Circulator Indicator lights

van_2

Does anybody do anything special with indicator lights on Taco circulators as a visual sign that they are running? Other than switch/pilot light combinations on the electrical disconnect for them in a system, I am looking for a innovative way to put an indicator light on or close to the circs. Maybe a small light that could be mounted into the junction box on the circ?

bob_34

circulator indicator lights

radio shack has them- green or red. just drill a hole on the end of the 007 wiring box.

Michal

lights

Radio shack sells 120v leds', but this would only light up when the pump is energized and would only show that it has power going to it, Its a great idea, but not sure if its worh the work, but would be nice if manufacturers can put in operating and fail lights to ease service like they do on argo and taco panels

imatellerslie

hot rod's handywork

http://forums.invision.net/Thread.cfm?CFApp=2&&Message_ID=143983&_#Message143983

Jim_55

circulator lights

Van, i did that with my system. I ran 120 volt 6 wire cable from my taco relay box ( sr 504 exp) to my living room. I wanted to know at a glance if my circulaters were running.
I bought small LED lights (120 volt) from Radio shack and made a small box with them. I have one for power(green)and 4(red)for the individuall zones(circulaters). The small box is right above my living room tstat. Essentially I duplicated the LED lights that are on the relay box. I did get help from the Taco rep (Joe M.) for the wiring details before I connected anything. It looks good and I would do it again.

Chuckles_3

An LED indicator won't tell you if the pump is stuck. I want one of those compass-like thingys that you hold near the pump, but I can't find one on the web. Able Distributors won't sell me anything because I'm a mere mortal (i.e. HO). Are there any other sources?

Joe Mattiello

Isn't needing lights to know if the pump is running a good thing

Don't think for one minute the fine Taco engineers haven't thought about adding diganostic lights to the pump. However, the light will only energize when there is power supplied, and will not indicate a failed cartridge. Additionally, it will add cost and have to increase the price. Any more ideas?

Taco, Inc.
Joe Mattiello
Technical Service Technician
joemat@taco-hvac.com
401-942-8000 X 484
www.taco-hvac.com

Mike T., Swampeast MO

try www.geonordic.se

"Indicator for AC magnetic fields"

.

thanks but

...they don't sell retail.

jim P._2

LED lights

Joe the led lights I put together came out real good. I will have to try and get a picture of them on the wall. Before I had them me and my wife would go down to the basement to have a peek at the sr504 led lights as to what was on (is the heat on?). Three weeks ago I had 15 friends and guests over the house and i showed them my heating system. I did not show them the LED box. After noticing the small lights in the living room they asked me what they were for. Several said they do the same thing, they go to the basement to see whats on. They were impressed and thought it was a great idea. Maybe Taco should have this as an excessory- a wire harness that connects to the relay box power port and to a small led box in the living room. It can be for 2-6 zones. Jim

Steve Paul

LEDs for circs

I don't understand the homeowners need to determine visually, the fact that the circulator is actally circulating. A distinct drop in temperature is a good clue to circ failure. LEDs wired in parralel to the circ only indicate that power is applied to the circ. It would make more sense to install a flow switch in the loop to close when flow is present and to complete the circuit to the LED. Is this too simple? Am I missing something?
Steve Paul

Boiler Guy

Either

a flow switch, pressure tap or current sensing relay is the only way I know of positively identifing actual flow. I guess another way would be to install a temperature sensor somewhere within the loop to verify it is within parametres.

jim P._2

led picture

here is a picture. yes it just lets you know if theres power to the circulators only. Like I said I dont regret doing it. It tells me what zones are calling for heat. I guess its the engineer in me that wants to know whats going on with my small heating plant. I raised the tsat temp so the light will go on otherwise I have it at 71 F. jim