Refer to the QuickLIT website for the most up-to-date version of this document.F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin1The F261 Series Flow Switches respond to fluid flow in lines carrying water, ethylene glycol, or other nonhazardous fluids. These models also work in applications with swimming pool water and lubricating oils.F261 Series Standard Flow Switches use a variety of paddle sizes to respond to fluid flow rates in applications with 1 inch trade size (or greater) pipe.F261 Series Low Flow Switches respond to low fluid flow rates in applications with 1 inch trade size (or less) pipe.A low-energy model with gold-plated contacts provides improved electrical performance in low-voltage, low-current circuits (dry circuits) to switch low-energy resistive loads, such as control signals. Figure 1: F261KAH Flow SwitchTable 1: Features and BenefitsFeaturesBenefitsType 3R (NEMA) or Type 4 (NEMA) Polycarbonate EnclosureProvides dust protection in indoor and outdoor applications.Viton® DiaphragmAllows use in fluid lines carrying chlorinated water, treated water, or other nonhazardous fluids.Low-Flow Operation on Low-Flow ModelsActuates switch with less than 2.0 GPM (7.6 L/min) flow for water applications or 11.0 GPM (41.6 L/min) flow for steam applications.Gold-Plated Contacts on Selected ModelsReduce intermittent contact problems in low-voltage and low-current circuits (dry circuits).Maximum Fluid Pressure of 290 psig (20 bar)Permits use in a wide range of pressure flow conditions.F261 Series Fluid Flow SwitchesProduct BulletinCode No. LIT-12011987Issued July 22, 2015F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin2Application Standard Flow SwitchesUse F261 Series Standard Flow Switches in applications with fluid pressures up to 290 psig (20bar). A typical application for a standard F261 flow switch is to shut down the refrigeration compressor on a fluid chiller system if flow stops, reducing chances of chiller freeze-ups.Low-Flow SwitchesThe F261 Series Low-Flow Switches have 1/2 in. Female NPTF or 3/4 in. Female NPTF inlet and outlet connections.Use F261 Low-Flow Switches in applications where flow rates are low, such as:•water purification and treatment systems•booster pumps•cooling systems for electronic tubes, bearings, and compressors•rapid recovery water heaters (starting the water heater when water is withdrawn)•control of food waste disposal units (starting the motor when a predetermined amount of water is flowing through the unit and stopping when the flow decreases to a predetermined rate)•switch to shut down the refrigeration compressor on a fluid chiller system if flow stops, reducing chances of chiller freeze-upsLow-Energy Flow Switches with Gold-Plated ContactsModels with gold-plated contacts provide improved electrical performance in low-voltage, low-current circuits (dry circuits). Use these models to switch low-energy resistive loads, such as control signals.Type 3R (NEMA) / IP43 Enclosures Use models with Type 3R (NEMA) / IP43 enclosures for indoor or outdoor applications where they are protected from weather and splashing water. Use these models with pipes carrying fluids at temperatures in the range of -20°F to 250°F (-29°C to 121°C). A drain hole allows Type 3R (NEMA) models to be used in applications where the fluid temperature is below the ambient dew point temperature. The drain hole knockout is plugged on IP43 models to prevent the intrusion of objects 1 mm Ø and greater. Removing the plug reduces the enclosure rating to IP23, allowing these models to be used in applications where the fluid temperature is below the ambient dew point temperature. Do not use these models in applications or environments where the temperature may cause the fluid to freeze.Type 4 (NEMA) / IP67 Enclosures Use models with Type 4 (NEMA) enclosures for indoor or outdoor applications in high humidity environments. Use these models with pipes carrying fluids at temperatures in the range of -20°F to 250°F (-29°C to 121°C). A sealing O-ring between the cover and case allows these models to be used in high-humidity