Condensate Pump Alarms?

[mpire]

I put in a condensate pump on an old Air Conditioner because I can't run a new drain line due to stupid condo association politics. I have two wires coming off it for an alarm. Do you guys have any recommendations on an alarm? I want one that is annoying and loud so that if it fails the tenant calls the management company instead of just ignoring it and causing a mess.

I am not a licensed air conditioner guy, and its a GE unit from 1974 so I don't even know if I can wire in a kill for the unit.

This is the pump.

Little Giant 554425 VCMA-20ULS Condensate Removal 1/30 HP Pump with Safety Switch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SM342Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Long story long:

I put in a little giant condensate pump on one of my rental units. I have been battling with the HOA and the downstairs neighbors who claim that my AC pan or line is leaking. We got to the point where they sent a plumber over to tear up stuff and I told them that they would have to sign a document to cut holes in my walls.

Its copper pipe, but all new valves on everything on the remodel a few years back and everything was pressure tested.

Long story short, they had a roof leak that came down the walls and came through the downstairs ceiling. So there is now a hole in the ceiling/firewall. Don't even get me started on how this is a major fire hazard, I know. Its not my responsibility and I am not allowed to actually fix it, but getting someone to act on it is so much harder than it should be.

Anyways, there was condensation ON the drain pipe and they claim that its leaking. Its Florida, its over a garage, and its very humid here.

That being said, I just stuck in a condensate drain to pump all the condensate down the washing machine drain so they couldn't argue it was my fault. Its still leaking according to them, but not having cold water in the drain pipe seems to have made a big difference.

 

[rlitman]

Condensate drains should be insulated. If the pipe were wrapped, it wouldn't sweat, and you'd have no issues.

 

[mpire]

Condensate drains should be insulated. If the pipe were wrapped, it wouldn't sweat, and you'd have no issues.

Agreed. They were wrapped. The downstairs owner tore the insulation off "inspecting" the pipes.

I have no access to the space between the units despite multiple written and oral requests. The space should be fully sealed anyway because its a fire break between units. Its been a long battle and I have limited options.

 

[Stuff]

Make sure there is a trap on the condensate line as without one there is air flow in the pipe. If you are no longer using the drain pipe make sure to cap both ends.

 

[homebuilt burner]

I have a water alarm sitting on the floor under my condensate pump. I got it at Menards for like $9 or close to that. It is about the size of a pack of cigarettes and it is very loud. If you had a secondary drain pan under the pump you could put the water alarm in there.

 

[justinjoyal]

Kill the Y wire so the A/C stops.

 

[ctfjr]

Kill the Y wire so the A/C stops.

^^^^ This

Those two wires aren't for an alarm. They are connected to a second float switch, a little higher that the one that operates the pump. They are normally closed. If water gets above the pump switch and trips this one it opens the circuit.
As justinjoyal said, break into the low voltage Y terminal wire going to the condensing unit. That will stop it from running and you get no overflow.

 

[Brian_WK]

We do both cut the Y wire as well as set off an alarm if its a condensate pump is in a terrible to access area. Or if the condensate pump also catches the condensate from a high efficiency furnace. You have to wire in a double pole double throw relay as well as switch the terminals on the micro switch in the pump to the normally open. This works out well for as when the A/C or Heat quits and the alarm is going off they know they need to clean the pump instead of call for a service call. Saves me from having to crawl into the attic crawl space etc.

Brian

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Kill the Y wire so the A/C stops.

^^^^ This

Those two wires aren't for an alarm. They are connected to a second float switch, a little higher that the one that operates the pump. They are normally closed. If water gets above the pump switch and trips this one it opens the circuit.
As justinjoyal said, break into the low voltage Y terminal wire going to the condensing unit. That will stop it from running and you get no overflow.

Proper. No alarm needed.

Tommy