F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin

LIT-12011987

2020-11-19

Introduction Gold-plated contacts on selected models

The F261 Series Flow Switches respond to fluid flow in lines Reduce intermittent contact problems in low-voltage and
that carry water, ethylene glycol, or other nonhazardous low-current circuits (dry circuits).
fluids. These models also work in applications with
swimming pool water and lubricating oils. Maximum fluid pressure of 290 psig (20 bar)
F261 Series Standard Flow Switches use a variety of
Facilitates use in a wide range of pressure flow conditions.
paddle sizes to respond to fluid flow rates in applications
with 1 inch or greater trade size pipe.
F261 Series Low Flow Switches respond to low fluid flow
Application
rates in applications with 1 inch or less trade size pipe. Important:
A low-energy model with gold-plated contacts provides • All F261 Series Flow Switches are intended to
improved electrical performance in low-voltage, low- control equipment under normal operating
current circuits (dry circuits) to switch low-energy resistive conditions. Where failure or malfunction of an
loads, such as control signals. F261 Flow Switch could lead to an abnormal
operating condition that could cause personal
Figure 1: F261KAH Flow Switch 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.
• 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.
 WARNING • Do not use F261 Series Flow Switches where the
fluid in the pipes drops below the fluid’s freezing
point, causing an internal freeze-up.
Risk
This product is made of a copper alloy, which contains Standard flow switches
lead. The product is therefore not to be used on Use the F261 Series Standard Flow Switches in applications
drinking water. with fluid pressures up to 290 psig (20 bar). In a standard
application for a standard F261 flow switch, shut down the
refrigeration compressor on a fluid chiller system if flow
Features and benefits stops. This reduces the chance of chiller freeze-ups.

Type 3R (NEMA) or Type 4 (NEMA) polycarbonate Low-flow switches

enclosure The F261 Series Low-Flow Switches have
1/2 in. Female NPTF or 3/4 in. Female NPTF inlet and outlet
Provides dust protection in indoor and outdoor connections.
applications.
Use F261 Low-Flow Switches in applications where flow
Viton® diaphragm rates are low, such as:
• Water purification and treatment systems
Facilitates use in fluid lines that carry chlorinated water, • Booster pumps
treated water, or other nonhazardous fluids.
• Cooling systems for electronic tubes, bearings, and
Low-flow operation on low-flow models compressors
• In rapid recovery water heaters to start the water
Actuates switch with less than 2.0 GPM (7.6 L/min) flow for heater when water withdraws
water applications or 11.0 GPM (41.6 L/min) flow for steam
applications.

F261KAH, F261MAH, F261MAL, F261KEH, F261KFH,

F261MEH, F261MFH
• In the control of food waste disposal units to start the you to use these models in applications where the fluid
motor when a predetermined amount of water flow is temperature is below the ambient dew point temperature.
present in the unit and to stop the motor when the flow Do not use these models in applications or environments
decreases to a predetermined rate where the temperature may cause the fluid to freeze.
• As a switch to shut down the refrigeration compressor
on a fluid chiller system if flow stops, to reduce the Type 4 (NEMA) / IP67 enclosures
chance of chiller freeze-ups Use models with Type 4 (NEMA) enclosures for indoor or
outdoor applications in high humidity environments. Use
Low-energy flow switches with gold- these models with pipes that carry fluids at temperatures
plated contacts in the range of -20°F to 250°F (-29°C to 121°C). A sealing
O-ring between the cover and case facilitates you to
Models with gold-plated contacts provide improved use these models in high humidity environments, or
electrical performance in low-voltage, low-current circuits applications where the fluid temperature is below the
(dry circuits). Use these models to switch low-energy ambient dew point temperature. Do not use these models
resistive loads, such as control signals. in applications or environments where the temperature
may cause the fluid to freeze.
Type 3R (NEMA) / IP43 enclosures
Use models with Type 3R (NEMA) / IP43 enclosures for
Media compatibility
indoor or outdoor applications where they are protected F261 Series Flow Switches are compatible with several
from weather and splashing water. Use these models common media:
with pipes that carry fluids at temperatures in the range • water
of -20°F to 250°F (-29°C to 121°C). A drain hole provides
• ethylene glycol
for you to use Type 3R (NEMA) models in applications
where the fluid temperature is below the ambient dew • brine
point temperature. The drain hole knockout is plugged • sea water
on IP43 models to prevent the intrusion of objects 0.04 in. • swimming pool water
(1 mm) in diameter and greater. If you remove the plug, • lubricating oils
you reduce the enclosure rating to IP23, which facilitates

