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Photograph of a water pump pressure control switch with the cover onWell pump / water pump protection devices & switches
Manual & automatic switches shut off the well pump in low-water conditions

Well pump or water pump protection switches & controls:

What can we install to protect a water pump from damage if the well runs out of water? How do we protect the well pump from damage due to pump short on-off cycling? How can we protect the well pump and its circuit from electrical overloads or lightning damage?

This article describes all of the devices to protect water pumps from damage from continuous running, short cycling, overloading, no well water, low yield wells, power surges, or lightning strikes.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Water Pump Protection Switches Guard Against Pump Damage & Overheating

Well pump relay switch and power control © D Friedman at InspectApedia.com Watch out: A water pump or "well pump" can be damaged by conditions that cause the pump to run continuously, particularly if the pump is running "dry" - without water passing through its mechanical parts. The result can be the need for a costly repair or for pump and control replacements.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Worse, a more powerful pump, especially a submersible pump that fails to turn off when it should may also pump water at high enough pressure to burst pipes, flood a building, or injure a bystander - dangers we discuss separately

at WATER PRESSURE TOO HIGH: DANGERS

Well pumps can also be damaged by other conditions such as low voltage, lightning strikes, entry of debris in the well water, or corrosive water.

Generally when readers ask what to do about a pump that won't shut off we suggest that they take the following steps

  1. Turn off the pump right away 

    - if you let the pump run dry for too long it's likely to be damaged.
  2. Diagnose the trouble and repair it -

    see WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING.

    The problem may be something easy such as a cut-out pressure set too high, or it may be more trouble, such as a well that has a very poor flow rate. In between are problems such as debris-clogging that prevents a pressure switch from properly sensing water pressure or leaks in well piping.
  3. Install an appropriate device to protect the pump 

    from damage due to chronic conditions such as a well that frequently runs low on water . Here

    at WATER PUMP PROTECTION SWITCH we describe all of the various devices installed to protect a well pump and its wiring and controls.

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

(May 31, 2011) Rico Zambrano said:

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

(Apr 25, 2012) Ernie Parsons said:

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

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

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

Rico:

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

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

2. Then diagnose the trouble, starting at

WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING

Ernie,

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

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

Water Pump / Well Pump Protection & Switches & Devices

GE Dole Flow Control Valve operation schematic

Dole Valve pump protection flow restrictor from American Granby cited & discussed at InspectApedia.com

Photograph of a water pump pressure control switch with the cover on

Square-D-FSG2J21M4CP-Switch at InspectApedia.com

Other Square D pump controllers include models that do not include low pressure cutout features: FSG2J20 (20/40 Cut-in/Cut-out), FSG2J21 (30/50 Cut-in/Cut-out), and FSG2J24 (40/60 Cut-in/Cut-out).

Other similar pressure switches are used on air compressor and air pump systems. Those are not intended for use on water systems.

See this SQUARE D Pumptrol® PRESSURE SWITCH CATALOG [PDF] for examples of this pressure switches that include an automatic cut-off in response to low or no water flow or pressure.

See WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH [web article] for information about water pump pressure control switch diagnosis, repair, or installation & wiring.

Cla-Val PC-1 Pump Control Panel with status indicator lights, Cla-Val Inc., www.cla-val.com

Recommended: Water pump relay switch with built-in low pressure or overload cut-off features.

Larger horsepower well pumps, usually submersible models, are switched on and off by a heavy-duty pump relay switch that is itself operated by the water pump pressure control switch described above.

Among water pump relays are more sophisticated models that include sensors that can shut off the pump it it's pumping air. These pump relay controls usually work by monitoring the current draw of the pump, or in some cases the pump motor temperature, or actual water flow. For example

PumpStop protection switch - www.pumpstopnow.com ... PumpStop protection switch - www.pumpstopnow.com

See WATER PUMP RELAY SWITCH [web article] for details about these and similar pump relay controllers.

Examples of pump relays that include sensors and pump status indicator lights are given

at PUMP CONTROL STATUS INDICATORS

Well pump protection tailpiece © D Friedman at InspectApedia.com

 

 

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

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

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

Reply: these articles discuss water pump protection devices that will shut off the pump

See these articles for devices that shut off a well pump to protect it from damage from loss of water in the well or from short cycling:

Question: less water after installing a pumpsaver device

(Dec 1, 2014) Anonymous said:

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

Reply:

A pump saver device, of which there are several device types using different methods, is designed to protect the pump from damage if well flow rate is poor, by preventing the pump from running from then on (thus being damaged) by recycling water through a tailpiece as pump runs - until the well recovers. I would look at the well flow rate to understand your issue with water delivery rate.

