Setting up the water station relay. Rules and step-by-step instructions for setting up the accumulator pressure switch. Step-by-step instructions for adjusting the pressure switch

The pump station automation is initially adjusted by the manufacturer to a certain amount of pressure when turning the equipment on and off. Typically these factory settings are between 1.5 and 1.8 bar when turned on and between 2.3 and 3 bar when turned off.
But there are situations when additional pressure adjustment on the equipment is necessary during operation. You can learn how to adjust the pumping station in this article.

Pumping station installation process: basic recommendations

In order to prevent vacuum compression of the pipes on the suction line, it is necessary that they have a certain rigidity, if they are plastic, they can also be metal, reinforced for vacuum.

Caution: It is very important that these pipes or hoses are not bent or kinked.

So:

All connections must have high tightness. Air that may be sucked in has a negative impact on the operation of the station.
Very convenient to use quick connectors when servicing the station. An example of such a connection is “American”.
It is necessary that the suction pipe be equipped with a special check valve with a mesh. Also, a main filter can be used in front of the pumping station. This will protect the system from small particles entering it.
One side of the suction pipe must extend into the water at least 30 cm below the water surface. It is also important that there is at least 20 cm left to the bottom of the well.
It is recommended to equip the outlet pipe of the pumping station with a check valve, which will protect it from water hammer when turning the pump on and off.
The pumping station must be fixed in a fixed position.
It is better to refrain from a large number of taps and bends in the system.
If the depth from which suction is carried out exceeds 4 m, or the system has a horizontal section whose length exceeds 4 m. It is better to use pipes with a larger diameter, as this will improve the operation of the station.
It is necessary to protect the pumping station from operating in the absence of water. If there is such a risk, it is better to consult with a specialist about the possibility of solving this problem.
To prevent the system from freezing in winter time, it is better to provide in advance the possibility of draining water at all points of the system. This can be done using drain taps, but you need to pay attention to the presence of check valves that will not allow the water to drain.

The process of fixing the pumping station

The pump must be installed on a flat surface, preferably as close as possible to a water source:

In the room where the pumping station is located, proper ventilation must be organized, which will reduce humidity, as well as temperature regime no more than 40 °C.
There must be a distance of at least 20 cm between the pumping station and the walls of the room where it is located, this allows access to the system when servicing it.
The pipes used for fixation must have the appropriate diameter.
Next, you need to mark holes for fasteners on the surface where the station will be located, and then drill them.
Before finally securing all the screws to the fasteners, it is better to once again check whether there are any bends on the pipes that give them mechanical stress.

Pressure switch device for pumping station

Before you start adjusting the pressure switch, you need to familiarize yourself with its design and operating principle.

The photo shows the design of the device.
Its main elements:

1 and 2 – spring regulators.
3 – base of the device.
4 – nut fixing the relay to the adapter and the membrane cover.
5 – block with terminals for connecting a 220V network, the pump itself and its grounding.

A membrane cover is attached to the metal base below, under which there is a membrane and a piston with a quick-release nut pos. 4. On top there is a contact group, terminal blocks and two spring regulators of different sizes.
All elements are covered from above with a plastic cover attached to the screw of the large regulator and which, depending on the model, can be easily removed with a screwdriver or wrench.
Different models of products, the price of which does not fluctuate much, may differ in size, shape, and arrangement of component elements, but most of them have the design described above. Some of the products include additional elements, such as a lever that includes dry-running protection.

How does a relay work?

The relay works according to this principle:

Under the influence of liquid pressure supplied from the pump, the membrane begins to press on the piston.
It activates the contact group, which is mounted on a metal platform with two hinges.
The contacts for connecting 220V voltage and the pump, depending on the position, can be open or closed, which corresponds to turning the pump off and on.
When the large regulator spring acts on the contact group platform, the piston pressure is balanced.
If the pressure begins to weaken, under the action of a spring the platform begins to lower and the contacts close, which turns on the pump (see).
The spring of the small regulator also acts against the water pressure, but it is located further from the platform hinge and does not immediately come into operation, but only after the platform with the contacts can rise to a certain height.
A small hinge with a spring is responsible for triggering the electrical section of the relay, for closing and opening its contacts.

The relay is designed so that the hinge and platform cannot be located in the same plane.
When the platform is raised above the hinge, the contacts jump down, and when lowered below its plane, the elements immediately snap upward.
The location of the plane of this hinge is slightly higher than the base of the spring of the small regulator, allowing the platform to rise without opening the contacts to this level, and when it reaches it, under the action of the springs of these two regulators, the contacts will open and the pump will turn off.
At the same time, the large spring regulator is thus responsible for the moment the unit is turned on or for the “lower” pressure (P), and the smaller one is responsible for the difference between the switch-off and switch-on pressures (∆P).
When the spring of the large regulator is compressed, which is done by tightening the nut clockwise, it acts with greater force on the platform of the contact group, which causes an increase in the “lower” pressure.
If in this case you do not change the degree of compression of the spring of the smaller regulator, the “upper” pressure or shutdown will begin to increase, to the same value. In this case, ∆P will remain unchanged.
When the spring of the smaller regulator is compressed, the “upper” pressure will increase, but the “lower” pressure will not change, which will lead to an increase in ∆P.
With appropriate weakening of the springs, these figures will decrease.
Adjustment of the pressure switch of pumping equipment is based on this principle.

How to regulate a pressure switch yourself

Before adjusting the automation, you need to prepare a screwdriver or wrench to remove the relay cover and the wrench for tightening or unscrewing the nut adjusters.
After this, the instructions for doing the work yourself are as follows:

Disconnected from pressure switch voltage.
Removed plastic cover relay and its adjustment is made depending on its purpose:

increased blood pressure;
demotion;
changing the operating range of equipment.

Two spring regulators are mounted under the cover, responsible for the lower and upper pressure.

To increase or decrease the pressure in the network you must:

Simply tighten or unscrew the nut on the larger regulator.
After changing the adjustment, the lid closes.
The voltage turns on.
The tap opens and the pressure gauge built into the pumping station determines whether the pressure at which the pump is turned on or “lower”.
The tap is closed and the “upper” pressure is checked using the pressure gauge when the pump is turned off.

Tip: If the pressure readings are satisfactory, the adjustment is considered complete. If not, everything repeats again.

How to change the relay range

If the “lower” pressure is normal, and you only need to increase or decrease the “upper” pressure, you need to use a smaller regulator.
Wherein:

Tightening the nut clockwise for this regulator will increase the “upper” pressure, while keeping the “lower” pressure constant.
Unscrewing is the opposite: in this case, the difference between them - ∆P - will decrease or increase.
After changing the adjustment, the power is turned on and the pressure gauge shows the moment when the pump turns off - the “upper” pressure.
If the results are satisfactory, the adjustment can be stopped; if not, the process is repeated until the desired result is obtained.

Advice: It is necessary to take into account that an increase in ∆P allows the pump to turn on less often, but in this case more noticeable pressure drops will occur in the water supply network, and when it decreases, on the contrary, it will be equalized in the system, but the pump will turn on more often, which will lead to to reduce its service life.

If you are not satisfied with both the “lower” pressure and the operating range of the relay, you must first make adjustments with a large regulator, and then with a smaller one, the whole process being controlled by the station’s pressure gauge.

What is taken into account when making adjustments

When regulating the operation of equipment relays yourself, it is necessary to take into account the following important points:

“Upper” pressure, which is more than 80% of the maximum for the product, cannot be installed on this model. As a rule, it is indicated on the packaging or in the instructions and ranges from 5 to 5.5 bar.
To install more high level in the system of a private house, it is necessary to select a relay with a higher maximum pressure.
Before increasing the pressure to turn on the pump, you need to get acquainted with its characteristics, whether it can develop such pressure. Otherwise, if it cannot be created, the unit will not turn off, and the relay will not be able to turn it off, because the set limit cannot be reached.
Pump pressure is measured in meters of water column: 1 m of water. Art. = 0.1 bar. In addition, hydraulic losses in the entire system are also taken into account.
Do not tighten the regulator nuts completely when adjusting, otherwise the relay may stop working completely.

