Comparison Neptun Bugatti ProW 1/2 vs Neptun Bugatti ProW Plus 1/2

Main system components supplied in the kit.

The finished delivery kit includes three components: a control unit (CU), a leakage sensor(s) and a special ball valve(s). At the same time, both control units(including those built into the valve) and valves can be sold completely separately. Let's take a closer look at each component:

- Control unit. The “brain” of the system, is directly responsible for its functioning: it receives signals from sensors and controls the valves. In this case, we mean a control unit made in the form of a separate device. Installing such a system is somewhat more complicated than in the case of a valve with a built-in control unit — it is necessary to ensure that the control unit is connected not only to the sensors but also to the valve(s). On the other hand, the control module can be placed in a convenient place. In addition, this kind of arrangement is optimal if you need to shut off several points in the water supply system at once: one common external unit for several valves, as a rule, is cheaper than several valves with built-in control units.

— Cvalves with control unit. A control unit built directly into the ball valve is responsible for shutting off the water. This design makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the system and...the total number of components in it, and, as a result, significantly simplifies installation. On the other hand, a built-in control unit is usually responsible only for its own valve and does not allow the connection of additional ones. So it makes sense to pay attention to this option mainly in three cases: either if you need to cover only one point, if compactness and a minimum number of components are crucial, or if there are difficulties with installing a remote control unit.

— Ball valve. A special valve driven by an electric motor shuts off the water supply based on a signal from the control unit. Note that the kit usually includes a small number of valves — no more than 3, while control units can support a larger number. This is done so that the customer does not overpay for extra valves when purchasing a set. If the standard equipment is not enough, additional valves can be purchased separately.

— Leakage sensor. A sensor that reacts to contact with water. When water gets on the touch surface, such a sensor sends a signal to the central unit, reporting a leak. Note that many systems allow the connection of more sensors than are supplied in the kit. The sensors themselves can use both wired and wireless connections to the control unit; some kits support both options at once. See “Sensor connection” for details.

Method of connecting sensors of the leak detection system to the control unit.

— Wired. Wired systems are not very convenient to install — in fact, because of the need to lay wiring; on the other hand, they are noticeably cheaper than wireless ones, and the connection is more reliable and practically does not depend on the distance of the sensors. Another important advantage is that wired sensors do not require their own power sources — the entire system is powered by a household power supply, and its life is practically unlimited.

— Wireless. Connecting sensors wirelessly, via radio channel. This option is convenient because during installation it is not necessary to lay connecting wires; this is especially useful when placing sensors at a significant distance from the control unit. At the same time, the reliability of such a connection is somewhat lower than that of a wired connection, especially if there are numerous obstacles (for example, walls) in the signal path. However, this can be compensated by choosing a system with a good range margin. But of the unequivocal disadvantages, one can name the high cost and the need to monitor the condition of the batteries that power the sensors (their life can be calculated for years, but periodic replacement or recharging of the batteries is still required).

— Wired / wireless. Kits equipped with both wired and wireless sensors and allowing both connection meth...ods. For more details about the features of each of the methods, see above. This option is designed for situations where both types of connection can come in handy at once — that is, it is possible to stretch a wire to some installation sites without problems, while others are easier to equip with wireless sensors.

The largest number of leakage sensors allowed for simultaneous connection to the control unit. Essentially, this parameter determines the number of places that can be protected from leaks using a particular system. An apartment building or a small office rarely requires more than 10–15 sensors, but large buildings may need several dozen, or even hundreds of them.

Note that the number of sensors in a set (see “In box”) is often less than the maximum possible — in the expectation that the customer will complete the system with the required number of sensors as needed. It is also worth saying that this paragraph takes into account all types of sensors — both wired and wireless. If the kit allows both connection methods, then the number of supported wireless sensors is specified separately in the specifications.

The maximum number of wireless leak sensors supported by the system.

Such sensors are more convenient to install than wired ones, since they do not require laying cables. In some cases — for example, when installing a leak detection system in a hose with finished renovation — this can be a fundamental advantage. The downside to this convenience is the higher cost and the need. As for the number of wireless sensors, it is separately specified only if the system supports both types of sensors — both wired and wireless. The choice regarding this parameter is quite obvious: it all depends on how many control points need to be covered by the leak detection system. It should be taken into account that the number of sensors in the kit may be less than the total number supported by the system.

The maximum number of electric valves that can be simultaneously connected to the control unit; in other words, the largest number of points at which the water supply can be shut off using this system. For home use, most often 2–3 taps are sufficient (hot water, cold water, washing machine/dishwasher); for larger buildings, a larger number may be required.

The frequency with which the system carries out preventive maintenance to protect the valve from jamming.

Jamming can occur if the valve has been in a stationary position for a long time: deposits appear on its internal parts that interfere with the movement of these parts. To avoid this, with a certain frequency (once a month, once every half a month or once a week), valve exercise can be turned on: the device closes and opens the valve several times. The more often this process is carried out, the less likely it is that the valve will become dirty and will not be able to function normally.

The presence of a backup power source in the design of the device. Such a source is needed when the main power is not available; thanks to this, the system remains operational even during power outages. The classic backup power option is batteries in devices powered by the mains. For a long time, such batteries are not enough, but at least they allow you to detect failure without losing protection.

Types of alerts provided in the protective system.

— Sound. Notification of various events with a sound signal. The most common use is to sound an alarm when a leak is detected to draw attention to the problem and possibly contain the water that has already spilt and prevent damage. In addition, there may be other reasons for sound notification — for example, a critically low battery.

— Wire break alarm. Notification of a broken wire going to the wired sensor. Protective systems with this function during operation constantly monitor the connection with the sensors and give a signal when a break is detected. This avoids situations where the sensor does not work due to damage to the connecting wire.

— Valve failure alarm. Leak detection systems with this function periodically check the operability of the valves and if problems are detected, they issue a warning. This reduces the likelihood that the valve will be broken and will not be able to perform its function.