
How does a fan limit switch work?
- Open up the access panel on the furnace.
- Look for the fan limit control switch encased in a small rectangular box.
- Slide the cover off the control switch or lift it up.
- Set the markers to the appropriate settings for your furnace.
- Pull out the white switch to reset the limit control to automatic.
How do you wire a fan limit switch?
Knowing how to wire a ceiling fan means taking some precautionary steps:
- Make sure all circuit breakers related to the wiring are shut off. ...
- If needed, consult a professional electrician to ensure that the breaker box and electrical switches are to code.
- Make sure to strip the coating on the ends of the wires to expose the copper end.
- Make sure the unused wires have caps or wire connectors at the ends.
How to adjust the Honeywell fan and limit switch?
If the Fan Limit switch worked normally continue as follows:
- Turn off electrical power to the heating system
- Reconnect the fan motor where you previously disconnected it
- Turn on electrical power to the heating system
- Call for heat: Set the building thermostat to call for heat
What are the temperature settings for a fan limit switch?
The fan limit control includes these key features
- A manually-operated blower fan on-off switch (on some, not all fan/limit controls)
- A temperature sensor in the furnace, either a probe with bimetallic spring or a snap-disc type temperature sensor. ...
- A FAN control switch that turns the blower fan on or off in response to the furnace air temperature
How do you adjust a Furnace Fan limit switch?
How to Set a Fan Limit Control Switch
- Open up the access panel on the furnace. Most slide off or unhook for easy access.
- Look for the fan limit control switch encased in a small rectangular box. It should be located near the top of the furnace within the panel.
- Slide the cover off the control switch or lift it up. ...
- Set the markers to the appropriate settings for your furnace. ...

How does a fan limit control switch work?
The fan limit switch tells the blower assembly when it is OK to blow the heated air. Once the fan limit switch has sensed that the air in the plenum is a suitable temperature (usually around 20 degrees above the room temperature) it engages the blower fan to distribute air.
What should my fan limit switch be set at?
For a general guide, set the two lowest ones (from the furthest left) to 100 and 130 degrees to control when the fan comes on and goes off. The third marker should be set around 200 degrees as a safety shut-off for the burner.
How do you test a fan limit control switch?
0:285:32How to test and replace a Fan & Limit Control - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo at 100 degrees the furnace will come on and at 200 degrees the gas valve will turn off now toMoreSo at 100 degrees the furnace will come on and at 200 degrees the gas valve will turn off now to test the function of this limit control we use our electrical tester.
How do you bypass a fan limit switch?
2:244:00How To Test and Bypass The Upper Limit Switch On Your FurnaceYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust make sure your furnace is totally shut off you're just going to pull the wire straight offMoreJust make sure your furnace is totally shut off you're just going to pull the wire straight off depending on where your upper limit switch is in your furnace.
Why does my limit switch keep tripping?
If the air inside your furnace gets too hot, the limit switch trips to prevent overheating. If the furnace high limit switch trips due to overheating, there is likely an airflow issue that is preventing proper air movement through the system. Check your air filter, and replace it if dirty.
Is it OK to run furnace fan constantly?
Running your furnace fan all the time isn't exactly a bad thing. In fact, there's no need to worry about the fan wearing out or breaking down because it's designed to run continuously, and there's an array of benefits connected to this. Here are some of them: Better circulation of heated and cooled air.
How does a limit control work?
Limit Switch Functions Once the air reaches a preset temperature, the limit switch turns on the blower. The switch also turns off the blower ff when the air temperature falls below a lower limit. As a safety measure, the limit switch shuts off the burner when the air in the system exceeds a maximum temperature.
How much does a fan limit switch for a furnace cost?
$4 to $25Average Cost of a New Furnace Limit Switch You will need to buy a high limit switch that is produced by the same manufacturer as your furnace unit. Depending on who your OEM is, this component could roughly cost you anywhere from $4 to $25.
How can you tell if a limit switch is bad?
0:041:19Checking a limit switch using your voltmeter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAcross the limit if it's not tripped. Which should be reading zero terrific Chris. Now he reads 24MoreAcross the limit if it's not tripped. Which should be reading zero terrific Chris. Now he reads 24 volts that means that's a bad limit.
How do I know if my limit switch is bad on my furnace?
The most common sign of a malfunctioning limit switch is the continuous operation of your furnace's blower. Just as the limit switch won't allow the fan to turn on until the warm air has reached the right temperature, the limit switch also shuts down when the air cools to a certain temperature.
What happens when you bypass a limit switch on a furnace?
There is no good reason for a consumer to bypass a furnace limit switch. Furnace switches are reliable, inexpensive to replace, and are designed for protection of the consumer. Bypassing a furnace limit switch or any home heating component can create dangerous safety and fire hazards.
