Semtech Corp. has partnered with Kairos, an Atlanta-based leak-detection company, to provide water monitoring and leak protection at the renowned Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco.
The Camarillo-based manufacturer said its long-range, low-power technology will be included in leak detection strip sensors and gateways from Kairos to provide real-time monitoring at the retail and dining complex.
“If any water leaks are detected, these (long range, low power)-enabled sensors send an instantaneous alert to facilities management so that any potential damage to the property can be greatly reduced or eliminated with quick action,” Semtech said in a release.
Ghirardelli Square, formerly a chocolate factory, has been plagued by leaks and flooding. Recent rainfall led to a water intrusion into one of the main switchgear rooms at the property. With the use of Noah multifunction leak sensors from Kairos, the site team addressed this challenge.
The patented asset-protection system from Kairos detected multiple leaks within the first month of the system being implemented, successfully preventing substantial damage, Semtech said.
Dean Fung-A-Wing, chief executive and founder of Kairos, said that having built a real estate home service business and witnessed the aftermath of 3,000 water damage incidents made him realize the size of the problem.
“Our discrete Kairos sensor solutions significantly impact even the most challenging real estate assets. Our sensors install in seconds while providing data, coverage, and protection for up to 10 years,” Fung-A-Wing said in a statement.
Considered by real estate professionals as the first successful adaptive reuse project in the country, Ghirardelli Square opened as a retail and restaurant site in 1964.
Integrating state-of-the-art leak protection systems without disrupting the tenant and customer experience, or critical infrastructure, is a typical challenge that acquirers and restoration teams encounter across the United States. Putting modern, non-intrusive facility management systems at the heart of all risk mitigation efforts is critical to preserving these iconic assets, Semtech said in its release.
Tom Mueller, executive vice president and general manager, Internet-of-Things system products group at Semtech, said that the United States spends upwards of $1 billion annually on restoration projects, promoting economic, environmental, and educational benefits for businesses and consumers.
“As we modernize and preserve more historical locations, we must use minimally invasive, low-power and long-range risk mitigation solutions that do not disrupt the cultural experience,” Mueller added in a statement.