What is a sail switch ?
TJ English
In regards to my motorhome's furnace, what is a sail switch and where is it
located ? If it has to do with opening the main gas valve to the burn chamber
than I possibly have a problem with it. I have a feeling the sail switch is a
device that is triggered by the fans airflow but want to be sure I am on the
right track here first.
--
Tim
Certified Engineer of Fire Alarm Technology
Amateur Radio Station: WB8OGM (since 1972)
Email: d...@tir.com
Voice Email: d...@tir.com
"Sometimes imagination is better than knowledge"
wi...@peach.epix.net
On Mon, 13 May 1996, TJ English wrote:
> In regards to my motorhome's furnace, what is a sail switch and where is it
> located ? If it has to do with opening the main gas valve to the burn chamber
> than I possibly have a problem with it. I have a feeling the sail switch is a
> device that is triggered by the fans airflow but want to be sure I am on the
> right track here first.
You're on the right track. If defective, it will not operate to permit
the burner to light. Pupose: keep the burner from cooking the furnace if
the fan isn't moving enough air.
/^\~/\/\/^\_______ William F Sill KD3XR
/^ wi...@epix.net | Endless Mountains Amachewer Radio Club
==================== RR6 Box 607, TUNKHANNOCK PA 18657
Mark White
In message <31971b03...@news.tir.com> - d...@tir.com (TJ English)Mon, 13
May 1996 11:24:06 GMT writes:
:>
:>In regards to my motorhome's furnace, what is a sail switch and where is it
:>located ? If it has to do with opening the main gas valve to the burn chamber
:>than I possibly have a problem with it. I have a feeling the sail switch is a
:>device that is triggered by the fans airflow but want to be sure I am on the
:>right track here first.
:>--
:>Tim
:>
:
Your correct in your description. You have to remove the furnace from its
housing to reach most sail switches. They are usually located on the fan
housing.
Mark White
http://www.vivanet.com/~marksrv
YAA (Yet Another Al)
d...@tir.com (TJ English) wrote:
>In regards to my motorhome's furnace, what is a sail switch and where is it
>located ? If it has to do with opening the main gas valve to the burn chamber
>than I possibly have a problem with it. I have a feeling the sail switch is a
>device that is triggered by the fans airflow but want to be sure I am on the
>right track here first.
>--
>Tim
> Certified Engineer of Fire Alarm Technology
> Amateur Radio Station: WB8OGM (since 1972)
> Email: d...@tir.com
> Voice Email: d...@tir.com
> "Sometimes imagination is better than knowledge"
How does one recognize and test this switch?
FWIW
YAA (Yet Another Al)
Bill Lederer
d...@tir.com (TJ English) wrote:
>In regards to my motorhome's furnace, what is a sail switch and where is it
>located ? If it has to do with opening the main gas valve to the burn chamber
>than I possibly have a problem with it. I have a feeling the sail switch is a
>device that is triggered by the fans airflow but want to be sure I am on the
>right track here first.
>--
>Tim
> Certified Engineer of Fire Alarm Technology
> Amateur Radio Station: WB8OGM (since 1972)
> Email: d...@tir.com
> Voice Email: d...@tir.com
> "Sometimes imagination is better than knowledge"
Tim,
I just purchased a 21 foot Jamboree. I'm trying to learn everything I
can about them. I believe I read that the sail switch is as you say.
When the blower motor is running, the flow of air opens the sail
switch. It is a safety devise. If there is a blockage of air flow
somewhere, the sail switch won't close and the burner will shut down
and not keep cooking.
Bill.
John Summers
TJ English wrote:
>
> In regards to my motorhome's furnace, what is a sail switch and where is it
> located ? If it has to do with opening the main gas valve to the burn chamber
> than I possibly have a problem with it. I have a feeling the sail switch is a
> device that is triggered by the fans airflow but want to be sure I am on the
> right track here first.
The sail switch is mounted on the furnace with a gasket so that gas fumes
don't leak into the interior of the motorhome. It is as you describe in that
it must be closed by the fan before the gas valve will turn the gas on.
There are two "thingys" mounted on the side of the furnace someplace that
have two wires (each). They are the sail switch and a heat sensor. The sail
switch when removed has a bona-fida sail on the end of it when removed
(usually with 2 screws). The heat sensor looks like a small button when
removed.
Each furnace has these placed differently so you will have to locate them by
physically looking at your furnace. Usually, four screws inside and one or
two in the vent outside and the furnace will slip out onto your floor so you
can look at it.
--
John
jsum...@sat.net