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.

Water Pump Protection Switches Guard Against Pump Damage & Overheating

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.

[Click to enlarge any image]

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

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.

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.

Reader Questions: Water Pump Won't Stop Running - can I install an automatic shut-off

(May 31, 2011) Rico Zambrano said:

My pump keeps running and wont shot off, I have good water pressure.

(Apr 25, 2012) Ernie Parsons said:

I live in the North (Nunavut) and our water is supplied by truck and held in a 700 gal. tank. Sometimes when it storms and the trucks fall behind schedule and we run out of water.

The problem is when this happens the pump continues to run and if we don't catch it quickly it heats up and ruins the impeller centre or the bearing. My question: is there a shut off I can install on the pump or water line that will shut the pump off when the tank is empty.

Reply: yes. here is a list of the types of well protection devices available along with where-to-buy information

Rico:

If your water pump keeps on running and won't shut off,

1. TURN IT OFF manually so you don't burn up the pump motor.

2. Then diagnose the trouble, starting at

WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING

Ernie,

Yes there are more sophisticated water pump controls with sensors that can shut off the pump it it's pumping air. Typically these work by monitoring the current draw of the pump, the pump motor temperature, or actual water flow.

There are also water pick-up "tailpiece" fittings intended for use in a well that might work in your tank that will recycle water through a pump to prevent its burn-up when water runs too low at the source.

Water Pump / Well Pump Protection & Switches & Devices

• 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

• Illustration: 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:
    T
    he 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).

• Recommended: Flow Valve or Dole Valve
  
   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.

• 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)
• 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.

• Water pump pressure control switch with low-pressure cut-off feature:
  
  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.

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.

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 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.
  
  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 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

 

 

Pump Protection Devices Make Sure water pump shuts off when it loses water pressure

Question: my water pump turns off when we lose water or pressure

(July 11, 2015) jack said:
My pump works but when it shuts off it loses water or pressure

Reply: 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:

• WATER PUMP PROTECTION SWITCH
• WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLE STOP VALVE
• WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING
• WELL PIPING TAIL PIECE
• Note that a well pump that is seizing or otherwise drawing excessive electrical current should also trip the circuit breaker or blow a fuse.

Question: less water after installing a pumpsaver device

(Dec 1, 2014) Anonymous said:

I had a pumpsaver plus installed, now it seem I have less water.

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.

Question: pump for river water, cloggd foot valve

(July 31, 2014) Anonymous said:

The pump is pumping water from the river. Yesterday I pulled up the foot valve and brushed it to clean it.

When I changed the pressure switch I had to take off that small clear plastic hose that goes to the switch and I let it run. Does it help to mention that this pump is a small one half horse power and it is over 40 years old.

Reply:

Indeed the same debris that clogs a foot valve can clog the small diameter tube through which water pressure is transmitted to the pump pressure control switch.

Question: pump shuts off sometimes

(Nov 28, 2014) Anonymous said:
my pump will shut off sometimes, but cant seem to figure out why the breaker to it doesnt shut off just the pump

Reply:

Anon:

For a pump that shuts off unpredicatably I'd take a look at the operating conditions when that happened. For example: was the pump running for a long time before it shut off ? The motor may be shutting off on thermal safety.

Or was the voltage abnormally low? Same response.

OR was well water level run out?

There are various well pump protection devices and circuits that will shut down the pump motor.

In the ARTICLE INDEX found In the ARTICLE INDEX found among the Continue Reading links at the end of this article see WATER PUMP PROTECTION SWITCH

Question: water returns after turning pump power off for an hour

(Mar 10, 2015) Anonymous said:
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.

Reply:

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.

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

Question: what do pump protection switches cost?

(Apr 19, 2017) Natarajan said: Price for the product

Reply: Typical features, prices for water pump, well pump, booster pump, pump dry run protection devices, switches, controls:

Nata

Shown here, the ClaVal pump controller. [Click to enlarge any image]

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

• 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 pre-set 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

...

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.

• PumpSaver & SymCom, 2880 North Plaza Dr., Rapid City SD 57702 USA Tel: 800-843-5580 Website: www.symcom.com - Note: this website auto-forwards to https://www.littelfuse.com/ who have offices world wide and where you will drown trying to find help for your pump controller.
  See also
  LittleFuse, Corporate Headquarters, 8755 West Higgins Road, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60631 United States +1 773-628-1000
  
  PumpSaver SymCom Accessories and manuals - we include all available revisions and manuals so that you can find the exact match for your specific PumpSaver control:
  
  OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SYMCOM’S INFORMER DIAGNOSTIC TOOL [PDF] PumpSaver Instructions
  
  PumpSaver Plus INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Syncom Model 231-P-INSIDER [PDF]
  Excerpt:
  The PumpSaver® Plus Model 231-P-INSIDER fits inside 1/3 – 1hp, 230V Franklin™, Pentek™, or CentriPro™ control boxes. PumpSavers are designed to protect single-phase pumps from dry-well, dead-head, rapid-cycling, jammed impeller, and over/undervoltage conditions. Typical applications include residential waterwells, commercial waterwells, irrigation wells, and golf course and other sprinkler systems.
  
