How Does a Remote Pump Start Relay Work?
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Water Well Pumps
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Private well water pumps are used for bringing water to the surface from a dug or drilled well so it can be distributed through a water piping system. In order to maintain a flowing pressure in the water system, a pressure switch is generally used for the operation of the pump. This switch employs a series of internal springs that are connected to the electrical contacts that in turn control the pump. These contacts switch the pump "on" and "off". If the electrical capacity of the pump motor exceeds the ratings of the contacts on the pressure switch, a pump relay must be used. A large electrical load placed on the pressure switches contacts could cause them to burn out prematurely.
Pump Relays
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The pump relay is generally placed between the power source that feeds the pump motor and the pump itself. The relay is controlled by the pressure switch which acts as a controller to turn the electrical coiled relay on and off. The relay contacts, the portion of the relay which conducts the power to the motor, will have a heavier rated set of metal discs to conduct larger amounts of power. Some pumps may also require a "boost" to start the pump motor for deeper wells. A capacitor can then be placed in the electrical circuit to aid in the starting of the pump motor. After the motor comes up to speed, the capacitor is then switched out of the circuit. These types of pump start relays will utilize two sets of relays and contacts. One set is for the starting and the other is used to run the pump.
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Above Ground or Submersible
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Above ground pumps, for the most part, will not use the start relay as the smaller motor does not require a heavy draw of electricity. The smaller pressure switch is generally used by itself for the control of water pressure and the pumps operation. Submersible pumps on the other hand maybe wired with a start relay. Some submersible pumps can be pushing water to the surface from depths as far as 600 feet deep. The power required for this amount of force can only be handled by the larger contacts of a pump start relay. The pressure switch may still be used, but only as a control device to switch the relay on and off.
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