Communicating Thermostat and Overflow Pan Monitoring Switch

[pendetim]

I have a Goodman CTK03AA thermostat controlling an Amana AVPTC series Air Handler and ASZC18 series heat pump. The airhandler has an overflow catch tray under it with a NC water sensor switch.

The installer wired the sensor in series with the +24VAC powering the thermostat. I understand that if the tray fills, the power to the thermostat will be interrupted, the display will go dark and the system will shutdown. So in the world of "brute force" control, this wiring will be functional, but not very pretty.

Since there is no "Y" or "R" control available as in a legacy control system, wondering if interrupting the 24VAC to the thermostat was the best way to signal a pan full condition for this system? It would seem that with all the "bells & whistles" built into the electronics, there should be a connection on the control board that would stop the compressor and throw an alarm on the CTK03.

Tim

[beshvac]

Should have bought a carrier/bryant that has that capability built into their communicating controls.

[welling service]

Wire the overflow switch in series with Y. This will stop the compressor.

[hvacvegas]

Wire the overflow switch in series with Y. This will stop the compressor.

Except there is no "Y" in a fully communicating system.

There are ways to do this via relays.
It's not the prettiest, but it works, is code, and all that great stuff.

Nothing that specific can be talked about in these forums.

[LibertyTree]

Should have bought a carrier/bryant that has that capability built into their communicating controls.

Then you get the crappiest heat exchanger on the planet as an added bonus.

[beenthere]

Should have bought a carrier/bryant that has that capability built into their communicating controls.

Don't believe they had that ability when they first came out either.

[pendetim]

Hi beshvac,

You said: "Should have bought a carrier/bryant that has that capability built into their communicating controls.
It's not the Brand with the fewest repairs-It's all in the install!!! Attention to detail and using the best materials!"

If I were to really have done it correctly, it would have been a cast iron wood stove or a geothermal! Alas the HOA has this thing about stainless smokepipe and I only own .25 Acres and there are deed restrictions on drilling wells , LOL.

So you are saying the Brand should have some influence on the equipment selection?

[beshvac]

Hi beshvac,

You said: "Should have bought a carrier/bryant that has that capability built into their communicating controls.
It's not the Brand with the fewest repairs-It's all in the install!!! Attention to detail and using the best materials!"

If I were to really have done it correctly, it would have been a cast iron wood stove or a geothermal! Alas the HOA has this thing about stainless smokepipe and I only own .25 Acres and there are deed restrictions on drilling wells , LOL.

So you are saying the Brand should have some influence on the equipment selection?

No, I am saying yours doesn't have the capability and that theirs does.

Maybe they will get it someday like beenthere said...the carrier communicating controls did not have it when they first came out. (I put my first infinity in in 2004 and it didn't do it, but around 2007 i think it was added)

[motoguy128]

Can the installer just wire the overflow switch in series with the door switch/interlock or in series with the primary to the low voltage transformer? Is that DIY instructions?