AA 130 install...Aquastats; sight-glass...??

When I purchased this AA 130 it had been set up for steam but I am setting it up for water. It has what looks like a low water cut-off in hole #3 (referencing the AA Manual). Do I need this for steam---I'm thinking no? The parts diagram indicates that another option for this port is an Auqastat relay. Do I need THAT for a water set up?

The manual indicates that there should be 1/2" High Limit Aquastat in hole #8.
The only one that I have is a Honeywell 8046. Is that the High Limit from hole #8...

Also, the unit came with a sight glass that goes from holes #4 to #5 towards the back of the boiler, near where the low water cut off is. Is that a steam thing, or do I need that for water? Mine broke in disassembly.

Thanks. I think that's it for now...

Mark

No sight glass needed, no low water cutoff.
Yes you need an aquastate.. there is a mounting tube, a blind tube that is called a 'well' that is screwed into the water jacket, the heat probe that runs the aquastat fits into the well, basicly immersed in the water by way of the 'well'. Usually these are 3/4" pipe thread.
The well has a special ring on the outside end that the aquastate box mounts on.

the aquastat is what runs the boiler, it has high/low limits for the water temperature, turns on the AA's fan to maintain water temperature.


Greg L

Thanks so much Greg.

I have the well and the Honeywell 8046 goes there, I assume. However, what is the "Aquastat relay" that the AA Manual refers to that may go in the place where the low water cut off is? Is this in addition to the Honeywell 8046, or does the 8046 do this job? Do I simply remove the low water cut off and plug that hole?

Thanks.

Mark

I'm not great at remembering the aquastat numbers. The high limit one goes to the far right side of the boiler, above the auger. If you are facing the auger side of the boiler, the fan on your right, the inspection port on you left.

the aquastat relay goes into one of the ports on the left side, I think where the low water cuttoff would have been for steam.
this aquastat relay will be the one that controls the fan/gearbox motor on the boiler.

The High limit aquastat is an 'open on rise' aquastat that will keep the fan/boiler from running if the water temp is already at the limit.. this is typicaly in use when your timer [you need to get a one hour or 1/2 hour timer ] calls for a one or two minute 'keep fire' run, but the water is too hot, if the timer run was allowed it may boil the water to steam..

So you need to look for a timer as well.
When I get back from my tasks today, I'll try to find the numbers for the aquastats..

Greg L

Greg, a L4006A or L6006A can be used as a high limit control.

The "aquastat relay" is a triple-acting aquastat with a relay for the burner (stoker motor), and another for a circulator. L8124A was the standard for many years, but that model has been replaced by L7224U.

My personal favorite is a Hydrostat 3150. It can do all the same things as Honeywell L8124 or L7224, but it has a digital temperature readout, is easy to adjust, and if you buy the recommended aquastat well it also functions as a low water cutoff. http://www.hydrolevel.com/pages/new.html

As for the timer, an Intermatic C8865 is a 1-hour repeat cycle timer; it should work fine for the AA.

Thanks, Rob, those numbers sound right..

Greg L

Do I have to have a timer to run this boiler in the heating season---like now? (My furnace cycles on regularly--hourly at least). Is it necessary in the winter heating months? Does the timer act to keep the fire going when demand for heat might not be enough to do so?

Is that all that it does? (Not that that is unimportant!)

Thanks for your advice...and sorry if any of my questions seem (or are) redundant. Just trying to be thorough and gain a better (true) understanding of what I am doing and how this machine works.

Mark

The timer is likely not necessary during the heating season.

markleo wrote:Do I have to have a timer to run this boiler in the heating season---like now? (My furnace cycles on regularly--hourly at least). Is it necessary in the winter heating months? Does the timer act to keep the fire going when demand for heat might not be enough to do so?

Is that all that it does? (Not that that is unimportant!)

Thanks for your advice...and sorry if any of my questions seem (or are) redundant. Just trying to be thorough and gain a better (true) understanding of what I am doing and how this machine works.

Mark

Yes, a timer is recommended to keep the fire going, especially in the summer. With proper draft, a fire can hibernate quite some time in these beasts. You may be able to get by without the timer during normal weather but if you get a long warm spell, your fire could go out.

BTW- If you call Axeman-Anderson and talk to Amie, she will gladly send you an users manual and parts list. This is very helpful in a re-build and in ordering parts.

They do not take credit cards. Call in or email the parts order. They will respond with a price including shipping. Send them a check and they will ship the parts upon reciept of the check. Try to lump your orders together to keep shipping costs more reasonable.