FAQs - Frequently asked questions
What is FIDO Hot Fetch?
FIDO® Hot FetchTM is a system for conveniently extracting
the initial cold water which flows from a hot tap or shower when it is first
turned on, and transferring it to a water tank or dedicated receptacle rather than wasting it.
It consists of an approved valve, electronic control module and attractive
remote trigger buttons.
How does FIDO work?
A simple valve situated at the furthest point on the hot water delivery
pipe, opens on demand when triggered by the user pressing one of several
wireless transmitter buttons. Water then flows under mains pressure (high
velocity) to a water tank receptacle until the electronic control module detects
that hot water has arrived at its destination at which time FIDO closes the
valve and indicates completion with an audible tone.
What do I need before installing FIDO?
1. A suitable water tank or receptacle which is properly installed, and
preferably connected to toilet cisterns.
2. Access to the hot pipe work at the endmost tap on the branch from the hot
water heater (this will be the installation point).
3. A power point (240Vac) near the proposed installation point.
4. A run of pipe from the proposed installation point to the water tank.
Does FIDO reduce the time it takes for hot water to arrive?
Yes, FIDO typically accelerates the delivery of hot water, as compared with
turning on a modern flick mixer tap with an aerating flow restrictor.
Does FIDO save me time?
FIDO® not only speeds up hot water delivery, but allows you to do
other preparatory things like getting undressed for the shower, while waiting for the hot pipe to be purged.
Do I have to purge every time I use the tap, even when I could use the
initial cold water eg Kitchen sink?
FIDO® purges the line on demand by pressing a button. If you don’t need to
purge the line, then don’t press the button.
Do I need a separate FIDO for each Hot tap in the house?
No. One FIDO® can service all hot outlets on a branch. Just place
individual transmitter button modules at each of the locations you want to conveniently
trigger a purge. A separate branch from the hot water service though, would require a
separate FIDO unit.
Is the FIDO system better than competing products?
FIDO is simpler, more versatile, more economical, more user friendly and
arguably safer. Some competing products which purge the hot pipe, sense the
act of turning on the Hot tap as the trigger for the purging process. With these
types of products, no water flows from the wide open hot tap until hot water
arrives, at which point hot water comes streaming out without warning. This
poses potentially
hazardous situations for unsuspecting users and children, especially if a user
inadvertently walks away leaving the tap wide open.
Does FIDO save much water?
Yes, FIDO typically recovers 3 litres each time it is
commanded into action, and in excess of 10 litres in older style
houses. This adds up to many thousands of litres per year depending on the
building and number of residents in the home.
Is FIDO a tank top up system?
Although FIDO sends the saved water to your water tank, FIDO has special
built in lockout features to prevent it from being misused such as for the
purpose of filling a rain water tank.
Is FIDO compatible with all Water Heaters?
• FIDO is compatible with all mains pressure type hot water systems
including instantaneous/continuous types.
• FIDO is NOT recommended for gravity fed hot water heaters. Although it will
operate, it may not be effective due to the lower pressure therefore lower flow
rate.
Do I have to turn on a hot tap in order to purge the line of cold water?
No. FIDO works independently of whether your tap is open or closed.
Is FIDO compatible with pumped tank water systems?
Yes, FIDO is compatible with pumped supply systems, provided that a pressure
of 200kPa is maintained.
Does FIDO change or impact the flow and/or pressure of the water supply?
There will be no impact to the supply pressure or flow when FIDO is in
standby (not operating). The user can however expect to experience a drop in pressure while
purging is in progress (up to 45 seconds max).
Will I notice a difference in the everyday use of the water supply?
No, there will be no change to normal operation, with taps and showers all
delivering water flow immediately when opened as normal. Some pressure drop may
be experienced while FIDO is performing a purge.
Will FIDO stop the flow of water from the hot tap if the water is not hot?
No. FIDO does not require the hot tap to be operated until after the
fetching process completes, which is indicated with audible beeps. If the user happens to open the hot tap while FIDO
is performing the fetch, the user may experience a lower pressure and lower flow
form the tap until the fetch completes.
Will FIDO continue to purge water indefinitely if the Water Heater is not
operational?
No. FIDO allows a maximum of 45 seconds for any one purging operation.
Is FIDO compatible with all types of tap and Mixer sets?
Yes. FIDO is not impacted by the type of tap-ware used.
Is FIDO fail safe?
The FIDO design limits valve open time to realistic maximums to ensure that
water loss would be minimized in the event of sensor failure or operation abuse.
Further, FIDO incorporates safeguard circuitry to ensure that the valve is
shut off in case of a failure occurring to any single electronic or sensor
component.
However, the propensity of the solenoid valve failing to shut off the diverting
water flow, is akin to the likeliness of a washing machine overflowing,
resulting in flood damage and potentially hazardous exposure to hot water. While
such an occurrence is highly unlikely, the installer and user of the FIDO®
device must be aware of this possibility and ensure that the installation makes
the necessary safety provisions for the possibility of valve failure resulting
in a continuous flow of hot
water to the water tank. This situation must not result in hazardous exposure to hot water.
What power does FIDO use and how much?
FIDO requires a 240Vac mains power outlet. Its utilises a low residual current power adapter drawing typically a few
dollars worth of power per year.
How long do the transmitter batteries last?
The FIDO transmitter modules utilise long life batteries, expected to last
well over 12 months with typical usage patterns.
Does FIDO pump the water?
No FIDO uses the mains water pressure to propel the purged water to its
destination. There are no noisy, power hungry pumps.
Is FIDO approved?
FIDO uses an approved valve and approved power converter.
What is FIDO® Advance FetchTM (as distinct from FIDO®
Hot FetchTM)?
FIDO® Advance FetchTM is an additional module, which works
in conjunction with FIDO® Hot FetchTM to return the purged
water back to the potable water supply.
Is FIDO® Advance FetchTM available (as distinct from
FIDO® Hot FetchTM)?
FIDO® Advance FetchTM is still under development and
is not currently available. FIDO® Hot FetchTM however is
available for purchase.
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