How to Connect a Snap Disc to a Hot Air Solar System

In most climates, a commercial or DIY hot air solar system can provide much of the annual heating for an average home. They're relatively easy to build and install, and can be controlled by a regular thermostat. Unlike a gas furnace or an electric baseboard, solar won't provide heat after dark. To prevent a solar system from venting cold air into the house, most systems incorporate a rudimentary controller called a snap disc. It's a simple bimetallic switch that will only allow the fan to come on if the temperature in your solar collector is above a predetermined level.

Wire cutter
Wire stripper
Spade connectors
Crimp tool
Electrical tape
Wood screws
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Locate and switch off the breaker that controls the circuit for your solar collector's blower fan. This is easiest to do when the fan is running, so you can see when it stops.
- 2
  Remove the "hot" side of the wire from your blower, leaving tne neutral wire in place. The hot usually is black, and the neutral usually is white.
- 3
  Snip the hot wire with a pair of wire cutters and strip the ends. Crimp on a pair of spade connectors, using a crimp tool.
- 4
  Slide each spade connector over one of the terminals on the snap disc. Wrap each connection with electrical tape to reduce the risk of short circuits.
- 5
  Secure the snap disc to an inner surface of the solar connector by screwing it into place with a pair of wood screws through the mounting holes on either side.
- 6
  Switch the breaker back on. The snap disc should allow the blower to activate when it's warm in the collector, but prevent it from cutting in at night when the temperature is low.

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