Effect of air pressure in the tank

The normal operation of the equipment depends on the air pressure in the hydraulic accumulator (see), but it has nothing to do with adjusting the relay. In any case, it will begin to operate at a certain “lower” and “upper” pressure, regardless of its presence in the tank.
In the absence of air in the membrane tank, it can only lead to complete filling with water and the pressure in the system will immediately begin to rise to the “upper” pressure and the pump will immediately turn off after stopping liquid intake. Every time you open the tap, the pump turns on, it will immediately drop to the “lower” limit.
If there is no hydraulic accumulator, the relay will still operate. Reduced air pressure leads to strong stretching of the membrane, and increased air pressure leads to insufficient filling of the tank with water. In this case overpressure air will begin to displace liquid.
For normal operation pumping station and long service membranes, it is necessary that the air pressure is 10% less than the “lower” one set during adjustment. Then the accumulator will be normally filled with water, and the membrane will not stretch too much, which means it will last for a long time. In this case, the pump will turn on at intervals corresponding to the ∆P adjusted in the relay.
In addition, it is necessary to check the air pressure in the tank of the pumping station if there is no liquid pressure in it. In this case, you need to open the tap located lowest in the system and drain all the water.
The details of adjusting the pressure switch are well shown in the video in this article.

Tip: When setting up a pressure switch, you need to remember that the accumulator or tank, plumbing, all hoses and the mechanics of the relay have their own pressure limits that cannot be exceeded.

How to set up a pumping station pressure switch.

Hydrophore pressure adjustment

The air pressure must be determined with an empty tank and the station disconnected from the power supply!

IN expansion tank a pear-shaped rubber diaphragm is installed into which the pump pumps water. Between the diaphragm and the metal body of the tank there is air under pressure. To determine the pressure, as well as for pumping or deflating air, a special valve (nipple) is provided at the rear of the tank. The air pressure in the tank is measured using a pressure gauge designed to measure the pressure in car wheels. If necessary, air is pumped with a car pump.

For tanks with a volume of 20-25 liters, the air pressure should be 1.4 - 1.7 bar, and 1.7 - 1.9 bar for tanks with a capacity of 50 - 100 liters.

There should always be air in the tank. Its pressure must be checked periodically (once a month) and maintained at the recommended values, which will have a positive effect on the service life of the rubber diaphragm and the comfort of using the pumping station as a whole.

2) Determination and adjustment of pressure on and off of the pumping station

After adjusting the air pressure, the pumping station must be connected to the network. The pump will begin pumping water into the tank and turn off when the set pressure is reached. This will be the “upper” pressure and its value will be displayed on the pressure gauge. If this value differs from the recommended one, then adjust it using relay bolt No. 2 (see figure).

“Lower” pressure is measured similarly. After opening the tap and starting to drain the water, watch the pressure gauge. The pressure will gradually drop and when the lower limit is reached, the pump will turn on again. The pressure value on the pressure gauge at the moment the pump is turned on will be the “lower” pressure. If necessary, adjust it to the recommended parameters using relay bolt No. 1 (see figure).

It is important to know that the pump activation pressure must be 10% greater than the air pressure in the tank! Failure to do so may result in accelerated wear of the rubber diaphragm.

You can set the relay to other on and off pressure values that differ from the recommended ones, thereby customizing the pumping station to your own level of comfort. By increasing the difference between the “upper” and “lower” pressure, you can extend the life of the pump by turning it on less frequently. However, the pressure in the system will be uneven. As the difference between the “upper” and “lower” pressure decreases, the pump will turn on more often, but at the same time the pressure in the system will be constantly equal and comfortable.

When setting up a pressure switch, it is also important to remember that the hydraulic accumulator, plumbing, rubber hoses and the relay mechanics themselves have their own pressure limits, which should not be exceeded.

Relay electrical connection

Sincerely, online store "Zhlobin" M Arket ".

The pressure switch for the pump controls the operation of the entire station. After all, it is the relay that turns on the pump when the pressure in the accumulator drops (and turns it off when the pressure rises to a critical level). As a result, even a small malfunction of the relay affects the functionality of the entire autonomous water supply system.

However, any malfunction of the relay can be eliminated using simplest adjustment. And in this article we will analyze both the adjustment process and the procedure for connecting and initial setting of the pressure switch.

The pumping station consists of a hydraulic accumulator (sealed water storage tank), a unit (centrifugal or vibration pump) and a pressure switch that regulates the operation of these units.

Moreover, the principle of operation of the relay is determined by the operating diagram of the station itself, which looks like this: turning on the pump - filling the hydraulic accumulator - turning off the pump. Well, it is the pressure switch that determines when to turn the pump on and off.

Moreover, the decision-making process to turn the unit on or off is based on monitoring the following values: minimum and maximum pressure in the hydraulic accumulator. In addition, the operation of the relay is also influenced by such characteristics as the difference between the minimum and maximum pressure and the maximum permissible pressure in the storage tank.

The first value is the minimum pressure, usually equal to 1.5 atmospheres. That is, if the pressure in the accumulator drops below the designated 1.5 atmospheres, the pump will be activated (by closing the contacts in the pressure switch).

The second value is the maximum pressure, as a rule, does not exceed 4 atmospheres. That is, when the pressure in the accumulator increases to 4 atmospheres, the pump is disconnected from the power supply (by opening the relay contacts).

Accordingly, the difference between the minimum and maximum pressure (at the factory setting of the relay) is 2.5 atmospheres. Moreover, when adjusting the pressure, they operate with precisely this characteristic, setting the desired difference from the minimum indicator.

The maximum permissible pressure in the storage tank is 5 atmospheres. That is, if the pressure in the accumulator reaches five atmospheres, the pump will turn off in any case (at any value of the pressure difference).

Primary adjustment of the water pressure switch

The primary adjustment of the relay is carried out at the factory of the company that produces pumping stations. This is actually why all “default settings” (1.5 atmospheres of minimum pressure and 2.5 atmospheres of difference) are called “factory settings”.

However, connecting the pressure switch to the pump (with the introduction of factory settings) is carried out on last stage station assembly. And the sale of the unit will not take place soon. And over the past months from the moment of manufacture to the moment of sale, the springs and membranes of the relay and accumulator may weaken.

Therefore, for a newly purchased pump, it is worth checking the pressure in the accumulator and the minimum and maximum pressure indicators set at the factory.

Well, the drive itself is checked as follows:

A pressure gauge is connected to the nipple of the battery or tank. Moreover, in this case, you can use a regular car device with which you can check tire pressure.
The arrow on the pressure gauge will indicate the air pressure behind the membrane of the empty storage tank. And this value cannot be less or more than 1.2-1.5 atmospheres.

If the pressure gauge shows a higher value, then the air is “bleeded” from the tank, but if it is lower, then the tank is “pumped up” with a car pump. After all, the “starting” indicator of the relay (minimum pressure) will depend on the pressure level behind the membrane.

After checking the pressure in the hydraulic tank or accumulator is completed, you can inspect the pressure switch, during which the actual values of the minimum and maximum pressure are compared with the values set on the control unit.

Moreover, this operation is carried out very simply, namely:

A pressure gauge is attached to the manifold mounted on the neck of the tank or battery.
Next, turn off the pump and empty the storage tank (by opening the tap). The pressure on the pressure gauge should drop to 1.5 atmospheres.
After this, close the tap and turn on the pump. The pump should raise the pressure in the tank to the maximum and turn off. After turning off the pump, you need to compare the pressure on the pressure gauge with the factory values declared in the passport.

If the actual values on the pressure gauge do not coincide with those declared in the passport, or the factory settings do not meet the needs of the consumer, then individual adjustment of the relay is necessary. We will discuss the nuances of the individual setup process below.

