Building Inspection, Diagnosis & Repair Info

Photograph of a water pump pressure control switch with the cover onWell pump / water pump protection devices & switches

Well pump or water pump protection switches & controls:

What can we install to protect a water pump from damage if the well runs out of water? How do we protect the well pump from damage due to pump short on-off cycling? How can we protect the well pump and its circuit from electrical overloads or lightning damage?

This article describes all of the devices to protect water pumps from damage from continuous running, short cycling, overloading, no well water, low yield wells, power surges, or lightning strikes.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?





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Water Pump Protection Switches Guard Against Pump Damage & Overheating

Well pump relay switch and power control © D Friedman at InspectApedia.com Watch out: A water pump or "well pump" can be damaged by conditions that cause the pump to run continuously, particularly if the pump is running "dry" - without water passing through its mechanical parts. The result can be the need for a costly repair or for pump and control replacements.

Worse, a more powerful pump, especially a submersible pump that fails to turn off when it should may also pump water at high enough pressure to burst pipes, flood a building, or injure a bystander - dangers we discuss separately

at WATER PRESSURE TOO HIGH: DANGERS

Photo above: a submersible pump relay switch that actually turns a deep well submersible pump on and off. This pump relay switch is itself turned on and off by a pressure control switch like the one shown at the top of this page and that is usually located at the water pressure tank.

Well pumps can also be damaged by other conditions such as low voltage, lightning strikes, entry of debris in the well water, or corrosive water.

Article Index

...

What to Do if the Well Pump Won't Stop Running

Generally when readers ask what to do about a pump that won't shut off we suggest that they take the following steps

  1. Turn off the pump right away 

    - if you let the pump run dry for too long it's likely to be damaged.
  2. Diagnose the trouble and repair it -

    see WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING.

    The problem may be something easy such as a cut-out pressure set too high, or it may be more trouble, such as a well that has a very poor flow rate. In between are problems such as debris-clogging that prevents a pressure switch from properly sensing water pressure or leaks in well piping.
  3. Install an appropriate device to protect the pump 

    from damage due to chronic conditions such as a well that frequently runs low on water . Here

    at WATER PUMP PROTECTION SWITCH we describe all of the various devices installed to protect a well pump and its wiring and controls.

...

Kinds of Water Pump / Well Pump Protection & Switches & Devices

Pump Protection Device Alternatives

These articles discuss water pump protection devices that will shut off the pump

See these articles for devices that shut off a well pump to protect it from damage from loss of water in the well or from short cycling:

Note that a well pump that is seizing or otherwise drawing excessive electrical current should also trip the circuit breaker or blow a fuse.

List of Pump Protection Device Types

  • Built-in Electric Motor Overheating Protection:

    some electric motors including some submersible well pumps include a built-in electrical overload or temperature overheat control switch that will turn off the electric motor if it's too hot.

    On inaccessible motors such as a submersible well pump the overload or overheat switch includes a thermal sensor that will automatically re-set the switch when the motor cools down. Other electric motors may include a pop-up switch that must be manually re-set.

    Details about manual motor reset switches are

    at RESET BUTTON, ELECTRIC MOTOR

    Details about diagnosing electric motors are

    at ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE

Cycle Sensor pump monitor from cyclestopvalves.com detects rapid pump on-off cycling or pump running dry and shuts down the pump - cited & discussed at InspectApedia.com

Illustration above: : Cyclestopvalves' Cycle Sensor pump monitor used to detect either rapid water pump on-off cycling or "dry run" (pump out of water). The device will shut down the well pump if either of these is detected. Similar devices are discussed

at WATER PUMP PROTECTION SWITCH

    • Cycle Stop Valves, Inc., 10221 CR 600, Lubbock TX 79407, Email: info@constantpressurekits.com Tel: 806-885-4445 Website: https://cyclestopvalves.com/

      The Cycle Sensor Pump Monitor, also from this company, and illusrated above, might protect your well pump from damage due to short cycling or from a well that is pumped dry.

      Website excerpt:

      The Cycle Sensor is a system monitor that detects Rapid Cycle and Dry Run and reacts to either of these conditions by shutting down the pump. It does not control or prevent rapid cycle or dry run but protects your pump in the event these problems occur.

      This sensor was designed for a pump that is controlled with a Pump Control Valve such as a Cycle Stop valve and/or is installed with enough pressure tanks to prevent a rapid cycle condition.

      The pump must also be supplied with enough fluid to prevent dry run which causes the undercurrent condition.
  • Electrical circuit breakers or fuses 

    found in the electrical panel feeding the electrical circuit for the pump motor and its controls are designed to turn off electrical power to a water pump or well pump circuit if the circuit is drawing excessive current at an unsafe level.

    Watch out: if you find that a well pump is continually tripping a circuit breaker or blowing a fuse you should leave the circuit OFF as it has become unsafe.
  • Flow Sensor Switch:

    flow sensors are controls mounted in line in water supply piping that sense water flow or movement in the pipe.

