Hydrocom Water Controller Troubleshooting guide

HYDROCOM WATER CONTROLLER
OWNER’SMANUAL
&INSTALLATION GUIDE

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing your Water Controller™ by Hydrocom. The
product comes with a 2 year limited warranty, and we encourage you to
take a few minutes and thoroughly read this owner's manual, and to
save it for future reference. We also recommend that you teach everyone
in your house how to use the product.
If you have any questions about the operation or installation of your product,
please call the company you purchased it from, or you can reach us by
calling 1-888-502-1102 or at www.hydrocom.us.com/support.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction....................................................................................page 1
Regulatory .....................................................................................page 2
Warranty Information......................................................................page 3
Safety and Operational Information ................................................page 4
Product Contents............................................................................page 6
Installation:
a) The valve and flow sensor.................................................page 7
b) The Control Panel .............................................................page 6
c) The wireless sensors .....................................................page 12
Programming the Control Panel....................................................page 14
Maintenance ................................................................................page 23
Troubleshooting............................................................................page 24
-1-

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE INFORMATION - US AND CANADA
UL Statement: All of the omponents of your produ t that require UL
ertifi ation are UL ertified.
FCC-United States and Canada:This equipment has been tested and found
to omply with the limits for a lass B digital devi e, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC rules. Operation is subje t to the following two onditions:
1) this devi e may not ause harmful interferen e, and
2) this devi e must a ept any interferen e re eived, in luding interferen e
that may ause undesired operation.
The limits as outlined in Part 15, are designed to provide reasonable prote -
tion against harmful interferen e in a residential installation.This equipment
generates, uses and an radiate radio frequen y energy and, if not installed
and used in a ordan e with the instru tions, may ause harmful interferen e
to radio ommuni ations. However, there is no guarantee that interferen e will
not o ur in a parti ular installation. If this equipment does ause harmful
interferen e to radio or television re eption, whi h an be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is en ouraged to try to orre t the
interferen e by one or more of the following measures: 1) reorient or relo ate
the re eiving antenna. 2) In rease the separation between the equipment
and re eiver. 3) Conne t the equipment into an outlet on a ir uit different
from that to whi h the re eiver is onne ted. 4) Consult the dealer or an ex-
perien ed radio/TV te hni ian for help.
Modifications to t is product not aut orized by Hydrocom could void
your rig t to use or operate t is product by t e FCC. T is device and
its antenna must not be colocated or operated in conjunction wit
any ot er antenna or transmitter. To comply wit FCC RF exposure
requirements, only use t e supplied antenna.
Canada (IC) Statements: This Category II radio ommuni ation devi e
omplies with Industry Canada Standard RSS-310, se tion B. The term
(IC) before the radio ertifi ation number only signifies that the Industry
Canada te hni al spe ifi ations were met.
Le présent appareil est onforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada appli ables
aux appareils radio exempts de li en e. L'exploitation est autorisée aux
deux onditions suivantes: (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage,
et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit a epter tout brouillage radioéle trique
subi, même si le brouillage est sus eptible d'en ompromettre le fon tion-
nement.
-2-

LIMITED WARRANTY
The Aspen Water Group, LLC, DBA Hydrocom, has carefully tested and
nspected the Water Controller™ before sh pment, and hereby war-
rants our products to be free of defects n mater al and workmansh p
for a per od of 2 years from the date of the or g nal purchase.
Dur ng the warranty per od Hydrocom shall, at ts sole and absolute
d scret on, e ther repa r or replace free of charge any of our prod-
ucts that prove to be defect ve upon nspect on by Hydrocom, or ts
author zed serv ce locat ons. Th s warranty does not cover cla ms
for damage due to abuse, neglect, alterat on, or attempted repa r
by unauthor zed personnel, and s l m ted to fa lures ar s ng dur ng
normal use that are due to defects n mater al or workmansh p n
the product.
Use of th s product does not el m nate a property owners need for
property nsurance. In no event w ll Hydrocom be l able for nc dental,
consequent al or other damages from the breach of any express or
mpl ed warranty, nclud ng among other th ngs, damage to property,
damage based on nconven ence, or on loss of the use of the product,
and to extent perm tted by law, damages for personal njury. The l a-
b l ty to Hydrocom shall be l m ted to the replacement of the defect ve
component or the ent re product.
-3-

SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
Please read the following safety and operational instructions before using
your Water Controller™ by Hydrocom. Please keep these instructions for
your reference. Additional warnings may be present on the product, pack-
aging, or in the user instructions. This symbol identifies and alerts the
user to the presence of important safety warnings.
GENERAL
Operating and storage temperature -20°F to 130°F.
BATTERY WARNINGS
To avoid risk of explosion, fire or leakage of toxic chemicals, please observe
the following warnings:
• Do not dispose of the product or batteries in a fire. Batteries can explode.
• Do not open or mutilate the batteries. There may be corrosive materials
which can cause damage to eyes or skin and may be toxic if swallowed.
• Always store batteries where children cannot reach them.
• Use only the battery type supplied by Hydrocom that came with your
product. Observe the correct polarity when installing the battery. Remove
the battery if it will not be used for an extended period: remove a spent
battery promptly.
•Recycling: Your product and batteries must be recycled or disposed
of properly. Contact your local recycling center for information on
proper disposal.
VALVE WARNINGS
It is illegal, and against every building and safety code in North
America, to install the automatic water shut-off valve in any manner
such that:
• By closing the automatic water shut-off valve a fire sprinkler system
would be unable to work correctly.
• By closing the automatic water shut-off valve a fire sprinkler system
would be unable to function at its fully designed capability.
• By closing the automatic water shut-off valve, any life safety device
is rendered ineffective or its operation is minimized, or compro-
mised in any way.
Do not insert anything inside the valve while it is not connected to a
water supply. Serious injury and or valve damage may occur.
-4-

A licensed plumber must install the automatic water shut-off valve and
flow meter.
Install the automatic water shut-off valve upstream of an irrigation-supply
line, or any other water supply line that could be adversely affected by a
loss of its water supply.
ENCLOSURES
The enclosure that houses the motor on top of the automatic water shut-
off valve has a NEMA 4 rating. This means that it is water resistant and
splash proof. As such, although the enclosure can withstand moderate
weather outside of a residence, Hydrocom recommends that the valve be
installed indoors.
The flow meter has a similar rating, and Hydrocom also recommends that
the flow meter be installed indoors. If installed outside, we recommend
that silicone be applied to the flow meter cable where it engages the flow
meter body.
The Control Panel is not NEMA 4 rated and must be installed indoors.
The wireless transmitters are also not NEMA 4 rated and they must be
installed indoors.
ELECTRICAL
The Water Controller™ must only use the power supply that was supplied
with the product. The power supply is designed specifically for this product
and use of a different power supply will effect performance. The power
supply is a FFC, Class II, section B, UL approved device.
The Water Controller™ has 16 inputs on the back of the control panel. The
inputs are numbered from looking at the back of the controller, from the left
to right. Contacts 1-9 have a maximum rating of 32 VAC, and a maximum
rating of 48 VDC.
Do Not Under Any Circumstances Plug 110/115/120/220/ or 240 volt
power into any of the electrical connections on the product!
-5-

PRODUCT CONTENTS
Thank you for the purchase of your Water Controller™ by Hydrocom.
The product comes with the following components:
Quantity Description
1 1" Full Port Low Lead Ball Valve
1 1" flow meter kit and fittings
2 Sensors
2 Sensor detectors
2 packs of 4 each AA batteries
1 Controller
1 Antenna
1 Instruction Manual
1 Power Supply
1 Hardware mounting kit for the control
panel and sensors
1 Mounting Bracket
www.hydrocom.us.com
-6-

INSTALLING THE VALVE AND FLOW SENSOR
VALVE WARNINGS
It is illegal, and against every building and safety code in North America, to
install the automatic water shut-off valve in any manner such that:
• By closing the automatic water shut-off valve a fire sprinkler system
would be unable to work correctly.
• By closing the automatic water shut-off valve a fire sprinkler system
would be unable to function at its fully designed capability.
• By closing the automatic water shut-off valve, any life safety device is
rendered ineffective or its operation is minimized, or compromised in
any way.
Do not insert anything inside the valve while it is not connected to a water
supply. Serious injury and or valve damage may occur.
A licensed plumber must install the valve and flow sensor.
Install the automatic water shut-off valve upstream of an irrigation-supply
line, or any other water supply line that could be adversely affected by a loss
of its water supply.
______________________________________________________
Please follow the attached diagram for the recommended installation of the
Water Controller™. Please note the following:
The ball valve is bi-directional, and it does not matter which side of the valve
is the input or output.
The flow meter is directional, and look for the arrow on the flow
meter. Make sure the water flow corresponds to the arrows direction.
Please insert the flow meter unions over the pipe before you solder the
flanges into the water supply line! Also, we recommend
that the unions be slid at least 18 inches from the solder
area, as during the soldering process the heat can dam-
age the unions.
Once the installation is complete,you will need to insert the flow
meter cable clip through the top of the flow meter
body.The cable clip will engage the clip receptacle on
the flow meter. You can use silicone to weather proof
this connection, but do not use super glue.
-7-

