Ranco temperature controller owners - Temperature sensor question

[Cicho]

For those of you that own the Ranco ETH temperature controllers:

Is the sensor damaged by water? I see one reseller saying that the sensor should not be left in contact with water and would like to know first hand accounts.

Thanks

 

[aclockworkorange]

Not to my knowledge... I wonder if there are different models for different applications? I know they're not designed for aquariums.

 

[cozmo]

ETH? Never heard of that model. The ETC is for aquarium use and yes, the sensor can be damaged if left submerged. mine took 3 years before I had to order a new one with the heatshrink tubing on it. The old sensor was giving off a false reading.

 

[Cicho]

ETH? Never heard of that model.

Yes ETC...sorry unable to edit this thread for some reason....mods?

 

[ChiPerf]

For real? I thought the whole idea of that product is to sense water temp and turn on your heaters? Mine is submerged in my overflow right now.

 

[jsodwi]

I recently bought one and my sensor is in the water. I may invest in the protective cover

 

[ChiPerf]

How is it supposed to work otherwise?

 

[jcardona1]

For real? I thought the whole idea of that product is to sense water temp and turn on your heaters? Mine is submerged in my overflow right now.

Same here. I've had mine for a few years now. No issues. I don't understand how it's supposed to work if the sensor is not in the water

 

[cozmo]

Same here. I've had mine for a few years now. No issues. I don't understand how it's supposed to work if the sensor is not in the water

Actually, the Ranco is designed to measure air temperature. Years ago, someone on Reef central used one for measuring water temperature and alot of folks starting using them. Some would add a dab of silicone where the wire and the sensor meet thus making it "waterproof" ETC came out with the heatshrink option to protect the sensor from water damage. With the heatshrink, the temperature reading accuracy is not compromised.

 

[aaronb]

Same here. I've had mine for a few years now. No issues. I don't understand how it's supposed to work if the sensor is not in the water

The ranco controller is made for hvac. The sensor is water resistant not water proof. They aren't meant for submerged applications as they come. Mine came with heat shrink tubing over the sensor to protect it that actually goes up 3 feet on the wire. You can coat the sensor with silicone or epoxy to protect it. I'd assume jehmco knows that and is properly protecting the ones they're selling, since they're selling them specifically for aquarium use.