environments, or applications where the fluid temperature is below the ambient dew point temperature. Do not use these models in applications or environments where the temperature may cause the fluid to freeze.Media CompatibilityF261 Series Flow Switches are compatible with several common media:•water•ethylene glycol•brine•sea water•swimming pool water•lubricating oilsIMPORTANT:All F261 Series Flow Switches are intended to control equipment under normal operating conditions. Where failure or malfunction of an F261 Flow Switch could lead to an abnormal operating condition that could cause personal injury or damage to the equipment or other property, other devices (limit or safety controls) or systems (alarm or supervisory) intended to warn of, or protect against, failure or malfunction of the F261 Flow Switch must be incorporated into and maintained as part of the control system.IMPORTANT:Do not install or use this F261 Series Flow Switch in or near environments where corrosive substances or vapors could be present. Exposure of the F261 Series Flow Switch to corrosive environments may damage the device’s internal components and will void the warranty.IMPORTANT:Do not use F261 Series Flow Switches where the fluid in the pipes drops below the fluid’s freezing point, causing an internalfreeze-up.F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin3Dimensions Figure 2: Dimensions for F261 Standard Flow Switch, in. [mm]1/2 [12]Typical ThreadEngagement3-1/2[89]4-1/2[114]5-11/16[144]8-3/4[222]2-3/4[70]11/16[18]2-1/8[54]1/2 in. trade sizeor PG-16conduitopeningFIG:F261_stndrd_dmnsns4[102]2[51]1-11 1/2 NPT30 mm Hex2-9/16[65]Figure 3: Dimensions for F261 Low-Flow Switch, in. [mm]4[102]2[51]1-1/8[29]2-5/16[59]1-1/2[38]3/4[19]1-1/2[39]11/16[18]2-9/16[65]2-3/4[70]PG-16conduitopeningFIG:F261_lwflw_dmnsns1/2 in. - 14 NPTF or3/4 in. - 14 NPTF, as specified (both ends)F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin4OperationThe flow switch responds to pressure exerted on the fluid paddle by the flowing fluid. A range adjustment screw adjusts the rate of the flow required to activate the switch. See Table3 through Table8 for flow rates.The red terminal is the Common. Red to Yellow closes on flow increase. Red to Blue closes on flow decrease. Table 2: F261 Switch ActionFlow ActionSwitch ClosureIncreaseRed to YellowDecreaseRed to BlueFigure 4: F261 Control Switch ActionRedYellowBlueDecrease in FlowAbove SetpointIncrease in FlowAbove SetpointTable 3: Flow Rates for Standard Models, 1-3 in. PaddlesGPM (m3/hr) Required to Activate Switch for Pipe Size (in.)11-1/411-1/2122-1/22343536383Minimum AdjustmentFlow Increase (Close R to Y)4.20 (0.95)5.80 (1.32)7.50 (1.70)13.7 (3.11)18.0 (4.09)27.5 (6.24)65.0 (14.8)125 (28.4)190 (43.2)375 (85.2)Flow Decrease (Close R to B)2.50 (0.57)3.70 (0.84)5.00 (1.14)9.50 (2.16)12.5 (2.84)19.0 (4.32)50.0 (11.4)101 (22.9)158 (35.9)320 (72.7)Maximum AdjustmentFlow Increase (Close R to Y)8.80 (2.0)13.3 (3.02)19.2 (4.36)29.0 (6.59)34.5 (7.84)53.0 (12.0)128 (29.1)245 (55.6)375 (85.2)760 (173)Flow Decrease (Close R to B)8.50 (1.93)12.5 (2.84)18.0 (4.09)27.0 (6.13)32.0 (7.27)50.0 (11.4)122 (27.7)235 (53.4)360 (81.8)730 (166)1.Values for 2 in. paddle trimmed to pipe.2.Values for a 3 in. paddle trimmed to fit pipe.3.Values calculated for a factory-installed set of 1, 2, and 3 in. paddles.Table 4: Flow Rates for Standard Models, 6 in. PaddlesGPM (m3/hr) Required to Activate Switch for Pipe Size (in.)4568Minimum AdjustmentFlow Increase (Close R to Y)37.0 (8.40)57.0 (12.9)74.0 (16.8)205 (46.6)Flow Decrease (Close R to B)27.0 (6.13)41.0 (9.31)54.0 (12.3)170 (38.6)Maximum AdjustmentFlow Increase (Close R to Y)81.0 (18.4)118 (26.8)144 (32.7)415 (94.3)Flow Decrease (Close R to B)76.0 (1.93)111 (25.2)135 (30.7)400 (90.8)F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin5Table 5: GPM (L/Min) Required to Actuate F261 Series Low Flow SwitchesPipe Size1/2 x 1/2 in. Female NPTF13/4 x 3/4 in. Female NPTF23/4 x 3/4 in. Female NPTF3Minimum AdjustmentFlow Increase (R to Y Closes)1.30 (4.92)2.00 (7.57)10.90 (41.26)Flow Decrease (R to B Closes)0.60 (2.27)0.60 (2.27)7.20 (27.25)Maximum AdjustmentFlow Increase (R to Y Closes)2.60 (9.84)3.60 (13.63)17.00 (64.35)Flow Decrease (R to B Closes)1.25 (4.73)1.30 (4.92)14.20 (53.75)1.F261KEH-V01C, F261MEH-V01C2.F261KFH-V01C, F261MFH-V01C3.F261KFH-V02C (designed for steam applications)Figure 5: Pressure Drop versus Flow Rate, F261 Series Low-Flow Switches (F261KEH-V01C, F261MEH-V01C, F261KFH-V01C, F261MFH-V01C)07.615.122.730.337.945.460.668.175.783.398.4106113.653.090.9137.9124.1110.396.582.769.055.241.427.613.8020181614121086420024681012141618202224262830Flow Rate (L/Min)Pressure Drop (PSI)Pressure Drop (kPa)Flow Rate (GPM)FIG:F261_LwFlw1/2 in. pipe size3/4 in. pipe sizeF261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin6Ordering InformationF61 to F261 Cross-Reference Tables Selection Tables Repair InformationDo not make field repairs, except for replacement of the flow paddle. For a replacement control or paddle kit, contact the nearest Johnson Controls/PENN distributor. For more information, contact Johnson Controls/PENN application engineering at 1-800-275-5676 or 1-414-524-5535.Table 6: Standard Flow Models Cross ReferenceF61 Series ModelF261 Series ModelF61KB-11CF261KAH-V01CF61LB-1CF261MAH-V01CF61MB-1CF261MAH-V01CF61MB-5CF261MAH-V01CTable 7: Low-Flow Models Cross ReferenceF61 Series ModelF261 Series ModelF61KD-3CF261KEH-V01CF61KD-4CF261KFH-V01CF61KD-8CF261KFH-V02CF61MD-1CF261MEH-V01CF61MD-2CF261MFH-V01CTable 8: F261 Series Standard Model Flow SwitchesProduct Code NumberDescriptionF261KAH-V01CStandard model flow switch with Type 3R (NEMA) enclosure; 1 in., 2 in., 3 in., and 6 in. stainless steel paddles, lock-tooth washer, and stainless steel paddle screw supplied uninstalledF261MAH-V01CStandard model flow switch with Type 4 (NEMA) enclosure; 1 in., 2 in., 3 in., and 6 in. stainless steel paddles, lock-tooth washer, and stainless steel paddle screw supplied uninstalled F261MAL-V01C11.This model is a low-energy flow switch with gold-plated electrical contacts.Standard model flow switch with Type 4 (NEMA) enclosure;1 in., 2 in., 3 in., and 6 in. stainless steel paddles, lock-tooth washer, and stainless steel paddle screw supplied uninstalledTable 9: F261 Series Low-Flow Model Flow SwitchesProduct Code NumberDescriptionF261KEH-V01CLow-flow model flow switch with Type 3R (NEMA) enclosure 1/2 in. x 1/2 in. Female NPTF inlet and outletF261KFH-V01CLow-flow model flow switch with Type 3R (NEMA) enclosure; 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Female NPTF inlet and outletF261KFH-V02CLow-flow model flow switch with Type 3R (NEMA) enclosure; 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Female NPTF inlet and outletF261MEHV01CLow-flow model flow switch with Type 4 (NEMA) enclosure; 1/2 in. x 1/2 in. Female NPTF inlet and outletF261MFH-V01CLow-flow model flow switch with Type 4 (NEMA) enclosure; 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Female NPTF inlet and outletTable 10: Replacement Paddle PartsProduct Code NumberDescriptionKIT21A-600Stainless steel 3-piece paddle (3 in., 2 in., and 1 in. segments) KIT21A-601Stainless steel 6 in. paddleKIT21A-602Stainless steel 3-piece paddle (3 in., 2 in., and 1 in. segments) and Stainless steel 6 in. paddleF261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin7Technical Specifications Table 11: F261xxH Series Standard Controls Electrical RatingsVolts 50/60 HzUL60730/UL1059EN6073024 VAC120 VAC208 VAC240 VAC24 VAC230VACHorsepower–111––Full Load Amperes–161010–8Locked Rotor Amperes–966060–48Resistive Amperes161610101616Pilot Duty VA12572072072077720Table 12: F261xxL Series Low Energy Controls Electrical Ratings, AC CurrentVolts AC, 50/60 HzUL60730/UL1059/EN607304 VAC24 VAC120 VACResistive Amperes1101010Pilot Duty VA212723601.Maximum Dry Circuit Rating: Resistive only, 400 mW at 28 VAC/VDC.Once a relay has been used at the General Rating level, the Dry Circuit Rating is no longer valid.2.Meets UL 100,000 cycle UL endurance test requirement at switch with Tmin greater than or equal to 32°F (0°C).Table 13: F261xxL Series Low Energy Controls Electrical Ratings, DC CurrentVolts