PermAlert
PermAlert, a 1988-founded division of PERMA-PIPE International Holdings (NASDAQ: PPIH), designs and manufactures TDR-based liquid leak detection systems serving hyperscale data centers, semiconductor fabs, industrial plants, healthcare facilities, and critical infrastructure across 17 countries via 50+ distribution partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1988
- HeadquartersNiles, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What PermAlert does
PermAlert, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, designs, manufactures, and supplies liquid leak detection and location systems for mission-critical facilities. The company is a wholly-owned operating division of PERMA-PIPE International Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PPIH), operating across 17 countries with a workforce of 501–1,000 employees. Its core technology is Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR), a sonar/radar-style sensing approach that continuously monitors for liquid leaks across applications involving water, hydrocarbons, chemicals, and dielectric fluids including PG25 used in AI liquid-cooling systems.
The product portfolio consists of TDR-based control panels (PAL-TS, PAL-AT, PAL-XD, LiquidWatch II, FluidWatch, FluidWatch Pro), a family of sensing cables and probes (AGW-Gold, AGW-LSZH, AGW-Plus, AGT-Gold, TFH-Gold, ATP, PFS, PHLR), the miniature MicroFluidWatch (MFW) and MFW Plus sensor family networked through InterConnect Module (ICM) and InterConnect Point (ICP) controllers, and the PALCOM Manager web-based centralized monitoring application. Manufacturing is US-based in an ISO 9001-certified facility; systems carry FM 7745 approval for hydrocarbon detection under 30 seconds, ATEX and IECEx certification for explosive atmospheres, and UL, CE, UKCA, and RoHS compliance.
PermAlert operates an indirect go-to-market model, selling exclusively through 50+ authorized sales representatives and regional distributors covering North America (US and Canada), Europe (UK, France, Ireland), the Middle East (UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia), and Asia-Pacific (Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar, China), plus Australia. Revenue is generated from hardware sales of panels, sensors, and cables, recurring software revenue from PALCOM Manager (offered both on-premise and as a subscription service), and project implementation services for large installations across hyperscale data centers, semiconductor fabs, pipelines, rail infrastructure, water treatment facilities, and commercial buildings. Pricing is quote-based on multi-year contracts targeting enterprise customers, with over 30 million sq. ft. of facility space reportedly under active monitoring globally.
PermAlert firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PermAlert
- Legal name
- PermAlert
- Website
- https://permalert.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1988
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- PermAlert, a 1988-founded division of PERMA-PIPE International Holdings (NASDAQ: PPIH), designs and manufactures TDR-based liquid leak detection systems serving hyperscale data centers, semiconductor fabs, industrial plants, healthcare facilities, and critical infrastructure across 17 countries via 50+ distribution partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PermAlert industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Leak Detection Systems
- NAICS
- Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sensors & Feedback Devices (Pressure, Flow, Position, Encoders, Transducers) (IMAHAGAK)
Keywords
Where PermAlert is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Niles
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
PermAlert business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel
Revenue model
- Hardware Systems (Control Panels, Sensors, Cables): Sale of leak detection control panels (PAL-TS, PAL-AT, PAL-XD, LiquidWatch II, FluidWatch, FluidWatch Pro), sensing cables (AGW-Gold, AGW-LSZH, AGW-Plus, AGT-Gold, TFH-Gold, ATP), probes (PFS, PHLR), and network components (ICM, ICP). Products are sold as complete systems configured for specific applications.
- Software Solutions: PALCOM Manager software available as on-premise installation or subscription-based SaaS service. Provides centralized management, monitoring, and analytics for large networks of leak detection systems.
- Project Implementation & Technical Services: Custom installation and integration services for specific projects. Includes system design, sensor placement optimization, BMS integration, and commissioning. Examples include Deira Waterfront (Dubai), Etihad Rail (UAE), and Floating Water-Cooled Data Center (California) projects.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom Quote-Based Pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
PermAlert product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PermAlert manufactures and supplies liquid leak detection and location systems based on Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technology for mission-critical facilities. The product portfolio includes TDR-based control panels (PAL-TS, PAL-AT, PAL-XD), miniature sensors (MicroFluidWatch), sensing cables, point probes, and the PALCOM Manager monitoring software, sold as configured systems to enterprise customers across data centers, industrial, commercial, and infrastructure sectors.
Product overview
PermAlert offers a comprehensive leak detection platform with multiple product lines designed for liquid monitoring across diverse applications including data centers, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings. The core offering consists of TDR-based control panels (PAL-TS, PAL-AT, PAL-XD), complemented by compact sensor systems (MicroFluidWatch/MicroFluidWatch Plus with ICM/ICP controllers) for rack-level monitoring. Supporting accessories include specialized sensing cables (AGW-GOLD, AGW-LSZH, AGW-PLUS, AGT-GOLD, TFH-GOLD, ATP) and probes (PFS, PHLR) for various liquid detection needs. The PALCOM software suite provides centralized monitoring and analytics for distributed deployments. The platform detects any liquid type including water, hydrocarbons, chemicals, and dielectric fluids, with FM approval for hydrocarbon detection under the FM 7745 standard.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Micro-FluidWatch: Miniature leak detection sensor designed for integration with mission-critical IT equipment and industrial applications, detecting any liquid within seconds.