  PumpSaver Plus INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Model 233-P (2009 Revision B1) [PDF]
  
  PumpSaver Plus INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Model 233-P (2009 Revision A1) [PDF]
  
  PumpSaver Plus INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Model 233-P 233-1.5-P (2008 Revision B) [PDF]
  
  PumpSaver Plus INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Syncom Model 233-P [PDF] (older models prior to 2009)
  Excerpt:
  SymCom PumpSaver® Plus Model 233-P protects 230V, 2 or 3-wire, 1/3 – 3hp, single-phase pumps from dry-well, dead-head, rapid-cycle, jammed-impeller, overvoltage and undervoltage conditions.
  
  PumpSaver® Plus Insiders PumpSaver® Plus 111, 233 and 235 777KWHP – 3 Phase TECHNICAL DATA [PDF] from Xylem, Inc. 2881 East Bayard Street Ext., Suite A Seneca Falls, NY 13148 Phone: (866) 325-4210 Fax: (888) 322-5877 www.xyleminc.com/brands/centripro
  
  PumpSaver Plus MODEL 235P INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (2009) [PDF] Syncom a Xylem brand
  Excerpt:
  The Model 235P Single-phase PumpSaver® Plus is a pump monitor designed to protect singlephase pumps from dry-well, dead-head, rapid-cycle, jammed impeller, and over/under voltage conditions. The PumpSaver® Plus Model 235P protects 5 to 15 HP, 230VAC pumps.
  
  Typical applications include submersible pumps, centrifugal pumps, cooling pumps, environmental pumps, residential water wells, commercial water wells, irrigation wells, and golf course or other sprinkler equipment.
  
  SYNCOM PumpSaver Plus ENCLOSURE MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS [PDF]
  
• 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 Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2021-04-22 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.

On 2021-04-21 by Greg - pump won't start after I caused a spark

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]

This Q&A were posted originally

at WATER PUMP WON'T START

On 2020-08-30 y Anonymous - how to use an Amp Probe to check pump current draw & confirm submersible pump is running

@Bob Soldivera,
If you have access to a amp probe meter or know some one to borrow one from, clamp amp probe around wires that most accessible.

Either the pressure switch(note if pressure switch is close and contacts are together this would also insinuate pump is running if switch isn’t faulty) or any place the wires are easily accessible because amp probe needs to clamp around wire while being live.

This will tell the amps and verify the pump is running. All info for your pump should be on a sticker mounted on water tank. But you can search online if you know voltage(110-220volt) and hp. Hope this helps!

On 2020-08-30 by - Anthony N Nicholas Savinelli Jr 7

Hello, I’m looking for a system similar in setup and function as a leak detection unit that is used on hot water heater. Example: where the ported ball valve (actuator) is trip when the sensor puck (or sensor rope) is wet this closing the actuator shutting water off and sounding alarm.

What I’m looking for is this same basic controller but added a means to shut off power at pressure switch also when any leak is detected at expansion tank. Is there a controller out there that can be wired into 240volt pressure switch with hp ratings up to1-1/2hp submersible 2-wire? Or is there a different means to ensure flood protection with more than valves being closed?

We all know a leak on the pressure side of a well pump can spell disaster quickly when no one is home for even a hour!! Please help. Thank you for guidance!!

On 2020-08-03 by Bob Soldivera - How do I know if a pump is running continuously?

How do I know if a pump is running continuously?

On 2020-06-25 - by (mod) -

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

On 2020-06-24 by Anthony Newberg

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 2020-06-23 - by (mod) -

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.

On 2020-06-09 by George

How can a single water pump be controlled by 3 different users using 3 different tanks

On 2020-05-13 - by (mod) -

No. That would be unsafe .
. ypu need a pressure control.

On 2020-05-12 by oladipo abdulafeez

can i connect well pumping manchine with just a wall swicth?

On 2019-11-24 - by (mod) - can water pump affect other building electric motors?

Dennis

Thank you for the interesting question.

It's not common for a water pump to affect a ceiling fan motor or operation as I'm sure you realize. I could imagine a couple of scenarios were there might be an interaction.

One is if they're on the same electrical circuit in the circuit is being overloaded. The overload could be due to a problem with either of the motors or because the two of them together a drawing more current than anticipated.

Separately and rather obscure it's conceivable that a water line is running in contact with framing or other building materials that are also in contact with the fan or fan motor or fan Mount such that vibration is being picked up and transmitted between the two.

On 2019-11-24 by Dennis

Hi. I have something going on that I can't figure out with my water well pump/motor and ceiling fan.

I recently installed a brand new Honeywell ceiling fan with a remote light dimmer and fan speed controller.

