How to Bypass the Humidity Sensor on a Dehumidifier

The humidity sensor on a dehumidifier measures the moisture content of air in a room. If the moisture content exceeds a certain level, the sensor signals to dehumidifer motor to activate and begin drawing water vapor from the room. If the sensor malfunctions the dehumidifier may stop working. Running a bypass on the sensor is a quick way to isolate the source of the problem. However, a bypass is not a permanent solution because the dehumidifer runs continuously in bypass mode.

Step 1

Unplug the dehumidifier power cord.

Step 2

Unscrew and remove the back panel on the dehumidifier using a screwdriver. Follow the path of the two wires connected to the switch motor near the bottom, moving upwards to locate the sensor, which is a 1-inch, black cube.

Step 3

Loosen the two screws holding the sensor wires to the switch, using a screwdriver. Each Y-shaped clip pulls out from under the screw head to release.

Step 4

Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from each end of the short lengths of 18-gauge wire.

Step 5

Wrap one end of the wire around a screw terminal and the other end of the wire around the second screw terminal. Tighten both screws.

Step 6

Replace the back panel with the screws and screwdriver.

Step 7

Plug in the dehumidifier. If it begins operating immediately, the sensor is defective.