How to Install eTrapp

This guide provides comprehensive instructions for installing an eTrapp Condensate Treatment System on a single unit. eTrapp Condensate Treatment System is designed for an average home-sized system. Please read through the entire guide before beginning the installation process.

The eTrapp Condensate Treatment System is plumbed into the condensate drain line output, and it can replace the common p-trap. eTrapp should be installed as close as possible to the air handler. A Pro needs to ensure that eTrapp can be installed on an HVAC unit beforehand. The unit is 7.25 inches tall and 5.37 inches in diameter. This does not include fitments and piping. The downstream condensate line may need to be adjusted for continuous fall.

eTrapp uses a proprietary chemical cartridge that is designed to last for about 6 months. When it is spent, it will need to be replaced. The cartridge requires a minimum of five inches of overhead clearance to be removed. Likewise, the bottom cap of the eTrapp unit can be screwed off to clear out any debris that entered the unit. This debris catch needs only 1.25 inches of clearance. Please note that if there is condensate liquid in the eTrapp when you remove the bottom cap, you will need to place something to catch the falling water. 

The front side of the eTrapp unit features a light that either glows red indicating it is not connected to the local internet or blue indicating it is connected. Below the light is a USB-C port into which the power supply plugs. The front side needs a minimum of one inch clearance for this plug.

Use the Site Survey Form and the Clearance Requirements below to ensure that eTrapp is able to be installed at a location.

The installation breaks down into three categories: plumbing, wiring, and configuration.

Pre-Installation

• Clean the evaporator coil and pan.
• Make sure that the condensate drain has a 4-6% fall. That is, ensure that the unit is mounted level and the condensate lines downstream have sufficient fall to allow water to flow.
• Ensure that the condensate drain line is clear and free of debris.
• Make sure the HVAC air handler is using best practices.
• Locate a usable 110v outlet within 5 feet of the installation. Most standard codes require a power source within five feet of the air-conditioning unit.
• Wi-Fi or LoRa signal is required in the vicinity of the air handler. Obviously, Wi-Fi password is required.

Plumbing Installation Instructions

*Watch the plumbing installation process here: How to Install eTrapp Condensate Treatment System

Plumbing Installation Supplies

It arrives in a pre-assembled package that includes the following:

• 1 eTrapp Unit
• 1 Cartridge
• IoT Hub
• USB Power Cord
• USB Adapter
• Water Sensor
• Zip Ties
• Wire Nuts
• Velcro Strips

Other supplies required to complete the installation include:

• 3 1-inch male-to-¾-inch female PVC fittings
• ¾ inch PVC pipe
• ¾ inch coupling
• Teflon Tape
• PVC cutter
• PVC Glue or pipe dope
• PVC primer
• Sandpaper
• Level

The eTrapp inlet and outlet have standard 1-inch female npt threads, and most residential units will utilize ¾’’ fittings. If the installation is being performed on existing construction, disconnect the plumbing and cut out the p-trap. For residential applications a 1’’x3/4’’ reducing bushing will need to be fitted.

• Turn off power to the air conditioning unit. 
• Install eTrapp as close to the air handler as possible while being able to access the cartridge from the top and the debris clean-out basin on the bottom. Before gluing any fittings, ensure that both the threaded bottom and the twist lock cartridge (top) have enough clearance to be fully removed. Further, the light on the eTrapp should face outwards to be easily viewed when replacing cartridges. 
• Screw the fittings into the inlet and outlet of eTrapp. We recommend using Teflon tape to ensure a secure connection. Further, hand tighten the adapter then do a quarter turn by hand. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN FITTINGS!
• Remove the existing drain pipe from the A/C unit. Then, install the new fitting into the A/C drain. 
• Install pipe between the A/C’s fitting and the eTrapp’s inlet fitting. Additionally, rough the surface of the pipe with sandpaper and use primer then apply glue to ensure the best fit. 
• Install a ¾ inch coupling on the downstream pipe. 
• Repeating the inlet process, install pipe between the outlet fitting and the existing downstream drain pipe. 
• Adjust for continuous drain fall; check the fall with a level and adjust the downstream pipe accordingly. 
• Remove the protective seals from the cartridge as instructed and secure it into the eTrapp. 
• Reinstall the insulation around the drain pipe. 
• Install a vent between eTrapp and the existing p-trap if you do not remove the existing p-trap so that air pockets don’t form.

Generally, most residential A/C units feature two condensate outlet ports. Often the second port is unused and terminated with a plug. The terminated port sits slightly higher than the primary condensate outlet and only experiences condensate flow when the primary port becomes clogged. Therefore, installers may choose to plumb a down pipe with a u-bend to this secondary condensate drain. This optional step reroutes condensate directly to the external overflow pan in the unlikely event the primary line becomes clogged. This step allows eTrapp’s water sensor to immediately detect an overflow condition and respond.

Wiring Installation Instructions

The unit owner monitors the system in real time through data provided by the eTrapp App available free of charge at the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. The eTrapp App provides data on the condensate level, cartridge life, Wi-Fi signal strength, ambient conditions, and more. 

