sump pump timer question

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adamscb

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Hi All,

I'm not a timer expert, so thought I'd reach out to the forum and see if anyone has any answers on this. I'm wanting to use a field start/stop station to control a sump pump, but also have an adjustable timer (let's leave any float or level switches out of this discussion). I'm wanting so that when I push start in the field, the pump will run for a length of time. The pump will stop either after the allotted time frame, or if I hit stop in the field. Whenever the pump stops, after either the cycle is complete or stop is pushed, I want the timer to "reset" back to whatever it's set to. What kind of timer would I need? Also I would think momentary or maintained start/stop switches would come into play as well. I've seen literature online about single shot, on delay, off delay, etc, but nothing I've seen so far is what I need. Thanks for any and all help!
 
Questions:

1. Is there a contactor, or must the timer handle the load?

2. For manual control, do you only need momentary start and stop?
 
I know you said don't worry about float switches, etc. BUT, you also don't want the pump to run dry for any length of time.
 
LarryFine said:
Questions:

1. Is there a contactor, or must the timer handle the load?

2. For manual control, do you only need momentary start and stop?
Click to expand...
Timer must handle load, 230V, 2hp sump with 11 FLA
Either momentary or maintained, we can go either way
 
adamscb said:
Timer must handle load, 230V, 2hp sump with 11 FLA
Either momentary or maintained, we can go either way
Click to expand...
You probably want a cheap PLC to handle the logic, including the float switches, and an appropriately sized contactor to control the motor. By the time you wire up the relays and timer(s) you need to accomplish this, a PLC starts looking really cheap.


SceneryDriver
 
I would use something like this in Delayed Switch-Off mode:

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Your momentary start button initializes the relay and starts the pump, which stays on for the configured amount of time. Your momentary stop button triggers the reset function. It can handle 16 A up to 250 VAC, although not sure about motor loads. You're better off putting a contactor in there and use the timer relay for the coil. You're already going to be building a control panel for this so you might as well add a contactor.

It's pricey compared to other off-delay timers but this has a reset function which you will need so the pump will stop manually when you press the stop button.
 
SceneryDriver said:
You probably want a cheap PLC to handle the logic, including the float switches, and an appropriately sized contactor to control the motor. By the time you wire up the relays and timer(s) you need to accomplish this, a PLC starts looking really cheap.


SceneryDriver
Click to expand...
I would use a Smart Relay as opposed to a true PLC. I think you can get one for under $200.

You are limiting your options if you are looking for a timing device with motor rated contacts.
 
jim dungar said:
I would use a Smart Relay as opposed to a true PLC. I think you can get one for under $200.

You are limiting your options if you are looking for a timing device with motor rated contacts.
Click to expand...
The Click or Click PLUS by AutomationDirect is right in that price range.


SceneryDriver
 
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