What does Abra Water leakage protection require in terms of system maintenance and testing?

The system doesn't require much maintenance, but it is important that the sensors are kept clean and inspected regularly. To ensure a fully operational system. a functional system test must be conducted minimum twice per year. In this article, we have gathered all you need to know about maintenance and testing.

Automatic valve exercise 

If the valve(s ) has not been in motion during the last 7 days, the system will initiate an automatic valve exercise (a full close/open cycle). The cycle is monitored and the exercise provides information to the system about the valve status and that the valve and the valve actuator works as intended. If something fails, the system will notify with sound, light and push-notification in the Abralife app.

Automatic system updates (OTA)

When the Linkbox+ is registered (connected to a user account and a Abra-home) and online, the unit will automatically download and install any system updates.  An online system is indicated by a continuous green light in both the power and waterdrop LED symbol.

Keep the sensors clean

Without clean and functional sensors, the system will not be able to notify or shut off the water during a potential leakage. Also, dust and dirt may cause false alarms. Clean sensors with a dry cloth. Make sure that the sensor tape or sensor wire is not curled or folded, as this may lead to short circuit of two or more sensors points (which also will cause false alarms).

Functional system test

To ensure a fully operational system, a functional system test must be conducted minimum twice per year. A functional system test means checking every sensors and ensuring that the water supply actually stops when alarms are triggered. Follow these steps:

1. Test sensortape/sensor wire connected to Linkbox+

(Only relevant if you have sensortape or sensor wire connected directly to Linkbox+)

1. Open a water tap and let the cold water flow (e.g. kitchen faucet).
2. Add moist to one of the sensor points on the Sensor Tape using a cloth or similar.
3. Control the following:
   1. Alarm is triggered (Sound and light from Linkbox + push notification in Abralife app (if used))
   2. Water stops flowing (Within approx. 5 seconds)
   3. If 2 valves are installed  (hot + cold water), turn the faucet to hot water and confirm that water is still closed.
4. Mute the alarm with a short click on the Linkbox-button or by clicking "Clear water leak alarm" in the app.
5. Carefully dry the moisted sensor point. Make sure it is completely dried.
6. Open the valve from the app or by clicking the Linkbox-button for 3 seconds.
7. Control the following:
   
   1. Water starts flowing again
   2. The Linkbox+ water drop symbol lights GREEN
   3. The Abralife app shows an open valve

For troubleshooting, check out this article.

2. Test wireless sensors

(Only relevant if you have wireless sensors connected)

NB! Do not apply large amount of water to the sensor while it is held upside down. The sealing mechanism requires the sensor probes to point downwards.

1. Open a water tap and let the cold water flow (e.g. kitchen faucet).
2. Trigger a sensor alarm in one of the following ways:
   1. If the sensor is installed in a bracket and has a sensor tape connected, add moisture to one of the sensor points on the tape.
   2. If the sensor is placed freely without a bracket and sensor tape, add moisture to one of the 2 pair of sensor probes underneath the sensor (see picture below).
3. Control the following:
   1. Alarm is triggered (Sound and light from Linkbox + push notification in Abralife app (if used))
   2. Water stops flowing (Within approx. 5 seconds)
   3. If 2 valves are installed  (hot + cold water), turn the faucet to hot water and confirm that water is still closed.
4. Mute the alarm with a short click on the Linkbox-button or by clicking "Clear water leak alarm" in the app.
5. Carefully dry the moisted sensor point. Make sure it is completely dried.
6. Open the valve from the app or by clicking the Linkbox-button for 3 seconds.
7. Control the following:
   
   1. Water starts flowing again
   2. The Linkbox+ water drop symbol lights GREEN
   3. The Abralife app shows an open valve
8. Repeat the test for each of the connected wireless sensors

For troubleshooting, check out this article.

Changing wireless sensor batteries

The included battery (CR2477) lasts for +5 years. However, we recommend changing the battery within 5 years. This ensures the expected signal strength.

The system will notify you when the battery is running low. (sound and lights from Linkbox and the affected sensor + app notification).

Instructions

NB! The battery cover comes with a sealing to prevent water intrusion and may be bit hard to open. Use a suitable tool if you are not able to open it with your fingers.

1. Remove the battery cover underneath the water sensor by turning left (CCW). 
2. Exchange the battery with a new (type CR2477). Ensure the PLUS-symbol on the battery points upwards.
3. Fasten the battery cover again by turning right (CW). The status LED will light GREEN in one second, together with a simply sound signal.
4. The sensor will trigger a test alarm. Press the sensor button to abort the alarm.
5. IMPORTANT: Always perform a functional test of the sensor (as described in the chapter above) after battery exchange.
6. Place the sensor back to its location.