Question: pump for river water, cloggd foot valve

(July 31, 2014) Anonymous said:

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

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

Reply:

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

Question: pump shuts off sometimes

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

Reply:

Anon:

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

Or was the voltage abnormally low? Same response.

OR was well water level run out?

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

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

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

(Mar 10, 2015) Anonymous said:
my well water supply will have no water. after turning off the electric supply for an hour or so the water supply returns to normal. Also the motor seems to run for a long period before it turns off.

Reply:

Sounds as if your well is running dry. Or a pump motor is overheating, or a pump protection device is installed. Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

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

Unitech digital pump controller switch at InspectApedia.comQuestion: what do pump protection switches cost?

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

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

Nata

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

Pump Protection Switches & Controls in Australia

Pump Protection Switches & Controls in France

Pump Protection Switches & Controls in India

Water Pump Controls & Protectin Switches in New Zealand

Water Pump Protection Switches in the U.K.

Pump Protection Switches & Controls in North America

Syncom motor saver pump protection switch at InspectApedia.com

PumpSaver Plus pump protector (C) InspectApedia.com Greg ... PumpSaver Plus 235P pump protection control cited & discussed at InspectApedia.com

Above: the Pumpsaver, 230V 1Ph, 1/3-3HP, Surface Mount control. from Symcom and the PumpSaver Plus Model 235P - pump protection relay controls cited just below.

 




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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2021-04-22 by (mod) - PumpSaver Plus relay sparked and died

PumpSaver Plus pump protector (C) InspectApedia.com Greg@Greg, could be a blown capacitor or other electronic comoponent in that PumpSaver pump protection device;

On the PumpSaver Plus you'll see a calibration procedure that may need to be re-set.

OFF / MANUAL RESTART:

The pump is not running. Either the PumpSaver® has tripped on dryrun, dead-head, or overload while the RESTART DELAY/ CALIBRATION knob was in the
RESET position or source power is not present.

If knob is in the RESET position, rotate out of RESET—If the CAL light blinks, check for an overload condition.

If the RUN light blinks, look for a dry-run or dead-head condition.

If no lights come on, check incoming power for adequate voltage.


CALIBRATION

NOTE: The PumpSaver®Plus should be calibrated uring normal pumping conditions. IND. CONT. EQ.784XIRLINKL1CT1CT2 PILOT DUTYRATING 480VA @240VAC

1. Turn the RESTART DELAY/ CALIBRATION knobfully counter-clockwise to the CAL. position.

2. Apply power—the pump will run for approximately10 seconds then shut off.

3. Set the RESTART DELAY/ CALIBRATION knobto the desired restart delay (dry-well recoverytime)—the pump will turn on.

NOTE: If the PumpSaver®Plus immediately trips (blinking green) upon completion of the calibration process, the current transformer may be installed incorrectly.

Swap the CT1 and CT2 wires on the terminal strip, then repeat the calibration process beginning with Step #1.


Also double check that there's no other pump motor reset button that has popped out.

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

While adjusting a pressure switch there as a small spark and the pump stopped running, There is power to all the wires to the pump but its not starting.

[Photo shown above]

This Q&A were posted originally at WATER PUMP WON'T START

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do I know if a pump is running continuously?

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

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

On 2020-06-24 by Anthony Newberg

I have a shallow well 120' which was formerly a windmill well. It has water starting at 90'. I want to place a pump and have it start pumping when the water level is at 80' or above and stop when the water level drops to 110'.

What do you recommend?

On 2020-06-23 - by (mod) -

George,

Thanks for an interesting question: how to use 1 water pump to provide water to multiple water pressure tanks and users;

The devil is merely in the details. In the simplest design, all of the pressure tanks are served by a single pump with a single pressure control installed on the closest tank to the pump; a sufficient drop in the system pressure turns on the pump. The effect of 3 tanks is simply to increase the total volume of water stored under pressure.

The pump and well have to have flow-rate adequate capacity to serve all of the users.

On 2020-06-09 by George

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

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

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

On 2020-05-12 by oladipo abdulafeez

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

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

Dennis

Thank you for the interesting question.

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

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

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

On 2019-11-24 by Dennis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On 2019-11-16 by Vanitha Holmes

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

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

Vanitha

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

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

DF

On 2019-11-13 by Vanitha Holmes

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

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

Rory

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

On 2019-10-08 by Rory cook

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

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

Farku

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

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

On 2019-07-25 by Faruku

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

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

Yl

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

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

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

On 2019-06-14 by yl

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

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

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


...

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

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

Or see these

Recommended Articles

Suggested citation for this web page

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


Or see this

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

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