Building control for sump pump motor

[marke]

One thing to consider, if you are using low voltage DC for inputs from float switches etc, make sure that you have sufficient current flowing to over come the wetting contacts of the switches, or you will have intermittent operations.

Best regards,

[Guest mgendron]

Due to the staggeringly high cost of commercially-available products (approx $1000!), I want to build a control unit for a 117v sump pump motor. I want to use low-voltage DC for the switching (float switches) working a relay to start the motor. I will probably hang some "bells and whistles" on the controller, such as an alarm interface, automatic cycle button, etc. I would appreciate any guidance you can give me. . .heck, a complete schematic would be lovely!

 

Thanks

-Mark

[kgm2844]

First, I would need to know what 'bells and whistles' you want. Then, the amount of the budget you have for this project. From that information I could probably design something for you.

[grobert]

If you have a solid understanding of motor controls I would suggest using a smart (or programmable) relay. The Moeller units we use allow you two analog inputs as well as 5 or more digital inputs. With this you can do a number of things, for example: use transducer for proportional control, add timers, counters, 7 day events and so on. They are great and cost as little as $125.00. I highly suggest you use the software to program instead of at the face of the relay. It supports standard relay logic.