A remote water sensing system with optical fiber networks

A remote water sensing system with optical fiber networks to be used to detect water in optical fiber splice enclosures to assure the optical transmission quality. The water sensor will adopt either one of two optical behaviors when the monitor light passes through the following heads: (1) When the monitor light is in contact with air at the sensing plane, total reflection happen, and the monitor light goes back the original optical trace to the Central Office (2) When the water sensor senses water, refractive phenomenon occurs and the monitor light can not rear back to the Central Office By this way, we can determine whether the water seeps into splice enclosures. Water sensor is very stable in normal condition and can be reused repeatedly. Applying OTDR, it can monitor up to 20 sets of water sensors on an optical fiber route. Furthermore, the water sensor can also be used in detecting the water level of a flood disaster to keep safety of equipments in the distribution cabinet and/or ensure the safety of people and vehicles through the bridge.