US20210293437A1

US20210293437A1 - Air Conditioner System Switch Device

Info

Publication number: US20210293437A1
Application number: US17/188,616
Authority: US
Inventors: Andrew Peter Olefson
Original assignee: Samson Assets Corp
Current assignee: Samson Assets Corp
Priority date: 2020-02-27
Filing date: 2021-03-01
Publication date: 2021-09-23
Also published as: WO2022187242A1

Abstract

A switch device for connecting and disconnecting power supplies to an air conditioner system is described. The switch device includes an electrical inlet for connecting a power cord of a generator, a toggle switch, a first electrical connection from the toggle switch to a power source of a building, and a second electrical connection from the toggle switch to the air conditioner system. The toggle switch includes a first position, a second position, and a third position, each of which may include a corresponding indicator light. When the toggle switch is placed in the first position, the air conditioner system is connected to the power source of the building. When the toggle switch is placed in the second position, the air conditioner system is connected to a power source of the generator. When the toggle switch is placed in the third position, power is disconnected to the air conditioner system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a nonprovisional application of and claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/982,491 filed on Feb. 27, 2020. The foregoing application is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to electrical switches. More particular, the invention relates to an air conditioner system switch device that allows for connection and disconnection to and from a building power source and a generator and an air handler disconnect switch with optional hardware selection.

BACKGROUND

Air conditioner systems have become standard for comfort in many homes and especially in locations that experience warm or hot and humid weather, for example, in tropical and subtropical climates such as Florida, Hawaii, California, and the American South and Southwest. Disruptions to power can lead to great discomfort during periods of warm weather. Such power disruptions and loss of air conditioning could even be dangerous to certain individuals including the elderly and sick. Natural disasters, including hurricanes, can result in prolonged periods in which electricity from power utilities is unavailable. At such times, a generator can be used to supply power to a home or other building; however, generators require specific electrical connections that are not included as standard equipment in most homes and buildings.
By necessity, maintenance work must be performed on air conditioning systems from time to time. In some cases, disconnecting power to the air conditioner may be necessary or desirable for safety purposes. When a home or building has two connected power supplies, a generator plus the normal utility-supplied power connection, extra precaution must be taken to ensure that electrical power has been disconnected from the air conditioner to eliminate the risk of injury or death by electrocution.
A need exists for a switch device that allows the electrical power supply for an air conditioner system to be toggled between two power sources, e.g., a home or building's utility-supplied power or a generator. A further need exists for a switch device that allows the electrical power supply for an air conditioner system to be disconnected, i.e., connection and disconnection of a power source or power sources to an air condenser, an air handler, or both.