- Micro-FluidWatch Plus (MFW+)
- InterConnect Module (ICM)
- InterConnect Point (ICP)
- PAL-AT
- PAL-TS
- PAL-XD
- FluidWatch
- FluidWatch Pro
- LiquidWatch II
- AGW-Gold
- AGW-Plus
- AGW-LSZH
- AGT-Gold
- TFH-Gold
- ATP
- PALCOM Manager
- PALCOM 10
Products and services
- PAL-TS Series Advanced TDR-based leak detection system with 10-inch touchscreen interface, real-time graphical leak location mapping with ±2 ft accuracy, monitoring up to 30,000 ft of cable, and BMS/DCIM integration via Modbus, BACnet, or dry contacts. Designed for large mission-critical facilities.
- PAL-AT Series Versatile TDR-based leak detection controller with LCD display for detecting water, corrosive liquids, and hydrocarbons. Supports cable and point sensors up to 15,000 ft with ModBus, BACnet, and relay output capabilities for BMS integration.
- PAL-XD Series Compact TDR-based leak detection system designed for modular data centers. Supports up to 500 ft of sensing cable, detects conductive and non-conductive liquids including dielectric coolants, with BMS integration via Modbus, BACnet, SNMP, and dry contacts.
- LiquidWatch II Point leak detection system using discrete probes with 2-line LCD display. Highly scalable, monitors up to 64 probes with a max distance of 20,000 ft, and integrates with BMS via ModBus, BACnet, and relay outputs.
- FluidWatch Entry-level leak detection system for monitoring small areas for water leaks. Features LED status indicator, max sensing cable length of 150 ft, designed for unmanned equipment rooms, small raised floor areas, and small tanks.
- FluidWatch Pro IoT-based liquid leak detection system for commercial building applications. Wi-Fi enabled for retrofit installations in office spaces, kitchenettes, and mechanical rooms.
- MicroFluidWatch (MFW) Miniature leak detection sensor with highly flexible, ruggedized 2mm diameter sensing cable. Detects both electrically conductive and non-conductive liquids within seconds, with built-in open drain outputs and LED status indication. Designed for AI server racks and mission-critical IT equipment.
- MicroFluidWatch Plus (MFW+) Advanced miniature leak detection sensor with on-board microprocessor. Operates standalone or networks with ICM controller, featuring adjustable sensitivity, SSR output capability, and LED alarm indication.
- InterConnect Module (ICM) Liquid leak detection controller for MicroFluidWatch sensors. Plug-and-play design with built-in webpage for remote monitoring, event log up to 2,000 events, supports up to 200 sensors, and integrates with third-party systems via Modbus and BACnet.
- InterConnect Point (ICP) Network component providing RJ45 port replication for MicroFluidWatch Plus sensors. Extends sensor networks via RS-485 serial communication and enables direct SSR output connection to third-party controllers.
- PALCOM Manager Software Web-based centralized monitoring application for managing geographically dispersed networks of PermAlert leak detection systems. Available as on-premise installation or subscription-based service, with alarm notifications via SMS and email, GLS drawing and mapping, and reporting/analytics.
Quantifiable outcome
- 30+ million sq. ft. under active monitoring globally
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use PermAlert
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
PermAlert technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature5 records
PermAlert partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- Critical Components, Inc. (Alabama, Georgia)coreAuthorized sales representative for Alabama and Georgia. Located at 120 Interstate North Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339. Contact: 770-933-5511.
- Alaska Instrument Co., Inc.coreAuthorized sales representative for Alaska. Located at 907 E. Dowling Rd. Ste. 5, Anchorage, AK 99518. Contact: 907-561-7511.
- Harold Wells Associates, Inc. (California North)coreAuthorized sales representative for Northern California including San Jose area. Located at 1046 W. Taylor Street, Suite 101, San Jose, CA 95126.
- Ramtek (California South)coreAuthorized sales representative for Southern California. Located at 1382 Valencia Ave. Unit M, Tustin, CA 92780. Contact: 949-266-1400.
- Delta Piping Products Canada Inc.coreAuthorized distributor for Canada. Located at 48 Centennial Rd., Unit #1, Orangeville, Ontario, L9W 3TA. Contact: 519-942-8888.
- CDL-TECORA (France)coreAuthorized distributor for France. Located at 10 Rue de la Prairie, 91140 Villebon-sur-Yvette. Contact: +33 1 82 88 92 45.
