Water Leak Detection For Data Centres & High Risk Electrical Systems Using Andel Floodline Panels & Cables

Published 08 Dec 2016

By Chris Dodds : estimated reading time 4 minutes

T&D – Andel Water Leak Detection Systems

Water leak detection systems provide essential area monitoring for data centres and raise an alarm in the incident of a water leak occurring.

Data Centres, Exchanges and Switch Centres provide a critical service relied upon by millions of subscribers in their day to day business and life. Continuity of service is not only essential to users but also vital in terms of revenue to their operators.

Data or communications centres are built to the latest designs employing up to the minute features and technologies. Mile upon mile of data, network and power cable is installed under raised access floors where it can be organised and routed safely out of sight.

This void also contains water service pipes feeding A/C units, toilets, kitchens and more, all of which could leak and cause damage to electrical systems. Water leak detection systems can provide an early warning to developing issues before damage can occur.

Andel Floodline leak detection systems are chosen as the best, most reliable and cost-effective option by many of the world’s most prestigious “blue-chip” organisations. In the UK companies such as BT, HSBC, Orange, Global Switch, ICM Group, Airbus Industries, Norwich Union, GSK, National Grid and many others are regular end users of Floodline leak detection systems.

Water Leak – A Major Downtime Threat For Data Centre Operators

Special leak detection cable or pad and point sensors are installed floor voids in a design or pattern to provide the best coverage. Pipe-joints and connections are particularly sensitive so sensors are clipped to the floor directly around the ‘footprint’ of each unit or beneath the whole length of pipe work. Point sensors can be targeted at specific items or areas.

Andel Floodline Leak Detection System

Where pipes run at high level or there are roof valley gutters and down pipes, drip trays are suspended below pipes and gutters with leak detection cable running the entire length or point sensors installed at a low end.

Andel’s leak detection systems can zoned to allow quick and accurate location of the leak. Below is an example of how leak detection zones can be designed.

Andel Floodline Leak Detection Sample Zone Diagram

Each A/C unit is allocated a separate ‘Zone’ and runs of water pipe are sub-divided into a number of ‘Zones’ usually 5-10m in length to help isolate the leak to a convenient length.

Point sensors are installed in plant rooms with solid floors to monitor for a build-up or ‘pooling’ of water from leaking equipment, water tanks, booster sets and pumps etc.

All areas are monitored either by individual local Floodline Control Panels or a centrally located Floodline Control Panel. Options include small, stand–alone systems or larger multi–zone control panels. All Floodline systems provide connections for the BMS or other remote monitoring via volt-free contacts or RS232/485 communication protocols.

Zoned leak detection systems are available for up to 128 zones and are flexible to allow for the monitoring of all areas of concern such as toilets, tea points, vending machines, water fountains, kitchens and services risers using the most suitable method for the area.