An HVAC wet switch/float switch, also known as a condensate overflow switch, serves to prevent this pan from overflowing if the AC drain stops working properly. The switch is activated when the level of the water in the pan comes above a certain point, causing the switch mechanism to trip/float to rise. When this happens, the switch will then send a message to the AC unit, and it will shut off, stopping the phase conversion and creation of condensation.
How does a condensate drain switch work on an AC unit?
As water level in the auxiliary or main drain pipe rises due to a clogged air conditioning condensate drain, the switch shuts off the system—thus preventing water from overflowing and causing damage to doors, walls and ceilings. At the heart of the switch is a durable yet precise magnetic reed switch.
What is a float switch on a condensate system?
A float switch is the most common type of condensate safety switch you can install to protect your AC system. When the water level reaches a certain point, the float switch mechanism will trip and send a message to the AC unit to shut off.
What is a condensate sensor switch?
This sensor switch is incredibly sensitive and only takes a couple drops of water to activate. Its design makes it easy to install and allows for flexible placement options inside or outside of the drain pan. Common applications for condensate switches include primary drain pans, secondary drain pans, and drain lines.
Do I need a condensate switch for a secondary drain pan?
Common applications for condensate switches include primary drain pans, secondary drain pans, and drain lines. While installing a condensate switch on the primary drain pan may be enough some of the time, there are many situations where you may want to have a condensate switch for your secondary drain pan installed.
How does a condensate safety switch work?
A condensate safety switch is mounted on the side of your condensate drain pan or directly to your secondary drain port on the evaporator coil. There's a float inside the switch that will rise if the water level of the pan fills up with a certain amount of water.
How do you test a condensate overflow switch?
0:000:46How to check ac system float switch and save a service call charge!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll you do is you pull it out. And you can lift up the little switch right here to float on thatMoreAll you do is you pull it out. And you can lift up the little switch right here to float on that actuates to switch. So you can pull this out.
How do I reset my condensate overflow switch?
To reset the switch, the water within the emergency drain pan must be removed. A shop vacuum is the best technique to suck the water out. The system should turn back on once the water level is low enough for the switch to reset.
What is the purpose of a condensate overflow circuit?
What is the purpose of a condensate overflow circuit? It stops the condensing unit when the drain pan has excessive water in it.
Why does my float switch keep filling up?
0:101:19Air Conditioner Not Cooling: Float Switches and Drain Pipe ClogsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf this well under the switch is full that it's time to unclog the drain line you may be able toMoreIf this well under the switch is full that it's time to unclog the drain line you may be able to remove the clog with a shop vac. If not you can use a plumbers snake to clear the drain line.
Why does my float switch keep tripping?
If your AC float switch keeps tripping, you probably have an AC drain pan that's full. You'll need to empty the water, and with the right tools, you can do this yourself. You should also consider why the pan became full in the first place.
Can you bypass a float switch?
Bypass the circuit on the original float switch and use silicone sealant to thoroughly seal the housing. Loosely attach the replacement switch to the pump housing with a zip tie. Plug the switch into the outlet and plug the bypass plug into the switch.
What would make an air conditioner not release water?
The most common reason for a blockage is dirt and debris buildup inside the pipe. Another possibility is a clog in the drain line caused by dust or debris from the condensate. You can try flushing the line with bleach or suck the clog using a wet/dry vacuum to unclog it.
What does it mean if your air conditioner is running but not cooling?
If your air conditioner is running, but not lowering temperatures inside, one issue could be a blocked or clogged condenser coil. When operating correctly, the condenser fan draws air into the outdoor unit through the condenser coil to pull heat energy out of your home.
How do you test a HVAC float switch?
0:171:04Check your A/C float switch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll you do is you pull it out. And you can lift up the little switch right here to float on thereMoreAll you do is you pull it out. And you can lift up the little switch right here to float on there actuate the switch. So you pull this out.
What happens when condensate pump fails?
What Happens If a Condensate Pump Fails? The biggest indicator of an issue with your condensate pump is that your air conditioner won't turn on. The AC shuts off to prevent the pump's water reservoir from overflowing. If your condensate pump is malfunctioning, it may need to be repaired, cleaned or replaced.
How do you reset an air conditioner safety switch?
How Do I Reset My Air Conditioning UnitStep One—Turn Off Unit. The first step is to power down your air conditioner. ... Step Two—Find the Circuit Breaker Box. The next step is to locate the circuit breaker box for your air conditioner. ... Step Three—Wait It Out. ... Step Four—Switch Unit Back On. ... Step Five—Confirm It's Working.
How do you test a float switch?
Attach the MultiMeter leads to the float switch wires. The Multimeter should be set to the Ohms. The MultiMeter should read zero when the float hangs in the down position. Lifting the float will change the zero to one.
How do you test a HVAC safety switch?