    Used typically on irrigation systems, these water flow rate sensor switches can be used to measure actual water flow rate, compare that to a set standard, and shut off the pump if the flow rate is too low (running out of water) or too high (a burst pipe).
GE Dole Flow Control Valve operation schematic
  • Recommended: Flow Valve or Dole Valve (shown above)

     to protect pumps on low-flow-rate wells: a flow valve such as the Dole® Valve flow restrictor (for example a GB-3.0 or other suitable model) can limit flow rate in a well pumping system to a flow rate that is less than the in-flow rate of water into the well bore.

    The flow restrictor valve is placed in the piping line between the water pump discharge port and the water pressure tank.

    In this position the water flow rate can be restricted to protect the pump from damage from running dry - as will happen if the pump draws the well water level down to below the pump inlet.

    The installer will determine the proper flow restrictor size (in gallons or litres per minute) by using an adjustable gate valve placed between the pump outlet and the water tank. The gate valve is partially closed with the pump running, thus restricting the outflow from the pump's dischage port.

    The level of water in the well is monitored.

    When the pump has run at this reduced output long enough to be confident that it is not pumping faster than the well's recovery rate the output flow is measured (in gallons per minute for example) and an appropriate flow control valve is selected and permanently installed where the gate valve was located.

    Excerpt from the producer's product description:

    The Dole® Flow Regulator is self-cleaning and designed to deliver a constant volume of water flow over a wide pressure drop range. The controlling mechanism is a flexible orifice that varies its effective area inversely with applied pressure so that a constant flow rate is maintained. - retrieved 25 Feb 2015, original source: GE Infrastructure Water & Process Technologies, "Dole Flow Control Valve", GE Corporation (2004).

    Dole valves are presently produced by Water & Process Technologies, a General Electric Company located in Trevose, PA, TRel: 215-355-3300.

    The company has offices world wide and its products are distributed to end consumers through plumbing suppliers. Dole valves and similar devices are sold in flow rates ranging from 1/2 GPM (1.9 LPM) to 12 GPM (45.4 LPM) with inlet pipe diameter connections varying accordingly from 3/8 FNPT to 1 FNPT.

    Watch out: be sure to install the flow restricting valve in the proper position, with its arrow correctly matched to the direction of water flow.

Dole Valve pump protection flow restrictor from American Granby cited & discussed at InspectApedia.com

  • American Granby DOLE FLOW CONTROL VALVES [PDF] (2014) American Granby, Wegsite: www.americangranby.com In the United States: Phone
    USA Tel: (800) 776-2266
    Canada Tel: (866) 503-5523
  • GE Infrastructure DOLE FLOW CONTROL VALVE OPERAION [PDF] (2004), GE Infrastructure, retrieved 2020/06/18 - how a Dole Valve Works

    Excerpt:
    The Dole® Flow Regulator is self-cleaning and designed to deliver a constant volume of water flow over a wide pressure drop range.

    The controlling mechanism is a flexible orifice that varies its effective area inversely with applied pressure so that a constant flow rate is maintained....

    Flow rates will be maintained to within ±15% between 15 and 125 psi (1.03 to 8.62 bar). The flow rate varies due to manufacturing tolerances and water temperatures.

    Valves are chrome or nickle-plated brass with Buna-N orifice. Maximum pressure is 200 psi (13.8 bar). Maximum temperature is 160°F (71°C)

PumpSaver Plus pump protector (C) InspectApedia.com Greg

  • Franklin Electric Co. - SymCom PumpSaver Plus Model 233-P (shown above)
  • Flowmatic Flo-trol® Constant Flow Control Valves, Flomatic Corporation 15 Pruyn’s Island Drive Glens Falls, NY 12801 USA Tel: 800-833-2040 Website: WWW.FLOMATIC.COM
  • Lightning protection 

    for well pumps may include surge protection or other special devices.

    Details are

    at LIGHTNING PROTECTION, HIDDEN
  • Low Pressure Protection Switch: Aquatec (LPS340-G)

    Low Pressure Protection Switch (intended for booster pumps), described as follows:

    The LPS Low Pressure Switch electrically shuts off the booster pump if the feed water is interrupted. The LPS is designed to be mounted on the inlet side of the pump.

    Although the pump will not be damaged if operated without feed-water, pumping air into the membrane for extended periods can damage the module. We strongly recommend this device for applications where feed-water shut-off or interruption can occur.

    The LPS includes a wiring harness (not shown) that interconnects a pump and transformer.
Photograph of a water pump pressure control switch with the cover on
  • Water pump pressure control switch with low-pressure cut-off feature: (shown above)

    such as the Square D Pumptrol FSG2J24M4BP electromechanical pressure switch shown in our phto, or the similar Square D FSG2J24M4CP Water Pump Pressure Switch with Low-Pressure Cutoff, sold under the PumpTrol or SquareD brand produced by Schneider Electric.

    You'll also see this switch listed as

    Pumptrol™ Pressure Switch Class 9013, Types FSG, FYG, FSW and FYW.