The issue is when my water is running I here an occasional, very loud hum from the ceiling fan or at least that's where it sounds like it is coming from....even with power completely off to the ceiling fan/light??

I have a 75ft deep well that's aprx 50ft from the house. I installed a new, Franklin, stainless steel motor/pump unit in my well about 4yrs ago as well as a brand new SquareD 40/60 pressure switch.

Before I started noticing this problem and after I had installed the fan I had an issue with the pressure switch. The contacts worked theirselves loose and made the pump run continuously for less than 12hrs I know but don't know exactly how long. I managed to get the contacts back in and adjusted the pressure settings lower. I think it was set more like 50/75 than 40/60 and the gap was too wide which gave the contacts room enough to work theirselves loose if that make any sense?

When it "stuck" the actual brass was making contact, not the contacts theirselves. I've been keeping a close eye on the pressure switch to make sure it isn't sticking and seems to be working fine. It comes on at 40 cuts off at 62. The motor is 110v and I think it may be on the same circuit as the ceiling fan/light.

I have lived here 17yrs and never had an issue other than having to replace the motor/pump 4yrs ago and never heard that humming noise with the old system or with new system prior to the contacts working loose. Any help will greatly be appreciated. Thanks

On 2019-11-16 by Vanitha Holmes

Thanks very much for promptly updating our contact information with regard to the question on our product in your topic of "Well pump / water pump protection devices & switches" regarding our Pump Overheat Protection Switch.

On 2019-11-14 - by (mod) - PumpStop universal pump protection switch

Vanitha

We have updated the contact information in the article above; we'd also welcome any technical content critique or suggestions that your company might offer.

YOu my need to clear your browse cache to see the updated page.

DF

On 2019-11-13 by Vanitha Holmes

With Regard to the subject "Well pump / water pump protection devices & switches" on your website;
We are the manufacturers of the device "PumpStop universal pump protection switch"... is there any way you can update our phone contact to: 321-305-9331 and address information to:
overheatprotection.com
10002 Elm Willow Trail, Houston TX 77064
(also on our domain name WHOIS information)
Thanks!
-Vanitha Holmes
Pointe International, LLC
We have also updated the device name to "Pump Overheat Protection Switch on the label.

On 2019-10-08 - by (mod) -

Rory

A submersible sump pump will normally be operated by a float switch - you may see a plastic globe connected to a wire and floating in the sump.

On 2019-10-08 by Rory cook

My question is I have a UtiliTech 1/2 hp cast iron submersible pump pump.i can not find an on off switch on it.does it have one? To me it looks like a piece is broken off. Maybe just the handle can you help me?

On 2019-07-25 - by (mod) -

Farku

Let's trace the power circuit from the fuse or circuit breaker panel, along the wire, through any connections or splices in junction boxes, to the pump controller. We start by assuring that power is delivered to the power controller.

THen check the power controller's output to the pump.

On 2019-07-25 by Faruku

My soler pump controller box is not showing running light indicator in my first installation. Pls I need help.

On 2019-06-15 - by (mod) - device that can sense when my shallow well pump comes on and then starts a timer

Yl

One thing that always is encouraging is to think about the fact that there's probably no problem that you are I will think of it someone has not encountered before and for which there's not already an over-the-counter solution.

There are number of devices that can attach to a well pump that will do what you want. Just stop by your local plumbing supplier and ask what they have.

There are also types of pumps such as pressure-sensitive water pumps that work without a pressure tank and that include a feature that will shut the pump off after it runs continuously for too long. If you search this website for water pressure booster pumps you'll read about those models.

On 2019-06-14 by yl

I am looking for a device that can sense when my shallow well pump comes on and then starts a timer that will shut the pump off after so many minutes so that my well won't run dry.

Recently my toilet didn't shut off after we left for work and when I came back home the pump was still running but I had no water.

When I looked in the well, the water level was down to the foot valve. Luckily the pump wasn't hot so I think it had just ran out of water and I caught it in time. Is there such a device and where can I get one?

...

Continue reading  at WATER PUMP INTERMITTENT CYCLING - pump runs for "no reason", or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see WATER PUMP PROTECTION SWITCH FAQs - questions and answers posted originally on this page

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERHEATS
• SNIFTER & DRAIN BACK VALVES for water pump protection related to freezing well pipes
• WATER PUMP & TANK I&O & REPAIR MANUALS
• WATER PUMP REPAIR GUIDE - home
• WATER PUMP CONTROLS & SWITCHES - home
• WATER PUMP INTERMITTENT CYCLING - pump runs for no apparent reason
• WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL REPAIR
• WATER PUMP PROTECTION SWITCH
• WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLE STOP VALVE - regulates pressure to reduce pump cycling rate
• WATER PUMP WON'T START
• WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING - why the pump won't turn off
• WELL PIPING TAIL PIECE - other devices that protect a water pump from damage

Suggested citation for this web page

WATER PUMP PROTECTION SWITCH at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to WATER SUPPLY, PUMPS TANKS WELLS

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