SUMMARY

The invention relates to a switch device for connecting and disconnecting power supplies to an air conditioner system is described. The switch device includes an electrical inlet for connecting a power cord of a generator, a toggle switch, a first electrical connection from the toggle switch to a power source of a building, and a second electrical connection from the toggle switch to the air conditioner system.
The toggle switch includes a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the toggle switch is placed in the first position, the air conditioner system is connected to the power source of the building. When the toggle switch is placed in the second position, the air conditioner system is connected to a power source of the generator. When the toggle switch is placed in the third position, power is disconnected to the air conditioner system.
The switch device provides an advantage by allowing the electrical power supply for an air conditioner system to be toggled between two power sources, e.g., a home or building's utility-supplied power or a generator. The switch device also provides an advantage by allowing the electrical power supply for an air conditioner system to be disconnected. For example, one or more of the switch devices can be used to connect and disconnect a power source or power sources to and from an air condenser, an air handler, or both.
Accordingly, the invention features a double pole switch device for an air conditioner system. The switch device includes a toggle switch, a first electrical connection, and a second electrical connection. The toggle switch includes a first position, a second position, and a third position. The first electrical connection connects the toggle switch to a first power source for powering an air conditioner system. The first electrical connection is or includes a connection to a power source of a building, wherein the first power source is the power source of the building (e.g., a building's connection to an electrical grid supplied by a power utility service provider, one or more solar panels, or another power source of the building). The second electrical connection connects the toggle switch to a second power source for powering the air conditioner system. The second electrical connection is or includes an electrical inlet for connecting a power cord of a generator, wherein the second power source is the generator. When the toggle switch is placed in the first position, the air conditioner system is connected to the first power source, and when the toggle switch is placed in the second position, the air conditioner system is connected to the second power source. When the toggle switch is placed in the third position, power is disconnected to the air conditioner system. The toggle switch is electrically connected to the air conditioner system and is electrically connected to the first power source by the first electrical connection. The toggle switch is electrically connected to the air conditioner system and is electrically connected to the second power source by the second electrical connection.
In another aspect, the invention can feature the toggle switch including a double pole, three-position switch.
In another aspect, the invention can feature a weatherproof box that encases the electrical inlet and toggle switch.
In another aspect, the invention can feature connections on the toggle switch being encapsulated in electrical epoxy or other weatherproofing material.
In another aspect, the invention can feature one or more indicator lights for indicating which power source is live.
In another aspect, the invention can feature a surge protector.
In another aspect, the invention can feature placement of the toggle switch in the third position disconnecting the air conditioner from the first and second power sources by cutting off power to the air conditioner system from the first and second electrical connections.
The invention also features a power source selection device and disconnect system for an air conditioner system. The power source selection device and disconnect system includes an electrical inlet for connecting a power cord of a generator and a power source selection device. The power source selection device includes a toggle switch or a rotary switch, and has a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the power source selection device is placed in the first position, an air conditioner system is connected to a first power source provided by a building or from a condenser of the air conditioner system. When the power source selection device is placed in the second position, the air conditioner system is connected to a second power source. When the power source selection device is placed in the third position, power is disconnected to the air conditioner system. The power source selection device and disconnect system further includes a first electrical connection from the power source selection device to the first power source, a second electrical connection from the power source selection device to the second power source, a third electrical connection from the power source selection device to the air conditioner system, and a disconnect switch that includes a fourth electrical connection to an air handler of the air conditioner system for turning off power to the air handler.
In another aspect, the invention can feature the disconnect switch being installed next to the air handler.
In another aspect, the invention can feature the disconnect switch including a selectable auxiliary mode that can be selected to turn on or turn off power to an ultraviolet (UV) light of the air handler, wherein power to the air handler can be turned on or off using the disconnect switch using the auxiliary mode to select power on or power off to the UV light.
In another aspect, the invention can feature the toggle switch including a double pole, three-position switch.
In another aspect, the invention can feature a weatherproof box that encases the toggle switch.
In another aspect, the invention can feature one or more indicator lights for indicating which power source is live.
In another aspect, the invention can feature the air handler being a mini split air handler.
In another aspect, the invention can feature the second power source being or including a generator.
The invention also features a water switch for an air handler. The water switch includes an electrical plug for connection to an outlet next to an air handler of an air conditioner system and a water sensor for detecting water inside a condensation pan of the air handler. The water switch is insertable into an existing condensation drain hole of the air handler so that disassembly of the air handler is not required for installation of the water switch. The water switch turns off power to the air handler when water reaches a predetermined level in a condensation pan of the air handler.
In another aspect, the invention can feature the water sensor detecting water that accumulates to the predetermined level within the condensation pan.
In another aspect, the invention can feature the air handler being a mini split air handler.
In another aspect, the invention can feature the water sensor being incorporated in a disconnect module with a timer.
In another aspect, the invention can feature the disconnect module disconnecting power to the air handler when the disconnect module is activated.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions will control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of a faceplate for an air conditioner system switch.

FIG. 1B is a top plan view of another embodiment of a faceplate for an air conditioner system switch.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the faceplate of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the faceplate of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4 is a left side elevation view of the faceplate of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view of the faceplate of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing air conditioner system switches used as disconnect switches in connection with a condenser and an air handler of an air conditioner system.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an air conditioner system switch.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an air conditioner system switch enclosed within a housing with a cover and having a connected surge protection device.

FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of a 25-amp embodiment of an air conditioner system switch.

FIG. 9B is a front elevation view of a 15-amp embodiment of an air conditioner system switch.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a 15-amp embodiment of an air conditioner system switch.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a 25-amp embodiment of an air conditioner system switch.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a 25-amp embodiment of an air conditioner system switch.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a 30-amp embodiment of an air conditioner system switch.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an air conditioner system switch connected to an air conditioner system.

