Connector for Water Leak Chain

The Evaluation Unit for Reliable Water Leak Detection

The Didactum Connector for Water Detection Cable is the central evaluation unit for leakage monitoring in server rooms, data centers, and other critical business facilities. It is connected to an analog port (A1–A8) of a Didactum Monitoring System and evaluates the signals from the connected water detection cable in real time. As soon as moisture is detected, the connector immediately reports an alarm to the monitoring system.

A single water damage incident can not only lead to expensive repairs, but can also paralyze entire business operations, cause data loss, and permanently affect the trust of customers and partners. Together with the water detection cable, the connector forms the interface between physical leak detection on-site and central server room monitoring – including real-time alarms via email, SMS, or SNMP trap.

How the Connector Detects Leaks

The connector operates on a simple but reliable resistance principle.

As soon as water or another conductive liquid connects the two conductors of the connected water detection cable, the electrical resistance in the cable drops noticeably. The connector registers this change in resistance within a few seconds and reports the "Alarm" status to the Didactum Monitoring System. As long as no liquid is present, the connector remains in "Normal" status.

It detects not only pure water, but also contaminated or distilled water as well as acids, alkalis, alcohols, and other electrically conductive liquids – making the connector suitable for use in humid, dirty, and demanding environments.

Connection to the Monitoring System

The connector is connected directly to one of the analog ports (A1 to A8) of a Didactum Monitoring System via a standard RJ11/RJ12 sensor cable (6P4C) and is automatically detected there. The water detection cable itself is connected to the connector via a 2-wire input. If the sensor appears as "Normal" in the web interface under "System Tree" → "System Group" → "Automatic Detection", the wiring is correct and there is no moisture present – meaning the two conductors of the cable are not touching each other and are not short-circuited.

Multiple Connectors and Larger Installations

For larger installations with multiple monitoring zones, the number of connectable connectors and thus the entire system range can be increased via a Didactum Sensor Expansion Unit (8x analog, CAN-Bus). This allows extensive data centers, multiple server room levels, or complex facilities with numerous potential leak sources to be monitored centrally and comprehensively without having to replace the base unit. Daisy-chaining individual connectors with each other is not supported – each connector is connected directly to its own analog port.

Recommended Installation Patterns for the Water Detection Cable

Depending on the protection target, the water detection cable connected to the connector can be installed in three proven patterns.

Testing Connector and Cable

After installation, the function can be easily and non-destructively checked.

1. Connect the water detection cable to the connector and this to an analog port of the monitoring system. The sensor should be automatically detected in the web interface and show the status "Normal", provided the cable is laid straight and does not touch itself or a conductive material.
2. Lightly moisten a cloth and use it to touch both (yellow) conductors of the water detection cable simultaneously. This short-circuits the contact and the connector should switch to "Alarm" status.
3. Afterwards, carefully dry the cable with a dry cloth until the sensor automatically returns to "Normal" status.

An alarm is typically triggered within about 15 seconds. How quickly the status returns to "Normal" after removing the moisture depends on how quickly the cable dries completely.

Adjusting Connector Sensitivity

In environments with very high humidity, the connector may switch to alarm status even without liquid leakage. In this case, the response threshold can be adjusted via the internal resistor R10 on the circuit board. Increasing the resistance value (e.g., to 270 kΩ) reduces the connector's sensitivity and thereby reduces possible false alarms in particularly humid environments. This adjustment should only be performed by technically trained personnel.

Common Problems and Solutions

The following overview helps with quick identification of typical installation problems.

Performance Data at a Glance

What Is Included in the Scope of Delivery

Please check the scope of delivery for completeness upon receipt and immediately report any missing or damaged parts to your supplier.

• Connector for water detection cable1 piece
• Mounting screwincluded in scope of delivery
• Adhesive strips for mountingincluded in scope of delivery

The water detection cable (Art.-No. DI14008) absolutely required for operation is not included in the scope of delivery and must be ordered separately in the desired length.

Application Areas of the Connector

In addition to server rooms and data centers, there are numerous other critical areas where professional leak detection is required.

• Technical and switchgear rooms: Protection of UPS systems, air conditioning technology, and distribution cabinets
• Archives & storage rooms: Protection of valuable documents from irreparable water damage
• Production areas with water-carrying systems: Early detection of leaks
• Laboratories & research facilities: Securing sensitive equipment and samples
• Cooling & climate zones: Monitoring around air conditioning units and cooling systems
• Basements & cellar rooms: Early warning for penetrating groundwater or rainwater

Why the Connector Is the Right Choice

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Frequently Asked Questions