HELP! T1 sensor short

[Balthasaradell]

So...I am hoping some knowledgeable folks out there read this...

Essentially what happened was - the T1 sensor on my solar water system stopped working - the controller displayed the error icon for the T1 sensor - I tried a different sensor and a different controller - the new controller immediately displayed the same error -

Has anyone experienced this - what exactly is the problem when the sensor error icon is displayed ??
Can't figure it out

If anyone lives in LA who works on these or is a hobbyist let me know plz....

Thanks
Balthasar

[J.P.M.]

So...I am hoping some knowledgeable folks out there read this...

Essentially what happened was - the T1 sensor on my solar water system stopped working - the controller displayed the error icon for the T1 sensor - I tried a different sensor and a different controller - the new controller immediately displayed the same error -

Has anyone experienced this - what exactly is the problem when the sensor error icon is displayed ??
Can't figure it out

If anyone lives in LA who works on these or is a hobbyist let me know plz....

Thanks
Balthasar

Broken connection between T1 sensor and controller ? Does the controller manual say anything meaningful ? Did you call the installer ?

[inetdog]

Using a good ohmmeter, measure the resistance between the two leads of the sensor right at the sensor with it disconnected from the wiring.
Then measure the resistance between the two sensor wires at the controller with the sensor disconnected and connected. Also measure from each disconnected wire to ground to see if there is a short to ground along the way.

[Balthasaradell]

What am I looking for ?

Broken connection between T1 sensor and controller ? Does the controller manual say anything meaningful ? Did you call the installer ?

So...after I get done measuring, now what ? I feel the only solution will be to change the sensor...

[inetdog]

So...after I get done measuring, now what ? I feel the only solution will be to change the sensor...

Your first post said the you already tried a new sensor. Is that correct? What makes you think that changing it again will work any better?
I would like to rule out any problems with the wiring based on the measurements, since that is pretty much all that is left after replacing both the sensor and the controller.

[Balthasaradell]

Wiring

Your first post said the you already tried a new sensor. Is that correct? What makes you think that changing it again will work any better?
I would like to rule out any problems with the wiring based on the measurements, since that is pretty much all that is left after replacing both the sensor and the controller.

Hi sorry - yes I did change the sensor BUT - when I tried I was cutting off the end of the already existing cable to use a new sensor wrapped to the old cable just for the last foot or so of the cable where it then fits into the collector - so I haven't tried with an entirely brand new sensor from end to end - partly because I can't find one long enough like the one that came with my original kit - so I tried twice, once by replacing the last foot of the original sensor (with the old controller) and once by replacing the entire thing with copper wiring from Lowes (new controller) - but neither worked

When you say rule out problems with wiring, which part of the system do you mean ?

I really appreciate your time and patience - thanks

[J.P.M.]

Hi sorry - yes I did change the sensor BUT - when I tried I was cutting off the end of the already existing cable to use a new sensor wrapped to the old cable just for the last foot or so of the cable where it then fits into the collector - so I haven't tried with an entirely brand new sensor from end to end - partly because I can't find one long enough like the one that came with my original kit - so I tried twice, once by replacing the last foot of the original sensor (with the old controller) and once by replacing the entire thing with copper wiring from Lowes (new controller) - but neither worked

When you say rule out problems with wiring, which part of the system do you mean ?

I really appreciate your time and patience - thanks

If you verify that the controller and the sensor are both OK, the only thing left is a problem with the signal path between the two - the wiring, wire nuts frayed wire insulation, etc., etc. Maybe a squirrel chewed through the wire, etc.

[inetdog]

If you verify that the controller and the sensor are both OK, the only thing left is a problem with the signal path between the two - the wiring, wire nuts frayed wire insulation, etc., etc. Maybe a squirrel chewed through the wire, etc.

Do you know for sure whether the sensor is a metallic resistance type sensor (most common) or a thermocouple or solid state sensor? If it is the second or third type, the polarity of the connection will be significant and for a thermocouple even the alloy of wire used for each of the two leads will be critical.
Do you have a part number for the sensor?

[Balthasaradell]

Do you know for sure whether the sensor is a metallic resistance type sensor (most common) or a thermocouple or solid state sensor? If it is the second or third type, the polarity of the connection will be significant and for a thermocouple even the alloy of wire used for each of the two leads will be critical.
Do you have a part number for the sensor?

It's a PT1000 - so am assuming it's the first type because the system is Chinese first
Y and second because it's 4 years old...

I have cut my old sensor off the cable running from the collector to the controller and attached a new one but it sounded like based on your earlier post what I need to get my hands on is another full length pt1000 sensor that will go from the controller on the roof down to the collector.

[inetdog]

It's a PT1000 - so am assuming it's the first type because the system is Chinese first
Y and second because it's 4 years old...

I have cut my old sensor off the cable running from the collector to the controller and attached a new one but it sounded like based on your earlier post what I need to get my hands on is another full length pt1000 sensor that will go from the controller on the roof down to the collector.

Yes, the standard Pt1000 sensor contains a platinum resistance wire. The resistance varies with temperature, and 1000 ohms should be large enough relative to the wire resistance that you could do pretty much what you want with additional lead wire.
That said, you could be picking up AC noise on the wires if the original wiring was coaxial or shielded and you are running your new wires too close to AC from your house wiring or other loads.

[Balthasaradell]

Where can I get a new sensor?

Yes, the standard Pt1000 sensor contains a platinum resistance wire. The resistance varies with temperature, and 1000 ohms should be large enough relative to the wire resistance that you could do pretty much what you want with additional lead wire.
That said, you could be picking up AC noise on the wires if the original wiring was coaxial or shielded and you are running your new wires too close to AC from your house wiring or other loads.

I am wondering where I can get a brand new 35 foot PT1000 sensor from? Everyone so far sells only a meter or so ..