Adafruit
Simple Water Detection Sensor with Digital Output
A simple, palm-sized water detection sensor that outputs a digital high signal when water or condensation is detected on its surface. The compact red PCB fea...
Get notified when back in stock
A simple, palm-sized water detection sensor that outputs a digital high signal when water or condensation is detected on its surface. The compact red PCB features interlocking traces connected to a lightly biased transistor — when water bridges two traces, the transistor switches on and the output pin goes high.
Wiring is straightforward: connect the minus (−) pin to ground, the plus (+) pin to 3–5 V DC, and read the signal (S) pin with your microcontroller. While the output voltage varies slightly with the amount of water present, the sensor works best as a simple on/off water detector.
Key Features
- Digital Output – Signal pin goes high when water is detected
- 3–5 V Compatible – Works with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontrollers
- Simple 3-Pin Interface – Ground, power, and signal
- Compact PCB – Palm-sized with interlocking detection traces
Specifications
- Operating Voltage: 3–5 V DC
- Output: Digital (active high)
- Pins: − (GND), + (VCC), S (Signal)
Ideal For
- Leak detection and flood alerts
- Plant watering and soil moisture projects
- Condensation monitoring
- Rain detection
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- active HIGH
- Active HIGH describes a signal that is treated as active, asserted or 'on' when it sits at a high voltage, rather than at a low voltage near ground. It applies to inputs, outputs and control lines, so it matters when matching the polarity of a signal to the behaviour expected by another circuit or controller.
- DC
- DC means direct current, where electricity flows in one constant direction, as supplied by batteries, USB ports and many plug-pack power supplies. When a product specifies DC, it runs from a DC supply rather than mains AC, so you need to provide the correct voltage and polarity.
- GND
- GND is the ground or reference connection (0 V) for a circuit. When connecting two devices together, their grounds must be joined so both agree on what counts as a low or high signal.
- microcontroller
- A microcontroller is a small computer on a single chip that runs a stored program and controls connected inputs and outputs such as buttons, sensors, displays and communication interfaces. In a device built around one, it is the part that executes the code and coordinates the device's behaviour.
- PCB
- A printed circuit board (PCB) is a board, usually rigid, with etched copper tracks that connect electronic components together without loose wiring. Components are mounted on the board and signals route between them through the copper layout.
- VCC
- VCC is the positive power-supply connection on a chip or module. Connecting it to the correct supply voltage is needed for the part to power on and helps avoid damaging the electronics.
Find this product in
Sensors & Input
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