How to customize a pressure switch for individual needs

Individual configuration or reconfiguration of relay operation after a failure is carried out as follows:

First you need to open the relay housing by disconnecting protective cover from the base. After all, it is under the casing that the electric motor contacts and relay adjustment units are “hidden”: a pin with a large nut holding a large spring and a pin with a small nut holding a small spring. In this case, the tension of the large spring regulates the minimum pressure, and the tension of the small spring regulates the pressure difference.
The adjustment of the “starting” (minimum) pressure begins on an empty storage tank. Moreover, to free the accumulator from liquid, you just need to turn off the pump and open the tap. The adjustment itself is carried out as follows: the large spring is loosened completely (the nut is unscrewed counterclockwise), then you should turn on the pump and begin to gradually tighten the spring. At the moment when the pump starts working and starts pumping water, stop manipulating the large nut - the minimum pressure has reached the pressure mark in the air part of the accumulator plus 0.2-0.3 atmospheres. And if there is 1.2-1.3 atmospheres behind the battery membrane, then the minimum pressure in the tank will approach the desired 1.5 atmospheres. Well, whoever wants more must, at the beginning of the adjustment, “add” the pressure in the accumulator (by pumping air behind the membrane).
Adjusting the pressure difference is even easier. You just need to wait for the pump to stop and read the reading from the pressure gauge on the accumulator manifold. If the result is not satisfactory, the pump is turned off, the water is drained, and a small nut is screwed in (to increase the pressure) or unscrewed (to decrease the pressure) onto a stud with a small spring. After this, the pump is turned on and the “new” upper pressure obtained after adjustment is read.

Pressure switch device for pumping station

Before you start adjusting the pressure switch, you need to familiarize yourself with its design and operating principle.

The photo shows the design of the device.
Its main elements:

1 and 2 – spring regulators.
3 – base of the device.
4 – nut fixing the relay to the adapter and the membrane cover.
5 – block with terminals for connecting a 220V network, the pump itself and its grounding.

How does a relay work?

The relay works according to this principle:

Under the influence of liquid pressure supplied from the pump, the membrane begins to press on the piston.
It activates the contact group, which is mounted on a metal platform with two hinges.
The contacts for connecting 220V voltage and the pump, depending on the position, can be open or closed, which corresponds to turning the pump off and on.
When the large regulator spring acts on the contact group platform, the piston pressure is balanced.
If the pressure begins to weaken, under the action of a spring the platform begins to lower and the contacts close, which turns on the pump (see).
The spring of the small regulator also acts against the water pressure, but it is located further from the platform hinge and does not immediately come into operation, but only after the platform with the contacts can rise to a certain height.
A small hinge with a spring is responsible for triggering the electrical section of the relay, for closing and opening its contacts.

The relay is designed so that the hinge and platform cannot be located in the same plane.
When the platform is raised above the hinge, the contacts jump down, and when lowered below its plane, the elements immediately snap upward.
The location of the plane of this hinge is slightly higher than the base of the spring of the small regulator, allowing the platform to rise without opening the contacts to this level, and when it reaches it, under the action of the springs of these two regulators, the contacts will open and the pump will turn off.
At the same time, the large spring regulator is thus responsible for the moment the unit is turned on or for the “lower” pressure (P), and the smaller one is responsible for the difference between the switch-off and switch-on pressures (∆P).
When the spring of the large regulator is compressed, which is done by tightening the nut clockwise, it acts with greater force on the platform of the contact group, which causes an increase in the “lower” pressure.
If in this case you do not change the degree of compression of the spring of the smaller regulator, the “upper” pressure or shutdown will begin to increase, to the same value. In this case, ∆P will remain unchanged.
When the spring of the smaller regulator is compressed, the “upper” pressure will increase, but the “lower” pressure will not change, which will lead to an increase in ∆P.
With appropriate weakening of the springs, these figures will decrease.
Adjustment of the pressure switch of pumping equipment is based on this principle.

How to regulate a pressure switch yourself

Before adjusting the automation, you need to prepare a screwdriver or wrench to remove the relay cover and a wrench to tighten or unscrew the nut adjusters.
After this, the instructions for doing the work yourself are as follows:

Disconnected from pressure switch voltage.
The plastic cover of the relay is removed and it is adjusted depending on its purpose:

increased blood pressure;
demotion;
changing the operating range of equipment.

Two spring regulators are mounted under the cover, responsible for the lower and upper pressure.

To increase or decrease the pressure in the network you must:

Simply tighten or unscrew the nut on the larger regulator.
After changing the adjustment, the lid closes.
The voltage turns on.
The tap opens and the pressure gauge built into the pumping station determines whether the pressure at which the pump is turned on or “lower”.
The tap is closed and the “upper” pressure is checked using the pressure gauge when the pump is turned off.

Tip: If the pressure readings are satisfactory, the adjustment is considered complete. If not, everything repeats again.

How to change the relay range

If the “lower” pressure is normal, and you only need to increase or decrease the “upper” pressure, you need to use a smaller regulator.
Wherein:

Tightening the nut clockwise for this regulator will increase the “upper” pressure, while keeping the “lower” pressure constant.
Unscrewing is the opposite: in this case, the difference between them - ∆P - will decrease or increase.
After changing the adjustment, the power is turned on and the pressure gauge shows the moment when the pump turns off - the “upper” pressure.
If the results are satisfactory, the adjustment can be stopped; if not, the process is repeated until the desired result is obtained.

Advice: It is necessary to take into account that an increase in ∆P allows the pump to turn on less often, but in this case more noticeable pressure drops will occur in the water supply network, and when it decreases, on the contrary, it will be equalized in the system, but the pump will turn on more often, which will lead to to reduce its service life.

What is taken into account when making adjustments

When regulating the operation of equipment relays yourself, it is necessary to take into account the following important points:

“Upper” pressure, which is more than 80% of the maximum for the product, cannot be installed on this model. As a rule, it is indicated on the packaging or in the instructions and ranges from 5 to 5.5 bar.
To install a higher level in the system of a private house, it is necessary to select a relay with a higher maximum pressure.
Before increasing the pressure to turn on the pump, you need to get acquainted with its characteristics, whether it can develop such pressure. Otherwise, if it cannot be created, the unit will not turn off, and the relay will not be able to turn it off, because the set limit cannot be reached.
Pump pressure is measured in meters of water column: 1 m of water. Art. = 0.1 bar. In addition, hydraulic losses in the entire system are also taken into account.
Do not tighten the regulator nuts completely when adjusting, otherwise the relay may stop working completely.

Effect of air pressure in the tank

The normal operation of the equipment depends on the air pressure in the hydraulic accumulator (see), but it has nothing to do with adjusting the relay. In any case, it will begin to operate at a certain “lower” and “upper” pressure, regardless of its presence in the tank.
In the absence of air in the membrane tank, it can only lead to complete filling with water and the pressure in the system will immediately begin to rise to the “upper” pressure and the pump will immediately turn off after stopping liquid intake. Every time you open the tap, the pump turns on, it will immediately drop to the “lower” limit.
If there is no hydraulic accumulator, the relay will still operate. Reduced air pressure leads to strong stretching of the membrane, and increased air pressure leads to insufficient filling of the tank with water. In this case, excess air pressure will displace the liquid.
For normal operation of the pumping station and long service life of the membrane, it is necessary that the air pressure be 10% less than the “lower” one set during adjustment. Then the accumulator will be normally filled with water, and the membrane will not stretch too much, which means it will last for a long time. In this case, the pump will turn on at intervals corresponding to the ∆P adjusted in the relay.
In addition, it is necessary to check the air pressure in the tank of the pumping station if there is no liquid pressure in it. In this case, you need to open the tap located lowest in the system and drain all the water.
The details of adjusting the pressure switch are well shown in the video in this article.

Tip: When setting up a pressure switch, you need to remember that the accumulator or tank, plumbing, all hoses and the mechanics of the relay have their own pressure limits that cannot be exceeded.

When organizing a water supply system at home, you need not only a pump, but also automation to ensure its operation. One of the necessary devices is a water pressure switch. This small device turns on the pump when the pressure in the system drops and turns it off when a threshold value is reached. The magnitude of the on and off parameters can be adjusted. How this device works, how to connect it and how to regulate it is in the article.

Purpose and device

In order to maintain constant pressure in the water supply system of a private house, two devices are needed - a hydraulic accumulator and a pressure switch. Both of these devices are connected to the pump through a pipeline - the pressure switch is located in the middle between the pump and the accumulator. Most often it is located in close proximity to this tank, but some models can be installed on the pump body (even submersible). Let's understand the purpose of these devices and how the system works.

