What is the minimum depth for an auxiliary drain pan in an A/C secondary drain system?

The minimum depth for an auxiliary drain pan in an air conditioning secondary drain system is 1 1/2 inches. This specification is critical because the purpose of an auxiliary drain pan is to capture any condensate that may overflow from the primary drain pan due to blockage or other issues, thereby preventing water damage and ensuring the reliability of the HVAC system.

A depth of 1 1/2 inches is deemed sufficient to hold a reasonable volume of condensate, allowing for effective management of any potential leaks without compromising the system. This depth also aligns with industry standards and building codes, which are designed to promote safety and functionality within HVAC systems.

In contrast, other options are either too shallow to retain adequate water or exceed what is necessary, which could lead to unnecessary complications in system design or installation. Therefore, 1 1/2 inches is established as the optimal minimum to achieve effective performance and safety in auxiliary drain applications.