FAQs: RSC-900-AW Wireless Plumbing Leak Protection System

The major difference between the LAN/Ethernet Hub and the Wi-Fi Hub is how they connect to your local internet service. The LAN/Ethernet system requires a hard-wired connection to the internet service router or modem via an Ethernet cable, while the Wi-Fi Hub connects to your internet service wirelessly. It’s often said that hard-wiring is the connection to choose for the highest performance, while Wi-Fi is a connection of convenience.

Commercial entities should consult with their IT team for an appropriate recommendation.

Different situations require different solutions. The Wi-Fi hub may be preferable when an Ethernet cable connection to the internet router or modem is not available.

Not at this time.

No, we do not have designated contractors at this time. Any licensed plumber should be able to install the valve.

3 years; see RDT’s Standard Terms & Conditions for further details. Batteries are not included under the warranty.

All batteries are included in the kit; replacement batteries are all commercial available:

• Hub: (2) AA Batteries
• Sensors: (2) AAA Batteries
• Repeater: (2) AAA Batteries
• Actuator: (4) CR123A (3v) Batteries

• Hub & Repeater: Powered by AC. Battery backup lasts 8 hours in the event of a power outage. We recommend replacing the batteries in the hub and repeater after any significant power interruption to ensure future performance.
• Sensor: 2 years
• Actuator: 2 years

No, the use of rechargeable batteries is not recommended.

Sensitivity of the water sensor has been tested to below 300K.

70 dBA.

• The wireless components are FCC and IC certified.
• The valves are ANSI 61/Annex G approved.
• The actuator (RSC-900-AW) is IP68 rated (for outdoor use under certain conditions).

All our valves are ANSI 61/Annex G approved and are suitable for potable water applications.

• No, it should not. However, if you do experience any slowdown or Internet access issues, you should power down your hub (unplug AC and remove batteries) and unplug all other router/Ethernet connections. Next, plug the hub back into the router and power up the hub (AC & batteries). Finally, plug in all other router/Ethernet connections.
• If problems persist, you should confirm that the IP address of the hub is unique and not the same as any other device connected to the router. Troubleshoot this issue with your router manufacturer.

In theory, yes. However, please consider access to 120V AC power for the hub and Internet access requirements

Yes, you will just need to remove all of the wireless system components (hub, sensors, actuators, etc.) and place them in the new location. Consider leaving the valve in place as it may be easier to purchase and install a new one at the new location ( contact RDT for a replacement valve). You will also need to re-establish the Internet connection to the hub at the new location.

The way to handle that situation would be for the new owner to purchase a new hub and establish their own account (contact RDT for more information).

A maximum of 64 wireless devices (any combination of sensors, actuators or repeaters) can be added to each hub (maximum of 4 repeaters per hub).

Multiple systems can run in one building. Contact RDT to discuss your application in more detail.

Yes, multiple actuator and valve assemblies are allowed per system. However, the maximum number of all wireless devices (including actuators, sensors and repeaters) per system is 64.

Yes, the actuator is rated IP68, which means it can be installed outside. Avoid installations that place the actuator more than 3’ below grade or allow submersion for more than 30 minutes. For installations located areas where high temperatures are common (+100°F), avoid installing the actuator in direct sunlight as the batteries can be affected.

Ideally, the hub should be located in a centralized location to the RSC-900 wireless system devices. The hub requires 120V AC electrical power and should be located within reach of a wall plug. A 6’ Ethernet cable is included in the kit; a longer Ethernet cable may be required if your optimum hub location is more than 6’ from your router.

• 200’ feet between any wireless device (sensor, actuator or repeater) and the hub.
• The Wireless Signal Repeater will increase the range by 200’ (between any devices).

As part of the standard installation process, the RSC-900 communication software will automatically determine if any device location(s) require the use of a Wireless Signal Repeater. The device/location requiring the signal repeater will be clearly indicated on the RSC-900 app, and a prompt for repeater installation/repeater QR code scan will be present.

Note: You can only install a repeater when the RSC-900 communication software determines it is required. If the system app does not prompt you for repeater installation, it will not allow you to add the device.

No, settings cannot be changed. Notifications will sent when the pre-set high temperature of 122°F (50°C) or the low temperature of 36°F (2°C) is reached.

Please contact us to discuss your requirement.

If use of a Wi-Fi hotspot is desired, use any commercially available device – preferably one with an Ethernet port. Be sure it is also compatible with the appropriate mobile device service provider. Note that use of a Wi-Fi hotspot requires a local hard-wire connection to an Ethernet port for initial setup. Click here to download additional Wi-Fi Hotspot Setup Procedure instructions (PDF).

The hub was designed for use with Wi-Fi standard 2.4 GHz, IEEE802.11b/g/n. While the latest 5 GHz band is a less congested bandwidth, the shorter waves used with 5 Ghz make it less able to penetrate walls and solid objects. Therefore, we feel the 2.4 GHz band is more suitable and reliable for our leak detection application.

