L8124A,C,E,L and M

Aquastat® Relays

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

APPLICATION SPECIFICATIONS
These immersion type controllers are used with forced Low Limit:
hydronic heating systems that include domestic hot water Setting: 110°F to 220°F (43°C to 104°C), adjustable.
service. All models provide high limit, low limit and Differential: 10°F to 25°F (6°C to 14°C), adjustable.
circulator control. Table 1 lists the various models and
their applications. High Limit:
Setting: 130°F to 240°F (54°C to 116°C), adjustable.
These Aquastat® relays have a diaphragm powerhead Differential: 10°F (6°C), fixed.
and MicroSwitch™ assembly that respond to
temperature changes in the boiler water. L8124 can
provide multizone control by using a separate circulator
and R845 Relay for each zone. L8124E and L have large
WARNING
transformers and extra terminals for supplying power to Explosion Hazard.
low voltage valves. L8124L includes a large transformer Can cause serious injury, death or property
and extra terminals for low voltage zone valves. L8124M damage.
is for use in a wood-coal/gas-oil multifuel heating system. Use this product only in systems with a pressure
Circulator is independently controlled by the thermostat. relief valve.

Do not use these Aquastat® Relays where the pressure

can exceed 100 psi (690 kPa) on the bulb if inserted
directly or 200 psi (1380 kPa) when using an immersion
well, or where the ambient temperature can exceed
150°F (66°C) at the case or 265°F (129°C) at the sensing
element.

Table 1. Model Descriptions.

No. of V8043 Zone Electrical Ratings
Burner Can Be Used For Valves Powered
Model Control Multizone With Without Additional
Number Circuit Circulatorsa Transformer Burner Circuit Circulator Circuit
L8124A 120V Yes — Same as L8124A,C,L 120 Vac: 7.4A (full load),
L8124C circulator rating. 44.4A (locked rotor).
240 Vac: 3.7A (full load),
L8124L 3 22.2A (locked rotor).
L8124E 24V 2 1.25A at 24 Vac; 30 VA
(total load) B1-B2, Tv-Z.
L8124M 120V — Same as L8124A. None.
a
Multizone control can be provided by using a separate circulator and R845 Relay for each zone.

® U.S. Registered Trademark

Copyright © 2001 Honeywell • All Rights Reserved 95-6571-11
L8124A,C,E,L AND M AQUASTAT® RELAYS

INSTALLATION with the relay.) Refer to form 68-0040, Wells and Fittings
for Temperature Controllers, to order well. A compression
fitting is available for applications where direct immersion
of the sensing bulb is desired. A 124904 Well Adapter
When Installing This Product… (see Fig. 2) can be ordered separately to adapt some
1. Read these instructions carefully. Failure to follow other wells to the mounting clamp. The boiler must be
them could damage the product or cause a provided with a tapping that allows horizontal mounting of
hazardous condition. the well. It should be located where boiler water of
2. Check the ratings given in the instructions and on average temperature can circulate around the well.
the product to make sure the product is suitable for
your application. 1. Turn off all power and drain the boiler.
3. Installer must be a trained, experienced service 2. If no tapping is provided, prepare one, properly
technician. sized and threaded, at the selected location.
4. After installation is complete, check out product 3. Install the immersion well in the boiler tapping and
operation as provided in these instructions. tighten securely.

NOTE: Do not use the case as a handle to tighten.

WARNING 4. Refill boiler and check for water leakage.
Electrical Shock Hazard.
Can cause severe injury, death or equipment 5. Loosen but do not remove the clamp screw on
damage. the bottom (L8124A,E) or on top (L8124C,L,M)
Disconnect power supply before beginning of case.
installation to prevent electrical shock or 6. Insert the element in the well until it bottoms.
equipment damage. See Fig. 2.
7. Fit the case onto the well so that the clamp on the
IMPORTANT case slides over the flange on the well. Securely
1. Terminals on these Aquastat Relays are tighten clamp screw.
approved for copper wire only.
2. Immersion well must fit sensing element and
bulb must rest against bottom of well. WIRING
Bend the tubing, if necessary, to hold the bulb against the
bottom of the well. Do not make a sharp bend in the
tubing. A sharp bend can produce a break in the tubing
and cause loss of fill. This condition will cause the high WARNING
and low limit controllers to be continuously made. Electrical Shock Hazard.
Can cause severe injury, death or equipment
Select models have an adjustable capillary length. damage.
See Fig. 1. Disconnect power before wiring to prevent
electrical shock or equipment damage.

