F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches

Product Bulletin
Code No. LIT-12011987
Issued July 22, 2015

Refer to the QuickLIT website for the most up-to-date version of this document.

The 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 Switch

Table 1: Features and Benefits

Features Benefits
Type 3R (NEMA) or Type 4 (NEMA) Provides dust protection in indoor and outdoor applications.
Polycarbonate Enclosure
Viton® Diaphragm Allows use in fluid lines carrying chlorinated water, treated water, or other
nonhazardous fluids.
Low-Flow Operation on Low-Flow Models Actuates 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 Models Reduce intermittent contact problems in low-voltage and low-current
circuits (dry circuits).
Maximum Fluid Pressure of 290 psig Permits use in a wide range of pressure flow conditions.
(20 bar)

F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin

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Application • switch to shut down the refrigeration compressor
on a fluid chiller system if flow stops, reducing
IMPORTANT: All F261 Series Flow Switches are chances of chiller freeze-ups
intended to control equipment under normal
operating conditions. Where failure or malfunction of
Low-Energy Flow Switches with Gold-Plated
an F261 Flow Switch could lead to an abnormal Contacts
operating condition that could cause personal injury Models with gold-plated contacts provide improved
or damage to the equipment or other property, other electrical performance in low-voltage, low-current
devices (limit or safety controls) or systems (alarm circuits (dry circuits). Use these models to switch
or supervisory) intended to warn of, or protect low-energy resistive loads, such as control signals.
against, failure or malfunction of the F261 Flow Type 3R (NEMA) / IP43 Enclosures
Switch must be incorporated into and maintained as
part of the control system. 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
IMPORTANT: Do not install or use this F261 Series
with pipes carrying fluids at temperatures in the range
Flow Switch in or near environments where
of -20°F to 250°F (-29°C to 121°C). A drain hole allows
corrosive substances or vapors could be present.
Type 3R (NEMA) models to be used in applications
Exposure of the F261 Series Flow Switch to
where the fluid temperature is below the ambient dew
corrosive environments may damage the device’s
point temperature. The drain hole knockout is plugged
internal components and will void the warranty.
on IP43 models to prevent the intrusion of objects 1
mm Ø and greater. Removing the plug reduces the
IMPORTANT: Do not use F261 Series Flow enclosure rating to IP23, allowing these models to be
Switches where the fluid in the pipes drops below used in applications where the fluid temperature is
the fluid’s freezing point, causing an internal below the ambient dew point temperature. Do not use
freeze-up. these models in applications or environments where
the temperature may cause the fluid to freeze.
Standard Flow Switches
Use F261 Series Standard Flow Switches in Type 4 (NEMA) / IP67 Enclosures
applications with fluid pressures up to 290 psig Use models with Type 4 (NEMA) enclosures for indoor
(20 bar). A typical application for a standard F261 flow or outdoor applications in high humidity environments.
switch is to shut down the refrigeration compressor on Use these models with pipes carrying fluids at
a fluid chiller system if flow stops, reducing chances of temperatures in the range of -20°F to 250°F (-29°C to
chiller freeze-ups. 121°C). A sealing O-ring between the cover and case
allows these models to be used in high-humidity
Low-Flow Switches environments, or applications where the fluid
The F261 Series Low-Flow Switches have temperature is below the ambient dew point
1/2 in. Female NPTF or 3/4 in. Female NPTF inlet and temperature. Do not use these models in applications
outlet connections. or environments where the temperature may cause the
Use F261 Low-Flow Switches in applications where fluid to freeze.
flow rates are low, such as: Media Compatibility
• water purification and treatment systems F261 Series Flow Switches are compatible with several
common media:
• booster pumps
• water
• cooling systems for electronic tubes, bearings, and
compressors • ethylene glycol
• rapid recovery water heaters (starting the water • brine
heater when water is withdrawn) • sea water
• control of food waste disposal units (starting the • swimming pool water
motor when a predetermined amount of water is
flowing through the unit and stopping when the flow • lubricating oils
decreases to a predetermined rate)

F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin

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Dimensions
4
[102] 2 2-3/4
[51] [70]

11/16
[18]
2-9/16
[65]

1/2 [12]
Typical 1/2 in.
Thread trade size 2-1/8
Engagement or PG-16 [54]
30 mm Hex conduit
3-1/2 opening
[89]
1-11 1/2 NPT
4-1/2
[114]
5-11/16
[144]

8-3/4
[222]

FIG:F261_stndrd_dmnsns
Figure 2: Dimensions for F261 Standard Flow Switch, in. [mm]
4 2-3/4
[102] 2
[70]
[51]

11/16 2-9/16
[18] [65]

1/2 in. - 14 NPTF

or
PG-16 1-1/2
3/4 in. - 14 NPTF,
conduit [39]
as specified (both ends)
opening
FIG:F261_lwflw_dmnsns

