Many air switches are used to control various functions of hot tubs or spas. The air switch assembly has an pneumatic push button located spa side
and a pneumatic air switch located in the spa’s controller. There is a piece of air tubing that leads from the push button to the switch. This pneumatic control is a safe switching mechanism as it eliminates the possibly of user’s experiencing electrical shock, as there is no electricity at the point of actuation.
More times than many, when customers call Presair, we are able to help them find a solution to why the air switch in a spa isn’t working. Typically the operator is finding a kink or leak in the airline that is not allowing air to pass to the air switch to open or close the contacts. This is easily fixed by either replacing the tubing or relocating it.
Sometimes the issue is found with the push button or the switch. To determine where the failure is happening, follow the steps below:
- The operator can press on the air button assembly and listen for a ‘click’ sound in the air switch.
- If the ‘click’ happens, then the push button is sending enough air to trigger the air switch.
- If no click is heard, the air switch isn’t sensing air pressure therefore the issue lies with the air tubing or push button.
- If the switch doesn’t click, but makes a hissing sound like air is leaking from the air switch, then unfortunately the air switch diaphragm has blown and a new switch is necessary.
- Determine the type of switch for the suspect switch by looking up the identification number or by contacting the pool/spa dealer.
Now, what if the air switch is clicking, but still nothing is happening?
- Verify the correct operation of the switch circuit.
- Connect the multi meter to a set of power leg/switch leg poles.
- Since there are only two poles on a
SPST air switch, make the connection to each pole. Operate the air button. - The multi meter should, alternately, show continuity and no continuity, as the air button is operated.
- If the the multi meter does not show continuity of the air switch, replace the switch.
Air Switch Description
Presair air switches are single function controls that provide safe on/off actuation of electrical devices from remote locations such
as motors, lights, pumps, or other applications. Presair air switches are designed to use an air bellow actuator joined by tubing to an air switch contained within the equipment. Pushing the actuator creates enough pressure to operate the air switch which safely controls the equipment. There is complete electrical isolation with no voltage to worry about at the point of actuation.
Push Button Description
All hard push buttons have a sealed internal air bellow to prevent water from entering the air tube that connects the air button to the air switch. Hard push buttons have a diameter ranging from 0.35 inches to 2.5 inches and thread mount or push fit options available.
Presairs’ soft push bellow hand actuators are made from a flexible UV resistant PVC. Bellows range in size from 1 inch to 2.8 inches, with multiple stem lengths available. Air bellow actuators are tested for more than 1 million pushes.
For more information about the Presair air switches, visit one of the links below.
