Intellichlor IC40 Orientation

[joelc73]

In my new to me house, I just discovered that my salt cell has been installed wrong. It’s oriented correctly so that you can read the front but the water actually flows down.

I discovered it after thinking my flow sensor was bad. Changing it didn’t work so, on a whim, I took it out and realized the cell was backwards. I have it in upside down now and it’s showing flow. It’s also showing no flow when it should.

Should I leave it as is (upside down but correct) or just install the flow sensor backwards?

Thanks

 

[jgofnj]

.... I have it in upside down now and it’s showing flow. It’s also showing no flow when it should.

which is it? Showing flow or showing no flow? It's one or the other.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Joel.

Show us so pics of the whole area around the SWCG, so we can make sure we are all on the same page.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[joelc73]

This is it upside down. It’s showing flow. When the pump turns off, if flips to no flow.

 

[ajw22]

The Intellichlor should be wired so that the cell is powered off when the filter pump is off.

You have an IntelliCenter or EasyTouch?

 

[joelc73]

The Intellichlor should be wired so that the cell is powered off when the filter pump is off.

You have an IntelliCenter or EasyTouch?

I have an IntelliCenter. It does power down when the pump is off. It goes to low flow when the pump is starting up or shutting down — while it still has power.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Joel,

I agree with Allen above, your cell is not wired correctly to your automation.

And.. The water 'should' flow up through the cell, not down.. but not much you can do about that now..

I see no advantage to flipping the cell over and installing the flow switch upside down.. You can read the display either way.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Joel,

Just to be clear... when the pump is off, the cell has no lights at all?? If so, then all is good.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[joelc73]

Joel,

Just to be clear... when the pump is off, the cell has no lights at all?? If so, then all is good.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Yes, that is correct

 

[joelc73]

It makes me wonder, if the IC turns off the cell anyway, do I even need a flow sensor or could I just bypass it next time it goes bad?

 

[ajw22]

It makes me wonder, if the IC turns off the cell anyway, do I even need a flow sensor or could I just bypass it next time it goes bad?

The pump may fail and the cell will still be powered.

The flow switch is a secondary safety mechanism. There should be a primary means for the cell not to be powered when the pump is off and there is no water flow. This can be with pool automation equipment or a mechanical timer.

Pentair Manuals say:

The IntelliChlor Salt Chlorinator Power Centers must be interconnected with the pool pump motor power source. This ensures the IntelliChlor Salt Chlorinator and pool pump will switch on and off together.

and

WARNING:CHLORINE GAS BUILDUP CAN OCCUR WITH IMPROPER WIRING: To reduce the risk of personal injury the IntelliChlor® Salt Chlorine Generator (SCG) Power Center must be installed on and wired to the load side of the time clock, electronically controlled switch, or relay load side, so that it will receive power only when the pool pump is on. Otherwise, dangerous chlorine gas buildup can occur. The IECG should never be energized when the pool pump is OFF and water is not flowing through the unit.

Intellichlor Cell Explosions do Happen​

Here is one report - Explosion near the SWG

And another - Help,, my pipe exploded !!!

Exploding pool!!!

 

[Jimrahbe]

It makes me wonder, if the IC turns off the cell anyway, do I even need a flow sensor or could I just bypass it next time it goes bad?

Joel,

Well, NO!!!

It is very possible for the IntelliCenter to "think" the pump is running, when it is not.. If that happens, the the flow switch will keep the cell off..

This is why it is important to have two safety devices for the cell..

Thanks,

Jim R.