    This series of water pump pressure control switches include a low water pressure cutoff feature described by the manufacturer as follows:

    If system pressure is lost for any reason, a low water condition for example, the automatic lower pressure/water cut-off feature will open the contacts, turning off the pump


    At low water pressure this switch will shut off the water pump system until it is manually re-set.

    Depending on the operating pressure range for normal cut-in and cut-out water pressure factory pre-sets in this switch, Square D offers 21 different Pumptrol water pressure control switches, of which six have a built-in low-water-pressure cut-off feature, four have a manual cut-out lever, and two include a pulsation plug.

    Lets avoid confusion between two different pressure control switch models:

    On the Square-D Pumptrol FSG2J21M4 switch, the low-pressure cut-off (auto-start-off) operates at approximately 10 psig below the cut-in and will turn off the pump. For this switch only, the company's instructions state the following

    Form M4 only—Low water or loss of system pressure will cause the pump to be cut off.

    After the fault in the system has been corrected, move the lever to Start
    [marked in the side of the plastic case] and hold it until enough pressure builds up to keep the contacts closed.

    On the Square-D Pumptrol FSG2J21M1 switch (which looks just like the switch shown below) the manual lever cut-out option allows users to temporarily remove power for periodic maintenance.

    On the Pumptrol M1 switch, the maintained manual cut-out lever on this switch has auto and off positions. Re-set is manual. That means that unlike the M4 model above, on an M1 switch if you lift the lever to an OFF position, it will stay there until you move it to the ON or RUN position.

    Square D 30-50 PSI Pumptrol Water Pressure Switch FSG2J21M4CP with Low Pressure Cut-Off (shown below) is similar.

Square-D-FSG2J21M4CP-Switch at InspectApedia.com

Other Square D pump controllers include models that do not include low pressure cutout features: FSG2J20 (20/40 Cut-in/Cut-out), FSG2J21 (30/50 Cut-in/Cut-out), and FSG2J24 (40/60 Cut-in/Cut-out).

Other similar pressure switches are used on air compressor and air pump systems. Those are not intended for use on water systems.

See this SQUARE D Pumptrol® PRESSURE SWITCH CATALOG [PDF] for examples of this pressure switches that include an automatic cut-off in response to low or no water flow or pressure.

See WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH [web article] for information about water pump pressure control switch diagnosis, repair, or installation & wiring.

Cla-Val PC-1 Pump Control Panel with status indicator lights, Cla-Val Inc., www.cla-val.com

Above: a Cla-Val pump controller.

Recommended: Water pump relay switch with built-in low pressure or overload cut-off features.

Larger horsepower well pumps, usually submersible models, are switched on and off by a heavy-duty pump relay switch that is itself operated by the water pump pressure control switch described above.

Among water pump relays are more sophisticated models that include sensors that can shut off the pump it it's pumping air. These pump relay controls usually work by monitoring the current draw of the pump, or in some cases the pump motor temperature, or actual water flow. For example

  • Pumptec pump protection device, 

    Franklin Electric, 400 E. Spring St. Bluffton, IN 46714 Tel: 260-824-2900 Fax: 260-824-2909 www.franklin-electric.com. The company offers a submersible pump service hotline for their products: 800-348-2420. [Please don't embarrass us and yourself by calling Franklin to ask about other pump brands.]

    The company's description of their PumpTec controller includes:

    Pumptec is a microcomputer based pump protection device that continuously monitors motor load and power line conditions to provide protection against dry well conditions, waterlogged tanks, and abnormal line voltage conditions.

    Indicator lights provide complete system status, which can be easily viewed without removing the cover.

    Pumptec interrupts power to the motor whenever the motor load drops below a preset level or the load drops quickly. Pumptec is optimized to work with Franklin 2- & 3-wire single phase motors from 1/3 to 1.5 HP. An underload (dry well) adjustment is provided to address unusual situations.

    The PumpTec controller uses three indicator lights to indicate power, electrical load, and voltage levels. An "underload" indication can indicate that the well is dry while an "overload" indication typically means that there is a problem with the pump motor, causing it to draw excessive current.

PumpStop protection switch - www.pumpstopnow.com
  • PumpStop universal pump protection switch [shown above in a photo & wiring sketch from the company's website]

    for jet pumps & centrifugal pumps, protects against loss of pump prime, stuck or failed pressure control switch, broken valves, stuck relays, loss of water in the well itself, user error, check valve failure.

    PumpStop protection switch - www.pumpstopnow.com

    The switch is simply wired into the pump power line input tothe pressure control switch, in series.
    Description [quoting the company's technical data sheet]:

    Pump overheat damage is caused when water stops flowing and the pump continues to run. This causes the water in the pump to get very hot resulting in total system failure. The POP 120 shuts off the pump before overheat damage occurs, keeping the pump system safe until repairs can be made.

    Contact: PumpStop, Pointe International LLC 10002 Elm Willow Trail, Houston TX 77064 USA, Tel: 321-305-9331 Website: overheatprotection.com

    In November 2019 Vainitha Holmes, Pointe International LLC, provided updated company contact information shown here.