A hydraulic accumulator is a container divided into two halves by an elastic bulb or membrane. In one there is air under some pressure, in the second water is pumped. The water pressure in the accumulator and the amount of water that can be pumped into it are regulated by the amount of pumped air. The more air there is, the higher the pressure is maintained in the system. But at the same time, less water can be pumped into the container. Usually it is possible to pump no more than half the volume into the container. That is, no more than 40-50 liters can be pumped into a hydraulic accumulator with a volume of 100 liters.

For normal operation of household appliances, a range of 1.4 atm - 2.8 atm is required. To maintain such a framework, a pressure switch is required. It has two response limits - upper and lower. When the lower limit is reached, the relay starts the pump, it pumps water into the accumulator, and the pressure in it (and in the system) increases. When the system pressure reaches the upper limit, the relay turns off the pump.

In a scheme with a hydraulic accumulator, water is consumed from the tank for some time. When enough has flowed out for the pressure to drop to the lower response threshold, the pump will turn on. This is how this system works.

Pressure switch device

This device consists of two parts - electrical and hydraulic. The electrical part is a group of contacts that closes and opens turning the pump on/off. The hydraulic part is a membrane that exerts pressure on the metal base and springs (large and small) with the help of which the pump on/off pressure can be changed.

The hydraulic outlet is located on the back of the relay. This could be a release from external thread or with an American type nut. The second option is more convenient during installation - in the first case, you either need to look for an adapter with a union nut of a suitable size or twist the device itself, screwing it onto the thread, but this is not always possible.

The electrical inputs are also located on the back of the case, and the terminal block itself, where the wires are connected, is hidden under the cover.

Types and varieties

There are two types of water pressure switches: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical ones are much cheaper and are usually preferred, while electronic ones are mainly delivered to order.

Name	Pressure adjustment limit	Factory settings	Manufacturer/country	Device protection class	Price
RDM-5 Gilex	1- 4.6 atm	1.4 - 2.8 atm	Gilex/Russia	IP 44	13-15$
Italtecnica PM/5G (m) 1/4"	1 - 5 atm	1.4 - 2.8 atm	Italy	IP 44	27-30$
Italtecnica RT/12 (m)	1 - 12 atm	5 - 7 atm	Italy	IP 44	27-30$
Grundfos (Condor) MDR 5-5	1.5 - 5 atm	2.8 - 4.1 atm	Germany	IP 54	55-75$
Italtecnica PM53W 1"	1.5 - 5 atm		Italy		7-11 $
Genebre 3781 1/4"	1 - 4 atm	0.4 - 2.8 atm	Spain		7-13$

The difference in prices in different stores can be more than significant. Although, as usual, when buying cheap copies, there is a risk of running into a fake.

Connecting the water pressure switch

The water pressure switch for the pump is connected to two systems at once: electricity and water supply. It is installed permanently, since there is no need to move the device.

Electrical part

To connect a pressure switch, a dedicated line is not required, but is desirable - there is a greater chance that the device will work longer. A cable with a solid copper core with a cross-section of at least 2.5 square meters must run from the shield. mm. It is advisable to install a combination of automatic + RCD or difavtomat. The parameters are selected based on current and depend more on the characteristics of the pump, since the water pressure switch consumes very little current. The circuit must have grounding - the combination of water and electricity creates a zone of increased danger.

Connection diagram of the water pressure switch to

The cables are inserted into special inputs on the back of the case. Under the cover there is a terminal block. It has three pairs of contacts:

grounding - the corresponding conductors coming from the panel and from the pump are connected;
line or “line” terminals - for connecting the phase and neutral wires from the panel;
terminals for similar wires from the pump (usually on the block located above).

The connection is standard - the conductors are stripped of insulation, inserted into the connector, and tightened with a clamping bolt. By pulling the conductor, check whether it is securely clamped. After 30-60 minutes, the bolts can be tightened, since copper is a soft material and the contact may weaken.

Pipeline connection

Eat different ways connecting the water pressure switch to the water supply system. Most convenient option- installation of a special adapter with all required outputs - a five-pin fitting. The same system can be assembled from other fittings, it’s just that it’s always easier to use a ready-made version.

It is screwed onto the pipe on the back of the housing; a hydraulic accumulator, a supply hose from the pump and a line that goes into the house are connected to the other outputs. You can also install a mud pan and a pressure gauge.

A pressure gauge is a necessary thing - to monitor the pressure in the system, monitor the relay settings. Mudman - too required device, but it can be installed separately on the pipeline from the pump. In general, a whole

With this scheme, at high flow rates, water is supplied directly to the system - bypassing the hydraulic accumulator. It begins to fill after all the taps in the house are closed.

Adjusting the water pressure switch

Let's consider the process of adjusting the most popular model - RDM-5. It is produced by different factories. The adjustment limits change, since different sized water pipes require different pressures. This device leaves the factory with a basic setting. Usually this is 1.4-1.5 atm - the lower threshold and 2.8-2.9 atm - upper threshold. If you are not satisfied with some parameter, you can reconfigure it as required. This procedure is usually necessary when installing a Jacuzzi: the standard pressure of 2.5-2.9 atm is not enough for the required effect. In most other cases, reconfiguration is not required.

The water pressure switch RDM-5 has two springs, which regulate the threshold for turning off/on the pump. These springs differ in size and purpose:

the large one regulates the limits (both upper and lower);
a small one changes the delta - the gap between the upper and lower boundaries.

The parameters change when tightening or unscrewing the nuts on the springs. If you tighten the nuts, the pressure increases, if you loosen it, it decreases. There is no need to tightly tighten the nuts; one revolution is a change of about 0.6-0.8 atm, and this is usually a lot.

How to determine relay response thresholds

The pump activation threshold (and the lower pressure threshold on the water pressure switch) are related to the pressure in the air part of the accumulator - the minimum pressure in the system should be 0.1-0.2 atm higher. For example, if the pressure in the container is 1.4 atm, the shutdown threshold is desirable to be 1.6 atm. With these parameters, the tank membrane will last longer. But for the pump to work in normal conditions, look at its characteristics. It also has a lower pressure threshold. So, it should not be higher than the selected value (lower or equal). Based on these three parameters, you select the switching threshold.

By the way, the pressure in the accumulator must be checked before setting - there are significant deviations from the declared parameters. A nipple is hidden under the removable cover (it looks and is located in different places in different models). Through it you can connect a pressure gauge (can be a car one or the one you have) and see the actual pressure. By the way, it can be adjusted through the same nipple - increased or decreased if necessary.

The upper threshold - turning off the pump - is set automatically during adjustment. The relay in the initial state is set to some pressure difference (delta). This difference is usually 1.4-1.6 atm. So if you set the switch-on, for example, to 1.6 atm, the switch-off threshold will automatically be set at 3.0-3.2 atm (depending on the relay settings). If you need higher pressure (to raise water to the second floor, for example, or the system has many water points), you can increase the shutdown threshold. But there are limitations:

Parameters of the relay itself. The upper limit is fixed and in household models usually does not exceed 4 atm. It’s simply not possible to put up more.
Upper limit of pump pressure. This parameter is also fixed and the pump must be turned off no less than 0.2-0.4 atm before the declared characteristics. For example, the upper pressure threshold of the pump is 3.8 atm, the shutdown threshold on the water pressure switch should be no higher than 3.6 atm. But in order for the pump to work for a long time and without overloads, it is better to make a larger difference - overloads have too bad an effect on the operating life.

That's all for choosing the water pressure switch settings. In practice, when setting up the system, you have to adjust the selected parameters in one direction or another, because you need to select everything so that all water points work normally, including household appliances. Therefore, it is often said that parameters are chosen using the “scientific poker” method.

Setting up a water pressure switch for a pump or pumping station

To set up the system, you will need a reliable pressure gauge, the readings of which you can trust. It is connected to the system near the pressure switch.

