DIY water sensor

[swoods140]

I've been trying to configure the best approach to monitoring water sensor switches and most economical way to do so. My ATO tank sits in a kitchen cabinet behind the wall from my tank which I drilled through to create more room under the stand. The Waterbug was the obvious answer but didn't want to purchase 2 units plus additional sensors to monitor the ATO cabinet and the sump cabinet separately. I purchased the individual switch listed in the new users guide trying to save some money. The lead on the switch is only 24" so I purchased 50ft of 2 conductor thermostat wire for $10 at HD to extend the switch. After hooking up the switch I noticed that more water was needed to pool before the switch would close than I would like. I then removed the switch and stripped the thermostat wire about 5" and used a small dab of epoxy to secure it to the bottom of the stand with about an inch of separation between the 2 wires. This method proved to be far faster than the $20 switch!
Now I've just run the thermostat wire around my sump and ATO tank on 2 seperate circuits with bare wire every 6" and it's works great, $10 for as many switches as you need!
Anyone see any possible problems using this method?

 

[aquamanic]

That's pretty cool if it actually works and is reliable. The only problem I would think might happen is those bare wires get corroded over time and cease conducting with the water. But who knows - give it a shot but I'd test it every so often just to be sure it's still working.

 

[swoods140]

Yea, that's an obvious problem but I figured since you can see the wire it would be added to the maintence schedule. I mainly want to monitor the 2 switches through email and audible alarms but still programed to shut down all pumps just in case!

Thanks for all your time in this hobby. I would be lost without you!!!

 

[aquamanic]

how about posting some pictures of what you've done.

 

[swoods140]

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[aquamanic]

Is that just regular Romex wire? How are you connecting it to a BB?

 

[swoods140]

It's 18 gauge thermostat wire. I just hooked it directly to the BB. Maybe not a long term solution but actualy functions pretty well. It only takes a very small amount of water to trip the circuit.

 

[aquamanic]

I like it. Looks bigger than t-stat wire in the picture. Hope it works for you but I'm thinking a couple of drops of salt water will do it in!

 

[madreef_7K]

It will work just fine. I had this type of setup in my tank, no breakout box but I bought a $10.00 laundry overflow alarm from HD. The wire was spread out to my sump, fuge, frag tank. All this setup was in my basement while the DT was in living room. The system worked flawlessly for 3 yrs until I had to take the entire system down.

Just got apex and plan to do the same here!!

Edit: and yes it did save me by not flooding my basement or several different times