Please follow the flow chart to ensure proper installation occurs. Although
many installations may vary, please rely on the expertise of a certified
plumber for the correct installation for your home.
-8-

INSTALLING THE WATER CONTROLLER™ CONTROL PANEL
Your Water Controller™ has a number of electrical connections that need to
be performed in order for the product to work correctly.
Battery Backup: Your controller comes with 4 AA batteries which provide
backup power for the Water Controller™ in case of power outages. Please
insert the batteries with the negative (-) or flat end of the battery touching
the spring on the battery pack. In the event that the controller runs on bat-
tery power, the controller has plenty of power to open and close the valve
several hundred times. Also, when in battery power, the controller turns off
the graphic display to save power, however, the display will operate for
30 seconds after you touch any button when you are in battery power mode.
The battery mode is a backup safety feature, we recommend that you run
the controller with the electrical power supply.
Power Supply: Your Water Controller™ runs on 5 volts, and as such it is a
low voltage product. However, the power converter is a UL approved class II
section B FCC approved device. Please insert the power connection plug into
the bottom of the controller to run on AC power.
Connecting to an alarm panel:
The back of the controller has 16 screw terminal connectors, they are as
from left to right while looking at the back of the controller, as follows.
1- R1A Normally Open dry contact
2- R1A Normally Closed Dry Contact
3- R1A Common Contact
4- R1B Normally Open dry contact
5- R1B Normally Closed Dry Contact
6- R1B Common Contact
7- R2A Normally Open dry contact
8- R2A Normally Closed Dry Contact
9- R2A Common Contact
Terminals 1-6 both report on Level One events: A leak alarm, and flow ex-
ceeded alarm, and a temperature alarm, and these terminals are used to
send a signal to other equipment such as a home alarm.
Terminals 7-9 are used to report on level Two events: Low battery alarm on
a transmitter, low battery alarm on the Control Panel, a service reminder,
and also a communication failure from a transmitter.
Since these alarms can be less important, the controller has been design
such that these two levels of alarms can be distinct.
-9-

Connecting the Valve:
10- Valve (-) black wire
11- Valve (+) red wire
Connecting the flow sensor:
12- Flow meter +(5)VDC (red wire)
13- Flow meter signal (-) black
14- shielded ground
15- unshielded drain
16- UNUSED
Once the wiring has been completed, install the mounting bracket to the
wall using 3 screws and anchors ( provided). Once the mounting bracket has
been installed, simply insert the 3 mounting holes on the back of the con-
troller into the three mounting tabs on the mounting bracket. Gently push
down on the top of the controller to have the top bracket pin engage.
In the event that you have the ability to hide the valve and the flow sensor
wires, a access hole through the mounting bracket and controler has been
provided, thus allowing the wiring to enter unnoticed through the back. Of
course, pull the wires through prior to connecting them to the controller!
We have provided a few tie wraps and wire mounts for your convenience, as
they will help the installation look professional.
-10-

Electrical:
The Water Controller™ must only use the power supply that was supplied
with the product. The power supply is designed specifically for this product
and use of a different power supply will effect performance. The power
supply is a FFC, Class II, section B, UL approved device.
The Water Controller has 16 inputs on the back of the control panel. The
inputs are numbered from looking at the back of the controller, from the
left to right. Contacts 1-9 have a maximum rating of 32 VAC, and a
maximum rating of 48 VDC.
Do Not Under Any Circumstances Plug 110/115/120/220/ or 240 volt
power into any of the electrical connections on the product!
Connecting the antenna:
In order for the wireless transmitters within the sensor to
communicate with the Controller, you will need to gently
thread the antenna onto the antenna jack located on the
upper left corner of the Controller.
-11-

