DynaQuip WaterCop Z-Wave — Emergency Water Shut-Off Owner's Manual

Owner's manual and installation guide for the DynaQuip WaterCop Z-Wave Emergency Water Shut-Off — a Z-Wave enabled motorized valve that automatically shuts off a home's main water supply when a wireless leak sensor detects water.

Overview

WaterCop Z-Wave is a professional-grade, electrically operated water shut-off valve. Used in a Z-Wave home automation network with Z-Wave water alarm sensors, it helps reduce or eliminate water damage from leaky pipes or faulty appliances, operating 24/7. The system has two basic components:

• A motorized ball valve and housing with a wireless Z-Wave radio transceiver that automatically shuts off the water supply when any wireless water alarm sensor detects water or near-freezing temperature.
• One or more wireless water alarm sensors that detect leaks, overflow, or freezing temperatures and send a Z-Wave signal to the WaterCop.

A full Z-Wave system (WaterCop + sensors + Z-Wave Gateway Controller) can send email, text, or phone alerts on a leak or overflow event, and be remotely operated over the internet or phone.

Product Specifications

Three indicator lights show status: Red = valve closed, Green = valve open, Yellow (on/flashing) = error or not yet programmed into a Z-Wave network. Three panel-mount tactile switches manually activate/program the valve.

Pre-Installation Testing

Test the unit before installation: place the housing on a sturdy surface near its intended location, plug the power adapter into a 110 VAC outlet. Within 10 seconds the status light will start blinking. Press the button opposite the unlit indicator light to cycle the valve, and verify the valve position visually through the threaded end (open = see through; closed = only the ball's shiny surface visible). Caution: keep fingers and objects away from the valve opening while testing — it closes with enough force to cut off a finger.

Front Panel Operation

• Open/Close Buttons — control the valve locally; indicator lights show open/closed status.
• Program Button — includes (adds) or excludes (removes) the unit from a Z-Wave network and switches between modes.
• Status Light — cyclically displays mode (fast blinks) or error (slow blinks) indications. Generally off when properly in a Z-Wave network.
• Power-On setup — at power-on the unit needs the actual ball valve position set: press Open, then Close, then Open again if "closed" is not the desired starting position. Keep fingers/objects away from the valve if it isn't yet installed.

Mode Indications (fast blinks)

Network Inclusion / Exclusion

Automatic (NWI) mode: allows automatic inclusion into an existing Z-Wave network with a controller that supports NWI. NWI stops after automatic inclusion, a 30-minute timeout, or when the Program Button is pressed.

Manual inclusion: put your Z-Wave Controller into Inclusion Mode; once the Status Light is flashing periodically (3 or 4 times), press the Program Button once. The controller confirms inclusion and the Status Light stops flashing.

Exclusion: put the controller into Exclusion Mode, then press the Program Button once. Inclusion and exclusion are always done at Normal Transit Power Mode.

Association with water sensors: once in a network, a smart controller can associate water sensors directly with the WaterCop, letting a sensor trigger the valve without going through the controller. When associated, WaterCop receives a Basic Set command (value 0xFF) to close the valve on a Water Alarm.

Emergency (Power Outage) Manual Operation

The system will not operate without power. In an emergency, turn the handle at the side of the actuator a full 90 degrees to manually open or close the valve. Failure to turn it the full 90 degrees can cause miscommunication within the Z-Wave environment.

Z-Wave Command Classes

Contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: XCT-Z3US. Complies with FCC Part 15 (USA) and RSS-GEN/RSP-100 (Canada, IC: 8156A-Z3X).

Fault Conditions / Troubleshooting (Status LED, slow blinks)

Installation

The WaterCop should be installed indoors, in the main water line, just downstream from the main shut-off valve, in a dry, accessible location protected from use as a step or excessive loads. It cannot bear weight and should never be used as a step or leverage point.

Compression Fitting Installation

1. Remove nuts and sleeves from compression fittings and install fittings into each end of the valve using Teflon tape or thread sealant; tighten with a wrench on the valve flats.
2. Measure end-to-end valve assembly length; subtract ½" for ½" tube or ¾" for ¾" tube to get the section of existing tubing to cut out.
3. Select a location with front-panel access and a nearby power outlet.
4. Mark and double-check the cut location.
5. Turn water off and drain the system.
6. Cut the copper tube at the marks.
7. Remove burrs and clean tube ends.
8. Install compression nuts and sleeves on each tube end.
9. Shift tube ends to fit the WaterCop into the line.
10. Position the unit and tighten compression nuts (hold the fitting with one wrench, tighten the nut with the other).
11. Plug the unit in and turn the valve to the open position.
12. Unplug, turn water back on, and check for leaks.
13. Plug the unit back into power — installation complete.

Solder fittings are an alternative for skilled installers, but require higher skill and are recommended to be done by a professional plumber. Remove the plastic housing before soldering, and take precautions to prevent heat damage to valve seats or the motor housing.

Sensor Placement

Each WaterCop supports multiple Water Alarm Sensors (a Z-Wave network can have up to 232 nodes). Suggested locations: washing machines, toilets, sump pumps, dishwashers, bathroom/kitchen sinks, automatic humidifiers, ice makers/refrigerators, water heaters, and pipes prone to freezing (the ZWCFS1 sensor also works as a freeze alarm sensor).

Operating & Testing

It's recommended to manually cycle the valve (open-close-open) once every 3–4 months. To test: drop a sensor probe into a cup of water and hold until it signals the WaterCop (~5 sec); verify the valve closes (red light). Dry the probe, then reset by pressing the green "Open" circle. Repeat for each sensor/location.

During a power failure without a backup battery, the WaterCop cannot operate — use the manual shut-off valve upstream. Close the main shut-off and unplug the WaterCop before making plumbing repairs.

Safety Warnings

• The motorized drive unit case cannot support loads — never use it as a step.
• Do not store flammable items (oily rags, combustibles) near the valve.
• Do not apply power unless the unit is fully assembled as shipped.
• Disconnect power before working on or servicing the unit.
• Wear eye protection while installing or servicing.
• Never use the case as leverage — apply a wrench to the valve body flats when tightening fittings.

Emergency Procedures

If the WaterCop shuts off the main supply and then becomes inoperable (power outage or damage), unplug it and manually turn the side handle a full 90 degrees to open or close the valve, restoring water service.

Limited Warranty

DynaQuip Controls warrants the electrical components against defects in material and workmanship for two years from date of purchase, under normal use and proper installation. The brass ball valve carries a 5-year warranty. This is the sole remedy of the purchaser; DynaQuip is not liable for special or consequential damages. Visit watercop.com or call 800-545-3636 for warranty information.