This post is meant to be more informational than a question since I have read other posts in this forum with the same issue.
I had an old single speed pump with a new Autopilot DIG-220 SWC connected to a manual timer/power supply. The old pump failed so I replaced it with a new Hayward Ecostar variable speed pump. The Ecostar comes with its own built-in timer that can't be used to control the SWC or vice-versa. The installer left the Autopilot connected to the manual timer, but the timer was left running 24/7, hence the DIG-220 is receiving power 24/7. When the Ecostar turns off, the Autopilot DIG-220's system warning light blinks red until the next morning when the Ecostar turns on automatically. As the DIG-220's system warning light blinks red throughout the night, the console displays "“PURIFIER OFF - CHECK FLOW". Since the Autopilot DIG-220 requires a minimum of 15 GPM to continue producing chlorine, the Autopilot automatically shuts off when the water flow falls below 15 GPM. However, the warning light continues to blink until the appropriate flow of water is detected. I have read some posts in this forum indicating some concerns over warning lights on different manufacturer SWC. However, I could not find satisfactory responses. I had 2 concerns:
1) Will the Autopilot SWC be damaged over a long period of time running in this configuration thereby voiding the warranty?
2) Is there considerable current draw by the Autopilot DIG-220 SWC if left on, but not producing any chlorine?
After calling my installer and several other installers in my area, nobody could answer my questions. So I called Autopilot for answers.....
The Autopilot tech engineer stated that the auto shutoff capability was designed to protect the cell from damage, therefore it is OK to run the SWC in this configuration and would not void the 3 year warranty of the system. Regarding the power consumption, the tech engineer said that only the microprocessor stays on 24/7 in this configuration which runs on mili-watts so it should not have a major impact on my electrical bill.
I had an old single speed pump with a new Autopilot DIG-220 SWC connected to a manual timer/power supply. The old pump failed so I replaced it with a new Hayward Ecostar variable speed pump. The Ecostar comes with its own built-in timer that can't be used to control the SWC or vice-versa. The installer left the Autopilot connected to the manual timer, but the timer was left running 24/7, hence the DIG-220 is receiving power 24/7. When the Ecostar turns off, the Autopilot DIG-220's system warning light blinks red until the next morning when the Ecostar turns on automatically. As the DIG-220's system warning light blinks red throughout the night, the console displays "“PURIFIER OFF - CHECK FLOW". Since the Autopilot DIG-220 requires a minimum of 15 GPM to continue producing chlorine, the Autopilot automatically shuts off when the water flow falls below 15 GPM. However, the warning light continues to blink until the appropriate flow of water is detected. I have read some posts in this forum indicating some concerns over warning lights on different manufacturer SWC. However, I could not find satisfactory responses. I had 2 concerns:
1) Will the Autopilot SWC be damaged over a long period of time running in this configuration thereby voiding the warranty?
2) Is there considerable current draw by the Autopilot DIG-220 SWC if left on, but not producing any chlorine?
After calling my installer and several other installers in my area, nobody could answer my questions. So I called Autopilot for answers.....
The Autopilot tech engineer stated that the auto shutoff capability was designed to protect the cell from damage, therefore it is OK to run the SWC in this configuration and would not void the 3 year warranty of the system. Regarding the power consumption, the tech engineer said that only the microprocessor stays on 24/7 in this configuration which runs on mili-watts so it should not have a major impact on my electrical bill.