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE SENSORS
General: Your Water Controller™ comes with two sensors, and your con-
troller can be expanded to operate up to 32 sensors. Additional sensors can
be ordered from your service provider.
• The sensors are powered by 2 AA batteries ( included) and should have a
life expectancy of 3-5 years.
• The sensors cannot be activated by high humidity.
• The sensor can detect moisture down to 2ppm.
• The sensors also detect low temperature. In the event that your home ob-
tains an inside temperature of 40 degrees for over 10 minutes, the low
temperature will be communicated to the controller. If you want to turn
the temperature feature off, simply open up the sensor, and install the
Hydrocom SB on the circuit board locator 2 in the bottom right corner.
• The sensors have a line of sight range of 600 feet, internal range is dictated by
numerous factors, such as metal, glass, and other radio transmission inhibiting
material. As a result, we display RSSI ( receiver signal strength indicators in
the main menu/sensor/display program/ down cursor menu).
• The sensors are always active, and they check in with the controller at least 62
times per day. When they check in, the sensors inform the controller of their
signal strength, their power availability, their serial number. In the event that an
alarm condition exists, the sensor will transmit this information immediately.
Programming:
In order for your controller to recognize each sensor, they need to be
programmed into the controller. This is explained in the owner's manual,
and even on screen. You do not have to program the sensors now, the
Controller will prompt you to do this later on.
When you add a sensor to your controller, a unique ID number is uploaded
into the controller. This allows your controller to operate solely on the sensors
in your home, and your neighbors will not be affected.
Connections and placement:
In order for your sensor to work correctly, the sensor detector needs to be in-
stalled into the 2 terminal screw connector in the back of the sensor. IT DOES
NOT MATTER WHICH COLOR WIRE is inserted into either connector. Simply
insert the stripped wire into the connection, and tighten the screw terminal,
(check to make sure the wire is secured by giving it a slight pull test).
-12-

Connections and placement (cont’d):
The detector is light weight and we recommend that you use the enclosed
sensor probe tie wrap anchors to adhere the probe to the floor.
Since your controller uses a flow meter as additional protection against water
damage, we suggest the sensors be used in areas where even a small leak
can cause a lot of damage. So if you have a hardwood floor, or your laundry
room is above another living area, we suggest that these are the best areas to
locate your wireless sensors. This would include the dishwasher,
refrigerator/icemaker laundry room, and water heater.
Sensor Detector ↑Sensors ↑Sensor detector connection
Testing and Troubleshooting:
To test whether your sensor is working you can simply wet your thumb and
bridge both probes on the detector for no longer than 60 seconds until the
LED lights green. This will simulate a leak, and you can then go to the con-
trol panel and see the following message: "Leak Detected, ___name of sen-
sor valve off". Follow the on screen instructions to rearm the system. You
will also have to make sure the probes on the detector have been dried.
-13-

Testing and Troubleshooting (cont’d):
The other method to test is this: press menu/ sensors/ then display. Follow
the on screen instructions to select the sensor you want to test. After you
have selected this sensor, it should show you the number of checkins for the
day, remember this number. Now, simply go to the sensor you want to test
and push the black test button as many times as you'd like. Return to the
Control panel and press menu/ sensors/ display/ down cursor and all of the
information will be displayed.
PROGRAMMING AND OPERATION OF THE WATER CONTROLLER™
1) Antenna 5) Water Off Button 9) Right Cursor
2) Graphic Display 6) Left Cursor 10) Menu Button
3) Bypass Button 7) Down Cursor 11) Cancel Button
4) Water On Button 8) Up Cursor 12) O /Enter Button
Initialization: Prior to programming your Controller we recommend that you
have completed all of the other steps outlined in this manual.
Once the batteries have been installed the controller will power up, but
please wait until you have connected the power supply before continuing.
Please have your sensors fully assembled as outlined in the previous chapter.
The Controller will display Initial system set up, press ok to continue. Follow
the on screen prompts to enter the time, date, the company provider ( if you
don't want to display this information, press Ok). The last step of the initial
system set up is to program the sensors. You can do this now, or later, and
refer to main menu section 5- adding sensors.
-14-

