Introducing Shelly Flood Gen4: Advanced Cable Leak Detection for Apple Home via Matter
Water damage is a homeowner’s nightmare, especially during the harsh winter months when the risk of frozen pipes bursting increases. Traditional water leak sensors, often referred to as puck style sensors, have been a common solution. These devices are typically placed under sinks or near potential leak sources. However, their effectiveness is limited to the specific area they cover. If a leak occurs just a few inches away from the sensor, it might go undetected until significant damage has already occurred.
Enter the Shelly Flood Gen4 sensor, a revolutionary device that addresses the limitations of traditional leak detectors. One of its standout features is the inclusion of a sensing cable. Unlike the confined detection area of puck sensors, this cable allows homeowners to monitor a much larger area. This is particularly beneficial for appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, or water heaters. By wrapping the cable around the base of these appliances, any contact with water triggers an immediate alarm, effectively creating a tripwire for water detection.
For those with expansive basements or complex utility closets, the Shelly Flood Gen4 offers the flexibility to daisy-chain cables, extending the coverage area even further. While the standard 6-foot cable suffices for most applications, this feature ensures adaptability to various home layouts.
Shelly has long been recognized among the Home Assistant community for its reliable Wi-Fi relays. However, integrating these devices into Apple’s HomeKit system often required running a bridge server, posing challenges for many users. The Gen4 model changes the game by being natively compatible with Matter, the new smart home standard. This means that the device comes with a QR code for easy setup. Once the AA batteries are inserted, the sensor can be onboarded within seconds. It seamlessly integrates with HomeKit, enabling users to receive critical alerts on their iPhone or Apple Watch the moment water is detected. Shelly also assures users that the batteries are designed to last up to two years, reducing maintenance concerns.
During installation, users might notice that the leak detection cable is coiled tightly in the box, making it somewhat springy upon unrolling. To ensure it lays flat against the floor, it’s advisable to use small cable clips or painter’s tape during the initial setup period. This tight coiling is indicative of the cable’s robust build quality, ensuring durability over time.
In conclusion, for homeowners with vacation properties, basements, or laundry rooms where leaks could go unnoticed for extended periods, the Shelly Flood Gen4 is an invaluable addition to their smart home arsenal. Within the Shelly app, users can choose between Economic alarm mode for long-term monitoring, conserving battery life, and Intense mode for immediate feedback. The economic mode is particularly beneficial for properties that aren’t visited regularly, such as rental units.
The Shelly Flood Gen4 is available for purchase on Amazon or directly from Shelly’s official website.
