industrial equipment enclosures
  • Commercial and residential high-rise buildings

Standards and Compliance

The Water Leak Detection System and its components typically conform to:

01.

UL 61010-1

Safety requirements for electrical equipment

02.

IEC 60364

Low-voltage electrical installations

03.

EN 61326

EMC requirements for electrical equipment

04.

CE and RoHS compliance

05.

BS 8489-1

Protection of electrical installations

05.

NFPA 75

Protection of IT and electronic equipment rooms