Installation Pros receive data from each eTrapp they have installed in their respective territory via the Pro App and Pro Portal. Furthermore, any eTrapp that is in alert status or may be due for a cartridge replacement prominently displays in the eTrapp Alerts segment of the portal. A Pro uses this data to proactively contact the homeowner to schedule a service call.

• Locate the nearest 110v outlet. Most standard codes require a power source within five feet of the air-conditioning unit. The USB-C power cable should be connected to the IoT Hub’s port marked with the power symbol. Next, connect the cable marked eTrapp to the female USB-C port below the indicator light on eTrapp. At this time, both the indicator light on eTrapp and the IoT Hub should be illuminated.
• Install the provided water sensor. The water sensor is shipped already installed on a magnetic mounting bracket. If your overflow pan is made from a non-ferrous material, you will need to remove the magnet and replace with the double-sided adhesive tape included in the small parts bag. Install the water sensor onto the side of the condensate overflow pan. The sensor’s longer leg should touch the floor of the drain pan and the short leg should not be in contact with any surface.
• Find a proper mounting location for the IoT Hub. Choose a smooth surface within reach of all of the attached cables and mount the IoT Hub using the provided adhesive-backed Velcro. The indicator light and text should face outward. While many installers mount directly to the side of the A/C unit, signal strength will be improved if a non-metallic mounting surface is available.
• The unit owner will then download the eTrapp App as previously instructed. 
• The unit owner or installation Pro will then proceed to set up the app and connect eTrapp to their home or building Wi-Fi or LoRa.
• Once eTrapp connects to Wi-Fi or LoRa, the eTrapp’s owner sees a dashboard with information reflecting their eTrapp’s operational data which updates every five minutes. The light on eTrapp will turn to blue when fully connected. 

A/C System Shutoff

The eTrapp system features redundancies to prevent condensate overflow by cutting off the air conditioner. The unit owner and the Pro will be sent an A/C Cutoff Alert in this case, and the alert will be sent via email daily until the issue is resolved.

The eTrapp Condensate Treatment System is designed to prevent condensate line clogs of bacteria/fungi/algae, however, a condensate backflow could occur if the input line or catch basin become blocked by large amounts of debris or foreign material from the air-conditioning system. In this scenario, an alert will be sent to the unit owner via email [and push notification] when the Water Level is at or above 95%. This alert will show up in the Pro Portal in the Alert section.

If the condensate continues to backflow, the air conditioner’s primary pan float switch will be triggered to shut off the air conditioner. eDelta Inc. recommends this float switch if it’s not already required. Float switches should be checked on a regular basis to ensure it’s in proper working order. If the float switch is not triggered (or one is not installed) and condensate continues to backflow, eTrapp’s water sensor installed in the secondary/emergency pan will be triggered to cut off the air conditioner. These redundancies ensure that condensate backflow will not cause a flooding event.

To install this feature, first shut down power to the A/C unit and locate where the thermostat wires tie into the air handler. Remove the wire nut or electrical connector attaching the 24V power supply from the A/C to the thermostat power (red). Connect the red cable from the A/C cutoff lead to the power supply wire and the black lead to the thermostat power wire. This will connect eTrapp’s IoT Hub in series with the thermostat. Additional wire connectors are provided in the small parts kit. Finally, connect the green wire to the thermostat common (white).

How To Provision eTrapp App (Unit Owner/End User App)

*Watch How to Provision eTrapp App here: How to Provision the eTrapp App

• Once the app is downloaded onto the unit owner’s smartphone from the preferred app store, open the app.
• Click “Register User” at the bottom of the Login screen
• Enter personal information and select your installation Pro (this allows the Pro to have access to the unit’s information which will alert the Pro to potential problems and to monitor cartridge life.  
• Scan the QR codes on the eTrapp and the cartridge 
• Connect the eTrapp to the local Wi-Fi or LoRa

As an added benefit for the installation professional, he or she will receive data from each eTrapp they have installed via the ProPortal.

eTrapp Cartridge Replacement

*Watch How to Replace eTrapp Cartridge here: How to Change the eTrapp Cartridge

eTrapp cartridges are designed to last for 180 days (6 months). Notifications to schedule a service to replace the cartridge will be sent through the eTrapp App and Pro Portal at 45 days remaining, 30 days remaining, 15 days remaining, and 7 days remaining. Replacing the cartridge takes just a few minutes. 

The Pro will arrive at the client’s home or office with a new cartridge.

1. Remove shrinkwrap and plastic seal from the new cartridge. 
2. Open eTrapp Pro App, click on cartridge or click on “Replace Cartridge.”
3. Following the prompts in the app, scan the QR code on the new cartridge.
4. Click “Submit”
5. Unscrew and remove the old cartridge and replace it with the new cartridge.
6. Screw in the new cartridge until the red light turns blue. 
7. The app will show 100% life for the new cartridge.