VXT-24 Steam Boiler Water Feeder Valve

Contact, Manuals, & Diagnostic /maintenance
Q&A about the Hydrolevel VXT-24 water feeder valve

VXT Digital Display Readout Number Q&A

What does the numeric code, like 407, mean on my VXT Water Feeder?

My VAT programable water feder is reading 042 is that number okay? On 2020-04-02 by Janet

What does code 407 mean ? On 2018-09-29 by Deucey

What does the number mean on my vxt24 water feeder? On 2018-01-14 by Eliot sussman

The numbers on the water feeder keeps rising it whent from 29 to 32 now it's on 35. Should I be worried? - On 2018-01-02 by Luis

Answer by (mod) - Normally the numeric number shown is the water feed counter on the VXT water feeder

The digital display on a VXT water feeder is a "feed counter" reporting the amount of water fed to the boiler, accurate to +/ 15% at pressures between 20 psi and 90 psi.

So it's not a danger indicator.

Luis: You would expect the water feeder number tho go up with use. The VXT’s built-in feed counter records the number of gallons that enter the boiler during automatic feed cycles or if the FEED button is pressed.

Bottom line: The VXT’s built-in feed counter records the number of gallons that enter the boiler during automatic feed cycles or if the FEED button is pressed. That's what you see in the normal digital display of the device.

However if your boiler is feeding water at an increasing rate, that's a problem: there's a leak or a steam vent problem somewhere.

At WATER FEEDER VALVE, STEAM we give links to PDF files of instructions for the VX water feeder - take a look at the codes given there and let me know if that leaves you with further questions.

The VXT water feeder is reading 515, 517 and 518. What does that mean?

The feeder is reading 515, 517 and 518. What does that mean ? On 2021-02-02 by David Perry

Answer by (mod) - Gallons of water used during feed cycles

David

The VXT’s built-in feed counter records the number of gallons that enter the boiler during automatic feed cycles or if the FEED button is pressed.

That's what you see in the normal digital display of the device.

VXT water feeder digital display reading meanings

My VXT water feeder usually has a reading around 190. It is now 344. What does this mean? - (Nov 28, 2014) Kathe

Reply:

Kathe

The digital display on a VXT water feeder is a "feed counter" reporting the amount of water fed to the boiler, accurate to +/ 15% at pressures between 20 psi and 90 psi.

The VXT’s built-in feed counter records the number of gallons that enter the boiler during automatic feed cycles or if the FEED button is pressed.

When the number is increasing abnormally that suggests a problem: a leak somewhere or something causing abnormal water usage.

I'm not sure what your numbers mean, because I don't know if someone has been re-setting the counter or not. If the counter is never re-set the number would be cumulative. Hydrolevel suggests that the counter be reset each time the boiler is serviced.

the VXT water feeder is used on steam boilers and is produced by Hydrolevel, in New Haven CT, USA, Tel: 203-776-0743, Web: www.hydrolevel.com - the company points out that excessive water usage shortens boiler life - it's time to ask for help from your steam heating tech.

Hydrolevel has some recommendations for the amount of make-up water that should be going into the boiler, but that number needs to be matched to a specific boiler and installation.

How do I know if my VXT-24 Water Feeder is Working Right? Readout says 000

I recently had a VXT-24 automatic water feeder installed on a Weil-McLain boiler that's about 18 years old.

The old automatic feeder broke and the low water emergency light was on, which is how I figured out I needed a service call. The new VXT has a digital readout. Ever since I had it installed a month ago the readout has said "000."

I also haven't heard the water system "kick in" (it makes an audible sound when feeding the furnace)since it was installed. Is this a problem?

I don't know how to interpret this data, or lack of it. Could be that the system is adequately filled and no additional water is needed .

The glass tube is at about a third full, and the indicator light on water level is green (not red). This thing makes me nervous! Should I request another service call if the readout stays at "000"? Thanks! On 2015-12-03 by Judy

by (mod) - 000 means no water has been fed

Judy

Based just on your description I think the control thinks your boiler water level is still "safe" but probably a bit low.

Check that the water level you report is about at the point where there should be a mark on the boiler itself indicating the proper water level. If it is, you're ok.

The VXT-24 has safety features to be sure the boiler has enough water, such as an "underfeed" protection that will feed water an extra cycle if one feed cycle doesn't raise the water level enough, and it has also a boiler flood protection feature.

These controls also usually include a delay feature to wait for condensate to return to the boiler on a heating cycle so as to avoid over-feeding the boiler.

