Perma-Pipe PermAlert FluidWatch II User manual

Notice
The information contained in this manual, including but not limited to any product specifications, is subject to
change without notice.
PERMALERT (PERMALERT), A DIVISION OF PERMA-PIPE, INC., PROVIDES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD
TO THIS MANUAL OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING. PERMALERT ASSUMES
NO LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM ANY TECHNICAL OR
TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN OR FOR DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN
THE PRODUCT AND THE MANUAL. IN NO EVENT SHALL PERMALERT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON TORT, CONTACT OR
OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE USE THEREOF.
Caution --This manual may not be up-to-date.
Please check the PermAlert website, www.permalert.com, for the latest revision of this manual.
The manual is typically revised at least once a year. The revision date is on the back cover.
Contact [email protected] for technical assistance with the FluidWatch II system.

The following instructions describe the installation and operating procedures for FluidWatch®II Leak
Detection Monitoring System.
INTRODUCTION
1. The FluidWatch II system consists of a solid-state electronic monitoring unit connected to a sensor
cable.
2. The following general precautions should be observed:
3. Read this manual carefully before beginning installation. Do not use substitute materials or short cut
recommended procedures. Understanding and following these instructions is essential to avoid
installation problems.
4. Collect the needed quantities of all materials well in advance of scheduled work.
5. Check packing list quantities with received items. Any shortages or damage to materials received
should be reported immediately to the delivering carrier.
6. Care must be taken to store all FluidWatch II components in a dry and protected area at all times.
Electronic monitoring units should be wrapped and sealed with plastic.
7. Electrical work should be performed by a qualified electrician and conform to all local electrical codes.
THEORY OF OPERATION
The FluidWatch II Leak Detection Monitoring System has been engineered to monitor small areas for water
and water-based liquids. Typical applications include unmanned equipment rooms, small raised floor
areas, and small tanks. The system continuously monitors the capacitance of the sensor cable and detects
changes from the initial value. Just seconds after the coaxial sensor cable contacts water, the unit switches
two relays, labeled “Leak/Short”.
The sensor cable quickly dries in place after the leak is cleaned up and the system can be put back on-
line. If the cable is broken or power is lost, the "Break/No Power" relay will activate.
MONITORING UNIT INSTALLATION
Mount the monitoring unit indoors where it will not be exposed to vibration, shock or temperatures above
122°F (50°C). Mounting holes for the unit can be drilled carefully inside the enclosure. The circuit board
can be removed if necessary, so it is not damaged. There are four circuit board supports that hold the
board in place (see Figure 1). Refer to the Power Requirement section of this manual for wiring
instructions. DO NOT connect power to the monitoring unit yet.
CABLE INSTALLATION
Each FluidWatch II system is a complete kit that includes a length of sensor cable. The lengths of sensor
may be shortened, but normally the excess cable can be positioned out of the way so it will not be
damaged. If the cable is shortened, the system should be recalibrated as discussed in the Sensitivity
section of this manual. The cable length must be between 15 and 100 feet.
The sensor cable is typically placed around the perimeter of a room or around a piece of equipment that
is to be monitored for leaks. The sensor cable must be protected from damage during installation
and operation. It should not contact sharp metal edges or be subjected to crushing loads. Connect
the sensor cable to the external UHF connector on the monitoring unit. The UHF connector should be
finger tight or tightened gently with pliers to a snug fit.

Figure 1
POWER REQUIREMENT
The FluidWatch II Leak Detection System requires either a 10-30 VAC or 10-30 VDC power source. The
power supply must be CE approved to maintain the CE approval of the FluidWatch II system. The fused
incoming power is connected to terminal strip P2. The incoming power wires must pass through the ¾”
cylindrical ferrite clamp-on bead. This bead must be installed for CE approval. The power input circuit is
protected by a 1/4A, 250 VAC, Type 2AG Slo-Blo fuse.
SENSITIVITY
Sensitivity is adjusted with "Cable Length Adjustment" potentiometer (see Figure 1). To adjust the
sensitivity, follow the steps below:
1. Connect the sensor cable to the FluidWatch II.
2. Turn on power to the panel.
3. Turn the Cable Length Adjustment pot slowly clockwise until the red (LEAK) LED turns on, if it is not
initially on. Then turn the pot counter-clockwise until the green LED turns on. Note the position of the
potentiometer slot.
4. Next, continue turning the pot slowly counter-clockwise until the yellow (BREAK) LED turns on. This
will be approximately 1/2 to 1-1/2 additional revolutions, depending on the cable length. Again note
the position of the slot.
5. Finally turn the pot clockwise to the approximate midpoint between the two points determined in steps
3 and 4. When it is adjusted properly the green (GOOD) LED will be on.
This procedure will set the system to a nominal sensitivity for a given cable length. The sensitivity can be
increased or decreased by an adjustment of the pot. Turn it slightly clockwise to make it more sensitive
(less wet cable to trigger an alarm) and counter-clockwise to make it less sensitive. If the pot is turned too