All wiring must comply with local electrical codes and

ordinances. The limits given in the Specifications section
must not be exceeded when applying this control.
Terminals on these Aquastat Relays are approved for
copper wire only.
3

Refer to the insert on the inside of the Aquastat Relay

1
2 cover or to Table 1 for electrical ratings and maximum
load information. Use manufacturer instructions when
wiring controlled equipment or refer to typical hookups in
Fig. 3 through 11.

CAUTION:
EXCESSIVE HANDLING OR SHARP BENDS
CAN DAMAGE THE CAPILLARY.
WARNING
Explosion Hazard.
Can cause severe injury, death or property
1 SENSING ELEMENT IS FACTORY FORMED FOR 1.5 IN. damage.
INSULATION WELL ASSEMBLIES.
Use this product only in systems with a pressure
2 FOR 3 IN. INSULATION WELL ASSEMBLIES, PULL OUT relief valve.
SUFFICIENT CAPILLARY TO ASSURE THAT THE CAPSULE
BOTTOMS IN THE WELL.
If the B1 terminal on the device being replaced is a 1/4 in.
3 STRAIGHTEN CAPILLARY SUFFICIENTLY SO IT DOES NOT
INTERFERE WITH INSERTION OF THE CAPSULE INTO THE WELL. M8882
(6 mm) tab terminal, use the existing wiring harness
terminals to install the replacement device. If the B1
Fig. 1. Adjusting the capillary length. terminal on the device being replaced is a screw
terminal, insert the provided tab terminal to screw
terminal adapter on the 1/4 in. (6 mm) tab terminal of the
Mounting replacement device. After the adapter is installed, the
Each relay is suitable for use with an immersion well for existing wraparound wire end may be reused to make an
insertion into the boiler. (Check individual OS number electrical connection to the B1 terminal.
specifications to determine whether a well is supplied

95-6571—11 2
 L8124A,C,E,L AND M AQUASTAT® RELAYS

BACK OF IMMERSION
CONTROLLER CONTROLLER WELL CLAMP
CASE BOILER CASE
IMMERSION
WELL CLAMP
1
IMMERSION
ADAPTER
WELL SPUD
IMMERSION
ADAPTER WELL CLAMP
OLD IMMERSION SENSING
WELL ASSEMBLY SCREW BULB

(A)
) (D)
2 (B)

HEAT-CONDUCTIVE COMPOUND

1 BEND THE CAPILLARY TUBE TO HOLD THE SENSING BULB IN GOOD

CAPILLARY THERMAL CONTACT WITH THE IMMERSION WELL AT POINTS (A) AND (B).
TUBE 2
SETSCREW ASSURE THAT CAPILLARY TUBE FITS FREELY IN THE ADAPTER SO THE
SHORT TUBE TENSION OF THE CAPILLARY TUBE AT POINT (C) HOLDS THE SENSING
IMMERSION FITS IN CENTRAL BULB IN GOOD THERMAL CONTACT WITH THE IMMERSION WELL AT POINT (D
WELL CLAMP SCREW RECESS OF ADAPTER M883

Fig. 2. Position of bulb in immersion well and use of well adapter when required.