Watch out: keep an eye on the sight glass: if the water level falls down near the bottom of the glass, turn off the boiler and either feed water manually (SLOWLY) or call for heating service promptly as a "no heat" call.

If the boiler water level falls too low it should be possible to use the manual bypass to slowly feed water back into the boiler - if no bypass was installed that may be improper.

This control is programmable - we don't know your service tech set it up - you might want to ask that.

But if after a day or two at most and provided that your heat has been on and the boiler running, it would be abnormal for the boiler to use no water whatsoever.

So if the feed counter remains at 000, even if you still see water in the boiler sight glass I'd want your heating service technician to check the system.

The VXT-24 is provided by Hydrolevel - if you don't have an instruction sheet for this control, find the manual for your water feeder

at STEAM BOILER WATER FEEDER VALVE MANUALS

or contact the company directly for more help:

Hydrolevel, P.O. Box 1847, New Haven, CT 06508 Tel: (203) 776-0473 Website: www.hydrolevel.com

by Judy - Now the water feeder display reads 001

Thanks very much. When I got home from work tonight the digital readout said "001" signifying that the float must have triggered the autofeed, which fed a little more water into the system. I think I just needed some indication that it was working; this provided me with some reassurance. This is a fabulous service, especially for home maintenance novices like me. Many thanks.

by (mod) - sounds OK

Thanks for the helpful follow-up; that sounds as if your water feeder is working normally.

What we learn helps others, and working together makes us smarter.

Daniel

VXT-24 Power Q&A

Why is our VXT Automatic water feeder is powered off?

I went to check on the two boilers in my apartment building.

One is running fine including water feeder is on. However the other boiler water feeder is just powered off?

What would it just be powered off?

I never touched it.

Also, previously it never seemed to fill for a while beyond the counter number 4 and now its just off. What does this mean? I just had this installed 2 years ago. On 2019-09-08 by Automatic

Suggestions by (mod) - why an automatic water feeder might show no electrical power

Auto

Watch out: first be sure that there is a proper water level in your boiler - looking at the water line found at the steam boiler sight glass. Othewise your boiler could be damaged or even unsafe.

If necessary, use the manual water feed bypass to add water to your boiler.

Then it would make sense to start by tracing the wiring and power supply to make sure that the control is receiving power.

Follow the power wire back from the VXT control to its power source; note if any switches are off. Note whether or not the boiler itself has power too.

Note: because VXT water feeder models are sold that operate on both 24-Volt and 120-Volt power, if yours is a 24V model then check that the low voltage transformer is still working - measure 24VAC at its terminals and that power is being delivered to the transformer.

Daniel

Err & LOC Displays on the VXT-24 Water Feeder, Questions & Answers

Water Feeder display reads "LOC" - will the VXT reset itself automatically?

My water feeder was displaying LOC. I turned the unit off and back in again and it reset and is now working.

My question is if I did not manually reset the unit would it have reset by itself? On 2017-12-29 by Anonymous

Moderator Reply: Meaning of the LOC error code on the VXT-24 Water Feeder

The LOC display means that the water feeder has locked out as a safety feature because it thinks there is an excessive demand for water at your steam boiler.

Here is what Hydrolevel Says about the LOC Error Code on the VXT:

If LOC appears in the digital counter, the safety lockout feature is activated.

This feature engages only when the feeder completes two consecutive feed cycles and the low water cut-off does not re-energized the burner.

The feeder can be reset by briefly interrupting power to the heating system.

Important: The following trouble shooting steps should be taken to determine the cause of the lockout condition before restoring normal operation.

1. If the boiler is overfilled, the low water cut-off is not functioning properly. Using the manufacturer’s instructions, check the low water cut-off operation.

2. If the boiler is in low water:

a. Check boiler and return piping for leaks.

b. If no leaks are detected, check to determine if the flow of the feeder is restricted.

Check isolation valves around feeder to ensure they are fully opened.

Remove and clean the Feed Valve Strainer.

c. Check the feeder setting to ensure that it is set to feed adequate water in the event of a low water condition

At our home page for this topic, WATER FEEDER VALVE, STEAM , we list a number of free PDF downloads of IO manuals for the VXT-24 Water Feeder.

Here is the source of the LOC display explanation I give above:

• Hydrolevel VXT-24 PROGRAMMABLE WATER FEEDER for STEAM BOILERS MANUAL & ERROR CODES [PDF] (2019) 24VAC operating voltage

My VXT-24 is displaying Err - what do I do?

