Switches, Panels, & Boxes
Pumps need a mechanism to turn them ON and OFF. If plugged directly into a power source, they will run constantly. Part of a well-designed pump system is estimating how often the pump will need to run and choosing the appropriate control method. An appropriate pump cycle, number of starts per hour, and layout will allow the longest life for system components.
Pump ‘floats’ or ‘switches’ are good for basic applications with low voltage (single-phase only) and pump amperage draw. They are lightweight, simple to install, and reliable. Floats come in different varieties – tethered, vertical, pressure-activated, digital, caged, narrow or wide angle, normally on or off, high-temp, and more. Most floats are “piggy-back” style – sitting between the pump plug and the outlet. Some are hard-wired or integral to the pump.
Panels are the other method of pump control. Suited for complex systems with high voltage (single- or three-phase) and amperage, panels allow installers to service the pump controls without “pulling the pump.” Panels also allow for more than one pump to be run from the same control. They run based on a series of “control switches” or “control floats.” which appear similar to pump floats but are not necessarily interchangeable.
Control switches are arranged in a series of three or more on either a float tree or using cable weights. This allows installers to precisely determine where the pump will turn on and off, which pump will activate, and when the high-water alarm will activate. Panels provide installers and system owners additional protections and cost-saving options such as pump disconnects, H-O-A switches, ETM’s, intrinsically safe, thermal overload protection, transformers, VFD, and more.
Audio, visual, and WiFi are the main alert methods from an alarm. Many control panels have a high-water alarm built in. For applications without a panel, dedicated high-water alarms should be installed to provide 24/7 protection. If your control panel is already equipped with high-water alarm, WiFi alarms provide peace of mind for instances where the audible alarm cannot be heard by sending a text or email to a designated contact. Being too far away from the panel, away from home entirely, or at seasonal / rental properties are all situations where alarms are proven to save money. Outdoor alarm models are available for lift stations and septic systems to provide notification if an issue arises, or a tank becomes too full. Low level options are also available.
Junction boxes are used with control panels to allow safe connection for wiring. Both power and controls can be brough through a junction box, providing a contact point for sealed conduit in both indoor and outdoor systems. Junction boxes are standard issue for prefabricated lift station packages, septic systems, and one-off jobs where existing power connections are impractical. Plugger boxes are improved junction boxes that include a 120V or 230V piggyback plug receptacle, pump plug, and terminal strip for alarm installation on a different circuit. Riser extensions are available. Power Posts are another method for keeping electrical connections out of the tank yet protected from the elements. Rated for use in indoor and outdoor systems, they include a few more features than a plugger box like a vented post cap, built in A/V alarm, power indicator, auxiliary contacts, and an appealing PVC post that eliminates the need for 4” x 4‘s with exposed wires. Power posts are the most dependable and professional option for septic systems, pump chambers, and tanks.
For technical assistance, please contact us at sales@jmipumps.com or call 262-253-1353.
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