Variable Frequency Well Pump Upgrade

[zzyzzx]

Variable Frequency Well Pump Upgrade​

Sounds like something that's a lot more expensive and less reliable.

 

[UncleDave]

Darn..... I have a lot to learn on the new high tech systems. I need to educate myself more. I have a portable inverter generator, but it is not real big. It does have 220 though. I would like to be able to run my well pump in a limited manner if need be with power outages.

We just got smart meters from the electric utility. So hopefully I can learn something new about our energy usage.
A soft start motor seems like a good idea.

220 is good that lets you run both legs of a house.
Curious is it labelled as 240?

I've had to learn to live from gensets not only because of extended home power outages - but also being an RV/ Dry camper for 20 years spending week in the dessert having a blast with ultra high performance off road toys.

Soft starts are a good idea whenever you can get them when running off a genset.

 

[walterjay]

I have installed a few of those Grundfos SQ systems. They work good for their intended purposes. I chose not to install one in my home due to the more complex system it is. I like simplicity myself. One person that I know was unable to run his variable frequency pump on his generator. I am not certain whether it was a Grundfos or not.

 

[UncleDave]

Variable Frequency Well Pump Upgrade​

Sounds like something that's a lot more expensive and less reliable.

It could be that. Or it could be dead reliable - let's consider the vendor.

I'm willing to bet my money a 9th generation fully engineered solution from a single source in Germany has this down though.

Question to you - is having city level water performance off a well worth more than a 40/ 60 well pump setup?

Whats it worth to me ? It's definitely worth paying more for.

I get that it doesn't make sense for everyone to pay more even if they get more.

 

[UncleDave]

I have installed a few of those Grundfos SQ systems. They work good for their intended purposes. I chose not to install one in my home due to the more complex system it is. I like simplicity myself. One person that I know was unable to run his variable frequency pump on his generator. I am not certain whether it was a Grundfos or not.

SQ or SQE?

SQ is fixed 10700,
SQE is variable from 3000 - 10700.

 

[walterjay]

I installed mostly the SQE and a few SQ soft starts. I like the SQ soft start non variable. Both of those pump series are rock solid pumps. It is the variable speed controller that can present problems.

 

[UncleDave]

I installed mostly the SQE and a few SQ soft starts. I like the SQ soft start non variable. Both of those pump series are rock solid pumps. It is the variable speed controller that can present problems.

Do you use a 60/40 switch, or a cycle stop to provide constant pressure?

I cant see a 10700 RPM pump lasting as long as one thats 3000-10700, but you are correct in that the controller is a failure point.

I think it's on its third generation at this point though?

I have really good surge and voltage protection coming into the house from my Kohler Panel - it shuts the whole place down before over volt and brown outs take a toll on anything.

 

[Chris142]

Wow. We rarely get over 7-10 years out of ours

 

[oilboy123]

220 is good that lets you run both legs of a house.
Curious is it labelled as 240?

I've had to learn to live from gensets not only because of extended home power outages - but also being an RV/ Dry camper for 20 years spending week in the dessert having a blast with ultra high performance off road toys.

Soft starts are a good idea whenever you can get them when running off a genset.

You are correct. It is 240.

 

[walterjay]

Do you use a 60/40 switch, or a cycle stop to provide constant pressure?

I cant see a 10700 RPM pump lasting as long as one thats 3000-10700, but you are correct in that the controller is a failure point.

I think it's on its third generation at this point though?

I have really good surge and voltage protection coming into the house from my Kohler Panel - it shuts the whole place down before over volt and brown outs take a toll on anything.

I don't have a constant pressure system in my home. I have a Goulds well pump as I got it from my supplier almost free.

And yes they changed the design of the Grundfos controllers, but I am not familiar with the changes as it occured after my retirement.

I installed Grundfos systems for over 10 years and I don't recall an SQE pump failing during that time, just the controllers.
They are good pumps and they should last a minimum of 15 years in my opinion.