Dimensions
Figure 2: Dimensions for F261 Standard Flow Switch, in. [mm]

2 F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin

Figure 3: Dimensions for F261 Low-Flow Switch, in. [mm]

Operation Figure 4: F261 control switch action

The flow switch responds to pressure exerted on the fluid

paddle by the flowing fluid. A range adjustment screw
adjusts the rate of the flow that is required to activate the
switch. See Table 1 through Table 6 for flow rates.
The red terminal is the Common. Red to yellow closes on
flow increase. Red to blue closes on flow decrease.

Table 1: Flow rates for standard models, 1 in. to 3 in. paddles

GPM (m3/hr) required to activate switch for pipe size (in.)
1 1 2 3 3 3 3
1 1-1/4 1-1/2 2 2-1/2 3 4 5 6 8
1
2
3
Flow increase (Close 4.20 5.80 7.50 13.7 18.0 27.5 65.0 125 190 375
Minimum R to Y) (0.95) (1.32) (1.70) (3.11) (4.09) (6.24) (14.8) (28.4) (43.2) (85.2)
adjustment Flow decrease (Close 2.50 3.70 5.00 9.50 12.5 19.0 50.0 101 158 320
R to B) (0.57) (0.84) (1.14) (2.16) (2.84) (4.32) (11.4) (22.9) (35.9) (72.7)
Flow increase (Close 13.3 19.2 29.0 34.5 53.0 128 245 375
8.80 (2.0) 760 (173)
Maximum R to Y) (3.02) (4.36) (6.59) (7.84) (12.0) (29.1) (55.6) (85.2)
adjustment Flow decrease (Close 8.50 12.5 18.0 27.0 32.0 50.0 122 235 360
730 (166)
R to B) (1.93) (2.84) (4.09) (6.13) (7.27) (11.4) (27.7) (53.4) (81.8)
1 Values for a 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.

F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin 3

Table 2: Flow rates for standard models, 6 in. paddles
GPM (m3/hr) required to activate switch for pipe size (in.)
4 5 6 8
Flow increase
(Close R to Y) 37.0 (8.40) 57.0 (12.9) 74.0 (16.8) 205 (46.6)
Minimum adjustment
Flow decrease
(Close R to B) 27.0 (6.13) 41.0 (9.31) 54.0 (12.3) 170 (38.6)

Flow increase
(Close R to Y) 81.0 (18.4) 118 (26.8) 144 (32.7) 415 (94.3)
Maximum adjustment
Flow decrease
(Close R to B) 76.0 (1.93) 111 (25.2) 135 (30.7) 400 (90.8)

Figure 5: Pressure drop against flow rate for sample F261 Series Low-Flow Switches

Note: This chart is correct for F261KEH-V01C, F261MEH-V01C, F261KFH-V01C, F261MFH-V01C low-flow switches.
Table 3: GPM (L/Min) required to actuate F261 Series Low Flow Switches
Pipe size
1/2 in. x 1/2 in. 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. 3/4 in. x 3/4 in.
1
2
3
1 2 3
Female NPTF Female NPTF Female NPTF
Flow increase
(R to Y closes) 1.30 (4.92) 2.00 (7.57) 10.90 (41.26)
Minimum adjustment
Flow decrease
(R to B closes) 0.60 (2.27) 0.60 (2.27) 7.20 (27.25)

Flow increase
(R to Y closes) 2.60 (9.84) 3.60 (13.63) 17.00 (64.35)
Maximum adjustment
Flow decrease
(R to B closes) 1.25 (4.73) 1.30 (4.92) 14.20 (53.75)

