Sewage and Water Manhole & Reservoir Installation
The IoT Pro Radar & Tilt Module can be installed either on the manhole wall or directly onto a plastic or metal lid. Select the option that best suits the installation conditions and required features.
side-by-side diagrams to explain wall vs lid option
Consideration | Wall Option | Plastic or Metal Lid Option |
|---|---|---|
Tilt detection | Not available | Lid open/close detection |
Installation effort | Generally simpler where a suitable wall surface is available | Metal lids require additional drilling and installation effort |
Position repeatability | Fixed once installed | Lid keying may be required where radar orientation or position is critical |
Radar field of view | Careful of wall geometry or nearby protrusions | Generally provides a clearer, obstacle-free view |
Level measurement | May not represent the true level if the device is mounted below the full level of the reservoir/manhole | Generally provides a more representative level measurement |
Mechanical protection | Fixed installation and generally less exposed to handling damage | Moves with the lid and is more exposed to handling damage |
Theft/removal risk | Lower | Higher if the lid can be easily removed |
Accessibility | May obstruct a small access opening, particularly where the same opening is used for filling, emptying, or servicing | Generally non-intrusive |
Recommended Installation Option Guide
Based on several criteria, including installation practicality and mechanical protection, our preferred installation configurations are listed below in order of preference:
Wall Installation with Internal Antenna - Preferred where a suitable wall mounting position and adequate signal coverage are available
Wall Installation with External Short Whip Antenna - Recommended where wall mounting is suitable but an external antenna is required to improve signal coverage
Plastic Lid Installation with Internal Antenna - Recommended where wall mounting is unsuitable or tilt-based lid open/close detection is required
Metal Lid Installation with External TTL (Through-the-Lid) Antenna - Recommended where wall mounting is unsuitable or tilt-based lid open/close detection is required. External TTL antenna is required to avoid signal attenuation by the metal enclosure.
Installation Options Comparison
Wall Option
The Wall Option provides a fixed installation independent of the manhole lid and is generally less exposed to handling or accidental damage.
Considerations:
A wall installation can be preferable where the lid is frequently removed or handled, since the device remains fixed in position and is therefore less exposed to handling and less likely to be damaged.
Tilt-based lid open/close detection is not available
Take care when installing inside a small access opening, particularly where the same opening is used for filling, emptying, or servicing. The device may otherwise be struck by equipment or hoses.
If the device is installed below the top of the reservoir or manhole, the radar may not be able to represent the full true level range
Avoid mounting next to protruding walls, steps, pipework, brackets, or other structures. Nearby objects can attenuate, reflect, or obstruct the radar signal.
Plastic or Metal Lid Option
The Lid Option generally provides the best radar position and additionally allows the module's tilt function to detect when the lid is opened or closed.
Considerations:
Supports tilt-based open/close alerting
Metal lids are more labour-intensive to drill and prepare than plastic lids
There is an increased theft or removal risk where the lid itself can easily be removed
Where the radar position or orientation is important, the lid should ideally be keyed or otherwise constrained so that it is always replaced in the correct orientation