What You Need To Know about Bypassing An AC Float Switch?

As a homeowner, you might be curious about whether it’s safe and practical to bypass an AC float switch.

You can unplug the AC float switch, yes. However, doing so is not advised. Like many other HVAC system parts, the AC float switch is important and serves a purpose. Bypassing it, though, might harm the system.

It is simple to get around an AC float switch. To learn more specifics about the AC float switch, continue reading.

Can You Bypass An AC Float Switch? Must You?

Homeowners are able to survive the extreme temperatures that come with each season in a state of perfect comfort and convenience thanks to the use of heat pumps, air conditioners, and other HVAC equipment.

You might not typically detect any issues with your HVAC systems. These systems can, however, occasionally have issues, including as leakage in particular components. Because water is constantly flowing through your home, even little leaks can seriously harm the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.

It is not recommended to operate an AC without the float switch engaged. It is not advised to use your AC’s float switch bypass as a fix for any AC issue.

Alternately, it might be a method of troubleshooting, but it shouldn’t be viewed as a fix.

Why Avoid Bypassing The AC Float Switch?

There are many benefits to adding a safety float switch to your air conditioner. However, there is a chance that you will forego all of its advantages if you decide to ignore the float option.

The following justifies not disabling the AC float switch.

When Your AC Needs Repairs, It Will Tell You

AC float switches frequently show when a problem is present. When the switch causes the AC to turn off, you will know there is a problem.

Your air conditioner won’t turn off if the switch is bypassed, and you might not even notice it is broken until it is too late.

This suggests that, over time, it might lead to problems that are more difficult, expensive, complex, and difficult to solve. To solve the issue, you ought to contact a professional.

To Prevent Water Damage To Your Home

The AC float switch aids in water damage prevention. The safety switch will turn off your air conditioner even if you are not home to stop an overflow and leak.

Your home is likely to sustain water damage if your air conditioner lacks a float switch or if the switch has been bypassed.

Bypassing the AC float switch increases the risk of water damage. Water damage can leave your house in ruins and inflict significant damage.

To Preserve Air Quality

If the float switch on your air conditioner is disregarded, water may escape into the unit, putting your home at risk of water damage.

When the unit’s drainpipe overflows, mold typically starts to grow inside the air conditioner. These microorganisms thrive in the air conditioner and could disperse to other areas of your house.

These organisms can also be detected as contaminants in indoor air, which can result in a number of health issues.

To Prolong The Life Of Your Device

The risk that individual air conditioning unit components may fail is decreased by installing AC float switches in your air conditioning systems. The durability of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is improved by doing this.

Bypassing the switch, however, increases the likelihood that your air conditioner’s parts will malfunction. Therefore, it is imperative to avoid disregarding the AC float switch at all costs.

What Place Is The AC Float Switch In?

The key aspect affecting where you install the float switch is the direction and placement of your HVAC system.

If your horizontal unit has a secondary drain pan, you may typically find the float switch there. On the other hand, the safety switch needs to be on the drain pipe if you have a vertical or horizontal unit without a secondary drain pan.

The primary function of the float systems in AC units is the same regardless of where they are located within the unit.

If your air conditioner has a condensate pump, it serves the same purpose as a flow switch and will shut off the unit when it fills with water.

It is also important to remember that float switches are frequently absent from air conditioners. Instead, they are set up independently of one another. They are easy to install in both new and old air conditioning units.

In comparison to the costly cost of repairing water damage, installing these safety switches is not too expensive.

How To Bypass A Float Switch On An AC Line

To get around an AC float switch, do the following:

1. Remove the float switch by disassembling the HVAC system. After that, you’ll need to remove the float switch’s outer cover in order to get to the electric part.
2. To release the wire connection within the float switch, remove the screws. Reconnect the cables in the exact same way they were before, but without the switch.
3. Maintaining order is essential. Use waterproof glue for this. Before putting your item back together, give the adhesive time to completely dry.

How Can My AC Float Switch Be Tested?

Numerous techniques can be used to test float switches. The float meter can be tested with a multimeter, and you can keep track of the variation in ohms readings as the test progresses.

To do this, join the multimeter’s leads to the wires of the float switch. The multimeter’s measurement unit should be set to ohms.

When the float is suspended in the downward position, the multimeter ought to display a reading of zero. The value will change from zero to one if you elevate the float. This will allow you to determine if your float switch is in top operating order.

Why Does My AC Float Switch Keep Tripping?

The AC float switch trips for a variety of reasons. It’s possible that the drain pan on your air conditioner is full if the float switch keeps triggering.

You must drain the water if it is the cause. You can complete this operation quickly if you have the right tools. You should figure out how the pan ended up being full, though.

Another potential reason the float switch in your unit trips is a clogged drain pipe in the air conditioner. The possibility exists that mold and algae growth will clog the drain line. The water won’t be able to drain from the air conditioner if there is debris in the drain pipe, which will cause the float switch to trigger.

Does Thermostat Turn Off If AC Float Switch Is On?

Yes, it’s possible for a float switch to disable the thermostat. Water will flow into the float switch if your main drain clogs and starts to overflow. The thermostat’s power will be impacted as a result.

What Happens If The AC Float Switch Is Pressed?

Yes, the float switch will turn on if debris is obstructing the AC’s drain or pipe because it will notice that there is too much water in the pan.

As a result, the float will rise, which will cause the compressor to shut off. It prevents your system and home from suffering any additional damage.

To Sum Up

AC float switches are quite important. Bypassing your float switch puts you at risk for water damage and other problems that come with using an AC.