QA

Quick Answer: How To Test A Limit Switch

How do I know if my limit switch is bad?

The most common sign of a malfunctioning limit switch is the continuous operation of your furnace’s blower. Just as the limit switch won’t allow the fan to turn on until the warm air has reached the right temperature, the limit switch also shuts down when the air cools to a certain temperature.

How do you test a high limit switch on a furnace?

How many ohms should a limit switch have?

Each time you press on it, the switch should go from OPEN to CLOSED with each closure being a reliable 0.1 Ohms or less. Anything higher is cause for replacement (Fig.

Should a limit switch have continuity?

I believe high limit switches are normally closed, and they should always fail open. Which means when they go bad, or the temperature gets too high they open the circuit. To test a limit switch, you’ll want to check continuity to determine what state the switch is in. If there is a serviceman switch, turn it off.

Can you run a furnace without a limit switch?

Without a functioning furnace limit switch, a furnace would not be able to regulate the temperature in conjunction with a thermostat. Typically, a furnace limit switch consists of an exterior plate and a temperature probe that lives inside the furnace housing.

Why does my limit switch keep tripping?

If the air inside your furnace gets too hot, the limit switch trips to prevent overheating. If the furnace high limit switch trips due to overheating, there is likely an airflow issue that is preventing proper air movement through the system. A dirty filter is the most common cause of airflow issues.

How does a high limit switch work?

The high temperature limit switch (also known as a furnace plenum thermostat) is a safety device on a furnace that is designed to cut the gas supply when the burner temperature exceeds the safe operating range. When the temperature drops back within the safe range, it will allow the gas valve to open again.

How much does it cost to replace a limit switch on a furnace?

Average Cost of a New Furnace Limit Switch Depending on who your OEM is, this component could roughly cost you anywhere from $4 to $25.

How does furnace limit switch work?

A limit switch is a device that’s located under your furnace’s supply plenum. It reads the temperature of the plenum and waits until it gets appropriately warm. If the temperature inside of the plenum gets too hot, it shuts off the gas supply to your burners to prevent your furnace and heat exchanger from overheating.

What does a tripped limit switch look like?

The most common way to tell if a limit switch is tripped is to observe the behavior of your furnace: Your furnace’s heating cycles end right after they begin. If the furnace won’t ignite, but the blower fan stays running, then the high limit switch might be tripped.

Can you run a furnace without a filter?

Technically, you can temporarily run a furnace without a filter. The consequences of running a furnace without a filter include: Poor air quality: For one, not having a filter in place means there is nothing to prevent dust and debris from being sucked into your furnace and recirculated throughout your home.

Can you fix a limit switch?

Yes, it’s possible to replace a furnace limit switch yourself. To do it, you’ll first need to use a multimeter to test the switch. If it’s faulty, you’ll also need a new switch that matches your old one. Shut off the power and gas to your furnace.

How many types of limit switches are there?

– There are 4 general types of limit switches: whisker, roller, lever, and plunger. – Limit switches are electromechanical devices operated by a physical force applied to it by an object.

Where is furnace limit switch located?

The limit switch is a safety control switch located on the furnace just below the plenum. If the plenum gets too hot, the limit switch shuts off the burner. It also shuts off the blower when the temperature drops to a certain level after the burner has shut off.

What will cause a limit switch to open?

Limit switch codes The limit switch shuts off the burner when the temperature exceeds a preset temperature. When the temperature reduces to normal, the burner will come back on. The most common reason for limits to open is a plugged filter or a dirty blower wheel.

How do I know if my furnace door switch is bad?

If the switch is causing the furnace to shut down, you’ll get an “OL” reading when the plunger is depressed. If you get a zero reading when the switch is extended, that’s just as bad because it means the switch isn’t giving the protection it’s supposed to give. Either way, it needs to be replaced.

Why is my furnace going off on high limit?

In a gas furnace, a high-limit, switch turns the unit off if air doesn’t ventilate from the exhaust flue properly. A high-limit switch will turn a furnace off if it becomes too hot or is obstructed. Changing the furnace’s air filter and cleaning the blower motor may help the switch perform better.