The adjustment process consists of tightening two springs: large and small. If you need to raise or lower the lower threshold (pump activation), turn the nut on the large spring. If you turn it clockwise, the pressure rises, if you turn it counterclockwise, it decreases. Turn it a very small amount - half a turn or so.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

The system is started, and the pressure gauge is used to monitor at what pressure the pump turned on and off.
The large spring is pressed or released.
Turn it on and check the parameters (at what pressure it turned on, at what pressure it turned off). Both quantities are shifted by the same amount.
If necessary, adjustments are made (the large spring is adjusted again).
After the lower threshold is set the way you want it to be, proceed to adjusting the pump shutdown threshold. To do this, press or lower a small spring. Don't twist the nut too much either - half a turn is usually enough.
Turn the system back on and look at the results. If everything suits you, they stop there.

What else do you need to know about adjusting the water pressure switch? That not all models have the ability to change the delta, so look carefully when purchasing. There is a pressure switch for the pump in a moisture- and dust-proof housing. They can be installed in a pit; some models can be installed directly on the pump body, if it has such an outlet.

Some water pressure relays also have an idle (dry) relay; in general, this device is in a separate housing, but there are also combined ones. Idling protection is necessary so that the pump does not break down if suddenly there is no water in the well or borehole. Some pumps have built-in protection of this type; for others, relays are purchased and installed separately.

Modern pumping stations equipped with a hydraulic accumulator tank are a common and popular solution used both for country work and to provide water supply systems for private houses.

Such units contain a special pressure switch - a mechanism responsible for maintaining a certain water pressure in the system. And in some situations it may need to be adjusted - if the device does not work in the desired mode.

Adjustment method

First of all, let's consider a question that may be useful to all owners of such devices: how to adjust the pressure of a pumping station using a relay.

This is a rather responsible and almost jewel-like part of the work of troubleshooting pressure problems. The work is carried out with the pump turned on. Work progress:

Remove the cover that covers the pressure regulator for the pumping station.
Completely loosen the clamp on the smaller spring.
We begin to adjust the pressure, at which the pump starts working: we will rotate the clamping nut of the large spring. If you need to increase the pressure, turn it clockwise, decrease it counterclockwise.
Then open the tap to let water flow- thereby reducing the water pressure in the pumping station. We wait for the pump to start and check the result - whether the moment the device starts corresponds to the required pressure. If something is not satisfactory (the station did not work on time), we continue the adjustment.
Then you need to adjust the upper limit, at which the pumping station must be turned off. We turn the clamping nut of the smaller spring and set the required upper pressure. Then we turn on the pump and wait for the relay to operate. If the resulting result does not suit you (again, if the device does not work at the right time), we drain the water again and repeat the whole process.

No matter what company the pumping station is made, the pressure setting will be approximately the same for everyone. The only differences can be design, however, the principle will necessarily be the same.

If, however, adjusting the pressure regulator of the pumping station does not bring tangible results, and the pumping station does not create pressure, you will have to change the relay. The average price of this part is 500-600 rubles.

As an option, you can not change part of the mechanism, but use the service of a specialist to configure it. This will cost an average of 500-1000 rubles.

High pressure pumping stations at correct operation and if properly configured, they will serve you for a very long time.

What should I do if the device does not gain pressure?

When operating any pumping station - domestic or imported, a situation may occur when the pressure regulation of the pumping station is lost and the device ceases to function correctly.

The reasons for this are very different. Let's look into them.

When the pumping station does not gain pressure, the reasons may be as follows:

Low pump power.
Collector damage.
Low voltage in the electrical network.

In the first case, most likely, the pumping station was selected incorrectly: it did not increase the water pressure in the pipes because it could not lift water that was too far or deep.

Or if the pump is already sufficient for a long time is used, some parts may wear out, which also prevents it from working at full capacity.

To correct this problem, you will need to either change the pumping station to a more powerful one, or manually lower the maximum pressure to the level at which it can operate optimally.

To avoid such troubles, you need to correctly calculate the power of the device - since a mistake made will cost you a considerable amount, which you will have to shell out on the purchase of a new device.

Sometimes the pumping station takes a long time to build up pressure (or does not build up pressure at all to the required level) because a water leak occurs: a pipe could burst somewhere or any of the threaded connections could depressurize.

In this case, you should check the entire pipeline system, walking along its entire length, and pay attention to its integrity. The most common places for leaks are:

knees, bends;
places of connections (it does not matter exactly how the connection was made).

If a leak is detected, it should be eliminated - either tighten the nuts tighter (if water flows through the flange connection), or, if it flows through the flange, disconnect the section and seal the crack.

If the electricity voltage in the network is less than 220 V, then the pressure in the pumping station will not rise to the required level. It is worth turning off the pump and checking the home electrical network with a tester.

By the way, efficiency losses due to lack of voltage are quite significant - up to 10-15%. At the same time, you should also know that the network voltage is very often lower than required - so it is recommended to check it before purchasing.

What to do if the device “does not hold” pressure?

In the case when the pumping station does not hold pressure, i.e. it decreases when there is no water flow, then the problem lies in the operation check valve: Sometimes it can become clogged and release water back into the reservoir.

If the valve is in good condition, look for a leak in the pipes, as described above.

A problem such as low pressure at a pumping station also occurs if water is supplied to the system with less pressure. In this case, you need to adjust the pressure in the hydraulic accumulator of the pumping station.

Here you will have to adjust the automatic relay, which controls the pump on/off functions, as already described above.

What is the optimal pressure in the pumping station? The standard pressure that meets the technical specifications is as follows:

Switching pressure- 1.5-1.8 atmospheres;
Shutdown pressure 2.5-3.0 atmospheres.

Any action with the pressure regulator must be done very carefully, especially if it is adjusting the pressure sensor of the pumping station, so as not to harm the pump or upset the setting.

Setting up the pressure regulator of the pumping station should begin by checking the hydraulic accumulator, namely: find out what the pressure is in the tank of the pumping station. Before starting the test, the pump must be disconnected from the network and the tank emptied.

You can check the pressure in the pumping station receiver with an ordinary car pump that has a pressure gauge. It should be about one and a half atmospheres.

If the pressure is lower, you need to pump it up. In general, make it a rule to periodically monitor the air pressure in the pumping station (meaning in the tank, of course), and when it decreases, pump it up.

This will significantly extend the life of the hydraulic accumulator.

If, after you have tried to equalize the pressure in the pumping station bulb, the pump still malfunctions, you need to adjust the pressure sensor itself for the pumping station.

You should also pay attention to the integrity of the membrane - the rubber bulb located in the tank, which, in fact, is its most important part. This can be checked by pressing the nipple on the accumulator body.

If water flows from there, it means that the seal of the membrane is broken, and the pressure cannot be maintained at the required level. In this case, you should first deal with the pear, and only then pay attention to adjustments, if necessary.

To repair the membrane, the tank must be disassembled. This is easy to do - you just need to unscrew the bolts on the body and remove part of it. Then you need to pull the bulb out and check it.

If the damage is minor, it can be vulcanized at any tire station. It costs literally 200-300 rubles.

In case of serious damage, you will have to buy a new bulb - this solution will be much more reliable than repairing the old one. For a 24 liter tank (one of the most popular household options) it will cost about 800-1000 rubles.

Larger pears, of course, will cost more - for example, for 50 liters - about 1,500 rubles.

Adjusting the pump station pressure switch is a key setup step autonomous system water supply for a country house.

This operation is not particularly difficult, but to perform it correctly you need to know a few rules, which we will talk about later.

Let's also consider the most common errors that can occur during adjustment.

1 Design
2 Preparing the storage tank
3 Setting the pressure switch of the pumping station
4 Setting up from scratch
5 Common mistakes
- 5.1 Small spring over-tightened
- 5.2 Poff pressure is more than 80% of the maximum permissible for this relay model
- 5.3 The Pon pressure is set so high (a large spring is overtightened) that the pump cannot overcome it and “get” to the operating range
6 Features of relays from some manufacturers
7 Videos on the topic

Design

A pumping station pressure switch is an electronic-mechanical device that starts and turns off the pump at certain pressure values in the water supply network.

Relays produced by various manufacturers are structurally very similar; the differences, as a rule, lie in minor details. The pump is supplied or turned off by closing and opening the contact group - the main element of the relay.