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of an air conditioner system switch enclosed within a housing.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of an air conditioner system switch enclosed within a housing with a cover in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed drawings and description set forth herein. Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the drawings; however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, in light of the teachings of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, numerous modifications and variations of the invention may exist that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
The present invention should not be limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. The terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” may be a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means.
All conjunctions used herein are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and are not to be limited to a special or customized meaning unless expressly so defined herein.
Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof, especially in the appended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term “including” should be read to mean “including, without limitation,” “including but not limited to,” or the like; the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”; the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to”; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and use of terms like “preferably,” “preferred,” “desired,” “desirable,” or “exemplary” and words of similar meaning should not be understood as implying that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the invention, but instead as merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the invention.
Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations; however, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).
All numbers expressing dimensions, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth herein are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained.
The invention provides a switch device for connecting and disconnecting power supplies to an air conditioner system or to and from components thereof such as, for example, an air condenser or an air handler or both. The switch device is an air conditioner switch system device that includes a disconnect switch, which permits power to an air conditioner system (e.g., a mini-split air conditioner system) to be turned on and off. The switch device includes an electrical inlet for connecting a power cord of a generator and a toggle switch for switching between power-connected and power-disconnected modes of operation. The switch device also includes a first electrical connection from the toggle switch to a power source of a building and a second electrical connection from the toggle switch to the air conditioner system.
The disconnect switch can include a faceplate as shown in FIGS. 1-5. FIGS. 7 and 8 show various embodiments of a disconnect switch.
The electrical inlet is an inlet for receiving an electric cord connection of an air conditioner system. In one embodiment, the electrical inlet can be a 240-volt connection inlet.
The toggle switch includes a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the toggle switch is placed in the first position, the air conditioner system is connected to the power source of the building. When the toggle switch is placed in the second position, the air conditioner system is connected to a power source of the generator. When the toggle switch is placed in the third position, power is disconnected to the air conditioner system. The arrangement of the first, second, and third positions are unimportant, although in exemplary embodiments, the second position may be in the middle of (or an intermediate position between) the first and third positions. The toggle switch can be a double-pole, double-throw, three-position switch. In other embodiments, the toggle switch can be a two-position switch.
The switch device may include one or more indicator lights that indicate whether power is connected or disconnected. In one embodiment, the switch device can include two lights—one light that indicates power is connected and another light that indicates power is disconnected. In other embodiments, the switch device may include one light per each switch position (e.g., three lights).
The switch device can be a 15-amp switch, a 25-amp switch, or a 30-amp switch in exemplary embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 9A-13. The 30-amp switch is particularly useful for larger single and multi-zone air conditioner units. The switch device may be made in other amperages in other embodiments. In some exemplary embodiments, the switch device may include a surge protector that is constructed as a unitary part of the switch device housed within a housing.
In addition to a disconnect switch device with a generator input for controlling power to the air conditioner condenser, the system also can include a disconnect switch for the interior air handler as shown in FIG. 6. This disconnect switch not only turns the air handler off (i.e., to an “off” position that disconnects electricity from and disables the air handler), which generally is required by building codes, but also includes an “on” position for turning power on to and enabling the air handler. The disconnect switch may also include other “on” positions for various accessories such as, for example, an “own” position for powering and enabling the air handler with concurrent operation of an ultraviolet (UV) light for sterilization and improvement of indoor air quality.
The air handler disconnect switch allows alternate power source selection for the air handler but can also provide selection of alternate power source for other accessories of the air conditioner system such as, for example, the UV light referenced above. The switch device also permits communication wires of the air conditioner system to be kept live (i.e., power on) while shutting off the main power to the air handler to allow the air handler to be serviced safely without the risk of electrocution to a person or damage to the air handler. The switch device's ability to disconnect power to the air handler while not disconnecting power to communication wires is advantageous since some air conditioner systems (such as mini-split systems) lose memory when power to communication wires is disconnected, thus requiring recalibration upon reconnection of power.
In some embodiments, the disconnect switch device may be installed and used only to control power to the air conditioner condenser. In other embodiments, the disconnect switch device may be installed and used only to control power to the air handler. In still other embodiments, as mentioned above, two disconnect switch devices may be installed and used—one to control power to the air conditioner condenser and another to control power to the air handler.
The switch device may be housed within a housing. In exemplary embodiments, the housing may be weatherproof. Other components of the switch device described herein may also be constructed from weatherproof materials. The housing may include a face plate at which the toggle switch, optional indicator lights (see above), and electrical inlet are accessible and visible from a front of the housing and behind which electrical cords that connect the switch device to the home or building's utility-supplied power source and to the air conditioning system are concealed. The housing may include apertures to allow those cords to pass out of the housing for connection to the power supply and air conditioning system. Components of the switch device may be constructed from stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic. For example, parts of the electrical inlet may be constructed from stainless steel hardware. The main housing structure of the switch device may be, for example, an aluminum gang box. The front of the housing may include a weatherproof plastic cover that is openable and closable to access the toggle switch and electrical inlet.
The switch device can be preinstalled in a new home or building during construction as a cost-effective and efficient manner of making the home or building generator-ready in that no additional installation or construction or electrician services will be necessary in order to connect the home or building's air conditioning system to a generator for power supply. In other embodiments, an existing home or building may be retrofitted with the switch device to allow for connection of a generator as a power supply for the home or building's air conditioning system.
In some embodiments such as that shown in FIG. 8, the air conditioner switch system device can include a surge protection device to prevent damage to the air conditioner system and its components by electrical surges.
In exemplary embodiments, the switch device includes one or more indicator lights for indicating when the toggle switch is in a certain position, e.g., in the first position, second position, or third position. Each position of the switch can include an indicator light. In one example, an indicator light (e.g., a green light) can activate (or turn on or illuminate) to indicate that power is turned on to the air conditioner system or one of its components such as the air handler or air condenser. In some embodiments, an indicator light is only activated when the toggle switch is moved into the position to which that indicator light corresponds. In other embodiments, the indicator light changes colors when power is connected versus when power is disconnected. For example, the indicator light may be green when power is connected but red or another color when power is disconnected.
In some embodiments, each indicator light may be illuminated to indicate that multiple power sources (e.g., building power and generator) are available and that the toggle switch simply needs to be manipulated to change the switch device from a disconnect position to a power-connected position. In one such embodiment, one position can be a disconnect position with or without a corresponding indicator light, while the other two positions can each include a corresponding indicator light that either illuminates once power is connected by moving the toggle switch to that position or that changes colors when power is connected by moving the toggle switch to that position.
The indicator lights can be LED lights, incandescent bulbs, another type of light, or a combination of two or more types of lights can serve as indicator lights. Importantly, the indicator lights are not activated by the toggle switch and its manipulation between positions, but rather, the indicator lights are activated by the power source when it is connected.
The various embodiments of the invention can feature the air handler being a mini split air handler.
Although the various switch devices, systems, and methods have been described herein with respect to their usage with air conditioner systems including mini-split air conditioner systems, these devices, systems, and methods may also be used with other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, boilers, heaters and heating systems, and refrigerators, freezers, and refrigeration systems.

