Patent ID: 7889087

Claim:
A method for monitoring a fluid detection system, comprising: providing a fluid detection system comprising a liquid sensor in circuit communication with an air pump and an atmospheric pressure sensor, wherein the liquid sensor, the air pump and the atmospheric pressure sensor are encased within an air and water permeable casing; the casing defining an enclosed air space about the liquid sensor, the air pump and the atmospheric pressure sensor; determining a flood status state of the fluid detection system as flooded or non-flooded; the atmospheric pressure sensor acquiring a first sample value of atmospheric pressure within the casing; the air pump expelling an additional quantity of gas into the casing; the atmospheric pressure sensor acquiring a second sample value of atmospheric pressure within the casing; comparing the first and the second pressure sample values; and determining a failure of the fluid detection system or an immersion of the fluid detection system in fluid in response the comparing of the first and the second sample values and to the determined flood status state.