DCUL60730/UL1059/EN607304 VDC24 VDC48 VDCResistive Amperes11111.Maximum Dry Circuit Rating: Resistive only, 400 mW at 28 VAC/VDC.Once a relay has been used at the General Rating level, the Dry Circuit Rating is no longer valid.Table 14: UL Conformity Declaration Information (Part 1 of 2)InformationDescriptionPurpose of ControlF261 Fluid Flow SwitchConstruction of ControlElectronic independently mounted controlNumber of Cycles100,000 cyclesMethod of Mounting ControlMounting to sensed media vessel/orientationType 1 or Type 2 ActionType 1.C (Microinterruption)External Pollution Situation Pollution degree 4Internal Pollution SituationPollution degree 2Rated Impulse Voltage4,000 VACBall Pressure TemperatureEnclosure: 266°F (130°C )Switch Component: 252°F (122°C)Control Adjustment Instruction-F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin8Field Wiring RatingWire/Cord Temperature Ratings:• 140°F (60°C) only permitted when ambient air and media are less than 113°F (45°C)• 167°F (75°C) only permitted when ambient air and media are less than 140°F (60°C)• 194°F (90°C) only permitted when ambient air is less than 140°F (60°C) and media is less than 167°F (75°C)• 302°F (150°C) permitted when ambient air is less than 140°F (60°C) and media is less than 249°F (121°C)Vessel PressureF261 Fluid Flow Switch: 290 psi (20 Bar)F261 Series Fluid Flow SwitchesSwitchSPDTEnclosureUL: Type 3R or Type 4CE: IP43 (IP23 with drain hole plug removed) or IP67Wiring ConnectionsThree color-coded screw terminals and one ground terminalConduit ConnectionOne 7/8 in. (22 mm) hole for 1/2 in. trade size (or PG16) conduitPipe ConnectorStandard: 1 in. 11-1/2 NPT ThreadsLow-Flow: 1/2 in. x 1/2 in. Female NPTF; 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Female NPTFMaximum Fluid Pressure290 psi (20 bar)Minimum Fluid Temperature1-20°F (-29°C)Maximum Fluid Temperature2250°F (121°C)Ambient Conditions-40 to 140°F (-40 to 60°C)ComplianceNorth America: cULus Listed; UL 60730, File E6688; FCC Compliant to CFR47, Part 15, Subpart B, Class BIndustry Canada (IC) Compliant to Canadian ICES-003, Class B limitsEurope: CE Mark – Johnson Controls, Inc. declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the EMC Directive and the Low Voltage Directive. Australia/New Zealand Mark: RCM Compliant1.Ensure that the low liquid temperature combined with the low ambient temperature does not lead to the freezing the liquid inside the body (or bellows, where appropriate). Please observe the liquid freezing point.2.At higher ambient temperatures, the maximum allowed liquid temperature becomes lower. The temperature of the electrical switch inside should not exceed 158°F (70°C).The performance specifications are nominal and conform to acceptable industry standards. For application at conditions beyond these specifications, consult Johnson Controls/PENN Refrigeration Application Engineering at 1-800-275-5676. Johnson Controls, Inc. shall not be liable for damages resulting from misapplication or misuse of its products.Table 14: UL Conformity Declaration Information (Part 2 of 2)Published in U.S.A.www.johnsoncontrols.comF261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product BulletinBuilding Efficiency507 E. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202® Johnson Controls and PENN are registered trademarks of Johnson Controls, Inc. in theUnited States of America and/or other countries. All other trademarks used herein are the propertyof their respective owners. © Copyright 2015 by Johnson Controls, Inc. All rights reserved.9United States Emissions ComplianceThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: - Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. - Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. - Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. - Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.Canadian Emissions ComplianceThis Class (B) digital apparatus meets all the requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.Cet appareil numérique de la Classe (B) respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.Next >