    The instructions for installing this device call for interrupting either of the two 120V input or "hot" wires to a 240V pump pressure control switch to wire the PumpStop in series. Indeed switcing one-leg of a 240V circuit should turn off the pump.

    Watch out: safety hazards remain when you power off only one leg of a 240V circuit if someone working on the circuit thinks that all power is off when in fact one leg remains live or "hot".

    You might check with your pump manufacturer and with the manufacturer of any other controls that may be wired in the circuit, asking about the effects of interrupting only one of the power wires to the pump.

    We have on occasion heard from readers who got into trouble interrupting one leg of the two 120V legs that typically power a 120V motor or circuit, depending on how those two legs were used.

    A reader asserted that on loss of one leg of the 240V pump circuit, their particular pump continued to run but at a slow speed. For example when a remaining 120V leg of a circuit is left "hot" there may be current leak or safety risks remaining at the wired device.

    Generally a pump or other electric motor won't be damaged if there is full voltage or no voltage provided to the device. Reduced voltage can cause damage.

    We requested clarification from the manufacturer via their website contact form on 7 Oct 2015 - follow-up will be posted here.

    Watch out: 240V circuits are not wired identically world-wide. The pump protection switch and simple wiring diagram shown above are for a North American installation. In the U.S. and Canada a 240V60 Hz circuit is "single phase" and does not make use of a neutral wire and the two legs complete a 240V circuit.

    But in the U.K. 240V 50Hz is provided on a single phase circuit by one single wire, always requiring in addition a neutral wire to complete the circuit and a ground or "earth" wire for safety.

See WATER PUMP RELAY SWITCH [web article] for details about these and similar pump relay controllers.

Examples of pump relays that include sensors and pump status indicator lights are given

at PUMP CONTROL STATUS INDICATORS

  • Water pump short cycle stop valves 

    are devices intended to detect short on-off cycling of the well pump and to shut down the pump.

    See WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLE STOP VALVE and

    for an explanation of what causes a water pump to turn on and off too often or too rapidly,

    see WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING
  • Water tank over-pressure explosion protection:

    a pressure relief should be installed on any pressurized water tank or on the tank-tee that connects plumbing to the water tank. Details are

    at WATER TANK PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

  • Well Pump Overheat Protection Switch,

    Model POP 120 sold by Discount Sprinkler, 6831 Tierra Verde St., Pt. Richie FL 34668, Tel: 727-841-7000, Website: overheatprotection.com, Email: pumpstop120@gmail.com. If the pump gets "hot" this thermal sensor will shut down the motor to allow the pump to cool down.

    Watch out: This switch will shut down the pump after 10-15 minutes of dry & "hot" running, give a 30-50 minute cool-down time, then will allow the pump to re-start. The manufacturer opines that this cycling will not damage the pump.

    But I'm not sure this is exactly suitable for your situation as the switch, like a thermal overload switch used on some electric motors, can reset and allow the pump to start again when cool. Repeated cycling of a water pump running dry, even with a cool-down period, may still damage the pump impeller or bearings.

Well pump protection tailpiece © D Friedman at InspectApedia.com

  • Well piping tailpiece:

    a WELL PIPING TAIL PIECE is a device installed in the well at the foot valve or at the submersible well pump to detect that water level in the well has fallen to a too-low level for safe pumping.

    When water falls to this low point and the pump runs water circulates in the tailpiece (or inside the submersible pump) to prevent pump overheating, but actual withdrawal of water from the well is slowed or stopped entirely to protect the pump.

    Details about this well pump protection device are

    at WELL PIPING TAIL PIECE

...

Sources & Prices for Water Pump Dry Run, Anti-Cycling & Thermal Protection Controls & Switches

Unitech digital pump controller switch at InspectApedia.com Typical features, prices for water pump, well pump, booster pump, pump dry run protection devices, switches, controls:

Shown here, the ClaVal pump controller.

Pump Protection Switches & Controls in Australia

  • Davey Water Products, Torrium pumps, Davey - Australia Website : davey.com.au Ph: 1300 2 DAVEY or 1300 232 839 Fax: 1300 369 119
  • Eaton CHWPS Water Pump Pressure Switches (not a pump protection device), Eaton Australia Eaton Corporation Pty. Ltd. 10 Kent Road Mascot, NSW 2020 Australia Tel: +61 2 9693 9333 Toll free: 1300 3 EATON Fax: +61 2 9667 3820 Email: AustraliaSales@eaton.com Email: AustraliaSupport@eaton.com
  • Grundfos Pumps, Australia, vGrundfos Pumps Pty. Ltd Mail: P. O. Box 2040, Regency Park, South Australia 5942 Delivery: 515 South Road, Regency Park, South Australia 5010 Web: http://au.grundfos.com/

    E.g. Grundfos MP204, electronic motor protector, designed for the protection of an asynchronous motor or a pump described by the company as having the following features:

    The MP 204 monitors the following parameters: Insulation resistance before start-up Temperature (Tempcon, Pt sensor and PTC/thermal switch) Overload/underload Overvoltage/undervoltage Phase sequence Phase missing Power factor Power consumption Harmonic distortion Run and start capacitor (single-phase) Operating hours and number of starts.