In addition to it, the device includes a piston with a membrane and two springs, which in most cases have different sizes.

After connecting the relay to a special adapter of the pumping station, water pressure begins to act on the membrane, and that on the piston, which is connected to the contact group.

On the opposite side, a large spring acts on the contact group, the compression force of which can be adjusted using the appropriate nut.

If, due to water intake, the pressure in the water supply system drops, the spring overcomes the impact from the piston and the contact group closes, supplying power to the pump.

As the pressure in the pipeline increases, the piston will gradually shift the platform with contacts, overcoming the resistance of the spring. But the contacts do not open immediately, but only after moving a certain distance, which depends on the degree of compression of the second - small - spring. Like the big one, it is mounted on a rod with a nut. After opening the contacts, the pump is switched off.

Design of a typical pressure switch for a pumping station

Thus, by adjusting the compression force of the larger spring, the user sets the pump activation pressure or, as it is also called, the lower pressure - Pon. To set the shutdown pressure (upper) - Poff - a small spring is used, the compression force of which actually determines the difference between Poff and Pon.

At the pre-sale preparation stage, the manufacturer configures the relay. Pon is usually set in the range of 1.5 - 1.8 atm (or bar, which is the same thing), Poff - in the range from 2.5 to 3 atm. If the settings are not suitable for the user or they are incorrect, they resort to adjusting the relay.

However, before doing this, it is necessary to prepare a storage tank.

To organize an independent water supply in the presence of a well, it is necessary to connect a pumping station. Pumping station for a well - types and features, operating principle of the device.

What is a drainage pump and what are the advantages of float options, read here.

A caisson is a device that promotes uninterrupted water supply. Here http://aquacomm.ru/vodosnabzenie/zagorodnyie-doma-v/avtonomnoe-vodosnabzhenie/istochniki/kesson.html you will learn what types of caissons there are and how to install them on a well with your own hands.

Preparing the storage tank

A storage tank or hydraulic accumulator is a sealed container with a rubber bulb located inside.

The latter is connected to the water supply, as a result of which it can be filled with water. Into the space between the bulb and the walls of the tank using a conventional car pump air is pumped in.

This air spring compresses the bulb with water and maintains the pressure in the water supply network at an acceptable level for some time without turning on the pump.

The air pressure in the accumulator must be selected correctly, otherwise the system will not operate optimally.

If it is too low or high, the pump will turn on very often, which will negatively affect its service life.

In addition, with low air pressure, the accumulator bulb stretches excessively, as a result of which it also quickly fails.

Before pumping air, as well as before checking its pressure, water from the pipelines must be drained by opening the lowest tap. At the same time, the storage tank bulb will also become empty.

Now you can pump in air and check its pressure. It should be 10% less than Pon. If the system has not yet been configured and you have not yet decided on the switching pressure, the pressure is developed to the following values:

1.4 – 1.7 atm with a hydraulic accumulator volume of 20 – 25 l;
1.7 – 1.9 atm with a volume of 50 – 100 l.

The air pressure in the storage tank should be checked approximately once a month.

Do not leave the accumulator bulb without water for a long time. Its walls may stick together or dry out.

Setting the pressure switch of the pumping station

If the air pressure in the storage tank is correct and all filters in the system are clear of blockages, you can begin adjusting the water pressure switch for the pumping station. To do this, you must adhere to the following sequence of actions:

After disconnecting the pump from the network, you need to drain the water from the water supply through the lowest tap and remove the cover from the relay (for this you will need a regular screwdriver or a suitable wrench).
Now you should turn on the pump, thus starting to fill the system with water.
When the pump turns off, record the pressure gauge reading. This will be the current Poff value.
Now you need to slightly open the tap located in highest point water supply or as far as possible from the pump (with a single-level system). As soon as the network pressure drops to a certain level, the pump will turn on again. At this point, it is necessary to record the pressure gauge readings again, thus determining the current Pon value and the pressure difference to which the relay is set. At the same time, try to determine whether you are satisfied with the pressure with which the water flowed at that moment. Let us remind you that the test tap should be located above or further than all the others, that is, at the point where the water pressure is the least.
If the pressure at the moment of starting the pump seems insufficient, the pressure Pon must be increased. To do this, turn off the power to the installation again, after which the largest spring in the relay is tightened with the appropriate nut. If you think that the pressure can be reduced, loosen the spring.
Now you should set up the pressure difference Poff and Pon, which you have already calculated. Its optimal value is 1.4 atm. If you get a lower result, the water supply will be more uniform, but the pump will start more often, which will lead to a reduction in its service life. If the difference between Poff and Pon turns out to be more than 1.4 atm, then the installation will operate in a more gentle mode, but the difference between the maximum and minimum pressures will be much more noticeable. To adjust this parameter, you need to rotate the nut of the second – small – spring. By increasing the force of its compression, we increase the pressure difference and, accordingly, Poff. Weakening the spring will have the opposite effect.
After adjustment, you need to check how correctly it was performed. The water supply is drained again, the pump is connected to the network and started. Then all actions are repeated in the same order.

Please note: the sensitivity of the second spring, responsible for adjusting the pressure difference, is greater than that of the first. Therefore, its compression force should be adjusted carefully by turning the nut at a small angle.

Setting up from scratch

Sometimes you have to deal with a relay whose springs are completely weakened. In this case, do this:

By turning on the pump, the pressure in the network is pumped up to the level at which water flows from the most distant or highly located tap with acceptable pressure. Suppose the pressure gauge showed 1.5 atm. After this, the pump must be turned off.
After disconnecting the station from the power supply and removing the cover from the relay, tighten the large spring until the relay clicks, closing the contacts.
Having closed the relay, turn on the pump and increase the pressure to 2.9 atm (1.5 + 1.4).
Turning off the pump again and opening the relay, tighten the small spring until the contacts open.
Now the relay is set to Pon = 1.5 atm and Poff = 2.9 atm. It is necessary to close it with a lid and turn on the station to the electrical network.

Setting up the pressure switch

Common Mistakes

Relay adjustment does not always go smoothly. Here are the situations that happen most often:

Small spring overtightened

As a result, the shut-off pressure exceeded the maximum pump pressure.

In this case, the pump simply will not turn off.

What to do:

Apply power to the pump and start it;
as soon as the pressure on the pressure gauge stops increasing, the station must be turned off;
open any of the taps and drain a small amount of water;
making sure that the equipment is completely disconnected from the network, remove the cover from the relay and loosen the small spring until the contacts open with a characteristic click;

Now you can put the cover back in place and turn on the pump.

Poff pressure is more than 80% of the maximum permissible for this relay model

The relay of most pumping stations is designed for a pressure of 5 - 5.5 atm. This parameter is given in the product passport or on the packaging.

Therefore, the Poff pressure for such a device should not exceed 4 - 4.4 atm.

If this is not enough for a comfortable water supply, you will have to install a relay with a higher maximum pressure.

The Pon pressure is set so high (a large spring is overtightened) that the pump cannot overcome it and “get” to the operating range

In this case, the station will again not turn off.

What needs to be done: before starting the adjustment, study the pump passport and find the maximum value of the pressure it develops. It is usually indicated in meters of water column (mwst). To convert it to atmospheres, the given value should be divided by 10.34. Under all conditions, the values of Pon and Poff must be less than the maximum pressure that the pump is capable of.

Features of relays from some manufacturers

Some relay models may have additional elements, which often confuse inexperienced owners of pumping stations.

The most typical are:

Lever of the dry running protection mechanism: most often found in expensive imported models that come with a complete set.
An additional spring that prevents spontaneous turning of the nuts on the adjusting springs: such a device can be seen in RDM-5 relays installed at pumping stations Russian company Gilex Jumbo.

The presence of these elements should not confuse you; perform the settings in accordance with the instructions provided.

It is also worth mentioning the features characteristic of the Marina and Pedrollo stations (Italy). For the former, the maximum pressure for the relay is only 3.2 atm and the springs in it have to be tightened every six months. For the latter, there is a manufacturer’s recommendation regarding the air pressure in the accumulator: it should be 0.2 atm less than the Pon pressure, which with standard settings is 1.4 atm.

