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Humidifier Motor Wiring to Furnace

EdG
EdG Member Posts: 4
in THE MAIN WALL

Hello. New member here.

I'd like to wire my older AutoFlo 200P Humidifier's motor directly to the furnace (Becket AFP) contoller so that the motor only spins the humidifier sponge wheel when the furnace t-stat calls for heat. The humidifier motor is currently connected to an independent 24vac transformer. I'd like to eliminate the transformer by going directlIy to the furnace' controller if possible. If not, can I splice it in to complete the circuit only when the burner kicks in?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Furnace Burner 1.jpg
Furnace Burner 2.jpg
Furnace Burner 3.jpg
Furnace Burner 4.jpg

Comments

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,512

    That type of humidifier has been banned for several years. Legionnaires Disease breeding ground.

    Replace it!

  • EdG
    EdG Member Posts: 4
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1831468#Comment_1831468

    Yeah, you're right. Even tho I'm good about cleaning it twice a year.

    What type model would you suggest for replacement?

  • yellowdog
    yellowdog Member Posts: 204

    I would use individual point of use humidifiers in the spaces that you want humidification.

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,512
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1831470#Comment_1831470

    April Air 400 or 600

  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,455
    edited January 2
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1831470#Comment_1831470

    April aire 800 Steam.

    But if you need, the connections will be at W and C down in the blower compartment.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,848

    I agree with @HVACNUT

    Use common "C" and "W" heat on the furnace control board. My only caution is that the furnace control board may or may not have a large enough transformer to power the humidifier.

    If you need to

    I would suggest using a RIB relay (about $200) power the 24 volt coil off the Rib relay with w & C on the furnace control board. Then use the NC contacts on the rib relay to close and open one of the humidifier wires that run from the humidifier to the transformer.

  • EdG
    EdG Member Posts: 4

    Thank you all for some great suggestions!

    I may run out the rest of the season with my current 'bacteria frappe', as I just got a new 24v motor for it. And then get a new AprilAire unit in March.

    Thanks again.

    Ed

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 25,262

    NO contacts. And @EBEBRATT-Ed 's approach is the only one I'd even consider. Otherwise you are placing a load on the controller which it isn't designed for.

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,848

    And I mistyped the Rib relay is about $20 not $200

  • retiredguy
    retiredguy Member Posts: 990

    Here is another option that we used many years ago. Install a sail switch, Honeywell #S688A-1007, a Cleveland Controls RFS-4150, or a Honeywell HK06WC061, in the airstream to control the humidifier. The contacts activate with air flow. when the fan runs.

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,512

    Current sensors are more reliable than sail switches.

    jringel
  • EdG
    EdG Member Posts: 4

    More good suggestions. Thank you. And a $20 RIB sounds much better than a $200 RIB. Thanks for that correction.

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