    Excerpts below courtesy of Grundfos Pumps. Following text describing three principal water pump protection types & features retrieved 2017/04/27, original source: http://au.grundfos.com/about-us/news-and-press/news/PumpTalk.html

    Also see the Grundfos Scala2 variable speed pressure-sensitive water pump described

    at WATER PUMP VARIABLE FREQUENCY / VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE (VFDs) [web article] where we explain variable frequency drive pumps and controls

    Dry Running Protection for Water Pumps

    You may have also seen the words dry run protection used when looking for information on pumps.

    Dry run or dry running protection is when a pump is intuitive enough to identify when the water source from which it’s running has run out, for example when the water tank is dry.

    The pump will automatically switch off upon detecting the lack of supply water, protecting the pump from incurring any damage. Some pumps have an automatic re-start function, which will try to re-start the pump at regular intervals to check whether water has become available
    .

    Anti-cycling Protection for Water Pumps

    A ‘pump cycle’ is the start and stop of a pump. Some applications may cause a pump to ‘cycle’ or start and stop repeatedly in a short period.

    This repetitive starting can cause motor, control or pump failure and can also cause pressure fluctuations that may lead to failure of the pipe or other fittings. 

    Cycling will definitely cause discomfort for the user, especially when the water is used for applications where hot and cold water is mixed. A pump that has an anti-cycling feature will protect it from failure when cycling is detected.

    Thermal Protection for Water Pumps

    Some pumps an also feature built in thermal protection in the motor or control panel. Thermal protection is incorporated into pumps to protect the motor and components from dangerous overheating that can cause pump failure.

    Overheating generally occurs when the motor is overloaded, bearings seize up or something locks the motor shaft from turning. When this happens, excessive heat builds up in the motor. Pumps with thermal protection will automatically trip the motor circuit to keep it from burning and damaging the motor.
  • WHITE INTERNATIONAL AUTOMATIC RESTART PUMP CONTROLLERS [PDF], WHITE INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD 52-60 Ashford Ave Milperra NSW 2214 PO Box 304 Milperra LPO NSW 2214 Phone 02 9783 6000 Fax 02 9783 6001 Customer Service Hotline 1300 783 601 Email Sales: sales@whiteint.com.au General info: info@whiteint.com.au www.whiteint.com.au

...

Pump Protection Switches & Controls in France

  • Davey Water Products, Torrium pumps, Davey - Davey - France (Lyon) Website : daveyeurope.eu Ph: +33 (0) 4 72 13 95 07 Fax: +33 (0) 4 72 33 64 57

...

Pump Protection Switches & Controls in India

  • Ajinkya Electronic Systems water pupm controller, Mahim, Mumbai, [prices not given] +91-8079447799
  • Attri Enterprises, Water pump controller with timer, Rs 5,500. Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi +91-8071683988
  • Autotech Systems & Controls, Automatic multiple water pump controller, [no prices], Kalamboli, Navi Mumbai, +91-8071805995
  • GuzoTek Energy Pvt Ltd., Rs 7,500, East Kozhi Vettaveli, Ernakulam - +91-8048618693 [See the ClaVal pump controller shown above on this page]
  • Nelso Technology, Digital automatic water pump controller, [no prices], Sreebhumi, Kolkata +91-8079466332
  • Niagara Solutions, Wireless water pump controller, [does not give prices], Lakshmi Nagar, Coimbatore +91-8071807367
  • Protonics Systems India, Noida, Solar water pump controller, Rs 55,500
  • Unitech Digital Pump Controller, Rs 5,800, Bhagwati Electrical Works, Star Colony, Domgivli, +91-8071680836 - shown just above
  • Waders Power Control, Lucknow, mobile water pump controller, Rs 5,500, +91-8079467867

...

Water Pump Controls & Protectin Switches in New Zealand

  • Davey Water Products, Torrium pumps, Davey - Davey - New Zealand Website : daveynz.co.nz Ph: 0800 654 333 or +64 9 570 9135 Fax: +64 9 527 7654
  • Eaton electrical controls & protection devices, Eaton New Zealand, Enable House 106 Wrights Road Christchurch 8041 New Zealand PO Box 11-188 Christchurch 8041 New Zealand Tel: +64 3 343 3314 Fax:+64 3 343 5660 Email (Sales): NZSales@eaton.com Email (Services): CustomerServiceNZ@eaton.com
  • WHITE INTERNATIONAL AUTOMATIC RESTART PUMP CONTROLLERS [PDF], WHITE INTERNATIONAL NZ LTD 15G Kerwyn Avenue, East Tamaki, Auckland 2013, New Zealand Phone 09 579 9777 Fax 09 579 7775 Customer Service Hotline 0800 509 506 Customer Service Faxline 0800 804 344 Email Sales: sales@whiteint.co.nz General info: info@whiteint.co.nz www.whiteint.co.nz

...

Water Pump Protection Switches in the U.K.

