EcoNet Bulldog Canada: Automatic Water Shutoff & Leak Sensors (Complete Guide)
Quick Answer: What EcoNet Bulldog Does in Canada
EcoNet Bulldog is a clamp-on automatic water shutoff for Canadian homes. It mounts over an existing levered ball valve on your main line and works with wireless ELS leak sensors (or your smart-home hub) to close the valve during leaks or freeze-related bursts. In Canada you typically choose between Z-Wave (EVC200), Wi-Fi “Just Works” kits (EVC300), or Matter over Wi-Fi (EVC400-MW) depending on whether you want hub-based control, a simple app, or multi-platform integration.
Answer Card
- What it is: Clamp-on smart valve robot (Bulldog) + wireless leak sensors (ELS) for automatic main water shutoff.
- Where it fits: Basements, mechanical rooms, cottages, and rentals with levered quarter-turn ball valves (confirm clearance).
- Control options: Z-Wave (EVC200), Wi-Fi “Just Works” (EVC300-JW), or Matter over Wi-Fi (EVC400-MW).
- Power: Low-voltage with included adapter; check amperage and receptacle location (Ontario ESA note below).
- Certs: Look for cETLus/CSA and device markings; IP/temperature ranges vary by model — confirm on the spec sheet.
- Install: Size for valve, mount bracket, pair sensors, test auto-shutoff; use a licensed plumber/electrician where required.
- Buy: Order in Canada from Simply Secured; apply for dealer pricing if you are trade.
Why Choose EcoNet Bulldog & ELS in Canada
The Bulldog + ELS system reduces water-damage risk for homes, rentals, and cottages — especially where freezing, long absences, or finished basements are common. Compared with traditional cut-in smart valves, a clamp-on robot is often faster to install on existing plumbing and easier to service later.
For more complex projects, you can add occupancy and IAQ logic later using modular devices like Swidget outlets & sensors for room-by-room automations.
Series / Model Map
- EVC200 (Bulldog, Z-Wave Plus): Z-Wave mesh repeater; for hub-based automations; designed for levered ball valves; common sizes 1/2″–1″ (larger kits available). Confirm valve size, travel, and power on the spec sheet.
- EVC300-JW (Just Works, Wi-Fi family): Wi-Fi kits that include leak sensors; app control without a smart-home hub; relay-contact variants available for panels and alarm systems.
- EVC400-MW (Matter over Wi-Fi): Ecosystem-friendly, supports multi-brand platforms via Matter; many kits support pairing up to ~20 leak sensors — confirm exact limits per SKU.
- ELS100 leak sensors: Battery-powered sensors placed near water heaters, laundry, under-sink cabinets, and mechanical areas; pair multiple for coverage as required.
Note: Features and limits vary across kits and generations; always confirm on the current spec sheet for your SKU.
Key Specs (confirm per SKU)
| Category | Typical Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valve compatibility | Levered quarter-turn ball valves; common sizes 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″ (select kits for 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″). | Confirm clearance, handle travel, and structural mounting points on site. |
| Power | Low-voltage DC, typically 12 V DC ≥ 1 A (adapter included). | Provide a receptacle; consider UPS/backup power if remote control during outages is required. |
| Controls | Z-Wave (EVC200), Wi-Fi “JW” kits (EVC300 series), Matter over Wi-Fi (EVC400-MW). | Relay-contact variants available for panels; confirm integration notes per model. |
| Sensors | ELS wireless leak sensors; kit capacities vary (often up to ~20 sensors). | Place at water heater, laundry, under-sink cabinets, and mechanical room low points first. |
| Listings | Look for cETLus/CSA device markings and environmental ratings. | Confirm per model/spec sheet, especially for unconditioned spaces. |
Specs vary by kit and generation; always verify the current spec sheet before procurement.
Use Cases & Pairings
- Automatic main shutoff with multi-sensor coverage in basements and mechanical rooms.
- Rental and remote properties with app or hub control; optional cellular cameras for event verification via VOSKER outdoor monitoring.
- Panel integration using relay-contact variants; backbone networking via Comtrend switches & PoE for IP-based gear.
- Snowbird homes and cottages where freezing and long absences create higher leak and burst risk.