Embodiment 1

In one exemplary embodiment, the invention features a double pole switch device for turning power off and on to an air conditioner system. Using the switch device, a power source may be selected for powering the air conditioner system. The power sources from which a user may select to provide power to the air conditioner system by manipulation of the toggle switch include a first power source and at least a second power source. One of the power sources (e.g., the first power source) can be a power source of a building. The building can be the building in or at which the air conditioner is installed or another building. Examples of power sources of the building include the building's connection to an electrical grid supplied by a power utility service provider, one or more solar panels, a home or commercial battery power system, or another power source of the building. The at least second power source can be a generator.
The switch device includes a toggle switch, a first electrical connection, and a second electrical connection. The toggle switch includes a double pole, three-position switch. The toggle switch includes a first position, a second position, and a third position. The first electrical connection connects the toggle switch to one of the power sources, e.g., to the first power source for powering the air conditioner system. The first electrical connection is or includes a connection to the power source of a building. The second electrical connection connects the toggle switch to the other power source, e.g., to the second power source for powering the air conditioner system. In this example, the first electrical connection can connect to the building's power source and the second electrical connection can connect to the generator. However, in other embodiments, the first electrical connection may be connected to the generator and the second electrical connection may be connected to the building's power source. Each electrical connection includes one or more wires, cords, or cables connected thereto and capable of supplying power from the first and second power sources to the toggle switch. The switch device also includes a third electrical connection that allows one or more wires, cords, or cables to connect the toggle switch to the air conditioner system to supply power from the toggle switch to it.
The second electrical connection is or includes an electrical inlet for connecting a power cord of a generator, wherein the second power source is the generator. When the toggle switch is placed in the first position, the air conditioner system is connected to the first power source, and when the toggle switch is placed in the second position, the air conditioner system is connected to the second power source. When the toggle switch is placed in the third position, power is disconnected to the air conditioner system meaning that power is turned off to all wires for a true disconnection. Therefore, placement of the toggle switch in the third position disconnects the air conditioner system from the first and second power sources by cutting off power to the air conditioner system from the first and second electrical connections. The toggle switch is electrically connected to the air conditioner system and is electrically connected to the first power source by the first electrical connection. The toggle switch is electrically connected to the air conditioner system and is electrically connected to the second power source by the second electrical connection.
As shown in FIGS. 8, 15, and 16, the switch device can include a weatherproof box that encases the electrical inlet and toggle switch. In exemplary embodiments, the weatherproof box can be constructed from aluminum with a plastic cover while the face plate (described elsewhere herein can include markings indicating which power source is turned on or off at each position of the toggle switch. The face plate can be constructed from steel, aluminum, plastic, or any other suitable material. The connections on the toggle switch can also be encapsulated in electrical epoxy or other weatherproofing material.
One or more indicator lights can be installed on or through the face plate next to the toggle switch (or in another location) for indicating which power source is live.
In some embodiments, a surge protector may also be connected to the toggle switch to prevent power surges from damaging the air conditioner system.