  • Pedrollo Company, U.K., distributes Brio Tank 12A pressure sensing controller £92.00, and the Presflo Pump Controller (Easypress), £76.00, and the Italtecnica pressure control switch series and the Danfoss pressure control switch series, Pedrollo Distribution Ltd Crossfield Fort Crossfield Road Industrial Estate Lichfield Staffs WS13 6RJ Tel: 01543 415200 U.K.
  • Pump Express, Flow-Sensing Pump Controllers, e.g. Matic, £58.90, Pupm Express, Fort Business Centre Crossfield Estate off Burton Road Lichfield WS13 6RJ U.K. Tel: 01633 244777 Email: sales@pumpexpress.co.uk - also distributors of Square D Pump pressure control switches
  • Pumps [UK] Ltd., e.g. Telemecanique XMP, Fantini Pressure Switches and others, Pumps UK LTD Unit 3&4 Invicta Park Sandpit Road Dartford Kent DA1 5BU UK Tel: 01322 292415

...

Pump Protection Switches & Controls in North America

Syncom motor saver pump protection switch at InspectApedia.com
  • American Granby DOLE FLOW CONTROL VALVES [PDF] (2014) American Granby, Wegsite: www.americangranby.com In the United States: Phone
    USA Tel: (800) 776-2266
    Canada Tel: (866) 503-5523
  • Davey Water Products, Torrium pumps, Davey - Davey - International / USA Website : davey.com.au or daveyusa.com Ph: +61 3 9730 9121
  • Delta M Corp., , 003 Larsen Drive, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA Website: https://www.deltamcorp.com/

    DeltaM provides a pump protection switch that includes an alarm, possibly not for residential water well applications.
  • Fluid Components International, 1755 La Costa Meadows Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078 USA Tel: 800-854-1993 Website: http://www.fluidcomponents.com/

    FCI FlexSwitch FLT93 pump protection flow switch from Fluid Components International (FCI) detects dry running conditions caused by irregular liquid flows or slurries and can provide an alarm feature.
  • Franklin electric pump motorprotector, $160 - $250, monitors supply voltage and load voltage (current), cuts power to motor when load drops below a preset level (consonant with a pump running "dry") Motor Protector, Microcontroller, Phase Single, 230

    Voltage, Pilot Duty Output
    Contact @ 480V 230VAC SPST
  • GE Infrastructure DOLE FLOW CONTROL VALVE [PDF] (2004), GE Infrastructure, retrieved 2020/06/18 - explains how a Dole Valve works
  • Grundfos Pumps Corporation 2001 Butterfield Road, Suite 1700 Downers Grove, IL 60515 USA, E.g. the Grundfos CU 301 control and communication unit developed for SQE well pumps used in constant-pressure applications and the

    Grundfos CU331SP VFD PUMP CONTROLLER MANUAL [ PDF] is a constant pressure, variable frequency drive programmed with parameter settings optimized for submersible pump applications, and the

    Grundfos GO MOBILE APP PRODUCT DESCRIPTION [PDF] - mobile tool box for professional users on the GO. Grundfos GO gives you intuitive hand-held pump control, and full access to all the Grundfos Online tools on the go.

    Excerpt: Grundfos GO Remote gives you complete control over every aspect of pump performance, whether you are dealing with one or more pumps at a time.

    Now, you can monitor all relevant pump data, group pumps for increased manageability, change settings and much more. More information and assistance

    The user-friendly GO Remote interface gives you all the information and help you will ever need. GO Remote works with all our E-pumps and communicates using both radio and infrared technology.

    It provides easy-to-follow tips and guidance as well as live pump data feeds (duty point, power consumption, speed, temperature, etc.). Even the alarm log system has been designed to make error codes fully descriptive and intuitive.


    See details

    at WATER PUMP VARIABLE FREQUENCY / VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE (VFDs) [Web Article]

    and

    at Grundfos Scala 2 PUMP MANUALS [Web article]
  • Little Giant pond pump motor low water cutoff switch $60. turns off pump if water level falls too low

 

PumpSaver Plus 235P pump protection control cited & discussed at InspectApedia.com

Above: the Pumpsaver, 230V 1Ph, 1/3-3HP, Surface Mount control. from Symcom and the PumpSaver Plus Model 235P - pump protection relay controls cited just below.

  • SurFlo Low Pressure Switch $30.00 -

    Low Pressure Switch (LPS) installs on the inlet side of the booster pump and will shut-off the pump if the feed water is interrupted. The wiring harness (included) interconnects to the pump and transformer. Factory settings are set to turn the pump off at 3 psi and back on at 8 psi.
  • Symcom motor saver $70.,

    The Model 777overload relay can be used to protect any 3-phase motor drawing 2-800 amps (external CTs are required above 90A). It combines overload, underload, voltage and power monitoring functions in one package and has a 3-digit display for viewing voltage, current, and last fault information to simplify diagnostics.

    Model 777 products are UL listed, CSA recognized and CE approved. Specialized Model 777 units are available to provide linear trip capability, handle medium voltage applications, provide low power trip functions for special pumping applications and more. See page 4 for descriptions of available specialized Model 777s

...




