Pump Switches
SJE-Rhombus pump switches must be installed according to national and local electrical codes. SJE-Rhombus wide angle pump switches directly control pumps. For more infomation on pump switches, please visit these products: SJE PumpMaster® |
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Is the pump or load OFF when the float is in the “on’’ position?
or is the pump or load ON when the float is in the “off’’ position?The “on’’ position is up for a Pump Down model or down for a Pump Up model. The “off’’ position is down for a Pump Down and up for a Pump Up model. If so, there may be a problem with the wiring, the pump, or the float. Disconnect power before proceeding.
Wiring
Inspect the cable for damage. Double-check your wiring against the wiring diagram on the installation instructions.
Pump
To test the pump:
Without Plug Models - If wiring is consistent with installation instructions, remove the pump switch wires and install a jumper wire across terminals where pump switch wires were connected (red and black wires for the Double Float®). Turn on the power. If pump does not run, consult pump/control panel operation instructions.
Note: a Junior Super Single® pump switch should not be directly wired to control a motor contactor or relay.
With Plug Models - Plug in the pump only. If the pump does not run, consult the pump operation instructions.
Note: The pump may have experienced a thermal overload. Allow time for the pump to cool down and then test the motor again as defined above.
Float
Make sure the float switch is the correct model for the application. (A Pump Up float switch is used for filling applications and a Pump Down float switch is used for emptying applications.) Check the label on the float switch cable. To determine float model in the absence of a label:
- Lower the float. If the pump activates, the float switch is a pump up model.
- Raise the float. If the pump activates, the float switch is a pump down model.
Note: An SPDT switch will have continuity between black and white wires when the float is up. It will have continuity between white and red when the float is down.
Check the float for proper positioning, tether length, or obstructions which may have caused it to hang-up. For the Double FloatTM, the gray float is always the top float and the black float is always the bottom float.
To test for continuity:
Connect a volt/ohm meter to the black and white leads, see figure below for units with plug. Move the float to the "on" position (up for pump down models, down for pump up models). For a Double FloatTM both floats must be moved to the “on’’ position. If the volt/ohm meter reads no continuity, there may be a problem with the switch circuit elements. Return the float to your supplier.
Is proper voltage being applied to the system?
The voltage of the switch is listed on the label attached to the cable. A 120 VAC Double Float® will be damaged if 230 VAC is applied. A 230 VAC Double Float® will not operate on 120 VAC. In the absence of a cord label the voltage of a Double Float® can be discovered by measuring the resistance of the relay coil inside the switch. To do this perform steps defined below:
Disconnect power before proceeding. Disconnect the red and white wires, connect the volt/ohm meter leads to the wires. For a switch with a plug, place leads as shown below. The resistance values are as defined below.
120 VAC Switch - 3.6 ohms resistance.
230 VAC Switch - 13.6 ohms resistance.
Is there sloshing in the float?
Gently shake the float. If there is excessive sloshing, or if the float feels heavier than normal, there may be liquid in the float housing. If these conditions exist, return the float to the factory.
NOTE: SJE-Rhombus mercury switches will have some sloshing sound due to the mercury in the switch. Mechanical switches utilize metal components that will cause some sound as well.
Is Double Float® short cycling on one float?
If so, there may be a problem with the wiring, the floats or the relay.Disconnect power before proceeding.
Wiring
Inspect the cable for damage. Double-check your wiring against the wiring diagram on the installation instructions.
Float
Inspect float positioning. Check the float for proper positioning, tether length, or obstructions which may have caused it to hang-up. For the Double Float® the gray float is always the top float and the black float is always the bottom float.
Relay
To check the relay on pump up or pump down models, use a volt/ohm meter, touch one lead to the black wire and one lead to the white wire. For units with plug, see figure below. Lift the black float up and leave gray float hanging down. If the meter reads continuity, return float to your supplier.
Was the switch used in an application other than those recommended in the product literature?
Gather information from the customer or installer and consult product literature.
If you need further assistance, please contact Customer Service
TOLL FREE 1-888-DIAL-SJE (1-888-342-5753).