Err on display on my VXT watger feeder, What do I do? On 2016-12-04 by kiwan

Moderator Reply: What to do if the VXT water feeder displays Err

If ERR appears in the digital counter, more than one or no delay or feed button has been selected.

See Step 4 and Step 5 for DELAY and FEED setting instructions.

 

If the digital counter on your VXT-24 water feeder is flashing, the meter has “rolled over” (exceeded 999) representing an excessive feed amount for most applications.

Check the system thoroughly for leaks. If no leaks are found, check to determine if the makeup waterline is restricted. Check feed valve

Daniel Friedman

Water Feeder Fill Light On or Off

Hydrolevel VXT-24 water feeder Valve questions & answers

(Nov 28, 2014) Kathe said:
My VXT water feeder usually has a reading around 190. It is now 344. What does this mean?

just installed a VXT-24 auto water feeder from hydrolevel company in the make up water line on a Pennco steam boiler. it has a mcdonnell LWCO and its a gas fired unit. I'm having trouble getting power to auto feeder. It is a millivolt system. Do i need a transformer? I'm not a wiring or controls guy, can you please help - Dan G

(Dec 3, 2015) Rama said:
My VXT programmable water feeder started making noise. I don't know why, I'm very new to this, any help would be really appreciated

(Jan 7, 2016) Eric said:
Can you use a VXT-24 to feed a millivolt steam system? If so, HOW!

(May 19, 2016) Louise J said:
I had a VXT programmable water feeder installed two years ago to automatically feed water to the boiler for oil fired steam heat furnace. What do the numbers in this feeder's box mean? When the unit (along with a new cut off valve unit) was installed, it read 66 in that box.

It has risen now to 70. The water level in the glass tube has never been as high as the level I used to fill it manually before the system was installed. I would like to know if the rise in those numbers is a sign of something not working right?

The flush out valve is opened weekly or no more than every two weeks until water runs clear. It DID have one incident when the water would not turn off from filling boiler and had to hae repair man at that time to clean and reset.

That was one month ago.The little box at that time read 66 and now reads 70, concerned!

2016/09/27 tess

I have a vxt automatic water feeder that won't shut off amd keeps humming. The readout sais L90..from what I've read there arethings I can do to troubleshoot before calling a repair man.What do you think it means and how do I do this?

Reply:

Please see WATER FEEDER VALVE, VXT-24 FAQs for questions & answers about this device and for information about contacting the manufacturer or obtaining instruction or installation manuals.

VXT-24 Water Feeder Wiring & Power Supply & Installation Q&A

Watch out: To prevent electrical shock or equipment damage, power must be off during installation or servicing of the control. To p

revent serious burns, the boiler should be thoroughly cooled before installing or servicing control.

Only qualified personnel may install or service the control in accordance with local codes and ordinances.

Read instructions completely before proceeding. - excerpted from VXT-24 Installation manuals listed at STEAM BOILER WATER FEEDER VALVE MANUALS

How to wire upVXT-24 automatic water feeder from Hydrolevel -

I just installed a VXT-24 auto water feeder from Hydrolevel company in the make up water line on a Pennco steam boiler. It has a Mcdonnell LWCO and its a gas fired unit. I'm having trouble getting power to auto feeder. It is a millivolt system. Do i need a transformer? I'm not a wiring or controls guy, can you please help - Dan G

Illustrated here, the VXT water feeder as sold by a number of online suppliers as well as at local heating and plumbing supply stores.

Excerpt from the company's product descriptin for the VXT-24 and VXT-120:

Upon a feed signal from low water cut-off, the VXT feeder delays (from 30 seconds to 10 minutes) to allow condensate to return to boiler. If make-upwater is required after the delay period, the VXT will initiate a feed cycle.

TheVXT can be set to feed to the level of the low water cut-off or can be set from 1 to 5 gallons to raise the water level above the cut-off to the normal operating level. The digital feed counter tracks all water fed into the boiler including water added using the Manual Feed Button. - source cited below.

Reply: you need a 24VAC Transformer for the VXT-24V. The commercial VXG-120 uses 120VAC (line voltage).

Dan:

Yes, the Hydrolevel VXT-24V automatic water feed control for steam boilers is designed to be powered by a 24VA transformer.

That wiring detail should be in the installation instructions that came with your unit - if not, I'd check with Hydrolevel and ask for an installation guide. If you can't find the installation guide you can also send us our email (see our CONTACT link at the ARTICLE INDEX the bottom of this article ) and I'll send you a copy.