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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

What is the purpose of that lever on the side of our pump control switch?

Photograph of a water pump pressure control switch with the cover onI purchased a Sq D Low pressure switch 30/50 when I opened the package I saw a leaver on the side on the contact points you can adjust it 90 degrees but I don't know why? other switch don't have this lever! is it lever down 30? psi lever up 50 psi ? 2016/07/27 Anonymous

Reply:

Please see MANUAL PUMP ON/OFF SWITCH - side lever on pump control switch, for complete details.

I have to pull up the lever on the side of the pump pressure switch to get the pump going while filling a swiming pool

I'm filling a swimming pool; faucet is totally open.

The well pump shuts off. I have to pull lever on switch to reprise pump? On 2020-05-03 by carusle

Warning by (mod) - exhausting the well -

Car

Watch out: That sounds as if your project of filling a pool is exhausting the well and your pump switch has a built-in safety feature that shuts off the pump rather than let it run dry.

Beware that running the pump dry may damage it.

Turn off the pump and let the well recover for 4-6 hours; fill your pool in stages.

The lever on the side of your pressure switch and its proper use are explained

at WATER PUMP PROTECTION SWITCH - above on this very page

My water pump won't come on even when I lift the reset lever

Lost contact part on water pressure switch (C) InspectApedia.com Muskatears

Hi. My pump will not come on when I pull the metal lever up as it normally does. It has been cycling over and over again and then shutting off by itself every few days.

I've taken the box cover off and can see a spring and small piece of metal has broken off. I'm not sure how to fix it myself or who to call for help. Can you help me? Thank you. On 2022-12-06 by Rachel

Suggestion by InspectApedia (Editor)

@Rachel,

I can but GUESS as I can't see your pump control switch: it sounds as if a contact relay tip has broken off - the switch then can't turn on the pump. You will need help from an electrician or experienced plumber who can replace the pump pressure control switch.

by Musketears3Bdm

@InspectApedia (Editor), Here are photos of my pump pressure control switch and the reset lever [L-shaped silver metal rod at bottom left of front of the switch - Ed.]

Lost contact part on water pressure switch (C) InspectApedia.com Muskatears

Diagnosis by InspectApedia (Editor) - lost contact parts: Switch needs replacement

@Musketears3Bdm,

Lost contact part on water pressure switch (C) InspectApedia.com Muskatears

Watch out: Looks like a contact part has been lost from the upper contact in your photo

I would not try to repair this switch, though there are re-build kits for water pump pressure controls. It's simpler and similar in cost to replace the switch.

See

WATER PUMP PRESSURE SWITCH INSTALL / REPLACE

 

Pressure Compensator Control (Pump Protector) Cuts Off the Water Pump

I have a pumped domestic water system. A few months ago I had a new automic water pump control fitted (I think this is also call a pressure compensator).

All worked fine until about 2 wks ago when we had no pressure at all. I did not realise that this contraption had a reset button so I pulled the plug & replaced it, the pump kicked in & re-pressurised the system. Since then it has cut out several times & is becoming a real nuisance.


Also, I now know about the reset button but pressing this does not fix the problem. The only fix is to unplug & then re-plug. So far this works & seems to be a solution but I am afraid that one day it will not restart! (Oct 16, 2014) Nick Lambert

Reply:

Sounds as if the pump protector is detecting low water in the well - doing its job, or else you've got a defective control installation.

Read details at WATER PUMP PROTECTION SWITCH

 

Water pressure drops to zero and pump stops unless it's manually re-set

I have a question. We have a pressure control switch lever (as shown above) that we need to re-gauge if we run two faucets (or demand too much water) at one time. The pressure will drop to zero and we need to engage it in order to get the water working again.

Any suggestions on what would be causing this? This also happens if we run the faucet in the tub or the washer. Thanks! (Aug 30, 2011) Janice

Reply:

Janice if your water pressure is dropping to zero, the problem sounds like more than just adjusting the pressure control switch. It sounds as if the well pump is not keeping up with the water flow rate demand in the building. Or your well itself cannot keep up.

Before trying to adjust the pressure control switch I'd check out the well flow rate itself.

Well Pump won't start after I caused a spark at my PumpSaver Plus control

PumpSaver Plus pump protector (C) InspectApedia.com Greg

While adjusting a pressure switch there as a small spark and the pump stopped running, There is power to all the wires to the pump but its not starting.

[Photo shown above] On 2021-04-21 by Greg -

Advice by (mod) - PumpSaver Plus relay sparked and died

@Greg, could be a blown capacitor or other electronic comoponent in that PumpSaver pump protection device;

On the PumpSaver Plus you'll see a calibration procedure that may need to be re-set.

OFF / MANUAL RESTART:

The pump is not running. Either the PumpSaver® has tripped on dryrun, dead-head, or overload while the RESTART DELAY/ CALIBRATION knob was in the
RESET position or source power is not present.

If knob is in the RESET position, rotate out of RESET—If the CAL light blinks, check for an overload condition.

If the RUN light blinks, look for a dry-run or dead-head condition.