13:5420:35HVAC Condensate Safety Switch Training! 6 Types, Operation ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd now we're gonna go ahead and pour our water. In. I'm gonna adjust.MoreAnd now we're gonna go ahead and pour our water. In. I'm gonna adjust.
Where is the condensate overflow switch?
1:476:17What is a Condensate Safety Float Switch? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBack to the drain pan though a condensate safety switch is mounted on us on the side of yourMoreBack to the drain pan though a condensate safety switch is mounted on us on the side of your condensate drain pan or directly to your secondary drain port on the evaporator coil.
How does float switch work?
A float switch detects the level of a liquid in a tank or container. It floats on top of the liquid surface and acts as a mechanical switch as the liquid level goes up or down. They control devices like pumps (pump water in or out), valves (open or close inlet/outlets), or alarms to notify users.
What is a condensate overflow device?
Condensate overflow prevention devices or float switches, as they are often called, are such simple devices that you wouldn't think there would be much room for controversy. In my experience, there are few areas of the trade where technician and installer preferences and opinions vary greatly.
Why do drain switches open?
Float (condensate) switches are designed so that they will remain closed when water is going down the drain as it's supposed to and then open when an overflow condition occurs. For the switch to open, it must be positioned in a location that is normally dry and will reliably fill with water when a drainage issue occurs.
What happens if you run a drain too deep into a condensate pump?
When you run the system drain too deep into the pump reservoir, the water level can rise high enough to cover the drain…
What happens when a primary drain overfills?
When the primary drain overfills, it begins leaking into the secondary pan below, and a pan switch like the SS3 will open when the water levels rise. This type of switch can also be used in the primary pan so that it only trips when the water level exceeds the normal levels.
What is a 307.2.5 drain?
307.2.5: “Condensate drain lines shall be configured to allow the clearing of blockages and performance of maintenance without having to cut the line.”
Why is a switch installed?
The switch is installed so that it cannot be easily moved into an improper position
Can a float switch work on another brand?
That means that, in some cases, a practice that works just fine on one brand may not work on another. Many contractors have found that installing a float switch with a flat bottom, like the SS2, right on the front of some shallow coils can result in the pans overflowing before the float trips.
What happens when a switch closes?
So, when that normally-open switch closes, the contacts energize at a low voltage and send a signal to the control board to shut down operations.
Where is the secondary drain located?
Where is that one located? Normally it terminates above a window around your house. Check for it around your eaves and you’ll see it. If you see water coming out of that pipe, call your favorite AC company and they’ll likely come out with compressed nitrogen and clean that line out for you. It takes quite a bit of pressure to really clean that thing out, so let’s leave it to the pros . People can really hurt themselves trying to mess with compressed gasses.
Can you add a safety switch to an HVAC system?
Folks who practice routine maintenance on their system have no idea what I’m talking about because they’ve never had a clog. The valve is really just another smart thing you can add on to your HVAC system that didn’t already come with it. Your HVAC technician will choose the right switch for your system, install it, and wire it to the furnace control board. If you are not a licensed technician, you could really injure yourself or your property unknowingly by installing this safety switch improperly.
Do HVAC systems have a safety switch?
Some people don’t think these will fit their HVAC system. I’m here to tell you, there is a condensate safety switch for every single evaporator coil out there. Whether your system is in the attic, closet, or garage, the potential for the primary drainage to clog and back up is almost 100%. It’s going to happen. It’s really just a matter of when.
Why do AC units have float switches?
The presence of AC float switches in your AC units will minimize the chances of the components of your AC units failing. This will have a positive impact on the lifespan of your HVAC system.
What Is An AC Float Switch?
In simple terms, An AC float switch is an electronic water sensor for your HVAC system. Also called condensate overflow switch or AC safety switch, the AC float switch is a fix for an overflow that the drainpipe cannot handle.
Where Is The Float Switch Located?
The location of the float switch primarily depends on the orientation of your HVAC system. If you have a horizontal unit, the safety switch will be located in the secondary drain pan. If, on the other hand, you own a horizontal unit that doesn’t have a secondary drain pan or you have a vertical unit, then the safety switch will be on the drainpipe.
What Benefits Does The Float Switch Offer?
AC Float Switches offer several benefits. We’ve already mentioned one of the important ones. For the sake of emphasis, we will briefly discuss some of its biggest benefits:
What happens when water in drain pan goes above a certain level?
When the water in the drain pan goes above a certain level. The switch device will float and send a signal to the AC unit to turn off. This will effectively stop condensation and prevent pan overflow, which can cause major water damage.
Why do you need a float switch for AC?
We’ve hinted this point before. By preventing water damage in your home, your AC float switch can save you from making expensive repairs, not just to your AC unit but your home and furnishing.
What happens if your AC unit doesn't have a float switch?
If your AC unit doesn’t have a float switch, the chances that you will experience water damage in your home are pretty high. Water damage can be serious, ruining your home and furnishing. The safety switch will turn your AC unit off in time to prevent an overflow and leakage, even when you are not home.