1 F261KEH-V01C, F261MEH-V01C
2 F261KFH-V01C, F261MFH-V01C
3 F261KFH-V02C (designed for steam applications)

4 F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin

Ordering information Table 7: F261 Series low-flow model flow switches
Product code Description
F61 to F261 cross-reference tables
F261KEH-V01C Low-flow model flow switch
Table 4: Standard flow models cross reference with Type 3R (NEMA)
F61 Series model F261 Series model enclosure; 1/2 in. x 1/2 in.
female NPTF inlet and outlet
F61KB-11C F261KAH-V01C
F261KFH-V01C Low-flow model flow switch
F61LB-1C F261MAH-V01C with Type 3R (NEMA)
F61MB-1C F261MAH-V01C enclosure; 3/4 in. x 3/4 in.
female NPTF inlet and outlet
F61MB-5C F261MAH-V01C
F261KFH-V02C Low-flow model flow switch
with Type 3R (NEMA)
Table 5: Low-flow models cross reference enclosure; 3/4 in. x 3/4 in.
female NPTF inlet and outlet
F61 Series model F261 Series model
F261MEH-V01C Low-flow model flow switch
F61KD-3C F261KEH-V01C with Type 4 (NEMA) enclosure;
F61KD-4C F261KFH-V01C 1/2 in. x 1/2 in. female NPTF
inlet and outlet
F61KD-8C F261KFH-V02C
F261MFH-V01C Low-flow model flow switch
F61MD-1C F261MEH-V01C with Type 4 (NEMA) enclosure;
F61MD-2C F261MFH-V01C 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. female NPTF
inlet and outlet

Selection tables Table 8: Replacement paddle parts

Table 6: F261 Series standard model flow switches
Product code Description
Product code Description
PLT69-11R Stainless steel 6 in. paddle
F261KAH-V01C Standard model flow switch
with Type 3R (NEMA) KIT21A-602 Stainless steel 6 in., 3 in., 2 in.,
enclosure; 1 in., 2 in., 3 in., and and 1 in. paddles
6 in. stainless steel paddles,
lock-tooth washer, and
stainless steel paddle screw
Repair information
supplied uninstalled Do not make field repairs, except for replacement of
F261MAH-V01C Standard model flow switch the flow paddle. For a replacement control or paddle
with Type 4 (NEMA) enclosure; kit, contact the nearest Johnson Controls®/Penn®
1 in., 2 in., 3 in., and 6 in. distributor. For more information, contact Johnson
stainless steel paddles, lock- Controls/Penn application engineering at 1-800-275-5676
tooth washer, and stainless or 1-414-524-5535.
steel paddle screw supplied
uninstalled F261 electrical ratings
F261MAL-V01C Standard model flow switch Table 9: F261xxH Series standard controls electrical
with Type 4 (NEMA) enclosure; ratings
1 in., 2 in., 3 in., and 6 in.
stainless steel paddles, lock- Volts 50/60 Hz UL 60730/UL 1059 EN 60730
tooth washer, and stainless 24 120 208 240 24 230
steel paddle screw supplied
uninstalled Horsepower – 1 1 1 – –

Note: This model is a Full load amperes – 16 10 10 – 8

low-energy flow switch Locked rotor – 96 60 60 – 48
with gold-plated electrical amperes
contacts.
Resistive 16 16 10 10 16 16
amperes
Pilot duty VA 125 720 720 720 77 720

F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin 5

Table 10: F261xxL Series low energy controls electrical Table 12: UL conformity declaration information
ratings, AC current Information Description
Volts AC, UL 60730/UL 1059EN 60730 Control adjustment -
50/60 Hz 4 VAC 24 VAC 120 VAC instruction
Resistive 10 10 10 Field wiring rating Wire/cord temperature ratings:
1
1
amperes • 140°F (60°C) only permitted
2
12 72 360 when ambient air and media
Pilot duty VA are less than 113°F (45°C)
2
1 Maximum dry circuit rating: Resistive only, 400 mW at 28 • 167°F (75°C) only permitted
VAC/VDC. After you use a relay at the general rating level, when ambient air and media
the dry circuit rating is no longer valid. are less than 140°F (60°C)
2 Meets UL 100,000 cycle UL endurance test requirement at • 194°F (90°C) only permitted
switch with Tmin greater than or equal to 32°F (0°C). when ambient air is less than
140°F (60°C) and media is less
Table 11: F261xxL Series low energy controls electrical than 167°F (75°C)
ratings, DC current • 302°F (150°C) permitted when
ambient air is less than 140°F
Volts DC UL 60730/UL 1059/EN 60730 (60°C) and media is less than
4 VDC 24 VDC 48 VDC 249°F (121°C)

