Is that CIRC 'on' - followup

[MrEd]

I read with interest this thread:

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/37342/

but I have to admit, when the thread starts talking about resistors and diodes the conversation gets murky on me...

So I wanted to add an indicator lamp to my Grundfos 15-58s, I purchased two bulbs from radioshack, drilled the hole in the cover, and tucked the leads into the hot/neutral lines clamp, and it works like a charm...

but with all the talk on the other thread about "what could go wrong", my question is, in my setup, is it safe? If not, what would I need to change.

 

[kabbott]

I see no problem with this although I am sure it voids something somewhere, like UL listings and such.

 

[DenaliChuck]

I was looking at these...

http://www.action-electronics.com/pilotlights.htm

 

[Gooserider]

As long as you did a decent job of putting everything together, and didn't leave any bare wires or other such problems, I don't see any real issues with an approach like that.

Gooserider

 

[MrEd]

As long as you did a decent job of putting everything together, and didn't leave any bare wires or other such problems, I don't see any real issues with an approach like that.

Gooserider

I did a nice neat job, and seemed like a no-brainer to me, but I got concerned when I read the other thread and some folks were talking about adding resistors and safeguards.

This project took 20 minutes (not counting the drive to radio shack) and cost less than $3 to do for both pumps; makes you wonder why manufacturers don't just include them in the first place. I love it already, just being able to see if a pump is running.

 

[flyingcow]

Great idea. And a hell of a nice idea for a supplier/vendor to add $20,30,40? bucks to a circ and make a hell of a good profit.

 

[Gooserider]

As long as you did a decent job of putting everything together, and didn't leave any bare wires or other such problems, I don't see any real issues with an approach like that.

Gooserider

I did a nice neat job, and seemed like a no-brainer to me, but I got concerned when I read the other thread and some folks were talking about adding resistors and safeguards.

This project took 20 minutes (not counting the drive to radio shack) and cost less than $3 to do for both pumps; makes you wonder why manufacturers don't just include them in the first place. I love it already, just being able to see if a pump is running.

They were using LED's in that other thread, and you are using a Neon indicator bulb... Neons are kind of old fashioned, but for something like this, probably work just as well and don't need the other resistors and such that the LED circuit does. You aren't using those other parts, so you don't have to worry about them causing a problem. The other area of concern that was being expressed was the idea that some folks had of attempting to make remote indicator panels by running wiring from the circ to a remote mounted light, which also has some potential safety issues. Again, you aren't doing that, so it isn't a big concern.

Gooserider