C1D2 Industrial IoT Wireless Water Detect Sensor Brochure

Device Overview

NCD’s C1D2 certified long-range wireless water detection sensors are the first designed specifically for hazardous environments. Certified for C1D2 Groups A, B, C, and D, they are suited for areas with explosive gases, dust, fibers, or flammable vapors, including substances like Acetylene, Hydrogen, Gasoline, and Methanol. These sensors are ideal for use in chemical plants, oil refineries, paint shops, mills, and other facilities handling flammable materials.

Featuring an integrated antenna and up to a 2-mile range, the sensor uses a 900MHz 128-Bit AES encrypted transceiver to send data at customizable intervals. It sleeps between transmissions to save power, waking every 15 minutes or when a wet/dry condition is detected. This ensures regular updates and immediate alerts, with a battery life of up to 10 years depending on conditions and settings.

The sensor includes a 4.5-meter probe cable, transmitting wet or dry status changes for applications like water leak detection. It is ideal for preventing water damage in buildings or monitoring drainage in critical areas. Applications include detecting floods, leaks from water heaters, frozen pipes, or low-water conditions in sensitive areas like factory floors and machinery.

NCD’s sensor ecosystem integrates seamlessly with platforms like AWS®, Microsoft Azure®, or private MQTT brokers using Node-RED. This allows secure, private data handling or cloud integration with minimal effort, making it one of the most versatile and reliable solutions on the market.

Feature

  • C1D2 Certified Temperature Sensor for Hazardous Locations
    • Group A, B, C, and D Certification
  • Industrial Long Range Wireless Water Detect Sensor
  • Detect Water Presence or non- presence
  • IP65 Box Ideal for Indoor Outdoor Applications
  • 4.5 Meter Long Connecting Wire Water Detection Probe
  • Encrypted Communication, 1000 ft indoor wireless range, approximately 2 miles in line of sight environments with onboard antenna
  • Supports Wireless Mesh Networking
  • Open Communication Protocol for Easy Software Integration,
  • NO Monthly Fee or Locked Proprietary Protocols, Open Node-RED library for ease of configuration and data processing
Figure 1: Device Overview

Wireless Technology

The NCD Industrial range of sensors utilizes DigiMesh, a proprietary networking technology designed by Digi® International. It is especially suitable for IIoT applications as it provides a number of benefits over conventional wireless stacks:

  • Long range – 2 miles+ in line of sight conditions, estimated 1000 ft indoors.
  • Mesh networking topology – no single point of failure, self healing network with high redundancy.
  • Long battery life due to low power consumption – up to 10 years
  • Simplified provisioning – extending the mesh network via repeater at no additional configuration complexity
  • Works in the 868MHz, 900MHz and 2.4GHz bands – worldwide region interoperability.

Battery Life

SpecificationsMinimumNominalMaximumNotes
Batteries266May be Powered by 2 or 6 AA Batteries
Battery Life 1 TPD (TPD Transmissions per Day)10 YearsBattery estimation is based on a 30 min interval
Battery Life 12 TPD (TPD Transmissions per Day)8 YearsBattery estimation is based on a 30 min interval
Battery Life 24 TPD (TPD Transmissions per Day)5 YearBattery estimation is based on a 30 min interval
Battery Life 96 TPD (TPD Transmissions per Day)3 YearBattery estimation is based on a 30 min interval

The Truth About Battery Life

Under the best of circumstances, the best non-rechargeable batteries commonly available today are limited to a 10 year non-working shelf life in a room temperature environment. Factors such as actual usage, temperature, and humidity will impact the working life. Be wary of any battery claims in excess of 10 years, as this would only apply to the most exotic and expensive batteries that are not commonly available. Also note that most battery chemistries are not rated for use in extreme temperatures. NCD only uses the best Non-Rechargeable Lithium batteries available today, which are also rated for use in extreme temperatures and have been tested by our customers in light radioactive environments. Lithium batteries offer a 10 year maximum expected shelf life due to limitations of battery technology. NCD will never rate sensor life beyond the rated shelf life of the best batteries available today, which is currently 10 years.

