3 float/switch
#1
10-24-22, 07:54 PM
3 float/switch
My pump only turns on when float 3 is tripped. Does this mean float 2 is defective and that float 3 not only is an alarm but will also turn on the pump? Also if I replace the three floats are they all the same type? I have wide angle floats right now but I believe they take up to much room and would like to put on simple float/switches. Any thoughts?
Last edited by Boldini; 10-24-22 at 08:20 PM. Reason: Add pics
#2
10-25-22, 01:58 AM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
Pictures were not posted.................... How to insert pictures.
Not all pump systems work the same exact way.
Not sure how your floats are numbered.
The top float is the overflow alarm. It's a N.O. switch. Closes on overflow for alarm.
The middle float is pump start. It's typically a N.O. switch. Closes to latch pump run contactor.
The bottom float is pump stop. It's typically a N.C. switch. Opens to release pump run contactor.
Pictures were not posted.................... How to insert pictures.
Not all pump systems work the same exact way.
Not sure how your floats are numbered.
The top float is the overflow alarm. It's a N.O. switch. Closes on overflow for alarm.
The middle float is pump start. It's typically a N.O. switch. Closes to latch pump run contactor.
The bottom float is pump stop. It's typically a N.C. switch. Opens to release pump run contactor.
#4
10-25-22, 01:40 PM
Group Moderator
I can't find any wiring diagrams for your system. I can see what looks like four wires going to the floats. Based on that they may be all N.O. type floats. You'll need to get a wiring diagram of the panel or type of floats from the mfg.
I see.....
green on 1
white on 2
black on 3
red on 5
North West Tech Con - contact
I see.....
green on 1
white on 2
black on 3
red on 5
North West Tech Con - contact
#5
10-25-22, 04:23 PM
Manual check
I stood the tree upright outside of the tank. The bottom switch/float when lifted turns pump on , when lowered shuts pump off. Float/ switch no 2 does nothing when up or down even if bottom switch is in the up or down position. The top float/switch turns on alarm and pump no matter what position the bottom is in. I am wondering now if the middle float is even nessesay. There is only 30 inches from the bottom of the green cylinder to the top water level. Any expert advise?
#6
10-25-22, 06:36 PM
Group Moderator
The reason two floats is used is that one can't provide enough water level change.
It takes roughly 6"-10" level change for the float to go from off to on.
You need +20" of level change.
So if you rely on just the bottom float the level won't rise high enough plus the pump will cycle more and pump less per cycle.
It takes roughly 6"-10" level change for the float to go from off to on.
You need +20" of level change.
So if you rely on just the bottom float the level won't rise high enough plus the pump will cycle more and pump less per cycle.
#8
10-25-22, 07:33 PM
Group Moderator
The bottom float is not supposed to start the pump.
You could have a wiring problem or controller problem.
If you had the board wiring diagram you could check the operation on the floats.
I can only go by how every other system works that I've worked on.
Many years ago when I started working with these floats... I created a short across two of them and killed them. It was an expensive lesson.
You could have a wiring problem or controller problem.
If you had the board wiring diagram you could check the operation on the floats.
I can only go by how every other system works that I've worked on.
Many years ago when I started working with these floats... I created a short across two of them and killed them. It was an expensive lesson.
#9
10-25-22, 07:56 PM
I do believe that there is a problem with the wiring seeing as how float one turns the system on and off, float 2 does nothing and 3 turns the pump on and the alarm also. Float no 1 being the bottom. I also believe that float 3 turned the pump on with alarm since the last inspection and that the overlapping of the floats ( to close together) has been a problem. I think that a 3 float replacement (properly spaced) with a new wiring is in order. I am changing out the 6 in riser for a 12 in with an Orenco external splice box so i guess an overhaul is in order lol. The system is from 2002 and I don’t know what has happened since. Do you have a brand of float/switch you recommend? I thank you for your insight so far!
#10
10-26-22, 07:43 PM
Group Moderator
Your system is not operating like a septic system should be.
I don't know if the controller is defective or it's a float issue.
The alarm float is not supposed to control the pump.
There are many good floats.
Sump alarm floats
one stop supply store
I don't know if the controller is defective or it's a float issue.
The alarm float is not supposed to control the pump.
There are many good floats.
Sump alarm floats
one stop supply store
#13
10-29-22, 05:39 PM
Group Moderator
