How to Use SOS Leak Sensor: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The SOS Leak Sensor by Blue Robotics is a compact and reliable device designed to detect the presence of water leaks. It is an essential component for applications where water damage prevention is critical. The sensor can alert users to potential flooding or water ingress, enabling timely intervention to prevent damage to equipment, property, or sensitive environments.

• Monitoring bilge compartments in marine vessels
• Detecting leaks in water tanks or pipelines
• Flood detection in basements or server rooms
• Integration into home automation systems for water damage prevention
• Industrial applications for leak detection in machinery or storage areas

The SOS Leak Sensor is designed for low-power operation and high sensitivity to water presence. Below are the key technical details:

The SOS Leak Sensor has a simple 3-pin interface for easy integration into circuits:

1. Power the Sensor: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V or 5V DC power source and the GND pin to the ground of your circuit.
2. Read the Output: Connect the OUT pin to a digital input pin of your microcontroller or monitoring system. The sensor outputs a HIGH signal when no water is detected and a LOW signal when water is present.
3. Mount the Sensor: Place the sensor in the area where water detection is required. Use the adhesive backing or screws to secure it in place.

• Ensure the sensor is mounted in a location where it can reliably detect water without being submerged entirely.
• Avoid placing the sensor in areas with high humidity or condensation, as this may cause false positives.
• Use pull-up or pull-down resistors on the OUT pin if required by your microcontroller.
• Regularly inspect the sensor for dirt or debris that may affect its performance.

Below is an example of how to connect and use the SOS Leak Sensor with an Arduino UNO:

• Connect the VCC pin of the sensor to the 5V pin on the Arduino.
• Connect the GND pin of the sensor to the GND pin on the Arduino.
• Connect the OUT pin of the sensor to digital pin 2 on the Arduino.

// SOS Leak Sensor Example Code
// This code reads the sensor output and prints the status to the Serial Monitor.

const int sensorPin = 2; // Digital pin connected to the sensor's OUT pin
int sensorState = HIGH;  // Variable to store the sensor state

void setup() {
  pinMode(sensorPin, INPUT); // Set the sensor pin as input
  Serial.begin(9600);        // Initialize serial communication
}

void loop() {
  sensorState = digitalRead(sensorPin); // Read the sensor output

  if (sensorState == LOW) {
    // If the sensor output is LOW, water is detected
    Serial.println("Water detected! Take action immediately.");
  } else {
    // If the sensor output is HIGH, no water is detected
    Serial.println("No water detected.");
  }

  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second before reading again
}

1. Sensor Always Reads HIGH (No Water Detected)

   • Cause: Poor connection or insufficient power supply.
   • Solution: Check the wiring and ensure the VCC pin is receiving 3.3V to 5V DC. Verify the GND connection.

2. Sensor Always Reads LOW (Water Detected)

   • Cause: Sensor is dirty or exposed to high humidity.
   • Solution: Clean the sensor surface with a dry cloth and ensure it is not exposed to condensation.

3. False Positives or Erratic Readings

   • Cause: Electrical noise or improper mounting.
   • Solution: Use a decoupling capacitor (e.g., 0.1µF) between VCC and GND. Ensure the sensor is securely mounted.

Q: Can the SOS Leak Sensor be submerged in water?
A: No, the sensor is designed to detect water presence but should not be fully submerged.

Q: Can I use the sensor with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, the sensor operates within a voltage range of 3.3V to 5V, making it compatible with 3.3V systems.

Q: How do I extend the cable length?
A: You can use standard wire extensions, but ensure proper insulation to prevent signal degradation or interference.

Q: Is the sensor suitable for detecting other liquids?
A: The sensor is optimized for water detection. It may not work reliably with non-conductive liquids like oil.