Applications & Use-cases

The C1D2 Industrial IoT Wireless Water Detect Sensor is designed to monitor the presence or absence of water in hazardous and industrial environments. This sensor provides real-time wireless alerts, allowing facility managers to prevent costly damage, ensure safety, and comply with regulatory requirements. It is ideal for monitoring water leaks, flooding, and moisture accumulation in areas where even minor water intrusion can lead to safety hazards or operational disruptions.

C1D2 Industrial IoT Wireless Water Detect Sensor Applications

Industrial Safety and Leak Prevention

In hazardous environments such as chemical plants, oil refineries, and manufacturing facilities, undetected water leaks can cause severe equipment failures or chemical reactions. The sensor alerts facility managers immediately when water is detected, allowing for rapid response to prevent potential hazards, electrical short circuits, or costly downtime.

Warehouse and Inventory Protection

Warehouses and storage facilities often house sensitive materials, electronics, or perishable goods that can be damaged by unexpected water leaks. By deploying these sensors in key areas such as near storage racks, loading docks, or HVAC systems, facility managers can prevent water damage, mold growth, or inventory losses before they become significant issues.

Smart Building and Facility Management

For commercial buildings, data centers, and office complexes, water leaks can lead to equipment failures, structural damage, or operational downtime. This sensor integrates into existing IoT monitoring systems to provide early warnings, allowing building managers to address leaks before they cause major disruptions. It is particularly useful for monitoring areas like basements, mechanical rooms, or near water pipes and AC units.

Flood and Water Intrusion Monitoring

Municipal infrastructure, tunnels, and underground facilities are often at risk of flooding due to rainfall, burst pipes, or groundwater seepage. This sensor provides real-time alerts to public works departments, ensuring fast response times and minimizing flood-related damage.

C1D2 Industrial IoT Wireless Door Open Closed Sensor Use-cases

Oil Refinery Leak Detection and Prevention

An oil refinery installs the C1D2 Industrial IoT Wireless Water Detect Sensor in critical areas such as pump stations, chemical storage zones, and underground pipelines. If water intrusion is detected near sensitive equipment or containment areas, an immediate alert is sent to the control room, where operators can take corrective action before the situation escalates. The system logs all detected leaks for compliance reporting and preventive maintenance, ensuring the safe handling of hazardous materials while minimizing downtime.

Mining Facility Flood Monitoring

In underground mining operations, excessive water buildup can lead to dangerous working conditions, machinery failures, or even structural collapses. By deploying the sensor near tunnels, sump pumps, and ventilation shafts, operators receive real-time alerts when water levels rise unexpectedly. The system integrates with the mine’s automated drainage and ventilation control, ensuring that flooding risks are mitigated promptly and workers remain safe.

High-Security Warehouse Asset Protection

A logistics company managing valuable inventory installs water detection sensors in storage areas, cold rooms, and near fire suppression systems. When a sensor detects unexpected water presence—such as from a leaking roof, a burst pipe, or accidental sprinkler activation—alerts are sent to facility managers. By integrating with the building’s IoT monitoring system, warehouse personnel can respond quickly, preventing damage to inventory, electronic systems, and critical infrastructure.

Smart Factory Leak Prevention & Equipment Protection

In an automated manufacturing plant, even minor water leaks near production lines, robotics, or control panels can cause significant damage and operational delays. By strategically placing the C1D2 Industrial IoT Wireless Water Detect Sensor around key machinery, HVAC systems, and production zones, the facility’s IoT system can automatically shut down affected equipment when leaks are detected. This ensures worker safety, reduces costly repairs, and maintains uninterrupted production.

By integrating these wireless water detection sensors into critical environments, businesses can proactively mitigate risks, protect valuable assets, and maintain compliance with safety regulations, ensuring efficient and secure operations in hazardous and industrial settings.