A/C overflow shut off required by code?
- Thread starter hal1
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larry4406
Well-known member
I thought it was an either or scenario - pan overflow drain or a switch.
I prefer the switch as it stops the unit alerting you to a problem.
If the drain handled the issue, it will keep draining as the unit remains functioning and the user is none the wiser.
Our new homes come with a pan and float shut off switch.
I prefer the switch as it stops the unit alerting you to a problem.
If the drain handled the issue, it will keep draining as the unit remains functioning and the user is none the wiser.
Our new homes come with a pan and float shut off switch.
gtae07
Well-known member
We have both. The overflow drain exits at a different and much more noticable place so it should tell you there's a problem (assuming you know/remember what it means). If it's blocked (and it was, once) the switch cuts things off.
In my house, the original 20 year old AC in the attic has a drain pan only. In a completely new system that was installed in 2020 (we have 2 separate systems, one for 1st floor and the other for 2nd floor) they installed a float switch in the drain pan.
With that being said, I do not know that our code here requires it, but for $12 it could save a lot of grief down the road if the drain pan were to overflow. It's wired to kill the power to the thermostat which will shut the whole system down but I understand in areas that can really cold, it would be wired to kill the power to the outside condensor so the homeowner could still run the furnace and not freeze to death in the winter
With that being said, I do not know that our code here requires it, but for $12 it could save a lot of grief down the road if the drain pan were to overflow. It's wired to kill the power to the thermostat which will shut the whole system down but I understand in areas that can really cold, it would be wired to kill the power to the outside condensor so the homeowner could still run the furnace and not freeze to death in the winter
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Mine are pan and float shutoff for the two above finished space and just a float shutoff for the one in the garage
The garage and one unit over living space are recent installs, but I don't know if it's a code requirement or best practice
The garage and one unit over living space are recent installs, but I don't know if it's a code requirement or best practice
Last edited:
jacob_coulter
Well-known member
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- Oct 4, 2006
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I'm pretty sure it's not "code" but some insurance companies mandate it. Mine did, first summer the thing gave a wrong reading and shut my unit down. I unplugged it and didnt have a problem since.
A different unit had them and it never gave me any trouble.
A different unit had them and it never gave me any trouble.
Usually the Red wire to your thermostat is power. Float switches are 'normally closed' so if the switch trips, it kills the power to the thermostat.