far, the system will go into alarm, either "LEAK" or "BREAK" depending on the direction it is turned. If this
happens, simply turn the pot in the opposite direction until the green LED turns on. The following chart
lists the approximate values of wet cable required to activate an alarm for different sensitivity settings.
Note the length of wet cable required is the length of “submerged” cable. If the cable is only half-
submerged in water, approximately twice the length will be required.
FluidWatch II Sensitivity Settings
Length of Cable –ft.(m)
Wet Cable Required - in.(cm)
Minimum
Nominal
Maximum
15 (5)
1.5 (4)
4 (10)
6 (15)
25 (7.5)
3 (8)
7 (18)
12 (30)
60 (18)
9 (23)
18 (46)
28 (71)
100 (30)
13 (33)
28 (71)
46 (117)
OUTPUT RELAYS
There are three SPDT output relays. The "BREAK/NO POWER" relay is normally energized. It de-
energizes when the FluidWatch II system goes into break alarm or loses power. The other two relays are
normally de-energized. When a leak or short is detected, the relays energize. The relays are rated 10A
@ 125 VAC, 6A @ 277 VAC or 5A @ 30 VDC and are wired to terminal strip P3. The terminal NC, COM
and NO refer to normally-closed, common and normally-open contacts for each relay in the power-off
condition.
OPERATING
The FluidWatch II switches one relay when a break occurs and two relays when a leak or short occurs.
When power is supplied to the unit, the "Break/Power" relay will energize and close contacts labeled NO-
COM after a second. If there is a cable break or water is in contact with the sensor cable, the appropriate
relays will switch and close contacts NO-COM (leak relay) or contacts NC-COM (break relay).
Take action to verify this and notify responsible personnel. Once the water has been cleaned up the
sensor cable will dry quickly and the relays will switch to their original condition.
If the cable is dry and the red “Leak/Short” LED is still lit, check the cable for a short. Equipment may have
been placed on the cable and damaged the cable. An ohmmeter can be used to make sure the center
conductor of the cable is not in contact with the cable shield. Disconnect the UHF connector at the panel
and connect the ohmmeter leads to the center pin and the housing of the cable connector. The reading
should show an open circuit (O.L).
TEST
Disconnect the UHF connector at the bottom of the panel to verify that the system is operating properly.
This will activate the "BREAK" relay. Use an ohmmeter or continuity meter to check the state of the relay
contacts. When the UHF connector is reconnected, the unit will reset after 3 or 4 seconds. If FluidWatch
II fails to respond as expected, recheck all connections on the monitoring unit. Check the wires connected
to terminal strip P1. If further assistance is needed, contact PermAlert ESP.

WARRANTY
Seller warrants that the PermAlert Leak Detection System (the "System") will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of first use of the System or eighteen (18) months from the date of shipment by
Seller to Buyer of the System;whichever is earlier. Sellerisnot responsible for damage tothe System occurring in transit or arising
from the installation, alteration or repair of the System bypersons other than Seller's employees, or from anyabnormal or improper
use of, negligence with respect to or accident affecting the System. Seller's sole obligation and liability, and Buyer's sole remedy,
under this warranty shall be the repair or replacement, at Seller's election, by Seller of any defective materials or workmanship
covered by this warranty, without the charge to Buyer. Repaired or replacementmaterials shall be delivered to Buyer f.o.b. Seller's
plant orf.o.b.such other location as Sellershalldesignate. Seller shallnot be responsible for anyproduct returnedto Seller without
Seller's prior express consent. Buyer shall be responsible for returning the defective or non-conforming product(s) to Seller at
Buyer’s expense. No claim shall be permitted under the warranty contained herein unless Buyer notifies Seller in writing within ten
(10) days after Buyer first hears of facts giving rise to any such claim and unless notice is given within the warranty period as
provided above. In order to be valid, any notice sent to Seller in connection with said claim under this warranty must reasonably
specify the defect which is the subject of such claim. Buyer shall be responsible for testing and inspecting the System promptly
after receipt and thereafter at such intervals as are reasonably prudent so as to inform Seller of any defects which exist in the
System. Notwithstanding the filing of a claim hereunder, this warranty shall expire after the warranty period in respect to materials
and workmanship which are not then the subject of a proper claim.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Buyer irrevocably waives all claims against Seller for money damages relating to the
condition, use and performance of the goodssold pursuant hereto, including claims based upon tort, strict liability, negligenceand
product liability. Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding sentence, if money damages are assessed against Seller, in no
event shall Seller's liability for such damages exceed the purchase price of products sold by Seller.
IN NO EVENT, WHETHER BECAUSE OF A BREACH OF WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION OR ANY OTHER CAUSE,
WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT, WARRANTY OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF THE PERFORMANCE OR
NON-PERFORMANCE BY SELLER OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR WITH RESPECT TO THE
PRODUCTS SOLD PURSUANT HERETO SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR LOST EARNINGS, INCOME OR PROFITS OR
INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND, EXCEPT AS
SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH HEREIN, ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE
HEREBY DISCLAIMED AND EXCLUDED. NOTHING SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS AN ADDITIONAL WARRANTY UNLESS
SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED AS SUCH IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY THE SELLER, IN WHICH CASE SUCH ADDITIONAL
WARRANTYSHALL BE SUBJECTTO THEPROVISIONS OF THE APPROPRIATE PARAGRAPHS HEREINAS TODURATION
AND LIMITATION OF REMEDY UNLESS SUCH ADDITIONAL WARRANTY EXPRESSLY VARIES SUCH PROVISIONS.
Extended warranty period may be available. Contact PermAlert for more information.

©2016, PERMA-PIPE, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (6/16)