RectorSeal SS1 - User Manual

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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

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PRODUCT CODE 97632

MODEL SS1  LOW VOLTAGE CONDENSATE OVERFLOW SHUTOFF SWITCH

Safe-T-Switch Model SS1

HORIZONTAL INSTALLATION (see Figs. 1 & 2):

1. Glue ¾” stub onto drain pan outlet adapter.

2. Press switch/cap assembly ﬁrmly into top 1” opening in Tee, until the rim is ﬂush against the Tee opening. If more sensitivity is desired, the

switch can be threaded out of the cap. DO NOT GLUE THE SWITCH/CAP INTO THE TEE.

3. Glue 1”x ¾” bushing into remaining 1” Tee outlet.

4. Glue bushed inlet of Tee onto ¾” stub from pan outlet. Tee may be sloped up to 45° from pan outlet. If more slope is needed, see VERTICAL

INSTALLATION, below.

5. For plugged installation on auxiliary outlets, seat plug ﬁrmly into ¾” outlet of Tee, ensuring it is water tight. DO NOT GLUE. Pipe tape may

be required to ensure seal.

6. For inline installation, glue ¾” outlet of Tee onto drain line.

7. Wire the switch as per instructions under Wiring, below

8. Test the switch by liting the ﬂoat while the unit is running. If wired correctly, the unit will stop.

9. Test all drain and ﬁtting connections for plumbing leaks.

10. Test switch sensitivity: Plug drain downstream from installation point and run unit to ﬁll pan. Float should rise and unit should stop before pan

overﬂows. If the pan overﬂows, reposition the ﬂoat lower by either:

A. plumbing the entire assembly lower, or

B. loosening the jamb nut on the threaded stem and adjust the height of the ﬂoat as necessary.

Test for proper sensitivity. Retighten jamb nut.

11. Ax warning sticker to air handler or condenser unit.

Connect to primary

drain pan outlet

Connect to auxiliary

drain pan outlet

Figure 1: Horizontal (plugged) installation for

auxiliary drain outlets.

Figure 2: Horizontal (Inline) installation.

VERTICAL INSTALLATION (see Figs. 3 & 4)

1. Glue ¾” stub onto drain pan outlet adapter.

2. Remove switch/cap assembly from top 1” Tee inlet and insert into remaining 1” Tee inlet so that rim is ﬂush against the Tee opening. If more

sensitivity is desired, the switch can be threaded out of the cap. DO NOT GLUE THE SWITCH CAP INTO THE TEE.

3. Glue 1”x ¾” bushing into the open 1” Tee inlet.

4. Glue bushed inlet of Tee onto ¾” stub from pan outlet. Tee may be sloped up to 45° in either direction by rotating on stub.

5. For plugged installation on auxiliary outlets, seat plug ﬁrmly into ¾” outlet of Tee, ensuring it is water-

tight. DO NOT GLUE. Pipe tape may

be required to ensure the seal. Ensure Tee is level or sloped downward from the pan outlet. If upward slope is unavoidable, adjust ﬂoat switch

downward out of cap by turning clockwise 1/8”.

Connect to auxiliary

drain pan outlet

Figure 3: Vertical (plugged) installation

for auxiliary outlets

Figure 4: Vertical (Inline) installation.

Connect to primary

drain pan outlet

INSTALLATION:

NOTICE: Failure to read and comply with all warnings, cautions and instructions prior to starting installation may

cause personal injury and/or property damage and void the warranty.

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Summary

INSTALLATION

HORIZONTAL INSTALLATION

Step-by-step guide for mounting the Safe-T-Switch horizontally.

VERTICAL INSTALLATION

Step-by-step guide for mounting the Safe-T-Switch vertically.

WIRING

WIRING (see fig. 5)

Instructions for connecting the Safe-T-Switch to the HVAC unit's wiring.

INSTRUCTIONS

Safe-T-Switch SS1 Directional Cleanout Tool

Procedure for using the cleanout tool to clear drain line blockages.

Summary

INSTALLATION

HORIZONTAL INSTALLATION

Step-by-step guide for mounting the Safe-T-Switch horizontally.

VERTICAL INSTALLATION

Step-by-step guide for mounting the Safe-T-Switch vertically.

WIRING

WIRING (see fig. 5)

Instructions for connecting the Safe-T-Switch to the HVAC unit's wiring.

INSTRUCTIONS

Safe-T-Switch SS1 Directional Cleanout Tool

Procedure for using the cleanout tool to clear drain line blockages.

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Installation Flexibility
Plugged vs. Inline Configuration
Sensitivity Adjustment
Wiring Options
Safety Recommendations
Maintenance Features
Testing
Cleanout Tool (Safe-T-Switch SS1 Directional Cleanout Tool)
Cautions

The RectorSeal Safe-T-Switch Model SS1 (Product Code 97632) is a low-voltage condensate overflow shut-off switch designed to prevent property damage from overflowing condensate pans in HVAC systems. It functions by detecting rising water levels in the condensate pan and interrupting the 24-volt control circuit of the HVAC unit, thereby shutting it down before an overflow occurs.

