Connector for Water Detection Cable (BMS)
€69.00
The Interface Between Water Detection Cable and Building Management System
The Didactum Connector for Water Detection Cable (BMS) is the evaluation unit for leak detection in buildings that are controlled via an existing Building Management System (BMS). Unlike the analog connector for Didactum Monitoring Systems, this connector provides a potential-free contact as well as a 12V/24V DC power input, allowing it to be integrated directly into almost any common third-party building management system.
A single water damage incident can not only lead to expensive repairs, but also affect the operation of entire buildings. Together with the water detection cable, the BMS connector forms the interface between physical leak detection on-site and the central building management system – for continuous water leak detection that can be integrated into existing management systems.
Important Notice: The connector for water detection cable (BMS) is exclusively the evaluation unit and does not have its own detection section itself. It is not functional without the separately available water detection cable (Didactum, Art.-No. DI14008). Only the connected cable provides the actual moisture detection along the monitored area. Please order the water detection cable in the appropriate length separately if not already available.
Individually Configurable: Power Supply
The connector can already be selected during the ordering process to match the power supply of your building management system.
Please Note: The desired voltage variant must be actively selected above the shopping cart button under "Select Power Supply" to ensure the correct version is delivered.
Power Supply
12V DC
For integration into building management systems with 12V DC power supply.
24V DC
For integration into building management systems with 24V DC power supply.
Both variants are functionally identical and differ only in the permissible input voltage of the internal evaluation electronics. Before ordering, check which DC voltage your building management system uses to power the connector, and select the appropriate variant.
Structure and Operating Principle of the BMS Connector
The BMS connector consists of a compact plastic housing (60 × 18 × 18 mm, approx. 60 g) with three functional connection areas.
Power Supply Input
Two wires for the external DC power supply of the connector directly from the building management system.
Potential-Free Output (Dry Contact)
Reports the alarm status as a simple switching contact to any dry contact input of the BMS system.
Cable Connection (RJ11/RJ12)
The water detection cable is connected to the connector via a connection cable and a 6P4C connector.
Inside the housing is the evaluation electronics, which continuously measures the resistance of the connected water detection cable and switches the potential-free output when a significant resistance change occurs. Via a resistor (R10) documented in the circuit diagram, the response threshold can be adjusted afterwards if necessary to avoid false alarms in particularly humid environments.
How the Connector Detects Leaks
As soon as water or another conductive liquid connects the two wires of the connected water detection cable, the electrical resistance in the cable drops noticeably. The connector registers this resistance change within a few seconds and then switches its potential-free output – the building management system recognizes this state change as an "alarm". As long as no liquid is present, the output remains in the "normal" state.
This detects not only pure water, but also dirty 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.
Practical Example: The water detection cable is laid along the edge area of a technical room and connected to the BMS connector. If water leaks from a faulty air conditioning unit and reaches the cable, the connector immediately switches its dry contact output – the connected building management system then automatically triggers the stored alarm process, such as a notification to the facility manager.
Integration into the Building Management System
The BMS connector is integrated directly into the wiring of the building management system and does not require connection to a Didactum Monitoring System.
- Connect the connector to any dry contact input as well as to the 12V or 24V DC power supply and ground (GND) of the building management system
- Plug the included connection cable into the connector
- Connect the water detection cable to the connection cable
- If necessary, connect additional water detection cable sections in series to form a longer detection line
- Run the wiring around or under potentially endangered areas
- Close the open end of the last cable section with the included protective cap
- The connector is then immediately ready for use
Note: The BMS connector cannot be connected to an analog port of a Didactum Monitoring System. For direct integration into a Didactum Monitoring System, the separate analog connector for water detection cable is available instead.
Recommended Installation Patterns for the Water Detection Cable
Depending on the protection objective, the water detection cable connected to the connector can be laid in three proven patterns.
Full-Surface Coverage
Comprehensive protection of critical areas through full-area installation across the entire room.
Cover Edge Area
Prevents incoming or leaking water from leaving or entering the monitored area.
Cover Only Danger Points
Targeted protection at particularly critical sources such as air conditioning units or pipes.
The cable must not touch itself and should be laid as straight as possible. It must not be strongly twisted or crushed and must not rest on a conductive surface. Shortening the cable is possible, but the open ends must be carefully insulated; the cable must not be formed into a loop.
Testing Connector and Cable
After installation, the function can be checked easily and non-destructively.
- Connect the water detection cable to the connector and this to the dry contact, power, and ground connections of the building management system. As long as the cable is laid straight and does not touch itself or a conductive material, the BMS should display the "normal" state.
- Slightly moisten a cloth and use it to touch both (yellow) wires of the water detection cable simultaneously. This short-circuits the contact and the connector should switch to the "alarm" state.
- Afterwards, carefully dry the cable with a dry cloth until the state automatically returns to "normal".
An alarm is usually triggered within approximately 15 seconds. How quickly the state returns to "normal" after removing the moisture depends on how quickly the cable dries completely.
Adjusting Connector Sensitivity
In environments with very high humidity, it may happen that the connector switches to the alarm state even without leaked liquid. 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 sensitivity of the connector and thereby reduces possible false alarms in particularly humid environments. This adjustment should only be made by technically trained personnel.
Common Problems and Solutions
The following overview helps with quick identification of typical installation problems.
BMS does not detect state change
Check the RJ11/RJ12 connection cable for correct seating as well as the wiring of the dry contact output and power supply in the building management system.
Output shows permanent "alarm"
Check whether the water detection cable touches itself, is twisted or compressed, or whether it rests on a conductive surface. A damaged cable can also cause this condition.
