A/c air handler safety cutoff switch

Archive Public Archive
1

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


For Joe T.,


I could not find any listing or labeling on these, installed in a new house I am inspecting (yes, they have been written up).

Just some of the stuff being used in Dade county.

You should see the boarder crossing I have to make all the time from Broward to 'that other country' on our southern border (Miami-Dade County). ![icon_biggrin.gif](upload://iKNGSw3qcRIEmXySa8gItY6Gczg.gif)





--
Jerry Peck
South Florida

2

Originally Posted By: chorne
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Jerry,


That is to prevent an accidental overflow in the drip pan under
the unit. The unit sences water and alarms the home owner
to prevent leaks. Especially used if the handler is installed in
an attic.

Carla

3

Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Jerry,


What did you write up?

4

Originally Posted By: jtedesco
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


http://www.downriversupply.com/browseItemsSel.asp?id=11480


WAGNER WET SWITCH FLOOD DETECTOR

$85.01 ??

go to www.ul.com and search for the product.

Where is the supply picked up from?

--
Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant

www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm

5

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Carla,


Yes, I know what it is for, just no listing information on it.

Joe,

I did search there and came up with 'no match' found for all of my searches. Did you find anything on it?

Blaine,

"INSTEAD OF USING A REGULAR SAFETY SWITCH IN THE SECONDARY CONDENSATE PAN, A ?WET SWITCH? WAS LAID ON THE BOTTOM OF THE SECONDARY CONDENSATE PAN; WE LOOKED ALL OVER THIS ?WET SWITCH? AND COULD NOT FIND ANY UL, CSA, OR OTHER LISTINGS WHERE IT HAS BEEN TESTED, LISTED, AND LABELED FOR ANY APPROVED USES, MUCH LESS THIS USE; THIS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WITH A SAFETY CUT OFF SWITCH WHICH IS LISTED AND LABELED; "

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida

6

Originally Posted By: jtedesco
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Report it to the Local Electrical Inspector.


I too could not find any testing agency information.

What is the specific electrical hazard in your view?

--
Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant

www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm

7

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


If it’s not been tested to any any standard, then there is nothing to assure me that it will not ground out (wet or not) and energize the metal secondary condensate pan. Or just plain catch on fire for some unknown reason.

–
Jerry Peck


South Florida

8

Originally Posted By: Scott Wilson
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Why would this have to be listed or labelled?


110.2 Approval
The conductors and equipment required or permitted by this Code shall be acceptable only if approved.
100 Definitions
Approved- Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction

I also notice that it works at 24 volts, which would be the control voltage for the AC. The likelihood of it energizing a drain pan or starting a fire?---not that great

9

Originally Posted By: jtedesco
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


That’s a good reason and we should try to find out more about the product. Maybe an email to UL will be the way to go?

–
Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant


www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm
10

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Scott,


Because the AHJ rarely "approves" something using the proper requirements in making their approval.

110.3 Examination, Identification, Installation, and Use of Equipment.
- (A) Examination. In judging equipment, considerations such as the following shall be evaluated:
- - (1) Suitability for installation and use in conformity with the provisions of this Code
- - - FPN: Suitability of equipment use may be identified by a description marked on or provided with a product to identify the suitability of the product for a specific purpose, environment, or application. Suitability of equipment may be evidenced by listing or labeling.
- - (2) Mechanical strength and durability, including, for parts designed to enclose and protect other equipment, the adequacy of the protection thus provided
- - (3) Wire-bending and connection space
- - (4) Electrical insulation
- - (5) Heating effects under normal conditions of use and also under abnormal conditions likely to arise in service
- - (6) Arcing effects
- - (7) Classification by type, size, voltage, current capacity, and specific use
- - (![icon_cool.gif](upload://oPnLkqdJc33Dyf2uA3TQwRkfhwd.gif) Other factors that contribute to the practical safeguarding of persons using or likely to come in contact with the equipment
- (B) Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.

So, to save they from having to try to make sure that their "approval" is a proper approval [follows 110.3 (A)], simply follow 110.3 (B).

Yes, the AHJ CAN approve things. But they need to do so in a defensible manner. In the manner specified in 110.3 (A).

If I were an AHJ, and I had two products available, I would "approve" the listed and labeled one.

If I were an AHJ and had to "approve" a one-off installation, I would be inclined to have them (whoever was installing the installation) get third party on-site approval and listing. Then I could 'hang my hat' on that third party (i.e., UL, CSA, etc.) approval and listing. But maybe that is just me.

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida

11

Originally Posted By: Scott Wilson
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


All true, Jerry.


I’m simply trying to make the point that a HI is certainly not in any position to be “writing up” something simply because he/she cannot find a listing or labelling, especially on a new home that’s just been inspected.


Quote:
If I were an AHJ,
.
But one just left!