LOW VOLTAGE LOW VOLTAGE

THERMOSTAT THERMOSTAT
L8124A,C L8124E
2 2
G G
TV T Z
T T 1 L1 1 L1
(HOT) (HOT)
1K
2 L2 2 L2
1K 1 1

1K2

W R B W R B
1K1 1K1
LOW LIMIT/ LOW LIMIT/
CIRCULATOR ZR CIRCULATOR

R LINE VOLTAGE
ZC HIGH CIRCULATOR
LIMIT C1
LINE VOLTAGE
B OIL BURNER B
RELAY OR C2
HIGH
1K2 3 GAS VALVE
LIMIT
3
R B1
B1 TR
B2
B2 TH

C1 LOW VOLTAGE
GAS VALVE
(eg, VR8300)
C2
1 POWER SUPPLY. PROVIDE DISCONNECT MEANS AND
LINE VOLTAGE OVERLOAD PROTECTION AS REQUIRED.
CIRCULATOR
2 CONTROL CASE MUST BE CONNECTED TO EARTH GROUND.
USE GROUNDING SCREW PROVIDED.
1 POWER SUPPLY. PROVIDE DISCONNECT MEANS AND
OVERLOAD PROTECTION AS REQUIRED. M8803
3 B1 IS 1/4 IN. TAB TERMINAL.

2 CONTROL CASE MUST BE CONNECTED TO EARTH GROUND.

USE GROUNDING SCREW PROVIDED. Fig. 4. L8124E single zone connections
3 B1 IS 1/4 IN. TAB TERMINAL. M8802 and internal schematic.

Fig. 3. L8124A,C single zone connections

and internal schematic.

3 95-6571—11
L8124A,C,E,L AND M AQUASTAT® RELAYS

T87F
L8124A T87F T87F

ZC R845 RELAY R845 RELAY

T T

3 ZR T T T T
2
G L2 L1 C1 C2 B2 B1 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

L2
L1
(HOT)

PUMP PUMP PUMP

R8184

T F
C554
T F

WHITE
ORANGE BURNER
BLACK
AND
IGNITION

1 POWER SUPPLY. PROVIDE DISCONNECT MEANS AND OVERLOAD PROTECTION AS REQUIRED.

2 CONTROL CASE MUST BE CONNECTED TO EARTH GROUND. USE GROUNDING SCREW PROVIDED.

3 B1 IS 1/4 IN. TAB TERMINAL. M8822

Fig. 5. L8124A in an oil-fired, forced hot water, tankless, zoned, pump system.

TO ADDITIONAL
L1 L2 R845A RELAYS
LOW VOLTAGE (HOT) 1 FOR OTHER ZONES
THERMOSTAT 2
L8124A,C

G
R845A RELAY ZONE 2
ZONE 2
T T 1 CIRCULATOR
6
2
1K
5

W R B 3
1K1
LOW LIMIT/
CIRCULATOR ZR 4

ZC 1
LINE VOLTAGE
B OIL BURNER 2
RELAY OR
HIGH
1K2 3 GAS VALVE ZONE 2
LIMIT
LOW VOLTAGE
R B1 THERMOSTAT

B2
1 POWER SUPPLY. PROVIDE DISCONNECT MEANS AND
C1 OVERLOAD PROTECTION AS REQUIRED.

2 CONTROL CASE MUST BE CONNECTED TO EARTH

C2 GROUND. USE GROUNDING SCREW PROVIDED.
LINE VOLTAGE
CIRCULATOR 3 B1 IS 1/4 IN. TAB TERMINAL. M8827

Fig. 6. L8124A,C multizone system with circulator connections and internal schematic.

95-6571—11 4
 L8124A,C,E,L AND M AQUASTAT® RELAYS

ZONE 1 ZONE 2 1
L1
THERMOSTAT THERMOSTAT
(HOT)
V8043F V8043F T87F
L2

2
TH TH G L2 L1 T T L8124E
TH TR TH TR
TR TR
3
2
C1 C2 B2 B1
L8124G,L
3
G
TV T Z
L1 TH TR
1
1K (HOT)
CIRCULATOR LOW VOLTAGE
GAS VALVE
2 L2 1
(eg, VR8300)
1K1 1 POWER SUPPLY. PROVIDE DISCONNECT MEANS AND
OVERLOAD PROTECTION AS REQUIRED.
W R B ZR
LOW LIMIT/ 2 CONTROL CASE MUST BE CONNECTED TO EARTH GROUND.
CIRCULATOR USE GROUNDING SCREW PROVIDED.
ZC
3 B1 IS 1/4 IN. TAB TERMINAL. M1796A
LINE VOLTAGE
B OIL BURNER
RELAY OR
1K2 HIGH
GAS VALVE
Fig. 8. L8124E in a 24Vac, gas-fired,
LIMIT 4
forced hot water, tankless system.
R B1

B2
C2

C1

LINE VOLTAGE
CIRCULATOR

1 POWER SUPPLY. PROVIDE DISCONNECT MEANS AND

OVERLOAD PROTECTION AS REQUIRED.

