Sail switch

Bill_3

What is a Sail Switch?

Alan R. Mercurio

A sail switch is a switch that is activated by air movement. Some times it's used with a humidifier when the blower comes on the switch is pushed into a closed position by the air and then power is able to go through the switch.

It comes with a plastic rap on the portion that is installed in the path of the air. Think of it like a sail on a sail boat. without it, nothing will happen. I say this because in my infancy to this industry 14 years ago I removed the wrap on my first one thinking it was for shipping and then tried to figure out why the piece of junk did not work? LOL Ahh learning is fun isn't it?

Just thought I would share that to possibly save anyone from making the same mistake I made in the past.


Your friend in the industry,

Alan R. Mercurio

Oil Tech Talk

Unknown

Typically used as a

interlock to prove the movement of air when used with induced draft blowers, power venters, combustion air blowers on roof top units etc.

Sail switches tend to be problems however due to their flimsiness and also they tend to get corroded and clogged up with dust and dirt.

Most systems today use centrifigual switches or pressure switches to do the same job.

If you are interested I can send you a free bit of info on these devices. Just e-mail me your postal address.

Steve Bergerson

Sometimes they need to be trimmed

Years ago, I installed 5 sail switches to activate electronic air cleaners in a commercial job.

After a week, I got a call-back complaining that the air cleaners weren't working... After examining the sail switches, I found the plastic was ripped off of all of them do to the high airflow where they were placed.

The good folks at Honeywell sent me new sails with instructions to cut about 2" off the top. They have worked fine now for 11 years. Can I say "Smoothe Sailing"?

hot_rod

Sailing away - heh!

They makes em for water too!

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