IONIZATION CIRCUIT OUTPUT TEST USING A MULTIMETER

WARNING:

USE EXTREME CAUTION IN THE USE OF THE MULTIMETER. IMPROPER USE OF THIS DEVICE CAN RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH. FOLLOW ALL SAFEGUARDS SUGGESTED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL FOR THE MULTIMETER IN ADDITION TO NORMAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN DEALING WITH ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS. DO NOT USE THIS DEVICE IF YOU ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND TESTING PROCEDURES.

FOLLOW THE METER MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY. OBSERVE AND FOLLOW ALL CAUTION WARNINGS!

NOTE: For ease of testing, we suggest the multimeter should be a digital auto-ranging device with auto polarity.

IONIZATION OUTPUT TEST WITH ELECTRODES

1. Turn all power to the unit OFF. If so equipped, the Auto/Manual switch must be in the "Auto" position.
2. Turn Ion Output knob to the "0" or "OFF" position.
3. Disconnect one lead from unit to the electrodes, at the electrodes. Connect the meter as shown in Figure 1.
   
   

4. Set switches on meter to measure 10 or 20 amps DC current
5. Verify leads to the meter are hooked up properly, the 10 or 20 amp scale usually requires the leads to be in special positions.
6. Turn on power to the unit. Rotate the timer (if so equipped) until pump is on. Verify "flow" light (if so equipped) is on. (Turn on pump so water is flowing.)

Meter should read less than 0.02 Amps . (20 ma)

7. Turn Ion Output knob to "30".

Meter should read between 0.1 and 0.2 amps. (100 and 200 ma)

For a SBX-65 unit the reading should be between .070 and .125 (70 and 125 ma)

8. Turn Ion Output knob to "100" (full cw).

Meter should read between 0.40 and 0.60 . (400 and 600 ma)

SBX-65 reading should read between 0.30 and 0.40 (300ma and 400ma)

Note: on old units the reading may be up to 0.80 . (800 ma)

9. Wait about 3 1/2 minutes and polarity should change. (+ and -)

If the unit is in the “test” mode; the polarity will change more rapidly.

10. Turn power off to the unit. Turn power off on meter. Disconnect test leads.

Return electrode lead to the Ionization Chamber.

Return ionization output knob to "0" or previous setting.

REFER TO TROUBLESHOOTING SECTION IF NECESSARY

IONIZATION OUTPUT TEST WITH CALIBRATING RESISTOR

1. Turn all power to the unit OFF. If equipped the Auto/Manual switch must be in the "Auto" position.
2. Turn Ion Output knob to the "0" or "OFF" position.
3. Disconnect leads from unit to the electrodes, at the electrodes. Install the meter and test resistor as shown in Figure 2. Take care and do not damage the resistor and its connections.
   
   

4. Set switches on meter to measure 10 or 20 amps DC current
5. Verify leads to meter are hooked up properly, the 10 or 20 amp scale usually requires the leads to be in special positions.
6. Turn on power to the unit. Rotate the timer (if so equipped) until pump is on. Verify "flow" light is on. (Turn on pump so water is flowing.)

Meter should read less than 0.02 Amps . (20 ma)

7. Turn Ion Output knob to "30".

Meter should read between 0.1 and 0.2 amps. (100 and 200 ma)

For a SBX-65 unit the reading will be between .07 and .125 amps (70 and 125ma)

8. Turn Ion Output knob to "100" (full cw).

Meter should read between 0.45 and 0.60 . (450 and 600 ma)

SBX-65 should read between 0.30 and 0.40amps. (300ma and 400ma)

Note: on old units the reading may be up to 0.80 . (800 ma)

9. Wait about 3 1/2 minutes and polarity should change. (+ and -)

If the unit is in the “test” mode, the polarity will change more rapidly.

10. Turn power off to the unit. Turn power off on meter. Disconnect test leads.

Return electrode leads to the Ionization Chamber.

Return ionization output knob to "0" or previous setting.

TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS

11. If reading is always less than 0.01 then no ion current is flowing:

Verify "flow" light is on and Freeze Control (if so equipped) is not activated.

Verify unit goes to low speed; using position "1" on 10 position switch located on front board. Or put unit in "test" mode and verify low speed operation (If so equipped).

Check for continuity of electrode cords and connections.

Replace "back board".

Replace "front board".

On Models 402 through 602 and Models 9502,9602 replace the ionization board on the front panel.

Replace wire connector between boards.

12. If output is lower than specified:

Check water hardness for "soft water". Hardness less than 100ppm.

Replace "front board".

Replace "back board".

On Models 402 through 602 and Models 9502,9602 replace the ionization board on the front panel.

13. If there is a reading for 3 1/2 minutes, then it goes to zero or does not change polarity; the relay on the back (or ionizer) board is most likely not working.

Replace "back board".

Replace "10 wire connector".

Replace "front board" or ionization board on 402 through 602 front panel.

14. If the above measures do not repair the unit; then contact the factory.