MAIN MENU OPTION #1:
Water Report: Press the menu button (#10) and then select Option 1"
Water Report" by pressing the OK Button ( #12).The Controller generates a
water report that shows you a) your average water usage per day, b) water
usage for the month, and also the water usage for the year.
MAIN MENU OPTION #2:
Alarm Reset: In the event that your Controller detects an alarm, the
cause of the alarm will be displayed on the Graphic Display (#2). In
order to reset the Controller to normal operation, press the Menu
Button (#10 ), then push Cursor Down Button (#7) until option 2-
"alarm reset" is highlighted, then push O Button ( #12) to enter the
alarm reset menu.
MAIN MENU OPTION #3:
System Set-Up:Your Water Controller needs to be programmed in order for it
to work correctly. In order to program the Controller , press the Menu Button
(#10 )by pushing Cursor Down Button (#7) until select option 3"system set up"
is highlighted, then push OK Button ( #12) to enter the System Set Up Menu.
-15-

System Set-Up – Entering the Time:
Option #1 Time will automatically be highlighted. Press OK Button
( #12) and follow the on screen instructions to set the time.
System Set-Up – Entering the Date:
After programming the time, the Controller will automatically return you to the
"System Set Up" menu screen. Please push the down cursor (#7) until option
#2 "Date" is highlighted. Follow the on screens instructions to set the date.
System Set-Up – Entering the Service Providers name and phone number:
After programming the date, the Controller will automatically return you to the
"System Set Up" menu screen. Please push the down cursor (#7) until option
#3 "Provider" is highlighted. Follow the on screens instructions to set the
providers name and phone number.
-16-

System Set-Up – Valve:
After programming the Provider information, the Controller will automatically
return you to the "System Set Up" menu screen. Please push the down cursor
(#7) until option #4 "Valve" is highlighted.
As a safety feature, your Controller knows if you have a valve installed or, if you
do not have a valve installed. In the event that your valve is disconnected, the
controller will display the valve status. Please Note: Unless you are nstall ng
a system w thout a valve, you do not have to program th s feature.
System Set-Up – Defaults:
After viewing the Valve Menu, the Controller will automatically return you to the
"System Set Up" menu screen. Please push the down cursor (#7) until option
#5 "Defaults" is highlighted. Please Note: Unless you want to clear all of
the nformat on you have programmed nto the Water Controller, push
cancel to ex t.
System Set-Up – SW Version:
After viewing the Defaults Menu, the Controller will automatically return you
to the "System Set Up" menu screen. Please push the down cursor (#7) until
option #6 " SW Version" is highlighted. In the event that you need to view
what software version is installed on your Water Controller, this feature will
allow you to do so.
Congratulations!! This Completes the System Set Up.
-17-

MAIN MENU OPTION #4: FLOW SETTINGS
Press the menu button (#10) and then select Option 4" Flow Settings" by
pressing the OK Button ( #12). The Controller will display two selections: 1)
the home mode, and 2) the away mode.
Select the home mode to Set the maximum continuous flow: The factory
default setting ( flow trigger) for the maximum continuous flow that you
allow to occur before the valve shuts off the water supply is preset to 30
gallons. This number can be changed by pressing the Menu button, then
selecting option #2 by pressing the OK button, and then using the cursor
button to move the number of gallons up or down. The controller will auto-
matically return you to the flow screen, and then please select option #2)
the Away mode.
The factory default setting ( flow trigger) for the maximum continuous flow
that you allow to occur before the valve shuts off the water supply is preset
to 5 gallons. This number can be changed by pressing the Menu button, then
selecting option #2 by pressing the OK button, and then using the cursor
button to move the number of gallons up or down.
-18-

MAIN MENU OPTION #5: SENSORS
Press the menu button (#10) and then push the Down Cursor Button (# 7)
until "Option 5 Sensors" is highlighted, then press the "OK" button ( # 12).
The Following Screen will appear:
Adding Sensors:
Your Controller comes with 2 battery powered sensors. Take a moment to
install the batteries and detector into the back of the transmitters. The
sensor detector wire can be connected to either terminal, this will not
harm the product.
Now, with the Controller in the Main
Menu/ Sensors/ Sensors Program
Add mode, press OK Button (#12) to
add a wireless sensor. Press the
black transmit button on the
transmitter, and the following
screen will appear:
By pressing the Down Cursor button (#7) you can address the sensor location.
Once the sensor address has been found, press the "Ok Button" to add the
sensor to the controller. The Controller will display " Programming Successful".
Follow the on screens instructions to either exit to the main menu, add an-
other sensor, or to delete a sensor.
-19-