WATCH OUT: The particulars of how your control should be wired up depends on your boiler and the control it is replacing. Hydrolevel shows the wiring connections for quite a few control replacements, McDonnell Miller, Honeywell, etc.

Contact Hydrolevel at P.O. Box 1847, New Haven, CT 06508 Tel: (203) 776-0473, or at hydrolevel [dot] com

Reader follow-up:

Thanks, the wiring diagram that came with the feeder matches the mcdonnell LWCO.

I guess my problem is that i cant find where the power is coming from. the only wires that come into the unit is from the thermostat upstairs. it goes to the honeywell pressure switch, the gas valve, and LWCO. where do i wire the transformer from? Thanks for the quick response. - Dan G.

Reply:

Yeah Dan, I should have mentioned that sometimes the low voltage transformer that is powering HVAC controls, thermostats, even doorbells can be hidden away in a closet somewhere, or in a ceiling.

Look for an electrical junction box with a small transformer mounted on it. Also look at other controls on your heating systems - some other controls may include a LV transformer that can be used to power more devices.

Start by tracing those physical wires backwards from the LWCO - just keep following them.

Reader follow-up: thank you, you've been a big help. appreciate everything

Does the VXT-24 Water Feeder Have to be installed upright?

Can the vxt-24 by installed on it's side instead of up right darryl@culturallycool.com On 2020-05-10 by Darryl

Answer by (mod) - no

If you go to the home page for this topic

at WATER FEEDER VALVE, STEAM

you'll find links to the VXT installation instructions as free PDF downloads.

I looked through those documents and I did not see there any mention of position.

VXT-24 Water Feeder Maintenance

Excerpting from Hydrolevel's advice about servicing and maintaining the VXt-24 (contact information & document cited in this article)

Clean Strainer: The Feed Valve Strainer should be removed and cleaned annually.

Check Feeder Operation: Feeder operation should be checked annually during boiler servicing to ensure proper operation and feed amount.

WARNING Water Damage Potential: In hard water installations, the strainer should be inspected during annual cleaning for mineral build up. If significant, the solenoid valve (sold separately) should be replaced to ensure proper operation. Excess mineral build up can impede valve operation with the potential for overfilling the heating system and causing water damage in the living space.

Record and Reset Feed Counter: The feed counter should be checked annually.

If the feed amount falls within the recommendations provided in the table above, record this amount on the card provided and press the reset button (DISPLAY RST) on the bottom right corner of the circuit board. Note: If the feed amount significantly exceeds the recommendations above, the system should be checked for leaks by a qualified technician. 

Other Trouble Reports for the Hydrolevel VXT-24 programmable water feeder valve

My VXT programmable water feeder started making noise. I don't know why, I'm very new to this, any help would be really appreciated. (Dec 3, 2015) Rama

Can you use a VXT-24 to feed a millivolt steam system? If so, HOW! (Jan 7, 2016) Eric

I had a VXT programmable water feeder installed two years ago to automatically feed water to the boiler for oil fired steam heat furnace. What do the numbers in this feeder's box mean? When the unit (along with a new cut off valve unit) was installed, it read 66 in that box. (May 19, 2016) Louise J

It has risen now to 70. The water level in the glass tube has never been as high as the level I used to fill it manually before the system was installed. I would like to know if the rise in those numbers is a sign of something not working right?

The flush out valve is opened weekly or no more than every two weeks until water runs clear. It DID have one incident when the water would not turn off from filling boiler and had to hae repair man at that time to clean and reset.

That was one month ago.The little box at that time read 66 and now reads 70, concerned!

I have a VXT automatic water feeder that won't shut off and keeps humming. The readout says L90. From what I've read there are things I can do to troubleshoot before calling a repair man.What do you think it means and how do I do this? On 2016-09-27 by Tess

Moderator Reply: Basic troubleshooting for the Hydrolevel VXT-Automatic Water Feeder Valve

Rama:

If it was feeding water that's normal.

Watch out: If the water is not visible in the sight glass shut the boiler off immediately

Call your heating service company

Tess: safety warnings if LOC is displayed on the VXT water feeder

Tess:

I suspect that the "humming" noise at your VXT water feeder is telling us of an electrical problem, and so I'm not confident that the automatic water feeder is keeping water in your heating boiler.

There is no "L90" readout described in the VXT instructions. But if you see

LOC displayed in the digital counter we excerpt Hydrolevel's Instructions from the VXT manual just above on this page.

Watch out: check the sight glass on your heating boiler (if I'm right you have a steam boiler) to be sure water is showing and that the water level is close to the normal water level line shown on the boiler.