What is a furnace fan limit switch, and what is its function?
It is a small device that consists of a long temperature-sensing probe placed inside the furnace and a metal switch mounting plate located outside . It is a control circuit whose prime function is to turn the blower fan on or off, based on the pre-temperature settings during the regular furnace operation. It also prevents any damage to the furnace from overheating by shutting it down. It monitors the temperature in the combustion chamber to control the unit’s operation.
How to turn off blower fan?
Turn off the blower fan: Once the thermostat detects that circulating air has reached the desired temperature setting, the furnace burner turns off. The blower fan continues to run briefly till the supply air reaches the lower temperature limit set on the thermostat. When it happens, the limit switch shuts off the blower fan motor till the next cycle.
Why turn off the burner on a furnace?
Turn off the burner if the furnace gets too hot: A dirty and clogged filter or malfunctioning blower fan can restrict the smooth airflow through the heat exchanger. It overheats the unit leading to cracks in the heat exchanger pipe, resulting in carbon monoxide gas leaks. When the fan limit switch senses that the supply air temperature is very high and the heat exchanger is overheating, it trips to shut off the gas valve to stop the gas supply to the burner and halt the heating process.
What is a furnace?
A furnace is a vital part of the central HVAC systems most commonly used to heat residential and commercial buildings. It has several components that need to work correctly for the furnace to generate heat.
Can a furnace limit switch wear out?
As a furnace gets old, it is not uncommon for the limit switch to wear out or develop issues. A blower fan running continuously or a non-operational furnace indicates a problem with the limit switch. Call an HVAC company to inspect, repair, or replace a bad limit switch.
What is a furnace fan limit switch?
Furnace fan limit switches also include a maximum temperature function that will disable the standard heating process if the furnace overheats. Lastly, the furnace fan limit switch may also be accompanied by a Manual On switch that allows you to keep the fan activated continuously throughout the day in your home to improve air flow.
Why is a furnace limit switch important?
The furnace limit switch is an essential component because it prevents your furnace from becoming too warm throughout standard operation. This is a safety feature that is designed to prevent damage to the internal components of your furnace and keep your family safe. In addition, the furnace fan limit switch is in charge if controlling ...
Why is my furnace deactivating?
If your furnace is continuously activating and deactivating throughout the day, this may also be a sign of a blower motor issue. An overheated blower assembly will trip the furnace limit switch and cause your furnace to deactivate prior to the end of the standard heating cycle. Other common issues that may affect the furnace fan limit switch ...
How does a furnace produce heat?
The burners are designed to heat the air produced by the air plenum in your furnace. Each burner works in conjunction with the furnace limit switch to ensure the air from the plenum is at least 20 degrees above the room temperature.
Does the furnace blower remain in session?
However, the blower assembly will remain in session until the furnace limit switch confirms the internal furnace temperature is at a safe level. Ways to Decrease Your Air Conditioning Bills.
Can a clogged furnace filter cause a furnace to overheat?
Lastly, we always recommend checking the filter in your furnace to confirm it isn’t clogged. A clogged air filter may cause the plenum in your furnace to reach an unsafe temperature. Once the plenum overheats, the furnace limit switch will turn off the furnace to keep you safe. To receive help with a furnace limit switch repair, ...
Why is a limit switch used?
In both cases, the limit switch is used to safeguard the operator from potential harm. Machine Safety - A limit switch can be used to protect machinery from unintentional damage.
What is a limit switch?
What is the Function of Limit Switch? A limit switch is an electro-mechanical device used to send an electrical signal based on a physical interaction. Limit Switches are used to detect the presence of objects, thus allowing the system to take desired action.
How do I know if my limit switch is bad?
Using a basic ohmmeter or Digital Multimeter (DMM), it’s possible to determine whether or not a limit switch is bad. Disconnect the limit switch from the system and apply the ohmmeter leads to each terminal. If the limit switch is normally open (NO), the resistance should be very high. If it’s normally closed (NC), the resistance should be close to zero. Toggle the limit switch into the active position and measure the resistance. It should be the opposite in this setting. If the transition does not occur, the limit switch is bad.
How many contacts does a limit switch have?
This variation of a limit switch features four contacts. Two of these contacts can be used as Normally Open (NO) connections and two other as Normally Closed (NC).
Why do microwaves use limit switches?
They are used in microwaves to check that the door is closed before operation is allowed. They are used in elevators to notify the system that the cabin has reached the desired floor. Limit Switches are used in washing machine lids as a permissive to start the wash cycle.
Why are limit switches important?
They thus play an important role in manufacturing due to their simplicity and low cost.
How many cycles does a limit switch last?
A limit switch used in manufacturing is rated for hundreds of thousands of cycles. However, there are various flavors of this device that aren’t as robust for other everyday applications.
