Safety Disconnect

[ltusler]

My in floor heating boiler is a Seisco 9k unit. The specs call for a 50A x2 disconnect. A couple of years ago I notice the 60A one that was installed had melted and was making crackling noises. So I replaced it with a like unit. Now its doing the same thing again.

So do I need to install a larger one, or is there a problem down stream from it?

TIA!

This is the one I installed.
https://www.menards.com/main/electr...48-c-6435.htm?tid=-5705665774111765499&ipos=8

 

[couch67]

hmm i'd be checking from the panel to the unit for loose wire connections.

 

[Bert_]

Those a/c disconnects don't hold up to heavy load. They claim 60A rating but I consider it 30A reliable capacity

Get a real safety switch.

 

[Max]

My in floor heating boiler is a Seisco 9k unit. The specs call for a 50A x2 disconnect. A couple of years ago I notice the 60A one that was installed had melted and was making crackling noises. So I replaced it with a like unit. Now its doing the same thing again.

So do I need to install a larger one, or is there a problem down stream from it?

TIA!

This is the one I installed.
https://www.menards.com/main/electr...48-c-6435.htm?tid=-5705665774111765499&ipos=8

If you’re asking if a 60A disconnect should melt every couple of years the answer is no. The 60A disconnect should handle 50A essentially forever.

As @couch67 suggested I’d check the connections. I’d also use a clamp on ammeter to figure out what the load current is and then debug further as needed.

 

[Max]

Those a/c disconnects don't hold up to heavy load. They claim 60A rating but I consider it 30-40A max.

Get a real safety switch.

I’m not disagreeing with you or your experience. But if the disconnect can’t handle its rated load, then either the mfg. or the testing authority screwed up.

 

[sparky 1971]

My in floor heating boiler is a Seisco 9k unit. The specs call for a 50A x2 disconnect. A couple of years ago I notice the 60A one that was installed had melted and was making crackling noises. So I replaced it with a like unit. Now its doing the same thing again.

So do I need to install a larger one, or is there a problem down stream from it?

TIA!

This is the one I installed.
https://www.menards.com/main/electr...48-c-6435.htm?tid=-5705665774111765499&ipos=8

That's a cheap AC disconnect. Get a real disconnect. I use Square D almost exclusively, but there's nothing wrong with Siemens either. Menards carries Eaton, but the only type they have are fused. Go to a supply house and get one. I linked a Square D just for visualization and a reference part number. it shouldn't cost as much as the site says, I paid $86.75 for one yesterday.

Square D DU322 Non-Fusible General Duty Safety Switch 60A, 3-Pole, 15 HP, 240 VAC, NEMA 1

General duty safety switches are designed for residential and commercial applications where durability and economy are prime considerations. Typical loads include lighting, air conditioning, and appliances. They are suitable for use as service equipment when equipped with a factory-installed...

www.cityelectricsupply.com

EDIT; I screwed up. The link is for a three pole disco. The two pole part number is DU222. I forgot that I wound up getting a three pole because the supply house was out of two poles. And used the same part number from my ticket.

 

[Bert_]

I’m not disagreeing with you or your experience. But if the disconnect can’t handle its rated load, then either the mfg. or the testing authority screwed up.

Compare the inside of a 60A ac disconnect to even a general duty 60A safety switch.

The ac disconnects also cost like $12. They can't achieve that price without cutting every possible corner.

 

[tool_scrounge]

+1 on a quality disconnect. We once had a 100A heavy duty disconnect for the garage 50A service. Never an issue, other than you and your close neighbors could hear it being actuated!

 

[ltusler]

Thanks all. I bypassed the safety and wire nutted the leads. It was only the black lead that had a problem. The system has been running and the L1 and L2 are not getting warm at all. However the unit is not heating. I can see each heater element cycling from 0 to 18 amps, but the water is not getting warm. So I wonder if the unit is broken, its not showing any codes on the LED flasher.

 

[Metal-Marc]

Thanks all. I bypassed the safety and wire nutted the leads. It was only the black lead that had a problem. The system has been running and the L1 and L2 are not getting warm at all. However the unit is not heating. I can see each heater element cycling from 0 to 18 amps, but the water is not getting warm. So I wonder if the unit is broken, its not showing any codes on the LED flasher.

Bypassing safety switches is the way to go.

Worst case scenario is you burn the place down?

 

[Bert_]

Bypassing safety switches is the way to go.

Worst case scenario is you burn the place down?

It's just there for servicing the equipment... Has nothing to do with fire.

I would guess he plans to replace it at some point. This is a quick fix that uses parts on hand.

 

[mike93lx]

Bypassing safety switches is the way to go.

Worst case scenario is you burn the place down?

Tell us you don't know the purpose of a disconnect without telling us directly.

 

[sparky 1971]

Bypassing safety switches is the way to go.

Worst case scenario is you burn the place down?

How is bypassing a non fused disconnect going to cause a fire? The wires being nutted together is better than the disconnect that was there before. I've done it many times to get something working while I went to get parts to make the proper fix.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Bypassing safety switches is the way to go.

Worst case scenario is you burn the place down?

Huh?

This disconnect has nothing to do with preventing a fire. Its for servicing the equipment.

 

[Metal-Marc]

It's just there for servicing the equipment... Has nothing to do with fire.

I would guess he plans to replace it at some point. This is a quick fix that uses parts on hand.

 

[Bert_]

Good joke... You'd probably yell fire in a theater and think it's funny.

 

[Zeke]

Good joke... You'd probably yell fire in a theater and think it's funny.

Yeah, it's kinda off the Marc (he heh) but I had no trouble understanding that he had tongue-in-cheek. Don't let light conversation about electrical shock you.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

 

[sparky 1971]

I changed out an AC disconnect this morning.

 

[mike93lx]

I changed out an AC disconnect this morning.

Why?

 

[sparky 1971]

Why?

I needed something to do and those people have more money than they know what to do with and I decided I wanted some of it I just stopped and gave them my card, then told them that the disconnect for the heat pump might be worn out. If they ever find out the truth, I'm doomed.

 

[mike93lx]

I needed something to do and those people have more money than they know what to do with and I decided I wanted some of it I just stopped and gave them my card, then told them that the disconnect for the heat pump might be worn out. If they ever find out the truth, I'm doomed.

Lol. I bet you keep that burned out one on the truck and quickly hang it when the homeowner isn't looking

 

[sparky 1971]

Lol. I bet you keep that burned out one on the truck and quickly hang it when the homeowner isn't looking

Damn. I didn't think anyone would ever figure that one out.

 

[mike93lx]

Damn. I didn't think anyone would ever figure that one out.

Your secrets are safe here

 

[Zeke]

Do you have some of that smoke/smell in a bottle that you can spray on for the total effect?

 

[sparky 1971]

^^Of course. I don't know if I could convince them otherwise.^^