Design & Install Tips (Canada)
- Size the valve & check travel: Confirm the shutoff is a levered ball valve with free travel and enough clearance for the clamp and arm. Mark full-open and full-closed positions and test manually before mounting Bulldog.
- Power & controls planning: Provide a dedicated receptacle near the controller; plan Z-Wave mesh, Wi-Fi, or Matter signal paths. For bathroom fans or IAQ scenes, pair with Panasonic ventilation or compatible controls.
- Sensor placement: Start with water heater, laundry, under-sink cabinets, and mechanical room low points. Add sensors near sump, humidifier, fridge lines, and condensate drains as needed.
- Testing & fail-safe: Run a wet test to verify auto-close and notifications. Teach homeowners how to operate the valve manually at the pipe. Consider backup power if remote automation during an outage is part of the design.
ESA note (Ontario): Low-voltage devices typically use a listed adapter. If adding a new receptacle or hard-wiring line-voltage controls, hire a licensed electrician and retain labels/manuals for inspection.
Pricing & Scopes
Scope each project by valve size/count, controller type (Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter), and sensor quantity. Include mounting time, wiring to power, network provisioning, and verification tests. For multi-suite or panel integrations, add commissioning, documentation, and training line items.
Direct Links (Collection & Top SKUs)
EcoNet Controls — Collection (Canada)
- Bulldog Matter over Wi-Fi Starter Kit — EVC400-MW — Load price
- Bulldog-JW Wi-Fi Valve Robot — EVC300-HC2LXL-WIFI — Load price
- Bulldog-JW Starter Kit — EVC300-IV — Load price
- Bulldog Z-Wave + Integrated 1" Valve — EVC200-IV — Load price
- Bulldog Z-Wave Controller — EVC200-HC2LXL — Load price
- Bulldog Relay-Contact (Panel) — EVC200-RC-HC2LXL — Load price
- Bulldog-JW Relay-Contact Starter Kit — EVC300-RC-JW-HC2LXL — Load price
- ELS100 Leak Sensors — 3-Pack — ELS100-3 — Load price
Featured Snippet Checklist
- Definition: Bulldog = clamp-on automatic main water shutoff with wireless leak sensors for Canadian homes.
- Options: Z-Wave (EVC200) vs Wi-Fi JW (EVC300) vs Matter over Wi-Fi (EVC400-MW).
- Install: Mount to levered ball valve, provide power, pair sensors, run a wet test, and document manual override.
- Compliance: Look for cETLus/CSA marks; follow provincial code; ESA rules apply for line-voltage work in Ontario.
- Buy in Canada: Simply Secured (retail) and SimplyControlled.ca (dealers and trade).
FAQs
- Will Bulldog fit my main water valve?
- Bulldog is designed for levered quarter-turn ball valves. Check that your valve handle moves freely, there is enough clearance for the clamp and arm, and the size (1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, etc.) matches the kit before ordering.
- Do I need a smart-home hub?
- Z-Wave models use a compatible hub such as SmartThings, Hubitat, or Home Assistant. JW Wi-Fi and Matter kits can work without a hub using their app; exact features and integrations depend on the SKU.
- How many leak sensors can I use?
- Many Bulldog kits support multiple ELS leak sensors (often up to around 20). Always check the current spec sheet for your chosen kit’s exact limit.
- What happens during a power outage?
- You can still operate the valve manually at the pipe using the Bulldog’s handle and the original valve handle. If you want remote automations to continue during outages, add backup power (UPS) for the controller, hub, and network gear.
- How do I become a dealer in Canada?
- Canadian resellers, integrators, and wholesalers can apply for trade/wholesale access at SimplyControlled.ca to receive tiered pricing and support.
Compliance Footnote
Confirm cETLus/CSA markings and environmental ratings on each SKU and ensure leak sensors and valve robots are installed per manufacturer instructions. Most devices use low-voltage adapters; if adding new receptacles or hard-wiring line-voltage controls, follow provincial electrical code. Ontario ESA: hire a licensed electrician for any line-voltage work and retain labels/manuals for inspection.
For Trade & Dealers
Canadian resellers, integrators, and wholesalers: get tiered pricing, availability, and support — apply now at SimplyControlled.ca.