Check suspicion of cable damage
Using a multimeter, the continuity of the two wires (A and B) can be checked individually: With an intact cable, there is continuity between A-A and B-B, but not between A-B. If there is continuity between A-B instead, the wires cross at one point; no continuity at A-A or B-B indicates a cable break.
Performance Data at a Glance
The connector requires an external DC power supply, which is provided by the building management system. Select the appropriate voltage variant (12V or 24V DC) above the shopping cart button, see section "Configuration".
What Is Included in the Scope of Delivery
Upon receipt, please check the scope of delivery for completeness and report any missing or damaged parts to your supplier immediately.
- Connector for Water Detection Cable (BMS)1 piece
- RJ11 Connection Cable, 6P4C, 2 m1 piece
- Adapter Cable for Water Detection Cable1 piece
- Mounting Screw1 piece
- Adhesive Strips for Mounting1 piece
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 BMS Connector
The connector is suitable wherever water leak detection is to be integrated into an existing building management system.
- Server Rooms & Data Centers: Integration of leak detection into existing BMS control centers
- Technical and Switchgear Rooms: Protection of UPS systems, air conditioning technology, and distribution cabinets
- Raised Floors: Monitoring of entire rooms through water detection cables laid across the entire area
- Air-Conditioned Areas: Protection around air conditioning units as typical leak sources
- Archives & Storage Rooms: Protection of valuable assets from irreparable water damage
- Building-Wide Building Management System: Integration of multiple detection areas into a central BMS control center
Why the BMS Connector is the Right Choice
Manufacturer-Independent
Potential-free output for integration into almost any common building management system.
Real-Time Alerting
Reports leaks to the building management system within approximately 15 seconds.
Flexible Power Supply
Operation with 12V or 24V DC directly from the BMS system.
Versatile Use
Detects water, acids, alkalis, alcohols, and other conductive liquids.
Large Range
Up to 100 m distance between connector and detection cable.
Adjustable Sensitivity
Response threshold can be finely adjusted via internal resistor if necessary.
Simple Function Test
Verification possible at any time with a moist cloth, without additional tools.
Made in EU
Developed and manufactured in the European Union.
More on Analog Sensors
Tutorial: Analog Sensors Part 2
In-depth instructions on connection, configuration, and operation of analog sensors on Didactum Monitoring Systems.
To the Tutorial →Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the connector not work alone?
The connector is exclusively the evaluation unit and does not have a detection section itself. Only the separately available water detection cable (DI14008) provides the actual moisture detection along the monitored area. Without this cable, the connector is not functional.
Can I connect the connector to a Didactum Monitoring System?
No. This connector provides a potential-free output for third-party building management systems (BMS) and cannot be connected directly to an analog port of a Didactum Monitoring System. For direct integration into a Didactum Monitoring System, the separate analog connector for water detection cable is available.
How is the connector powered?
The connector requires an external DC power supply, which is provided by the connected building management system. It is available in 12V DC and 24V DC variants; select the appropriate voltage during the ordering process above the shopping cart button.
How does the connector detect a leak?
As soon as water or another conductive liquid connects the two wires of the connected water detection cable, the electrical resistance in the cable drops. The connector detects this change within a few seconds and then switches its potential-free output, which the building management system registers as an alarm.
How do I test whether the connector and cable are functioning correctly?
Slightly moisten a cloth and use it to touch both wires of the connected water detection cable simultaneously. The output should then switch to the alarm state. After carefully drying the cable, the state automatically returns to "normal" again. An alarm is usually triggered within approximately 15 seconds.
The output shows permanent "alarm" – what can I do?
Check whether the water detection cable touches itself, is twisted or compressed, or whether it was laid on a conductive surface. A damaged cable can also cause a permanent alarm condition; continuity can be checked with a multimeter. In very humid environments, the sensitivity can additionally be adjusted via the internal resistor R10.
How large can the distance between connector and water detection cable be?
The cable run from the connector may be up to 100 m, which also enables monitoring of extensive areas within a building.
Questions about the Connector for Water Detection Cable (BMS)?
Our support team in Germany will advise you free of charge on selection, installation, and integration into your building management system.
Didactum Connector for Water Detection Cable (BMS)
Function
- BMS sensor for continuous monitoring of water leaks
- For use with WLC water detection cable (sold separately)
- Detects moisture when water comes into contact with the sensor cable
- Ideal for monitoring risk areas such as pipelines, HVAC systems, or server rooms
General Data
- Type: BMS sensor
- Response time: approx. 15 seconds
- Recovery time: depends on the drying time of the sensor cable
Connections
- Input: 2-wire (WLC cable required, sold separately)
- Output: 1 x RJ11 / RJ12, 6P4C
Electrical Data
- Power consumption: 60 mW
- Supply voltage: 12V DC or 24V DC (depending on version)
- Maximum distance: 100 m
Environmental Conditions
- Operating temperature: -10 °C to +80 °C
- Humidity: 5% to 95% (non-condensing)
Mechanical Data
- Dimensions: 60 × 18 × 18 mm
- Weight: 60 g
- Mounting: Attachment via adhesive strips or screws (included)
General
- Manufactured in: EU
- HS code: 9025 80 400
Can be used with monitoring unit:
Can be used with extension unit:
Manufacturer information:
Didactum® Security GmbH
Im Mühlenfeld 4
48163 Münster
Deutschland
Fon:
(+49) 250 19 71 63 54 / (+49) 171 33 11 577
Email: info@didactum-security.de
