Patent ID: 8319626
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: F24H,G08B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An automatic alarm system for detecting slow leaks in a storage hot water heater tank and providing notification thereof, said system comprising: an alarm housing having circuitry and components therein connected to a circuit board and configured to generate and transmit an electrical leak notification signal; a sheathed electrical cable connected on one of its ends to a source of electrical power and having an opposed end configured for electrical connection; an electrical metallic tubing connector having an integral adjustable clamp and a threaded stem adjacent to said adjustable clamp, said sheathed electrical cable secured to said connector via said adjustable clamp; a nut with threads complementary to said threaded stem of said connector, said nut securing said connector to said alarm housing so that said opposed end of said cable configured for electrical connection is placed in electrical communication with said circuit board; power supply leads inserted through the top of a hot water heater tank, said power supply leads in electrical communication with said circuit board in said alarm housing; a water collection pan positioned under the storage hot water heater tank and configured to support the storage hot water heater tank in an elevated position, said pan having a small perimeter fluid discharge opening it its bottom surface; a fluid detection sensor associated with said water collection pan, said sensor having a top opening similar in size and configuration to said fluid discharge opening in said pan, said sensor also located under said pan in a position that allows fluid communication between said fluid discharge opening in said pan and said top opening in said sensor wherein prompt signal generation occurs after only a very small amount of water collects in said pan; and electrical connection means adapted to provide electrical communication between said fluid detection sensor and said circuitry in said alarm housing, wherein when a threshold amount of water slowly leaking from the storage hot water heater tank contacts said fluid detection sensor, an electrical circuit is completed that causes said circuitry in said alarm housing to electrically generate a leak notification signal.