Reliance Controls THP201 Automatic Phone Out Alarm with 3 Functions

by Reliance

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Automatic Phone-Out Home Monitoring System (Power Outage, Freezing Temperatures and Flooding). Keypad base unit plugs into phone line and electrical outlet. Internal temperature and power outage sensors and external water sensor continually monitor home for three alarm conditions: temperatures below 45 degrees F, power outages lasting more than either 5 or 30 minutes (users' choice), and flooding. Base unit calls up to three telephone numbers anywhere in North America when problem occurs. Identifies specific problem with voice message followed by user instructions for remote deactivation. Battery included.

Product Description

Power failure, freeze, and flood home monitoring system. Monitors homes, condos, cottages, outbuildings, cabins, business, etc. Automatically calls up to 3 different owner programmed phone numbers with a clear voice message in the event of: Power failure, freezing, condtiions, water leakage, or flooding. Freeze warning activates at 45 F. Connects to existing telephone lines and installs in minutes with no special wiring required. Selectable 5 or 15 minute initial call out delay, will continue calling for up to 10 hours if needed. 9V battery backup included. FCC approved.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 2 x 12 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000IF8QB2
• Item model number: THP201
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (53 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,434 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #66 in Home Improvement > Safety & Security > Household Sensors & Alarms

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

76 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars has paid for itself in the first year, October 16, 2009

By 

J. Barcelo (Paterson, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Reliance Controls THP201 Automatic Phone Out Alarm with 3 Functions (Tools & Home Improvement)

I placed the 3-function unit in an uninhabited "second home" that was for sale.
Having always been nervous that the boiler would stop working, and that the house would "freeze", this seemed like a wise investment.

The first time it called me it claimed the power was off ("beep beep").
Upon investigation (a short drive) power was indeed off - for whole block.

The second time it called me, it claimed there was a water problem ("beep beep beep").
I ran over only to find that the boiler's B&G circulator pump had failed catastrophically. Water was running out of the point where the pump's motor joins with the pump (the shaft seal). Because I was alerted and able to get to house quickly, the cleanup required only a mop and bucket.

I know people who are afraid to leave their homes in the winter "in case something happens". This machine should provide them with much comfort.

Several issues:
(1) The THP201 attaches to your analog phone line and calls out (to up to three pre-programmed numbers) when it detects a problem. If you have a standard "old fashioned" POTS line (i.e., copper loop powered by the Telco's central office) this is fine. These phone lines work w/o power in your house.

If you have phone service via a cable modem, the THP201 will be less effective. If power fails, so too will your cable modem. The THP201 will not get a dial tone when it goes off-hook.

(2) The unit comes with only one water sensor. This requires that you give a lot of thought as to where water is likely to collect in case of a problem.

It would be better if the THP201 accepted two or three water sensors (sold as options). Then one sensor could be placed near the laundry room, one near the hot water heater and one, perhaps, by the boiler.

(3) The unit has no alphanumeric display. Thus there is no easy way to verify that the phone number you entered is correct without testing the device.

I would recommend that you do just that. It is easy to get a digit wrong (fail to press a key fully) and enter the wrong phone number. You can test it either by using the test button, or by unplugging unit's power cord (to simulate power outage) or by placing a wet sponge against the water detector.

Leave the instructions with the unit; at some time in the future you will need to refer to them. The set-up interface is not obvious.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Neat Gizmo with a few limitations, February 27, 2009

By 

Donald D. Armstrong "bargainfinder" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Reliance Controls THP201 Automatic Phone Out Alarm with 3 Functions (Tools & Home Improvement)

I purchased this device to monitor the water level in my sump pump after a dual pump failure caused my basement rec room to take on 1.5" of water while I was out of town. I tested the unit by inserting the water sensor probe into a glass of water and it works as described by the manufacturer.

I would have given the device 5 stars if:

1) It allowed for a higher low-temp setting; I'd like to be alerted of a "no heat" condition before the temperature of my house drops to 45 degrees! I think 50 degrees would be more appropriate.

2) It allowed for a 0-minute delay before beginning the alerting process. The unit will only start the alerting process either 5 or 30 minutes after the water sensor is tripped.

3) The unit's water sensor included monitoring hardware suitable for attaching the unit to the 1.5" discharge pipe of my sump pump. I had to make an extra trip to the big orange home improvement center to find suitable hardware.

NOTE: The unit will accept two water sensors by using a modular duplex adapter connected to the unit's water sensor input jack. The instructions don't mention this, but the manufacturer's tech support validated this capability. I will be installing a second sensor in the near future to monitor the lift sump in my basement and will update this review based on my findings.

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than Insurance - It worked and prevented major flooding., January 31, 2008

By 

anonymous (Washington DC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Reliance Controls THP201 Automatic Phone Out Alarm with 3 Functions (Tools & Home Improvement)

Buy this product. Buy it now.

I have had this monitoring system for a year and a half at my vacation property. Besides testing the system, I have never received a call...up until this afternoon. I got a phone call indicating a flooding situation was occuring. Being out of state, I had a friend run over there and check it out. Sure enough a pipe froze and burst in the extreme cold despite having the heat on in the house and the cabinet doors open. Because of the quick response damage was very limited and cleanup was quick.

My friend was so impressed that he wants one ASAP for his home. As a result I am purchasing one for him, and one for my parents who had a pipe burst a couple weeks ago and their basement flooded requiring a claim on their insurance, lots of inconvenience and is still being repaired.

It sure gives me piece of mind. For < $100 how can you go wrong? Easily worth 5 times the price. Insurance companies should give customers incentives to purchase these units.