2 UP TO TWO V8043F ZONE VALVES CAN BE POWERED WITH

L8124G,L. ADD ADDITIONAL TRANSFORMER FOR EVERY
TWO OR LESS VALVES.

3 CONTROL CASE MUST BE CONNECTED TO EARTH GROUND.

USE GROUNDING SCREW PROVIDED.

4 B1 IS 1/4 IN. TAB TERMINAL. M1795B

Fig. 7. L8124 multizone system with zone valve

connections and internal schematic.

5 95-6571—11
L8124A,C,E,L AND M AQUASTAT® RELAYS

T87F T87F T87F

R845 RELAY R845 RELAY R845 RELAY

T T T T T T

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

1
L1
(HOT)
PUMP PUMP PUMP
L2

2
G L2 L1 T T LOW VOLTAGE
TH
GAS VALVE
C1 C2 B2 B1 3 TR (eg, VR8300)

L8124E
AQUASTAT® RELAY

1 POWER SUPPLY. PROVIDE DISCONNECT MEANS AND OVERLOAD PROTECTION AS REQUIRED.

2 CONTROL CASE MUST BE CONNECTED TO EARTH GROUND. USE GROUNDING SCREW PROVIDED.

3 B1 IS 1/4 IN. TAB TERMINAL.

M1794A

Fig. 9. L8124E in a 24 Vac, gas-fired, forced hot water, tankless, zoned pump system.

1 TO ADDITIONAL
R845A RELAYS
L2 L1
FOR OTHER ZONES
(HOT)

R845A RELAY ZONE 1

5
L8124E
2
3
G
TV T Z
4
1

1K 1
2

2
1K2
ZONE 1
W R B LOW VOLTAGE
1K1
THERMOSTAT
LOW LIMIT/
CIRCULATOR

R ZONE 1
HIGH CIRCULATOR
LIMIT C1

B
C2

3
1 POWER SUPPLY. PROVIDE DISCONNECT MEANS AND
B1 TR
OVERLOAD PROTECTION AS REQUIRED.
THTR
B2 TH 2 CONTROL CASE MUST BE CONNECTED TO EARTH
GROUND. USE GROUNDING SCREW PROVIDED.
LOW VOLTAGE
GAS VALVE (eg, VR8300) 3 B1 IS 1/4 IN. TAB TERMINAL. M8828

Fig. 10. L8124E multizone system with circulator connections and internal schematic.

95-6571—11 6
 L8124A,C,E,L AND M AQUASTAT® RELAYS

LOW VOLTAGE
THERMOSTAT
ZONE 1 1 TO ADDITIONAL
L1 L2 R845A RELAYS
(HOT) FOR OTHER ZONES

L8124L
2
G
TV T Z R845A RELAY ZONE 2
ZONE 2
1 CIRCULATOR
1K
6
2

1K1 5

W R B ZR
3
LOW LIMIT/
CIRCULATOR
ZC 4

B 1
1K2 HIGH
LIMIT 3
2
R B1
LINE VOLTAGE ZONE 2
OIL BURNER LOW VOLTAGE
B2 RELAY OR THERMOSTAT
C2 GAS VALVE

1 POWER SUPPLY. PROVIDE DISCONNECT MEANS AND

C1 OVERLOAD PROTECTION AS REQUIRED.

LINE VOLTAGE 2 CONTROL CASE MUST BE CONNECTED TO EARTH

CIRCULATOR GROUND. USE GROUNDING SCREW PROVIDED.
ZONE 1
3 B1 IS 1/4 IN. TAB TERMINAL. M8829

Fig. 11. L8124L multizone system with circulator connections and internal schematic.