Resistive 1 1 1 Vessel pressure F261 Fluid Flow Switch: 290 psi (20
1
1 bar)
amperes
1 Maximum dry circuit rating: Resistive only, 400 mW at 28
VAC/VDC. After you use a relay at the general rating level,
Table 13: F261 Series fluid flow switches technical
the dry circuit rating is no longer valid. specifications
Specification Description
F261 Series flow switches technical Switch single-pole, double-throw (SPDT)
specifications Enclosure UL: Type 3R or Type 4
CE: IP43 (IP23 with drain hole plug
Table 12: UL conformity declaration information removed) or IP67
Information Description Wiring Three color-coded screw terminals and
Purpose of control Operating liquid flow switch, connections one ground terminal
automatic action Conduit One 7/8 in. (22 mm) hole for 1/2 in.
Construction of Electronic independently connection trade size (or PG16) conduit
control mounted control Pipe connector Standard: 1 in. 11-1/2 NPT Threads
Number of cycles 100,000 cycles Low-Flow: 1/2 in. x 1/2 in. Female NPTF;
3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Female NPTF
Method of mounting Mounting to sensed media vessel/
control orientation Maximum fluid 290 psi (20 bar)
pressure
Type 1 or Type 2 Type 1.C (Microinterruption)
action Minimum fluid -20°F (-29°C)
temperature
External pollution Pollution degree 4 Note: Ensure that the low liquid
situation temperature combined with the
low ambient temperature does
Internal pollution Pollution degree 2
not lead to freezing the liquid
situation
inside the body or, if applicable,
Rated impulse 4,000 VAC the bellows. Observe the liquid
voltage freezing point.
Ball pressure Enclosure: 266°F (130°C ) Maximum fluid 250°F (121°C)
temperature temperature
Switch component: 252°F (122°C) Note: At higher ambient
temperatures, the maximum
liquid temperature becomes
lower. The temperature of the
electrical switch inside should not
exceed 158°F (70°C).
Ambient -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C)
conditions

6 F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin

Table 13: F261 Series fluid flow switches technical Product warranty
specifications
This product is covered by a limited warranty, details
Specification Description of which can be found at www.johnsoncontrols.com/
Compliance North America: cULus Listed; UL 60730, buildingswarranty.
File E6688; FCC Compliant to CFR47, Part
15, Subpart B, Class B Software terms
Industry Canada (IC) Compliant to Use of the software that is in (or constitutes)
Canadian ICES-003, Class B limits this product, or access to the cloud, or hosted
services applicable to this product, if any, is
Europe: CE Mark – Johnson Controls subject to applicable end-user license, open-source
declares that this product is in software information, and other terms set forth at
compliance with the essential www.johnsoncontrols.com/techterms. Your use of this
requirements and other relevant product constitutes an agreement to such terms.
provisions of the EMC Directive and the
Low Voltage Directive. Patents
Australia/New Zealand: Mark: RCM
Compliant Patents: https://jcipat.com

Single point of contact

The performance specifications are nominal and conform to
acceptable industry standards. For application at conditions APAC Europe NA/SA

beyond these specifications, consult Johnson Controls/Penn JOHNSON CONTROLS JOHNSON CONTROLS JOHNSON CONTROLS

Refrigeration Application Engineering at 1-800-275-5676. C/O CONTROLS PRODUCT WESTENDHOF 3 507 E MICHIGAN ST
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DISTRICT

North American emissions WUXI JIANGSU PROVINCE 214028

CHINA
compliance
United States Contact information
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Contact your local branch office:
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 www.johnsoncontrols.com/locations
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide Contact Johnson Controls: www.johnsoncontrols.com/
reasonable protection against harmful interference in contact-us
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.

Canada
This 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.

F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin 7

© 2020 Johnson Controls. All rights reserved. All specifications and other information shown were current as of document revision and
are subject to change without notice.

www.penncontrols.com