- This central element in the water pump. The efficiency of the entire system depends on its correct functioning. This important element performs several tasks at once. First of all, it regulates the water supply. Feed parameters are set before use and changed as necessary during operation. Proper adjustment of the water pressure switch for the pump ensures safe and high-quality operation of the entire water supply system. We will talk about the correct setup and nuances of selection and installation in this review.

Read in the article:

Selecting the correct connection diagram for the water pressure switch for the pump

First, it’s worth understanding what the plumbing system consists of:

its first part is the water intake point. She may be water pipe, or well;
pressure switch;
water purification system. Usually it consists of several containers;
water tap for which comfortable water pressure is provided.

First of all, it’s worth understanding what kind of pressure the residents of the house need. It is also important to find out the water pressure at the water intake point. This point is important because at a pressure below 1.4 atm, water is not drawn due to the relay being turned off. Such problems can also arise if you use a city water supply, because the water pressure in it is not always more than 1.0 atm. When drawing water from a well, these difficulties will not arise, and the water supply pressure will depend only on technical characteristics pump

It can be seen that each relay has its own setting option; it is usually described in detail in the instructions for a specific device model. All types of relays have general purpose and mechanism of action.

Manufacturer selection

There are a large number of different models devices. They differ in price, appearance and have slightly different characteristics.

Manufacturer and model	Characteristics	Cost, rub.
	Pressure range 1.0 – 4.5 atm. Voltage 220 – 230 V, 50 Hz Maximum rated power HP 2	900
Pressure switch PM 1 15, Grundfos	Operating temperature from 0° to 40° The pump starts at a pressure of 1.5 bar and runs as long as there is flow. Dry running protection	5 655
Pressure switch PM/5(p)1/4, UNIPUMP	Mains voltage - 230 V, 50 Hz. The maximum switching current is 12A. Working pressure - 5 bar Power - 1500 W.	467
Pressure switch PA 5 1-5 bar, WATTS	Pressures from 1 to 5 bar. Pressure drop 0.5 – 2.5 bar. Current strength 16 A. Maximum temperature Coolant 90° Indoors 55°	997

Installation and connection

Connecting any mechanism begins with preparatory stage. First you need to choose the location for installing the relay. According to knowledgeable people, the device should be installed directly near the pump outlet. In this place, turbulence and pressure differences are remarkably leveled out. Before choosing a location, it is imperative to familiarize yourself with the operating conditions of the selected device, because some of them can only be used in heated rooms.

The next stage of preparation will be the selection of the necessary pressure thresholds:

Minimum – determines at what pressure the pump starts operating.
Maximum – controls the moment the pumps stop working.
The difference between these two values is called the pressure range. This indicator is directly proportional to the frequency of pump activation.

Important! It should be noted that the minimum pressure value should be 0.2 atm higher than the pressure of the pump accumulator chamber.

The third point of preparation is the registration of parameters. On a household appliance, this process will not cause difficulties, since it is adjusted using a pair of springs, which in turn are regulated by threaded regulators. The relay has two springs:

a large spring serves to control the upper pressure limit;
small – determines the pressure difference.

During preparation, several more devices are installed: a shut-off valve, valves (return and breakdown), and a sewer drain. Installation should be carried out by professionals or people who at least have an idea of the operating principle and rules for installing such devices. Installation (and then adjustment of the water pressure switch for the pump) must be carried out exactly as written in the instructions:

First, a tee is installed at the selected location on the pipe, to which a drain valve or fitting connected to the water pressure switch is attached.
During installation, a threaded connection is used, which should be properly sealed using FUM tape.
There are devices that cannot be installed in the usual way. They are equipped only with a rigidly fixed nut. During installation, rotate the relay directly.
Electricity is connected using a cable. Its cross-section must match the requirements of the device, depending on the power.
The kit sometimes includes a grounding terminal. If available, a grounding cable must be installed.

Should we consider electronic analogues?

Mechanical devices, of course, are more popular, but electronic models have some undeniable advantages:

Constantly adjusting the pressure switch for the pump by tightening the springs is a thing of the past. The electronic version does not require long setup after installation.
It will be very easy to install. Any person without special education or special skills can cope with this task.
The service life is practically no different from conventional mechanics.

Prices for electronic water pressure switches for a pump can range from two to four thousand rubles. It depends on the manufacturer, the materials used in production and the store selling it. If you spend some time searching the required device– you can buy a high-quality unit for a fair price. If you are purchasing it for long-term use, saving on it is not the best option.

“It would be much better to spend money on a slightly higher-quality model than to constantly change cheap devices that break.”

How to configure the pressure switch of a pumping station

Owners of private houses understand that if the relay malfunctions, the entire system may malfunction. From proper adjustment of the water pressure switch home station The stability of the entire system, and therefore the comfort of all residents of the house, depends on the water supply.

Setting up the relay should begin with checking the indicators established at the factory. Typically, the minimum pressure level is 1.5 atm, and the maximum is 2.5 atm. The check is carried out using a pressure gauge. At this point, it is necessary to turn off the pump and ensure that the tank is empty. To measure pressure, a pressure gauge is attached to an empty tank and readings are taken from it.

“This check can be avoided by purchasing a ready-made unit. But if you purchase all the components separately, you will have to carry out the first adjustment of the water pressure switch for the pumping station.”

Procedure for adjusting the water pressure switch for the pump

Like any other, this device allows you to supply water to your home water supply with the same pressure. This device is activated after the pressure indicator specified by the setting is reached. At the factory, of course, they set the basic indicators, but most often they are not enough to ensure comfortable pressure, so after the purchase you will have to set your own parameters. Specialists, of course, will do everything efficiently and well, but sometimes it is better to understand an important issue on your own.

Adjusting the pressure switch RDM-5: brief instructions

To correctly adjust the water pressure switch for the pump, you should follow a simple algorithm:

Fill the tank with water until the required maximum value appears on the pressure gauge.
Disable for a while.
Open the housing and gain access to the adjustment springs. You will have to carefully rotate the small nut. At some point the mechanism will work. As you rotate counterclockwise, the pressure level decreases. When rotated clockwise, it increases.
The lower limit is set by opening the tap and slowly draining the water from the tank.
When the pressure gauge readings are correct, the process is stopped.
A large nut is used to adjust the lower parameters. When you rotate it, you will also have to wait for the contacts to respond.

This action should be performed once a month, but this is ideal. It is advisable to conduct it at least once per quarter. A small difference between the pressure limits obliges the pumping station to operate with a high frequency of turning on and off the pumps. This mode of operation allows you to ensure an uninterrupted supply of water to the tap and at the same time its pressure always remains at approximately the same level, but this will affect the durability of the operation. The large range creates some differences in water pressure, but the pumping station is subject to less stress due to constant switching on and off and, accordingly, will not require repair or replacement for a long time.

Important! It is worth noting that the difference between the minimum and maximum pressure must be more than one atmosphere.

Complete with the pumping station, the owner of the house or cottage receives a water pressure switch for the pump. It allows you to fill the hydraulic tank automatically, saving owners from unnecessary hassle, but requires the most careful attention. The fact is that this key must, firstly, be connected correctly, and secondly, adjustments must be made to suit the needs of a particular home and its plumbing system. Neglecting these important points can lead to breakdown of the entire pumping station, as well as to a reduction in its service life. Before connecting and setting up the equipment, you need to understand the operating principles of the device and the hydraulic accumulator.

Purpose, device and principle of operation

A relay is the main element for regulating the water supply to pumping system. Thanks to it, the entire pumping equipment system is turned on and off.

It is this node in the water supply system that is responsible for the water pressure. Thanks to the relay, there is a balance between high supply and weak supply.

The relay is designed on the principle of opening the contact group when the water pressure changes. It is directly connected to the pump using output contacts. The diagram below shows the main components of the water pressure switch device.

Water pressure switch diagram

Two network contacts serve to electrically start the device. Using the pump contact group, the relay is switched on and off. There are two nuts on the top of the device. They are designed to regulate the pressure supply. Each nut is responsible for the force of water pressure in the system. When adjusting the relay, you should always remember that the device should turn off at an average water supply pressure in the pump. The differential adjustment nut adjusts the water supply between high and low pressure.

