RCT/Aquaguard is a manufacturer of condensate management and water detection equipment for HVAC systems, including magnetic float switches, electronic water sensors, primary pan sensors, and complete condensate management systems. Resource Conservation Technologies, Inc. (RCT) has been engineering condensate overflow protection and water sensing products for the HVAC and plumbing industries since 2001. The Aquaguard product line is designed to protect against condensate drain pan overflow, a common cause of water damage in attic air handler installations and ceiling-mount HVAC units. HVAC technicians and installation contractors specify RCT/Aquaguard products to satisfy code requirements for secondary drain pan protection. The products also help prevent property damage from condensate overflow in residential and light commercial HVAC systems.
Product Lines
AG-1100 Magnetic Float Switch
The AG-1100 is RCT/Aquaguard's magnetic float switch for metal secondary drain pans, designed to shut off the HVAC system and activate an alarm when condensate begins to overflow. The AG-1100 triggers at less than 1/2 inch of condensate overflow and mounts to metal secondary drain pans by tightening two thumbscrews, requiring no tools or pan penetration.
AG-1250E Multipurpose Electronic Water Sensor
The AG-1250E is RCT/Aquaguard's solid-state electronic water sensor with no moving parts, capable of detecting as little as 1/16 inch of water. The AG-1250E can be mounted on the HVAC unit, in a metal or plastic secondary drain pan, on a floor, or on a wall. This makes it a flexible option when standard float switch mounting isn't practical. Its no-moving-parts design eliminates the clogging risk associated with float-based switches.
AG-3125E and AG-3150E Primary Pan Sensors
The AG-3125E is a solid-state primary pan condensate sensor with time delay and no moving parts. The AG-3150E plugs directly into the auxiliary drain port of the primary pan and qualifies as an internal primary pan sensor, monitoring condensate inside the pan itself. Primary pan sensors detect a blocked primary drain before overflow reaches the secondary pan, providing earlier intervention than secondary pan-only protection.
AG-4000 Series Condensate Management Systems
The AG-4000 Series is RCT/Aquaguard's line of complete condensate management systems, including the AG-4100M, AG-4200M, AG-4200E, AG-4300, and AG-4300M. The AG-4000 Series provides pre-matched drain pan and integrated sensor assemblies for contractors who need the complete system in a single specification.
Why Contractors Specify RCT/Aquaguard
RCT/Aquaguard has been engineering condensate overflow protection products for HVAC applications since 2001. The AG-1250E's solid-state, no-moving-parts construction eliminates the clogging failure mode associated with float switches when condensate carries debris or biological growth. The AG-3150E's primary pan port connection provides earlier detection of drainage failure than secondary pan products alone. This is relevant for attic and ceiling-mount installations, where damage from a slow leak would be costly. RCT/Aquaguard products are specified to satisfy local code requirements for secondary pan overflow protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manufactures RCT/Aquaguard products?
RCT/Aquaguard products are manufactured by Resource Conservation Technologies, Inc. (RCT). RCT has been engineering condensate overflow protection and water sensing products for the HVAC and plumbing industries since 2001.
What types of products does RCT/Aquaguard make?
RCT/Aquaguard makes condensate management and water detection equipment for HVAC systems. The range includes magnetic float switches, electronic water sensors, primary pan sensors, and complete condensate management systems.
What's the difference between the AG-1100 and the AG-1250E?
The AG-1100 is a magnetic float switch triggering at less than 1/2 inch of condensate, mounted to metal secondary pans. The AG-1250E is a solid-state electronic sensor with no moving parts. It detects as little as 1/16 inch of water and mounts in metal or plastic pans, on the unit, or on a floor or wall. The AG-1250E provides earlier detection and more flexible mounting with no clogging risk.
What is the AG-3150E used for, and how does it differ from secondary pan sensors?
The AG-3150E plugs into the auxiliary drain port of the HVAC unit's primary drain pan, monitoring condensate inside the primary pan. Secondary pan sensors activate when overflow reaches the secondary pan — meaning the primary drain is already blocked. The AG-3150E detects a blocked primary drain before overflow reaches the secondary pan, providing earlier intervention.
Are RCT/Aquaguard sensors compatible with both residential and commercial HVAC systems?
RCT/Aquaguard products are designed for residential and light commercial HVAC installations requiring secondary drain pan overflow protection. Compatibility depends on the pan type, auxiliary drain port configuration, and sensor mounting requirements.
What RCT/Aquaguard product is right for an attic air handler installation?
For an attic air handler, the AG-1100 is appropriate for metal secondary pans, and the AG-1250E works for plastic pans or limited-access installations. Adding an AG-3150E primary pan sensor provides earlier detection before overflow reaches the secondary pan. This may be worth specifying in attic installations where ceiling damage from a slow leak is a concern.