The new Shelly Flood Gen4 sensor replaces traditional puck-style detectors with a 6-foot sensing cable that triggers an alert when water touches any part of it. This creates a 'tripwire' for leaks, offering wider coverage for appliances like washing machines or water heaters where a single contact point is insufficient.

Shelly's Gen4 model is now Matter native, allowing direct integration into Apple Home without a bridge server. Setup is simple via QR code, and it exposes the leak sensor for immediate iPhone and Apple Watch alerts. Shelly rates the AA batteries for two years of life, with an 'Economic' mode for long-term monitoring.

For vacation homes or basements, this provides reliable, hands-off leak detection. The cable may need tape to lay flat initially due to its coil, but that signals good build quality. You can buy it from Amazon or Shelly directly, making it a practical upgrade for anyone prioritizing home protection.