If no lights come on, check incoming power for adequate voltage.


CALIBRATION

NOTE: The PumpSaver®Plus should be calibrated uring normal pumping conditions. IND. CONT. EQ.784XIRLINKL1CT1CT2 PILOT DUTYRATING 480VA @240VAC

1. Turn the RESTART DELAY/ CALIBRATION knobfully counter-clockwise to the CAL. position.

2. Apply power—the pump will run for approximately10 seconds then shut off.

3. Set the RESTART DELAY/ CALIBRATION knobto the desired restart delay (dry-well recoverytime)—the pump will turn on.

NOTE: If the PumpSaver®Plus immediately trips (blinking green) upon completion of the calibration process, the current transformer may be installed incorrectly.

Swap the CT1 and CT2 wires on the terminal strip, then repeat the calibration process beginning with Step #1.


Also double check that there's no other pump motor reset button that has popped out.

What if I have less water after installing a pump saver device?

Our reader asked:

I had a pumpsaver plus installed, now it seem I have less water. (Dec 1, 2014) Anonymous

Reply:

A pump saver device, of which there are several device types using different methods, is designed to protect the pump from damage if well flow rate is poor, by preventing the pump from running from then on (thus being damaged) by recycling water through a tailpiece as pump runs - until the well recovers. I would look at the well flow rate to understand your issue with water delivery rate.

Our water pressure returns after turning pump power off for an hour

My well water supply will have no water. after turning off the electric supply for an hour or so the water supply returns to normal. Also the motor seems to run for a long period before it turns off. (Mar 10, 2015) Anonymous

Reply: that's a sign of a well flow problem or an overheating pump motor

Sounds as if your well is running dry. Or a pump motor is overheating, or a pump protection device is installed. Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

How do I control a well pump so that it starts or stops at specific water levels in the well?

I have a shallow well 120' which was formerly a windmill well. It has water starting at 90'. I want to place a pump and have it start pumping when the water level is at 80' or above and stop when the water level drops to 110'.

What do you recommend? On 2020-06-24 by Anthony Newberg

by (mod) - use a tailpiece.

You might simply install a tailpiece that will stop drawing water from the well when they level falls below the point that you name.

To get more sophisticated you'd need a water level sensor switch mounted in the well at each of the two levels you cited.

Can I use a single well pump to supply multiple water pressure tanks and users?

How can a single water pump be controlled by 3 different users using 3 different tanks On 2020-06-09 by George

by (mod) - possibly

George,

Thanks for an interesting question: how to use 1 water pump to provide water to multiple water pressure tanks and users;

The devil is merely in the details.

In the simplest design, all of the pressure tanks are served by a single pump with a single pressure control installed on the closest tank to the pump; a sufficient drop in the system pressure turns on the pump. The effect of 3 tanks is simply to increase the total volume of water stored under pressure.

The pump and well have to have flow-rate adequate capacity to serve all of the users.

Can I wire a well pump to simply run with an off-on wall switch (no pressure control)?

Can i connect well pumping manchine with just a wall swicth? On 2020-05-12 by oladipo abdulafeez

by (mod) - no, that's unsafe

Watch out: No. That would be unsafe . You need a pressure control. Without a pressure control switch your well pump might be left running long enough to build such a high water pressure in the system that a water pipe or water pressure tank bursts!

That happened to a plumber in New York; he was killed by the exploding water tank. - Daniel F.

...

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Citations & Reviewers

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.

  • Square D Company, Schneider Electric - North American Operating Division, 1415 S. Roselle Road, Palatine, IL 60067, Tel: 847-397-2600, Fax: 847-925-7500
  • Square D Pressure Control Switch Catalog
  • Square D 9013 series pressure control switches provide these special water pressure control switch features: narrow pressure differential controls, higher horsepower pump control switches, manual on/off switches, automatic low water pressure cut-off, pulsation plugs, and other features.
    • Narrow Differential Pressure Switches Schneider Electric provides narrow differential switches including 6-20 PSIG differential switches. Choose from the 9013FSG42/49 or higher HP 9013FYG42/49. Also available is the 9013FRG with reverse action. The 9013FRG pressure switch is non-adjustable differential with 6-14 PSIG cut-in and 1-11 PSIG cut-out ranges.
    • Higher HP Pressure Switches Need a larger HP motor for longer runs in deep wells? Then look to the 9013FYG or 9013GHG pressure switches. These switches directly control all types of pumps up to 5 HP and can be used in the control circuit of a magnetic starter for even larger pumps.
    • Manual On/Off Switch The 9013 series of pressure switches offer an optional on/off switch. This allows you to manually turn on and off your pump system for extended periods of time.
    • Automatic Low Pressure/Water Cut-off If system pressure is lost for any reason, a low water condition for example, the automatic lower pressure/water cutoff feature will open the contacts, turning off the pump.
    • Pulsation Plug Pulsation plugs are available to control pressure due to increased start up pressure generated by high speed jet pump motors or by valves prone to a surge in pressure.
  • In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested

    CONTINUE READING or RECOMMENDED ARTICLES.


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