Function Description:

The Safe-T-Switch SS1 is an electromechanical device that utilizes a float mechanism to detect the presence of water. When the condensate pan fills to an unsafe level, the float rises, activating a switch that breaks the 24-volt circuit to the HVAC unit. This interruption can be wired to either the red (cooling/heating) or yellow (cooling only) circuit of the thermostat cable. Wiring it to the red circuit will shut down the entire unit, while wiring to the yellow circuit will allow the fan to continue running (which can help inhibit mold during long absences). The switch is designed for both horizontal and vertical installations, offering flexibility in placement depending on the specific HVAC system configuration and available space.

Important Technical Specifications:

Voltage: 24 Volt AC
Current: 1.25 Amp
Circuit Type: Class 2 (Thermostat) Circuit Only
Lead Wire: 6 ft. 18 AWG
Application: Use in water only; not for use in the presence of flammable liquids or vapors.
Compatibility: Designed for use with 3/4" drain lines.

Usage Features:

Installation Flexibility:

The SS1 can be installed in two primary orientations:

Horizontal Installation: This configuration is suitable for auxiliary drain outlets or inline with the primary drain line. The Tee component can be sloped up to 45° from the pan outlet. For increased sensitivity, the switch can be threaded out of the cap.
Vertical Installation: This configuration is also suitable for auxiliary drain outlets or inline with the primary drain line. The Tee can be sloped up to 45° in either direction by rotating on the stub. If an upward slope is unavoidable, the float switch can be adjusted downward out of the cap by turning clockwise 1/8" for proper function.

Plugged vs. Inline Configuration:

Plugged Installation (Auxiliary Outlets): The switch is installed on an auxiliary drain outlet, with a plug firmly seated in the 3/4" outlet of the Tee to ensure a watertight seal. Pipe tape may be required for sealing.
Inline Installation: The switch is integrated directly into the condensate drain line, with the 3/4" outlet of the Tee glued onto the drain line.

Sensitivity Adjustment:

The sensitivity of the switch can be adjusted to ensure it triggers before the pan overflows. This can be achieved by:

Plumbing the entire assembly lower.
Loosening the jamb nut on the threaded stem and adjusting the height of the float.
In vertical installations, turning the switch assembly counter-clockwise 1/8" away from the cap/plug to make it stop the unit sooner.

Wiring Options:

The switch can be wired into either the red or yellow thermostat circuit:

Red Circuit: Shuts down the entire HVAC unit (cooling and heating).
Yellow Circuit: Shuts down only the cooling function, allowing the fan to continue running.

Safety Recommendations:

Always disconnect power to the unit at the main panel before performing electrical work.
An inline fuse is recommended to protect the 24-volt circuit and prevent rapid cycling of equipment.
The device is intended for Class 2 (thermostat) circuits only and should not exceed 24-volts, 1.25 amps.
Ensure all plumbing connections are watertight to prevent leaks.
Affix the provided warning sticker to the air handler or condenser unit after installation.

Maintenance Features:

Testing:

Functionality Test: Lift the float while the unit is running. If wired correctly, the unit should stop.
Plumbing Leak Test: Test all drain and fitting connections for plumbing leaks.
Sensitivity Test: Plug the drain downstream from the installation point and run the unit to fill the pan. The float should rise, and the unit should stop before the pan overflows. Adjust sensitivity if necessary.

Cleanout Tool (Safe-T-Switch SS1 Directional Cleanout Tool):

The Safe-T-Switch SS1 is designed for easy maintenance and clog removal using the optional Safe-T-Switch SS1 Directional Cleanout Tool (not included with the switch itself but referenced in the manual).

Process:
1. Remove the SS1 Cup/Float subassembly from the SS1 body (the Tee).
2. Clear any visible debris inside the SS1 body.
3. Route the Cleanout Tool into the SS1 body, either upstream or downstream, depending on the blockage location.
4. Insert the rubber nozzle portion of the tool into the 3/4" pipe glued to the SS1 body on the blockage side.
5. Attach a pressurizing (or vacuuming) device (e.g., RectorSeal Mighty Pump™ or a shop vac) to the Cleanout Tool's rigid plastic opening.
6. Pump or vacuum until the blockage is cleared.
7. Disconnect the pressurizing/vacuuming device and remove the Cleanout Tool.
8. Reinsert the SS1 Cup/Float subassembly into the SS1 body and test the SS1 function.
Benefits:
- Allows for directional cleanout of the condensate drain line.
- Fits perfectly with Safe-T-Switch® SS1 and all 3/4" drain lines.
- Can be left with the Safe-T-Switch® or removed for future jobs.

Cautions:

This device will not detect clogs occurring upstream from the installation point.
Do not use on dual compressor systems.
Refer to the appropriate HVAC equipment operation manual prior to installing this product.