1-1/8 3/4
[29] [19]
2-5/16
1-1/2
[59]
[38]

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

F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin

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Operation
Increase in Flow Decrease in Flow
The flow switch responds to pressure exerted on the Above Setpoint Above Setpoint
fluid paddle by the flowing fluid. A range adjustment
screw adjusts the rate of the flow required to activate Red
the switch. See Table 3 through Table 8 for flow rates.
The red terminal is the Common. Red to Yellow closes Yellow
on flow increase. Red to Blue closes on flow decrease.
Table 2: F261 Switch Action
Flow Action Switch Closure Blue

Increase Red to Yellow

Decrease Red to Blue Figure 4: F261 Control Switch Action

Table 3: Flow Rates for Standard Models, 1-3 in. Paddles

GPM (m3/hr) Required to Activate Switch for Pipe Size (in.)
1 1-1/41 1-1/21 2 2-1/22 3 43 53 63 83
Minimum Flow 4.20 5.80 7.50 13.7 18.0 27.5 65.0 125 190 375
Adjustment Increase (0.95) (1.32) (1.70) (3.11) (4.09) (6.24) (14.8) (28.4) (43.2) (85.2)
(Close
R to Y)
Flow 2.50 3.70 5.00 9.50 12.5 19.0 50.0 101 158 320
Decrease (0.57) (0.84) (1.14) (2.16) (2.84) (4.32) (11.4) (22.9) (35.9) (72.7)
(Close
R to B)
Maximum Flow 8.80 13.3 19.2 29.0 34.5 53.0 128 245 375 760
Adjustment Increase (2.0) (3.02) (4.36) (6.59) (7.84) (12.0) (29.1) (55.6) (85.2) (173)
(Close
R to Y)
Flow 8.50 12.5 18.0 27.0 32.0 50.0 122 235 360 730
Decrease (1.93) (2.84) (4.09) (6.13) (7.27) (11.4) (27.7) (53.4) (81.8) (166)
(Close
R to B)

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. Paddles

GPM (m3/hr) Required to Activate Switch for Pipe Size (in.)
4 5 6 8
Minimum Flow Increase 37.0 (8.40) 57.0 (12.9) 74.0 (16.8) 205 (46.6)
Adjustment (Close R to Y)
Flow Decrease 27.0 (6.13) 41.0 (9.31) 54.0 (12.3) 170 (38.6)
(Close R to B)
Maximum Flow Increase 81.0 (18.4) 118 (26.8) 144 (32.7) 415 (94.3)
Adjustment (Close R to Y)
Flow Decrease 76.0 (1.93) 111 (25.2) 135 (30.7) 400 (90.8)
(Close R to B)

F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin

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 Flow Rate (L/Min)
0 7.6 15.1 22.7 30.3 37.9 45.4 53.0 60.6 68.1 75.7 83.3 90.9 98.4 106 113.6
20 137.9

18 124.1

16 110.3

14 96.5
1/2 in. pipe size
3/4 in. pipe size
12 82.7

Pressure Drop (kPa)

Pressure Drop (PSI)

10 69.0

8 55.2

6 41.4

4 27.6

2 13.8

FIG:F261_LwFlw
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Flow Rate (GPM)

Figure 5: Pressure Drop versus Flow Rate, F261 Series Low-Flow Switches
(F261KEH-V01C, F261MEH-V01C, F261KFH-V01C, F261MFH-V01C)
Table 5: GPM (L/Min) Required to Actuate F261 Series Low Flow Switches
Pipe Size
1/2 x 1/2 in. 3/4 x 3/4 in. 3/4 x 3/4 in.
Female NPTF1 Female NPTF2 Female NPTF3
Minimum Flow Increase (R to Y Closes) 1.30 (4.92) 2.00 (7.57) 10.90 (41.26)
Adjustment
Flow Decrease (R to B Closes) 0.60 (2.27) 0.60 (2.27) 7.20 (27.25)
Maximum Flow Increase (R to Y Closes) 2.60 (9.84) 3.60 (13.63) 17.00 (64.35)
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)

F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin

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Ordering Information
F61 to F261 Cross-Reference Tables Table 7: Low-Flow Models Cross Reference

Table 6: Standard Flow Models Cross Reference F61 Series Model F261 Series Model
F61KD-3C F261KEH-V01C
F61 Series Model F261 Series Model
F61KD-4C F261KFH-V01C
F61KB-11C F261KAH-V01C
F61KD-8C F261KFH-V02C
F61LB-1C F261MAH-V01C
F61MD-1C F261MEH-V01C
F61MB-1C F261MAH-V01C
F61MD-2C F261MFH-V01C
F61MB-5C F261MAH-V01C