If NO water is showing in the sight glass, TURN OFF your heating boiler immediately to avoid both costly damage and an unsafe condition.

It is usually also possible to add water manually to your steam boiler, but I don't recommend that if the boiler is hot and you are not familiar with steam boiler operation.

Call your heating service company to repair the VXT water feeder.

Details about steam boile water level monitoring are at SIGHT GLASS, STEAM BOILER 

Find the manual for your VXT water feeder at STEAM BOILER WATER FEEDER VALVE MANUALS and instructions

Or compare your VXT water feeder model with this

Check the instruction sheet for your water feeder, or if you don't have one, you can pick up a copy from Hydrolevel. 126 Bailey Road • North Haven, CT 06473 • Phone: (203) 776-0473 • FAX: (203) 764-1711 • www.hydrolevel.com

or right here at

• Hydrolevel VXT-24 PROGRAMMABLE WATER FEEDER for STEAM BOILERS MANUAL & ERROR CODES [PDF] (2019) 24VAC operating voltage
• Hydrolevel VXT-24 PROGRAMMABLE WATER FEEDER for STEAM BOILER INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (2021) [PDF] (2021)

Here are some diagnostic excerpts for the VT-24:

Diagnostics / Trouble Shooting for the Hydrolevel VXT-24 Programmable Water Feeder for Steam Boilers

WARNING – To prevent electrical shock or equipment damage, power must be off during installation or servicing of the control. To prevent serious burns, the boiler should be thoroughly cooled before installing or servicing control.

Only qualified personnel may install or service the control in accordance with local codes and ordinances. Read instructions completely before proceeding. 

A small indicating light in the lower right hand corner of the digital feed counter illuminates whenever the low water cut-off is calling for a feed. The light remains on for the duration of the call from the cut-off regardless of the mode the feeder is in (delay, feed or lock-out). The light turns off when the cut-off is satisfied and stops calling for a feed.

If LOC appears in the digital counter of your VXT Water Feeder

[this means that] the safety lockout feature is activated. This feature engages only when the feeder completes two consecutive feed cycles and the low water cut-off does not re-energized the burner.

The feeder can be reset by briefly interrupting power to the heating system. Important: The following trouble shooting steps should be taken to determine the cause of the lockout condition before restoring normal operation.

1. If the boiler is overfilled, the low water cut-off is not functioning properly. Using the manufacturer’s instructions, check the low water cut-off operation.

2. If the boiler is in low water:

a. Check boiler and return piping for leaks.

b. If no leaks are detected, check to determine if the flow of the feeder is restricted. Check isolation valves around feeder to ensure they are fully opened. Remove and clean the Feed Valve Strainer.

c. Check the feeder setting to ensure that it is set to feed adequate water in the event of a low water condition.

If ERR appears in the digital counter, more than one or no delay or feed button has been selected. See Step 4 and Step 5 for DELAY and FEED setting instructions.

The feed delay feature is designed to prevent boiler flooding by allowing time for condensate to return to the boiler prior to feeding.

If the [condensate] returns and vents are in good condition, the 2-minute factory setting is usually sufficient.

If for any reason condensate takes longer to return to the boiler (such as old return lines or long horizontal runs), a longer delay setting should be selected. 

LWCO Setting: The VXT feeder is shipped in the LWCO feed setting. When operating in this setting, the VXT will feed only until the low water cut-off re-energizes the burner circuit (or a maximum of 5 gallons).

This will restore boiler operation, but on some applications may only be enough water to satisfy the minimum requirements.

If additional water is needed to reach the boiler’s normal operating level, the 1-Gallon to 5-Gallon settings should be selected using the instructions below.

DO NOT USE LWCO SETTING WITH SAFGARD MODEL OEM-24TD. 

1 Gallon to 5 Gallon Settings:

When the 1 to 5 Gallon settings are used, the feeder will continue to feed until the cycle is complete, regardless of when the low water cut-off is satisfied.

These settings should be used only when the LWCO setting does not provide adequate water to restore the boiler to a normal operating level.

Use the following instructions when choosing these settings:  [See Detailed Instructions that vary depending on the type of cut-off control installed - Ed.]

If the digital counter is flashing, the meter has “rolled over” (exceeded 999) representing an excessive feed amount for most applications.

Check the system thoroughly for leaks. If no leaks are found, check to determine if the make-up waterline is restricted. Check feed valve strainer for blockage or heavy build-up of debris.

Reset Feed Counter (see above) once problem is resolved.