Retrofit-Motors for Valves
- Can the wire-controlled retrofit motors (BVS, KFR) be operated with the Shelly system? Yes, that's possible. You need the Shelly Plus 1 for this. This video demonstrates how the control cable is connected to the Shelly insert, enabling control through the Shelly app.
- Can the wire-controlled retrofit motors (BVS, KFR) be operated within the KNX system? Yes, that's possible. The Blogger “Mein smartes Daheim” has published a Video on Youtube. Its in German language but the video cn be understood without audio too.
- What should be considered during the installation of the ball valve actuator? Please check the installation requirements for ball valves before purchasing the device.
- My shut-off valve is rusted. Can I still use the motor? Both the actuator for ball valves and the actuator for angle seat valves rotate with a force of approximately 8 Nm. The turning force exerted by a person, for example, with the KFR valve, is about 4 Nm. This means our motor can still turn the valve even when you can no longer do it yourself or only with great difficulty.
- Can the wire-controlled retrofit motors (BVS, KFR) be operated with a Z-Wave compatible system (Hornbach, Fibaro, Z-Way, Smartthings, ...)? Yes, that's possible, for example, with the Aeotec Nano Switch, which has potential-free switching contacts. In general, you need a switch insert with potential-free switching contacts. For the ball valve, there is a Z-Wave device that can be controlled directly and wirelessly without the need for potential-free switching contacts.
- Can the motor be operated via voice assistants like Alexa, etc.? Not directly, but for example, through a Shelly Control Insert Plus 1. Please read the instructions of the Shelly product regarding integration into voice assistants."
- Can the motor be operated with batteries? Currently, only the KFR Motors (KFRLWE01, KFRDRY02) can be operated with a battery. Aqua-Scope offers a solid battery block BATXXX01, which contains two "Lantern" batteries 4R25X. There are different versions of this battery type with capacities ranging from 9000 mAh (zinc-carbon) to 45000 mAh. The response time to commands (the time between sending a command from the app and the movement of the motor) has a significant impact on the battery lifespan. This response time is configured in the Aqua-Scope App under "Setup," "Manage Devices," click on the device. With a response time of 20 seconds, a battery lifespan of about 2 years is calculated, while the battery will last about 10 years with a response time of one hour.
Sensors
- The sensor heads of the pressure sensors or AQS monitors come into contact with drinking water. Do they comply with the EU Drinking Water Directive? The approval of products in the drinking water sector is governed by the standards of DIN50930-6. Our Aqua-Scope leak protection systems consist of a pressure sensor and a retrofit motor that shuts off an already installed shut-off valve (KFR valve) in the water circuit when needed. This motor does not come into contact with water and therefore is not subject to DIN50930-6. The pressure sensor used is made of stainless steel and is thus not subject to any restrictions or certification requirements according to DIN50930-6, Section 8.5. However, the seal used on the pressure sensor requires KTW approval. We use a product from the company Airfit GmbH & Co. KG Nettersheim (www.airfit.eu) with approval from DVGW.
- What maximum pressure can the pressure sensors withstand? The sensors measure in the range of 0… 10 Bar. The defined burst pressure is 150% of the maximum pressure, which is 15 Bar. Drinking water systems in houses, with correct installation, have a pressure relief valve that triggers at approximately 7 Bar."