FAQ : Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor

The most frequently asked questions about the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor.

Table of Contents

• What is the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor?

• Where should you install the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor?

• How does the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor detect leaks?

• What happens when the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor senses a leak?

• What kind of liquids can the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor detect?

• How often does the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor send data?

• What should you do if the sensor gets wet?

• How do you replace the battery?

• How do you remove the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor?

• Can you cut the tape?
• Can you reposition the tape after it has been adhered to a surface?

 

What is the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor?

The Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor is a wireless leak detection sensor that monitors for liquid on a sensing tape. It’s battery-powered and communicates wirelessly with a gateway to alert you when it detects water or another conductive liquid.

The sensor is composed of two main parts:

• A base unit (which should never become submerged)
• The leak detection tape, composed of 12 nodes.

Where should you install the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor?

Install the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor near areas that are vulnerable to leaks, such as:

• HVAC units

• Pipes and plumbing fixtures

• Storage rooms or basements

• Museum or archive collections storage

• Known areas for previous leaking

The sensing tape should lie flat on the surface where water is most likely to pool. Avoid areas where it may be accidentally disturbed. Avoid areas with high footfall traffic as constant friction will damage the conductors (the black lines).

How does the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor detect leaks?

The sensor continuously checks for the presence of conductive liquid across the embedded tape. It triggers a leak alert when it detects continuity between any two conductors in the tape. There must be enough water to connect two of the black lines to each other to close the circuit that triggers the alert.

What happens when the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor senses a leak?

When a leak is detected:

• The sensor immediately sends an alert through the gateway.

• The alert includes the time of detection, sensor name, space and location (according to Hierarchy setup).

• The device continues as an Active status in the Events tab on Conserv Cloud until the tape dries or is cleaned.

The sensor does not return to a "dry" state until the tape is fully clear of moisture. This will trigger a final message indicating the start and end times of the leak event, sensor name, space and location.

What kind of liquids can the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor detect?

The Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor detects conductive liquids, such as:

• Tap water

• Rainwater

• Condensation

• Water-based solutions

It does not reliably detect non-conductive fluids like oil or distilled water.

How often does the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor send data?

When dry, the sensor sends a heartbeat message once every 4 hours from factory. This message confirms that the device is still online and functioning. Once your device is online, Contact the Conserv Support Team to change this check-in frequency to 85 minutes.

When wet, it sends an alert immediately upon detecting a leak and will send a final alert when the condition clears.

What should you do if the sensor gets wet?

After a leak event:

1. Disconnect the sensor from the tape if possible.

2. Dry the tape thoroughly with a towel or cloth.

3. Wait until the tape is completely dry before reconnecting.

The sensor will resume “dry” readings only after the tape is no longer detecting moisture.

How do you replace the batteries?

The Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor is powered by a replaceable battery pack. To replace it:

1. Open the battery compartment using a small screwdriver.

2. Remove the old battery.

3. Insert fresh batteries, matching the indicated polarity.

4. Close the compartment and ensure it is secure.

How do you remove the Smart Tape Leak Detection Sensor?

To remove the device:

1. Disconnect the sensor from the sensing tape.

2. Gently lift the sensor and tape from the surface. Use a flat tool if adhesive is strong.

3. If reusing the sensor, store it in a dry, secure location.

4. Dispose of tape if contaminated or damaged.

Can you cut the tape?

Each one of these sections is called a "node" There are 12 nodes on the sensor. You can trim the sensor by cutting it just after one of the nodes. An example cutting line is indicated below.

Please note that the device will not register that the sensor has been cut and the cut off nodes will no longer detect leaks.

Can you reposition the tape after it has been adhered to a surface?

• The adhesive on the tape is designed to allow for repositioning, so the sensor can be removed and reapplied to a new surface.
• The 3M adhesive on the device itself is not as easily removable.
• We do not recommend that the adhesive be used directly on historical or fragile surfaces.

It's recommended to clean the surface before reapplying the tape to ensure good adhesion. Avoid sticking it to dirty or dusty surfaces. If the tape is constantly moved and reapplied, it will eventually lose its stickiness.