- IMA Ltd. (United Kingdom)coreAuthorized distributor for United Kingdom. Contact: +44 01943 878877.
- OBW Technologies (Ireland)coreAuthorized distributor for Ireland. Located at Unit 2, Crossagalla Enterprise Centre, Ballysimon Rd., Limerick, V94 TR62. Contact: 353 (0) 61 201 887.
- Prudential Systems Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (India)coreAuthorized distributor for India. Contact: 011 2631 8108.
- Canaan Engineering LLC (South Korea)coreAuthorized distributor for South Korea. Contact: 510-659-9727.
- Dawnhoof Electrical Co. Ltd. (Taiwan)coreAuthorized distributor for Taiwan. Contact: 886-2-2777-4885.
- PERMA-PIPE International Holdings, Inc. (Parent Company)flagshipParent company (NASDAQ: PPIH) providing over 60 years of experience in pre-insulated piping, containment systems, and corrosion protection. Headquartered in the same Rolling Meadows, IL location.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights6 records
PermAlert competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- RLE Technologies: RLE Technologies is a direct competitor specializing in leak detection, zone monitoring, and cable-based sensing systems for data centers, clean rooms, and critical facilities — directly comparable to PermAlert's TDR-based cable and panel product family.
- Aqualeak: Aqualeak designs and manufactures water leak detection systems for commercial and residential buildings, with comparable point and cable sensing products targeted at facilities similar to PermAlert's commercial building segment.
- Dorlen Products: Dorlen Products manufactures water leak detection systems and monitoring instruments for data centers, libraries, museums, and commercial buildings, overlapping directly with PermAlert's commercial building and data center offerings.
- TTK (TTK Leak Detection): TTK is a France-based specialist in liquid leak detection systems for data centers, clean rooms, and industrial facilities, with overlapping product categories and a strong European footprint that competes directly with PermAlert's PAL-AT and sensing cable offerings.
Broad incumbents
- Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure platform includes environmental and leak sensing for data centers and industrial sites, positioning it as a broad incumbent that competes with PermAlert through integrated DCIM and BMS bundles.
- Siemens: Siemens Smart Infrastructure provides industrial sensors, building automation, and data center infrastructure monitoring with leak detection functionality — a broad incumbent overlapping PermAlert's industrial and facility-monitoring use cases.
- nVent Electric (Raychem): nVent's Raychem heat-tracing and sensing portfolio includes leak detection systems for industrial and infrastructure customers; as a large industrial incumbent it competes with PermAlert's industrial and hazardous-environment applications while offering broader product breadth.
- Veeder-Root (Gilbarco Veeder-Root): Gilbarco Veeder-Root provides tank and pipeline leak detection systems for fuel and hydrocarbon applications, competing with PermAlert's PAL-AT and TFH-Gold sensing products in oil & gas, tank farm, and refinery environments.
- Honeywell: Honeywell Building Technologies offers integrated BMS platforms with leak detection as part of broader building automation portfolios, competing with PermAlert in large data center and commercial building accounts where bundled BMS solutions are preferred.
Emerging players
- Watts Water Technologies: Watts Water Technologies offers water leak detection devices (e.g., FloodSafe, Leak Defense) primarily in plumbing and residential channels; while more plumbing-focused than PermAlert, it represents an adjacent emerging player in connected leak detection that could expand into PermAlert's territory.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
PermAlert social profiles
Digital presencePermAlert compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance9 records
PermAlert financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PermAlert leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
PermAlert funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PermAlert M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PermAlert
What does PermAlert do?
PermAlert manufactures and supplies liquid leak detection and location systems based on Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technology for mission-critical facilities. The product portfolio includes TDR-based control panels (PAL-TS, PAL-AT, PAL-XD), miniature sensors (MicroFluidWatch), sensing cables, point probes, and the PALCOM Manager monitoring software, sold as configured systems to enterprise customers across data centers, industrial, commercial, and infrastructure sectors.
Is PermAlert a public or private company?
PermAlert is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was PermAlert founded?
PermAlert was founded in 1988. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is PermAlert based?
PermAlert is headquartered in Niles, United States, in the North America region.
How does PermAlert make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Systems (Control Panels, Sensors, Cables) is the primary driver. The others are software Solutions and project Implementation & Technical Services.
Who are PermAlert's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are RLE Technologies, Aqualeak, Dorlen Products and TTK (TTK Leak Detection). Broad incumbents are Schneider Electric, Siemens, nVent Electric (Raychem), Veeder-Root (Gilbarco Veeder-Root) and Honeywell. Watts Water Technologies is listed as an emerging player.
Does PermAlert have an API?
No public API is recorded for PermAlert.
What industry is PermAlert in?
PermAlert's product category is Industrial Leak Detection Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHAGAK, Sensors & Feedback Devices (Pressure, Flow, Position, Encoders, Transducers). Its NAICS code is 334519 and its SIC code is 3823.