[drjake]

I have a 230v Spa for which I added a salt chlorinator. As it stands now I tapped off the circuit board 230v for the low speed of filter pump. The filter pump runs at two speeds, high and low. When running at low speed, it feeds the L1 connection 115v and the Pump Low connection 115v. We used those feeds to make sure that the salt chlorinator runs whenever the pump goes on for recirculation purposes. When the filter pump is switched to high, the Pump Low connection doesn't put out voltage and a second leg (Pump High) is fed 115v. I would like to have the salt chlorinator run when the pump is on low and on high. I am not sure how to do that however. I have used diodes in a DC system to stop reverse flow of current but am not sure how to do that in a 230v system. One possibility would be to add a neutral line (running from the GFCI shutoff breaker since the spa does not have neutral at the circuit board [2 Hot and Ground]) and run 120v from the L1 connection since the salt chlorinator will work at both voltages. However, that would mean that pump feeds would be drawing unequal current which I understand is not advisable. Any thoughts on the best way to do this?

[Stratmando]

If the pump is on a Timer, if possible connect a contactors coil to the point before switching from high to low, may be a latching relay or normal relay, or at timer.
You can Isolate like DC, but need contactors or relays.
If no easy way, this will work for all:
If the Pump is 240 volts, you need two 240 volt coil/30amp/2 pole contactors.
Wire one side of each coil to L1, connect the Low and high wires to the 2 contactors coil(high to 1 coil and low to the other coil. Then parallel the contacts so if either energized it completes the Clorinator circuit, It will be totally isolated from the pump.
Will provide a drawing if you need, but sounds like you would understand.
Good Luck.

[drjake]

Timer is built into the circuit board and can't be isolated. I will try the contactor route. Something like a Carrier Parts - HN52KC053 - Contactor - 30 Amp - 2 Pole - 230 Volt Coil would work.

If the pump is on a Timer, if possible connect a contactors coil to the the point before switching from high to low, may be a latching relay or normal relay, or at timer.
You can Isolate like DC, but need contactors or relays.
If no easy way, this will work for all:
If the Pump is 240 volts, you need two 240 volt coil/30amp/2 pole contactors.
Wire one side of each coil to L1, connect the Low and high wires to the 2 contactors coil(high to 1 coil and low to the other coil. Then parallel the contacts so if either energized it completes the Clorinator circuit, It will be totaly isolated from the pump.
Will provide a drawing if you need, but sounds like you would understand.
Good Luck.

[drjake]

Just to be 100% sure so I don't short anything out, a diagram would be appreciated. When I look at a contactor, it has a line side numbered L1 and L2, a load side numbered T1 and T2 and the coil which is numbered A1 and A2. I should connect from the main power feed to the L1 and L2 of each contactor, from L1 of the circuit board to A1 on each contactor, from Low to A2 on one contactor, from High to A2 on the other contactor and then from T1 and T2 from each contactor to the chlorinator.

[Stratmando]

[Stratmando]

The relays allow isolation, like diodes will do in DC circuits, and the relaty contacts are wire like OR circuits in Digital.

[drjake]

Isn't that actually a single pole contactor in the diagram? With a double pole, wouldn't I route one 120v phase to L1 on the contactor and the other to L2. The Chlorinator would run off the same GFCI breaker as the rest of the hot tub. Two hot legs + ground. I would tap the power off for the chlorinator of these hot legs and use the High and Low circuits on the pump with the common hot leg to feed the coil to energize the contactor.

[Stratmando]

You're right, All you need is single pole contactors, I felt the 2 poles are so commonly used, that they would be more available(don't use the 2nd pole? I didn't check to see what their price was, just know I can easily find 2 pole contactors.
The contacts are closed when either high or low is selected(running whenever the pump is on).
I Usually put different items on their own Breaker?

[drjake]

This is all connected within the spa. The chlorinator converts to 5v dc/ 5amp.

[Stratmando]

You've got it all working, right?

[drjake]

Waiting for the contactors to arrive.

[Stratmando]

Let us know how it works out, good luck. Getting 2 Single pole contactors? And what was the price difference, curious.

[drjake]

Double Poles were cheaper. $9.65 on Ebay.

Let us know how it works out, good luck. Getting 2 Single pole contactors? and what was the price difference, curious.

[drjake]

I think I am going to have to get an enclosure for the contactors as I don't think there is enough room in the Spa Electronics Box for 2.