Using a relay, the switching on and off of the device supplying water to the hydraulic tank is automatically controlled. In this case, experts use a number of concepts, such as:

Switch-on pressure or lower pressure (Rvkl), at which the relay contacts for submersible or well pump close, the device turns on and water begins to flow into the tank. The manufacturer's standard setting is 1.5 bar.
Switch-off pressure or lower pressure (Poff), at which the device contacts open and the pump turns off. The manufacturer's standard settings are 2.5-3 bar.
Pressure drop (ΔP) is the difference between the previous two indicators.
The maximum permissible shutdown rate at which the pumping station can be turned off. The manufacturer's standard settings are 5 bar.

The hydraulic accumulator is a tank in which an additional rubber container called a “bulb” is built in. A certain amount of air is pumped into this “pear” through the most ordinary car nipple. The higher the pressure in the bulb, the more it puts pressure on the water accumulated in the tank, pushing it into the plumbing system. This ensures sufficient water pressure for comfortable use.

Membrane accumulators are designed somewhat differently, but their operating principle is approximately the same. The tank is divided into two parts by a special membrane, on one side of which there is water, on the other there is air that presses on the water, etc.

Relay classification

There are two types of relays based on the principle of operation - mechanical and automatic. When purchasing this mechanism, you need to consider what functions this device should perform.

In addition, automatic relays, although easier to operate, are less durable than mechanical ones. Therefore, most buyers opt for the mechanical option.

In addition, relays are sold either built into the pumping station or separately from it. Therefore, you can select a relay based on individual characteristics that will improve the operation of all equipment.

Mechanical type

Mechanical pressure switch SQUARE with dry running protection. The pressure generated by this device ranges from 1.3 to 5 bar. Required current for efficient work the relay is 10 A.
Pressure switch Cristal. Current required for operation of this device, 16 A. The permissible pressure limit in the water supply system is 4.5 bar.

Electronic

Electronic relays are more susceptible to breakdowns due to the fact that when water is supplied, various small particles appear in it, which damage the equipment. To prevent this from happening, a special filter is placed at the supply inlet, which purifies the water and does not prevent damage to the device. An electronic device is better than a mechanical one in that it does not allow the pumping station to run idle.

After pressing the button to turn off the water supply, the electronic relays operate for another 16 seconds. This function is necessary to ensure that the device operates for a longer time.

An electronic relay is easier to install and configure. To reconfigure its operation, the entire system does not need to be disassembled; you just need to configure the necessary parameters on the electronic display using the appropriate buttons.

Pressure switch PS-15A with dry running. This electronic device operates in a pressure range from 1 to 5 bar. The current is 12 A. In addition to the listed characteristics, the device has built-in factory settings and full protection against dry running.
Pressure switch PS-2-15. Has factory settings and dry-running protection. The possible pressure limit in the water supply system is 5.6 bar, the current is 10 A.

Installation and connection of the relay: instructions

To install the relay, you must first make mechanical assembly the entire system, then you should connect these devices to the electrical network.

Electrical part

According to this diagram, connect electrical wires to the general network to terminals L1 and L2. Connect the pump terminals to the M terminals, and connect the ground to the corresponding terminals.

The wires must be connected to special terminals

Then carry out the work according to the connection diagram presented below for the electrical and mechanical parts of this connection.

After connecting the mechanical part, you need to connect the electrical part.

But such a connection system does not save the pumping station from dry running. Therefore, the pump should be installed in correct position, i.e. an order of magnitude higher than the located check valve.

A system connected according to this principle will operate in protected mode

This is a slightly different option for installing a home unit. But if the entire installation is carried out in accordance with this scheme, the pump will operate in a protected mode, that is, the mode of operation of the pump without water supply will be excluded.

This principle of operation of the pumping station will save the entire water supply system from rapid wear and complete failure.

All rules and instructions for connecting pumping equipment must be followed. First of all, you need to determine the required water pressure and select a relay based on this indicator.

Video: how to install a pressure controller

Checking the pressure in the water supply system using a pressure gauge

Immediately after purchasing a pumping station, you need to check the indicators that are set in the hydraulic tank by the manufacturer. Typically this figure is 1.5 atmospheres. However, during storage and transportation, leakage of some air from the tank is a completely common occurrence.

For checking, it is recommended to use a car pressure gauge with the least graduated scale possible to ensure accurate measurement. Some models of pumping stations are equipped with plastic pressure gauges, but practice has shown that they are unreliable and do not provide accurate pressure readings in the hydraulic tank. Another option is electronic pressure gauges, the readings of which largely depend on the battery charge level and the ambient temperature. Considering the high cost of electronic pressure gauges and the extreme unreliability of Chinese plastic products, experts recommend choosing a regular mechanical automobile pressure gauge, enclosed in a metal case.

To set the pump pressure switch, it is best to use a mechanical pressure gauge

To check the pressure in the accumulator, you need to remove the decorative cap under which the nipple is hidden, connect a pressure gauge to it and take readings. The lower the pressure, the greater the supply of water that can be created in it. To create a sufficiently large water pressure, a pressure of 1.5 atm is considered an acceptable indicator. But the atmosphere alone is quite enough to provide the household needs of a small house.

At high blood pressure the pump turns on more often, which means it wears out faster, but the water pressure in the system is created approximately the same as in a city water supply system. This allows, for example, the use of a hydromassage shower. At low pressure the pump wears less, but maximum comfort, which you can afford - an ordinary bathtub filled with hot water, but not the charms of a jacuzzi.

Please note that experts do not recommend over-pumping the hydraulic tank or reducing the pressure to less than one atmosphere. This can lead to an insufficient supply of water in the accumulator, or damage to the rubber bulb.

After these nuances have been clarified, air is either pumped into the hydraulic tank or vented until the required level is reached.

How to adjust correctly (with hydraulic accumulator)

Before setting the relay, you need to remove the cover, under which there are two springs with nuts: large and small. By turning the large nut, the lower pressure in the hydraulic accumulator (P) is adjusted. By rotating the small nut, the pressure difference (ΔР) is set. The starting point is the position of the large spring, with the help of which the lower pressure limit is set.

Before you begin setting up the pressure switch for the pump, you must remove the top cover from the device, which hides the large and small springs

After the accumulator has reached required parameter air, the tank should be connected to the system and turned on, observing the readings of the water pressure gauge. Please note that the technical documentation for each pump indicates operating and maximum pressure indicators, as well as the permissible water consumption rate. These values must not be exceeded when configuring the relay. If during system operation the operating pressure accumulator or pump limit value, you must turn off the pump manually. The maximum pressure is considered reached at the moment when the pressure stops increasing.

Fortunately, regular household pump models are not powerful enough to pump the tank to its maximum capacity. Most often, the difference between the set on and off pressures is 1-2 atmospheres, which fully ensures optimal use of the equipment.

Once the water pressure gauge shows the required lower pressure, the pump should be turned off. Further adjustment is made as follows:

Carefully rotate the small nut (ΔP) until the mechanism starts to work.
Open the water to completely empty the system of water.
When the relay turns on, the lower value will be reached. Please note that the pump activation pressure should be approximately 0.1-0.3 atmospheres higher than the pressure reading in an empty hydraulic tank. This will protect the “pear” from premature damage.
Now you need to rotate the large nut (P) to set the lower pressure limit.
After this, the pump is turned on again and waited until the indicator in the system rises to the desired level.
All that remains is to adjust the small nut (ΔP), after which the hydraulic accumulator can be considered adjusted.

Adjustment diagram

Here is a diagram that is suitable for most devices:

The pressure switch for the pump is adjusted using two nuts: large and small. They must be handled very carefully so as not to damage the device.

Video: how to adjust the relay for the pump

In addition to the initial setup when connecting the relay to the pump, the home owner needs to periodically check the operation of the system and adjust the settings. At least once every three months, experts recommend completely draining the water from the hydraulic tank and checking the air pressure by pumping up required amount or bleeding off excess.