Selection Tables
Table 8: F261 Series Standard Model Flow Switches
Product Code Description
Number
F261KAH-V01C Standard 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 uninstalled
F261MAH-V01C 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 uninstalled
F261MAL-V01C1 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 uninstalled

1. This model is a low-energy flow switch with gold-plated electrical contacts.

Table 9: F261 Series Low-Flow Model Flow Switches

Product Code Description
Number
F261KEH-V01C Low-flow model flow switch with Type 3R (NEMA) enclosure 1/2 in. x 1/2 in. Female NPTF inlet and outlet
F261KFH-V01C Low-flow model flow switch with Type 3R (NEMA) enclosure; 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Female NPTF inlet and outlet
F261KFH-V02C Low-flow model flow switch with Type 3R (NEMA) enclosure; 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Female NPTF inlet and outlet
F261MEHV01C Low-flow model flow switch with Type 4 (NEMA) enclosure; 1/2 in. x 1/2 in. Female NPTF inlet and outlet
F261MFH-V01C Low-flow model flow switch with Type 4 (NEMA) enclosure; 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Female NPTF inlet and outlet

Table 10: Replacement Paddle Parts

Product Code Description
Number
KIT21A-600 Stainless steel 3-piece paddle (3 in., 2 in., and 1 in. segments)
KIT21A-601 Stainless steel 6 in. paddle
KIT21A-602 Stainless steel 3-piece paddle (3 in., 2 in., and 1 in. segments) and Stainless steel 6 in. paddle

Repair Information
Do 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.

F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin

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Technical Specifications
Table 11: F261xxH Series Standard Controls Electrical Ratings
UL60730/UL1059 EN60730
Volts 50/60 Hz 24 VAC 120 VAC 208 VAC 240 VAC 24 VAC 230VAC
Horsepower – 1 1 1 – –
Full Load Amperes – 16 10 10 – 8
Locked Rotor Amperes – 96 60 60 – 48
Resistive Amperes 16 16 10 10 16 16
Pilot Duty VA 125 720 720 720 77 720

Table 12: F261xxL Series Low Energy Controls Electrical Ratings, AC Current
UL60730/UL1059/EN60730
Volts AC, 50/60 Hz 4 VAC 24 VAC 120 VAC
Resistive Amperes1 10 10 10

Pilot Duty VA2 12 72 360

1. 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 Current
UL60730/UL1059/EN60730
Volts DC 4 VDC 24 VDC 48 VDC
Resistive Amperes1 1 1 1

1. 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)

Information Description
Purpose of Control F261 Fluid Flow Switch
Construction of Control Electronic independently mounted control
Number of Cycles 100,000 cycles
Method of Mounting Mounting to sensed media vessel/orientation
Control
Type 1 or Type 2 Action Type 1.C (Microinterruption)
External Pollution Situation Pollution degree 4
Internal Pollution Situation Pollution degree 2
Rated Impulse Voltage 4,000 VAC
Ball Pressure Temperature Enclosure: 266°F (130°C )
Switch Component: 252°F (122°C)
Control Adjustment -
Instruction

F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin

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Table 14: UL Conformity Declaration Information (Part 2 of 2)
Field Wiring Rating Wire/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 Pressure F261 Fluid Flow Switch: 290 psi (20 Bar)

F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches

Switch SPDT
Enclosure UL: Type 3R or Type 4
CE: IP43 (IP23 with drain hole plug removed) or IP67
Wiring Connections Three color-coded screw terminals and one ground terminal
Conduit Connection One 7/8 in. (22 mm) hole for 1/2 in. trade size (or PG16) conduit
Pipe Connector Standard: 1 in. 11-1/2 NPT Threads
Low-Flow: 1/2 in. x 1/2 in. Female NPTF; 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Female NPTF
Maximum Fluid Pressure 290 psi (20 bar)
Minimum Fluid Temperature1 -20°F (-29°C)
Maximum Fluid 250°F (121°C)
Temperature2
Ambient Conditions -40 to 140°F (-40 to 60°C)
Compliance North America: cULus Listed; UL 60730, File E6688;
FCC Compliant to CFR47, Part 15, Subpart B, Class B
Industry Canada (IC) Compliant to Canadian ICES-003, Class B limits
Europe: 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 Compliant

1. 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.

F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin

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United States Emissions Compliance
This 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 Compliance

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.

Building Efficiency
507 E. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202

® Johnson Controls and PENN are registered trademarks of Johnson Controls, Inc. in the
United States of America and/or other countries. All other trademarks used herein are the property
of their respective owners. © Copyright 2015 by Johnson Controls, Inc. All rights reserved.

F261 Series Fluid Flow Switches Product Bulletin

Published in U.S.A. 9 www.johnsoncontrols.com