Embodiment 2

In another exemplary embodiment, the invention features a power source selection device and disconnect system for an air conditioner system. The power source selection device and disconnect system includes an electrical inlet for connecting a power cord of a generator and a power source selection device. The power source selection device includes a toggle switch or a rotary switch, and has a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the power source selection device is placed in the first position, an air conditioner system is connected to a first power source provided by a building or from a condenser of the air conditioner system. When the power source selection device is placed in the second position, the air conditioner system is connected to a second power source. When the power source selection device is placed in the third position, power is disconnected to the air conditioner system. The power source selection device and disconnect system further includes a first electrical connection from the power source selection device to the first power source, a second electrical connection from the power source selection device to the second power source, a third electrical connection from the power source selection device to the air conditioner system, and a disconnect switch that includes a fourth electrical connection to an air handler of the air conditioner system for turning off power to the air handler.
As shown in FIG. 14, the disconnect switch can be installed on or next to the air handler or in another nearby location. In certain embodiments that include an ultraviolet (UV) light for killing bacteria in the air handler, the disconnect switch can include a selectable auxiliary mode that can be selected to turn on or turn off power to the UV light of the air handler. In this way, power to the air handler can be turned on or off using the disconnect switch using the auxiliary mode to select power on or power off to the UV light so that the UV light remains operable and turned on while power to the air handler itself is disconnected, e.g., during a repair of the air handler.
The power source selection device can be a double pole, three-position switch. In some embodiments that include more than two power sources, the power source selection device can include more than three positions to accommodate selection of the available power sources for powering the air conditioner system plus a disconnect position. In other embodiments, the system may include a separate disconnect switch so that the toggle switch only includes selections for enabling power sources and so that any disconnection of power must be accomplished using the separate disconnect switch.
As shown in FIG. 8, the switch device can include a weatherproof box that encases the electrical inlet and toggle switch. In exemplary embodiments, the weatherproof box can be constructed from aluminum with a plastic cover while the face plate (described elsewhere herein can include markings indicating which power source is turned on or off at each position of the toggle switch. The face plate can be constructed from steel, aluminum, plastic, or any other suitable material. The connections on the toggle switch can also be encapsulated in electrical epoxy or other weatherproofing material.
One or more indicator lights can be installed on or through the face plate next to the toggle switch (or in another location) for indicating which power source is live.
In some embodiments, a surge protector may also be connected to the toggle switch to prevent power surges from damaging the air conditioner system.
Water Switch
The invention also features a water switch for an air handler. The water switch can be used with one or more of the other devices described herein as part of a system, or it may used alone. The water switch includes an electrical plug for connection to an outlet next to an air handler of an air conditioner system and a water sensor for detecting water inside a condensation pan of the air handler. The water switch is insertable into an existing condensation drain hole of the air handler so that disassembly of the air handler is not required for installation of the water switch. The water switch turns off power to the air handler when water reaches a predetermined level in a condensation pan of the air handler. The water switch can be used with a mini split air handler.
The watch switch includes two wires with each connected to a contact at its free end. In exemplary embodiments, the two contacts are installed inside a box that is placed inside the condensation pan at a predetermined height from a bottom of the condensation pan. In other embodiments, the two contacts may be installed in a fixed position at a predetermined height from the bottom of the condensation pan. The two wires are connected at their other ends to the water sensor, which is installed inside the electrical plug. In this way, the water sensor detects water that accumulates to the predetermined level within the condensation pan. When water reaches the contacts, a signal is transmitted to the water sensor, which the water sensor detects to turn off power to the electrical plug, thereby also turning off or disconnecting power to the air handler to avoid flooding that would occur if the air handler continued to run during a malfunction and water continued to accumulate in the condensation pan and overflowed.
In some embodiments, the water sensor can be incorporated in a disconnect module with a timer. The disconnect module disconnects power to the air handler when the disconnect module is activated as water is detected by the contacts and water sensor.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A double pole switch device for an air conditioner system, the switch device comprising:

