Thread: Unknown device

Saw this over the weekend.

On the cold water supply pipe under the kitchen sink there is a small box with wiring connected. Removal of the cover revealed a small micro switch and a movable metal contact. The wiring feeds the waste disposer and the disposer is operated by another switch located in the cabinet.

Operation of the disposer, the cold water supply, and both in various combinations did not seem to move the switch contact at all. No identifiable function for this equipment.

Does anyone know what this is???

Jonathan

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Jonathan:

A search for "WZ-RE5-A4", which is what appears to be stamped on the switch, only reveals it to be a switch in the inventories of several electrical parts suppliers. No clue as to that it is doing in this application.

I've seen both fiber optic and air switches associated with disposers, but can't say just what you have there.

Aaron

My guess, and that's all this is - "a guess", is that is a water flow switch which does not allow the disposal to be operated unless there is water flow.

The micro switch is likely 'normally closed' but is held 'open' by the rocker arm, water flow through the pipe rotates the rocker arm, allowing the switch to close to its 'normally closed' position.

It is possible (likely) that the movable part in the water pipe corroded and has become stuck, thus the switch has been (in all likelihood) 'removed from the circuit' inside the disposer.

Did you check to see if the switch was hot?

It's a flow valve to prevent disposal (disposer) operation unless water is running. Almost all of them are now disconnected.

Dom.

Thanks Guys. Your help is always appreciated.

Jonathan