OPERATION EXAMPLE: Setpoint of 140°F (60°C), differential set

at 25°F (14°C). On a temperature rise, R-B breaks
and R-W makes at 155°F (68°C). On a temperature
fall, R-B makes and R-W breaks at 130°F (54°C).
High Limit Controller
The high limit opens and turns off the burner when the
water temperature reaches the setpoint. The high limit
automatically resets after the water temperature drops
SWITCH BREAKS ON
past the setpoint and through the 10°F (6°C) differential. TEMPERATURE RISE.
BURNER TURNS OFF.
HIGH LIMIT CIRCULATOR OPERATES
SETTING ON A CALL FOR HEAT.
WARNING SWITCH MAKES ON
Explosion Hazard. TEMPERATURE FALL.
BURNER OPERATES ON A
Can cause serious injury, death or equipment CALL FOR HEAT.
damage.
Use this product only in systems with a pressure
SWITCH MAKES R-W
relief valve. AND BREAKS R-B ON
LOW LIMIT TEMPERATURE RISE.
AND 1

Low Limit and Circulator Controllers CIRCULATOR

SETTING SWITCH MAKES R-W
On a temperature rise, with the adjustable differential at AND BREAKS R-B ON
TEMPERATURE RISE.
the minimum setting of 10°F (6°C), the burner circuit
(R-B) breaks and the circulator circuit (R-W) makes at SWITCH MAKES R-B AND
the control setpoint. On a temperature drop of 10°F (6°C) BREAKS R-W ON
TEMPERATURE FALL.
below the setpoint, the R-B circuit makes and the R-W BURNER IS ON TO
circuit breaks. See Fig. 12. MAINTAIN MINIMUM
WATER TEMPERATURE.
CIRCULATOR IS OFF.
At any differential setting greater than 10°F (6°C), the
R-B make temperature and the R-W break temperature 1 WHEN WATER REACHES PROPER TEMPERATURE, THE BURNER
SHUTS OFF OR THE CIRCULATOR PUMP STARTS (WHEN CALLING
remain the same (control setting minus 10°F [6°C]). The FOR HEAT). M1523
R-B break and R-W make temperature are the setpoint
temperature plus the difference between the differential
Fig. 12. Relationship of setpoints and differential.
setting and 10°F (6°C).

7 95-6571—11
L8124A,C,E,L AND M AQUASTAT® RELAYS

On the L8124M, the burner and circulator circuits are

separately controlled; the low limit controls the burner
SETTING
circuit (R-B) as described above, while the low voltage
thermostat directly controls the circulator circuit. Follow the boiler manufacturer recommendations when
See Fig. 13. making the L8124 settings. The high limit setting must be
at least 20°F (11°C) higher than the low limit setting. Set
the indicators over the selected temperature marks. The
low limit differential is set by turning the differential
LOW VOLTAGE adjustment knob to the desired amount of differential.
THERMOSTAT
The thermostat heat anticipator should be set at 2.0A.
L8124M 2
G
CHECKOUT
T T L1 L1
(HOT)
Put the system into operation and observe each function
L2 L2
1
through at least one complete cycle. Be sure the control
1K
operates as intended.
ZC
1K1
LINE VOLTAGE
W R B CIRCULATOR

LOW LIMIT C1

C2
LINE VOLTAGE
B OIL BURNER
HIGH RELAY OR
3 GAS VALVE
LIMIT
R B1

B2

1 POWER SUPPLY. PROVIDE DISCONNECT MEANS

AND OVERLOAD PROTECTION AS REQUIRED.

2 CONTROL CASE MUST BE CONNECTED TO EARTH

GROUND. USE GROUNDING SCREW PROVIDED.

3 B1 IS 1/4 IN. TAB TERMINAL. M8804

Fig. 13. L8124M single zone connections

and internal schematic.

Automation and Control SolutionsAutomation and Control Solutions

Honeywell Honeywell Limited-Honeywell Limitée
1985 Douglas Drive North 35 Dynamic Drive
Golden Valley, MN 55422 Scarborough, Ontario
M1V 4Z9

95-6571—11 G.R. Rev. 12-01 www.honeywell.com