a toggle switch comprising a first position, a second position, and a third position;

a first electrical connection for connecting the toggle switch to a first power source for powering an air conditioner system, the first electrical connection comprising a connection to a power source of a building, wherein the first power source is the power source of the building;

a second electrical connection for connecting the toggle switch to a second power source for powering the air conditioner system, the second electrical connection comprising an electrical inlet for connecting a power cord of a generator, wherein the second power source is the generator;

wherein when the toggle switch is placed in the first position, the air conditioner system is connected to the first power source;

wherein when the toggle switch is placed in the second position, the air conditioner system is connected to the second power source;

wherein when the toggle switch is placed in the third position, power is disconnected to the air conditioner system;

wherein the toggle switch is electrically connected to the air conditioner system and is electrically connected to the first power source by the first electrical connection; and

wherein the toggle switch is electrically connected to the air conditioner system and is electrically connected to the second power source by the second electrical connection.

2. The switch device of claim 1, wherein the toggle switch comprises a double pole, three-position switch.

3. The switch device of claim 1, further comprising a weatherproof box that encases the electrical inlet and toggle switch.

4. The switch device of claim 3, wherein connections on the toggle switch are encapsulated in electrical epoxy or other weatherproofing material.

5. The switch device of claim 1, further comprising one or more indicator lights for indicating which power source is live.

6. The switch device of claim 1, further comprising a surge protector.

7. The switch device of claim 1, wherein placing the toggle switch in the third position disconnects the air conditioner system from the first and second power sources by cutting off power to the air conditioner system from the first and second electrical connections.

8. A power source selection device and disconnect system for an air conditioner system, the system comprising:

an electrical inlet for connecting a power cord of a generator;

a power source selection device comprising a toggle switch or a rotary switch, wherein the power source selection device comprises a first position, a second position, and a third position;

wherein when the power source selection device is placed in the first position, an air conditioner system is connected to a first power source provided by a building or from a condenser of the air conditioner system;

wherein when the power source selection device is placed in the second position, the air conditioner system is connected to a second power source;

wherein when the power source selection device is placed in the third position, power is disconnected to the air conditioner system;

a first electrical connection from the power source selection device to the first power source;

a second electrical connection from the power source selection device to the second power source;

a third electrical connection from the power source selection device to the air conditioner system; and

a disconnect switch comprising a fourth electrical connection to an air handler of the air conditioner system for turning off power to the air handler.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the disconnect switch is installed next to the air handler.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the disconnect switch comprises a selectable auxiliary mode that can be selected to turn on or turn off power to an ultraviolet (UV) light of the air handler, wherein power to the air handler can be turned on or off using the disconnect switch using the auxiliary mode to select power on or power off to the UV light.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the toggle switch comprises a double pole, three-position switch.

12. The system of claim 8, further comprising a weatherproof box that encases the toggle switch.

13. The system of claim 8, further comprising one or more indicator lights for indicating which power source is live.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the air handler is a mini split air handler.

15. The system of claim 8, wherein the second power source comprises a generator.

16. A water switch for an air handler, the water switch comprising:

an electrical plug for connection to an outlet next to an air handler of an air conditioner system; and

a water sensor for detecting water inside a condensation pan of the air handler;

wherein the water switch is insertable into an existing condensation drain hole of the air handler so that disassembly of the air handler is not required for installation of the water switch; and

wherein the water switch turns off power to the air handler when water reaches a predetermined level in a condensation pan of the air handler.

17. The water switch of claim 16, wherein the water sensor detects water that accumulates to the predetermined level within the condensation pan.

18. The water switch of claim 16, wherein the air handler is a mini split air handler.

19. The water switch of claim 16, wherein the water sensor is incorporated in a disconnect module with a timer.

20. The water switch of claim 19, wherein the disconnect module disconnects power to the air handler when the disconnect module is activated.