Current Switch and How You Can Use It

[@TomLawson05]

Great video John thanks for enlightening us on these devices always look forward to seeing new videos

[@johnjennings-JJ]

Thanks.

[@repairitdontwreckit4257]

A very informative video. Thanks for demonstrating the many scenarios where this device can be used. I plan to use it on a gas fired furnace to monitor a high limit switch.

[@stevencossaboon3237]

Great video John. Thank you for the knowledge.

[@johnjennings-JJ]

Thank you

[@Barryd57]

Excellent video. Playing back what u taught us, once the current switch senses power, it closes the NO circuit. These switches can be NO or NC. Is there a way to add a delay of 1 second +/- so one device isn't shutting down at the same time another device is powering up? My plan is to use a current switch to determine when my AC is drawing power from my solar array. When the AC compressor goes off, as dictated by it's thermostat, I will use a current switch to send power to a relay that powers other devices which will consume the power the solar panels are putting out. Comments welcome.

[@johnjennings-JJ]

They do have time delay relays, so many options...depending on the final wiring schematic you come up with... or sequencers might work. You could look up white rogers, mars relays, or honeywell and get to their online catalog and see all the specs.

[@JDT738126]

Awesome info

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

John Jennings Dave here, great indepth video on current switches. I bought and installed a Goodman split system in my personal home. It has run very good for almost 10 years, now though I can't get my condensing unit to come on. My pressures are in range, both L1 and L2 are there 240 volts, 27 volts are at the outdoor unit In calling for cool. My unit has a time delay device wired to a Comfort Alert Switch relay then a fan control relay to the L/H pressure switches, and then back to the contactor coil. We did a major remodeling this winter and I lost my installation service manuals. Where would I get wiring information from Goodman for my unit? It does not have any model numbers on the Condenser anywhere. It is a 16 Seer 2 stage cool, probably built in 2008-2010. Any help direction will be greatly appreciated.

[@johnjennings-JJ]

Couple different approaches...#1 - maybe reach out to the original contractor to see if they still have the info on file, #2 - sometimes the info is on the data plate (under the service panel / above the service valves) but is worn out by weather and faded. Sometimes a good pair of polarized sunglasses let you make out the information, and #3 - get the model number and serial number off of the compressor (provided the compressor is the original and has not been changed) and call your local goodman parts store/dealer to see if they can look up the details for your unit. They should be able to find it by the compressor info. You may also be directed to call goodman directly, just grab their 800 number online. At least these are the steps I would take...maybe flip 1 and 2!

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

@@johnjennings-JJ Thank you for the Fast response, now it's time to get to work.

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

@@johnjennings-JJ I fixed it! It was the short cycle relay. It had 3 bad solder spots on the terminals that went bad. I resoldered them put it back, and everything works as it should. Thanks for you Very informative videos! Subscribed to some very valuable information! Thanks again!

[@johnjennings-JJ]

That's awesome. Not too many people I deal with in this field even try to solder anymore but I think it is more just because of warranty issues and such. But if it is your own unit and it isn't working...what have you got to lose!

[@GilmerJohn]

It may make for sense to have an air flow sensor. I was thinking of using a "relay/sensor" like that to operate a UV-C lamp in the duct work when the fan was operating. It would permit a completely separate circuit for the UV lamp. (Obviously, another relay would be needed for the UV lamp.)

[@johnjennings-JJ]

To be honest, I hadn't thought of using it to control my own UV lights. I have mine just run 24/7. That is a great example of how it can be used. Should be fairly easy to just run a low voltage circuit off of the transformer through the current switch in order to control the UV relay.👍

[@johnmcelwee9712]

This is what I want to. My UV lamp runs 24/7 even when there's no airflow. The lamp burns out prematurely.

[@GilmerJohn]

@@johnmcelwee9712 -- Well, I've been kicking this around for a few years (even since the COVID hit). I'm not an appliance maker so I don't want to mix high voltage and low voltage in the same box (this is routine in air handlers). A lot of "gadgets" do mix the circuits with high & low connecting via the same 3/4" knockout. Perhaps someone could "package" something to do the job. Just a simple 24 vac relay with the "hot" side in an approved box and the "low" side with just some wires or screw terminals. It would connect much the same way as a doorbell transformer. Some years ago I put in a "relay" transformer to adapt a shop vac as the replacement for a "whole house" vac.

[@johnmcelwee9712]

@@GilmerJohn The UV light I have is 120VAC. It plugs into standard outlet. I think I could use one a current sensing switch to operate it.

[@johnjennings-JJ]

@GilmerJohn I think my barber just did the same thing. Had an issue with the "while house" vac and just bought a shop vac..who ever put it in as the replacement probably used something similar or at least had his circuits figured out!

[@jamieemes4292]

So if I connect a 120v 15 amp line into the switch and run the output to say a 1 amp duct booster fan the switch should be able to handle it, correct ? Powering anything below 2.5 amp... Thanks for the video!

[@johnjennings-JJ]

I would agree with you on that based on the specs from the manufacturer. But are you saying run a 15 amp rated line such as a #12 AWG to it and then a smaller gauge from it to the booster fan?

[@jamieemes4292]

@@johnjennings-JJ 14 awg for 15 amp.probably 14 gauge wire in and out of device to fan. But the fan should draw about 1 to 1.5 amps is all....

[@johnjennings-JJ]

👍 i figured that was what you meant but why not just run the smallest gauge possible for the entire circuit and save on some copper! Either way it should be fine.

[@hasger1941]

hello do these work in any direction ? we need it to turn on when current flow in opposite direction eg. when solar inverter is exporting power to grid it switches so we can use power somewhere else..

[@johnjennings-JJ]

Honestly don't know how it would work in a solar application. I know there is a difference in the DC amperage and AC amperage though.

[@jeanettepidanick4462]

How do I contact you for a consultation?

[@johnjennings-JJ]

[e-mail]