The self-installation software is designed for set-up, installation and operation on one Internet network. Please contact RDT to learn more about best practices for professional installers.

If a location or name for each device was entered into the app upon set-up, finding it should be easy!

No, the leak detection local monitoring and response is not dependent on Internet service. However, app notifications will be stored until such time as the Internet service is restored.

Contact your Internet service provider.

Yes, there are several ways to manually operate the valve.

• First, the app allows you to open or close the valve.
• You can press the orange button on the actuator for 5 seconds to open or close the valve.

If the actuator fails to respond per the above, remove the actuator from the valve stem and insert the provided key to manually open or close the valve.

Remove the actuator and insert the key into the slot. Turn a 1/4 turn to change valve state. Another 1/4 turn will put the valve back in its original state.

Yes. The self-cleaning occurs once a month and will not interfere in any way with normal water demand flow.

The system will respond instantly when a water leak is detected (shut down the valve, send an alert, etc). In order to conserve battery life, it periodically checks for other system issues, like battery life, ambient temperature, signal communication strength and connectivity, etc.

Temperature measurements are taken every 8 hours, and alerts are sent out immediately for high and low temperature readings: 37°F (3°C) and 122°F (50°C), ± 3°C.

Battery life is measured on all devices every 4 hours.

Communication between the devices and the hub, and the hub and the cloud, is checked every 30 seconds. The app screen will indicate a communication issue after 3 minutes of lost connectivity, and a push notification will be sent if connectivity remains lost for 60 minutes.

Note: The leak detection devices will continue to communicate with the hub and respond to a water leak even if connectivity to the cloud is lost.

Orange LEDs and an orange border in the app indicate a temperature issue at that device location (ambient temperature is too high or too low). Address the temperature issue as soon as possible to return the LED and border back to green.

Note: If the temperature is too low, consider commanding the valve to close in order to avoid water damage from potential frozen pipes.

From time-to-time, we make improvements and minor corrections to the system software. These updates occur “over-the-air” and will not affect the system performance while the update is in process. Users will receive notification on the app and via email that a software update is available, and they have total control of when the update starts through the app. The update is transmitted through the system in many “small packets” of information so as not to adversely affect system battery life. For that reason, it’s perfectly normal for the system update to take several days.

Note: If the update fails to complete within 5 days, it will automatically time out – contact RDT tech support if this happens to your system.

No. The app is a free download, and there are no monthly fees. Standard data rates may apply.

A System consists of (1) hub and its associated wireless devices, which is controlled by an Account. The Account is accessed via the RSC-900 App. Multiple Systems can be controlled by a single Account on one App.

A System can be divided into multiple Zones, where each Zone is a group of unique devices that respond independently according to its “rules.” In these cases, the System hub will determine which shut-off unit will be closed, per specific water flood sensor leak detection.

In some cases, there is a need to “divide” a single system into multiple Zones, where each Zone is a group of unique devices that respond independently according to its “rules.” In these cases, the system hub will determine which shut-off unit will be closed per specific water flood sensor leak detection. Here is an example of how Zones can be configured.

Rather than shut off all of the actuators in the building because one sensor detected a leak, an office or residential building may want to manage the shut-off of water supplies by individual floors or units. For example:

• Multiple RSC-900 shut-off units are installed throughout a building, each protecting a specific unit or floor.
• Multiple RSC-900 water flood sensors are also installed in different locations, each protecting a specific unit or floor.
• Use the App to create and define each Zone, using a naming convention that makes sense to you (Ex: Zone 1, Zone 2; or Floor 1, Floor 2; or Men’s Room 1st Floor, Mechanical Room; etc.). Assign the appropriate RSC-900 shut-off units and sensors to that Zone.
• When a sensor detects a leak, the system hub will determine which shut-off unit(s) will be closed, as per the relevant Zone designation (eg: Zone 1 sensor triggers Zone 1 actuator to shut off the water).
• Other Zones and devices will not be affected by the alarm.
• Leak notifications would be sent, indicating the affected Zone and device location.

No, the app works on an iOS or Android smartphone. However, you can check email notification from the system on your PC or Mac.

• The RSC-900 app is available free for iOS or Android.
• Backwards compatible maximum of 3 releases/versions.

The app is designed to run on smart phones. Depending on your specific tablet or iPad, the app may or may not work.

The app does not work by phone numbers; the account is tied to the email address used for setting up the system. If you want notifications to appear on another phone or device, simply log into the account from that new device.

Yes, one additional contact can receive email notifications if invited by the primary account holder to do so. Alternately, the user name and password can be shared among as many trusted associates as desired, and all will receive notifications and have access to the system functionality.

From the app menu (three lines in the upper left-hand corner of the app screen), click on My Profile – Edit Your Details. Update the information and tap “Save.”