Well Pump Indicating Light.

[Al]

I will be converting my Jet Pump to a Submersible pump on my home well.

The problem is that I want to know if/when the pump is running. No problem with the existing system bc the pump is in the basement and I know if its running.

The pump will be 230V (2 wire with ground). So I obviously can rig something up to go from one lead to ground (illegal but will work). I was looking for a more professional way of doing the job. It would be nice just to purchase a little box with a light on the panel.

 

[IndyIan]

You can look at the switch on the pressure tank, but this must be less accessible than the panel?
I think you'll find that with a submersible pump you won't worry about it as much as the jet pump. It never loses prime and the switch has a low pressure shut off so if you pump your well dry the pump shouldn't burn itself out.
We have 2 check valves as well, one at the pump and one at the pressure tank so its fairly unlikely they both would fail and have the pump cycle on and off continuously but it would be handy to have a light in the kitchen to see if that started to happen. I'm not in the basement for days at a time so a light their wouldn't help much.

 

[UNC017]

Originally Posted By: Al
I will be converting my Jet Pump to a Submersible pump on my home well.

The problem is that I want to know if/when the pump is running. No problem with the existing system bc the pump is in the basement and I know if its running.

The pump will be 230V (2 wire with ground). So I obviously can rig something up to go from one lead to ground (illegal but will work). I was looking for a more professional way of doing the job. It would be nice just to purchase a little box with a light on the panel.


Subtle difference, but putting an indicator light that runs from one lead to *neutral* instead of ground shouldn't be illegal- at least I can't imagine how or why it would be illegal. Heck, all heavy appliances (electric ranges, dryers, etc.) run the interior lights from one leg of the 220V feed to the neutral line.

 

[Al]

Originally Posted By: IndyIan
It never loses prime and the switch has a low pressure shut off so if you pump your well dry the pump shouldn't burn itself out.
We have 2 check valves as well

Good point with the second check valve.

I think though what I am gonna' do is just use a receptacle and plug a light into it with a small red bulb.

I'll need to use the ground for the neutral, but so what.

 

[Warstud]

Why do you need to know if the pump is running?
I have a Pressure Gauge that is mounted to the top of the tank and the needle moves while the pump motor is running.

 

[Al]

Originally Posted By: Warstud
Why do you need to know if the pump is running?
I have a Pressure Gauge that is mounted to the top of the tank and the needle moves while the pump motor is running.

I don't want to walk across the basement and peer at a little gage. I want to be able to go to the bottom of the steps and see a light or no light. Also its easier for the wife

 

[doitmyself]

Now you have piqued my curiosity. WHY do you want to be able to peek down into your basement to observe if the pump is running?

Maybe to catch an undetected, underground leak somewhere?

 

[Al]

Originally Posted By: doitmyself
WHY do you want to be able to peek down into your basement to observe if the pump is running?
Maybe to catch an undetected, underground leak somewhere?

If the pump runs too often..there is a problem somewhere...leaking check valve, leak, pump degradation, whatever. Seems like a commons sense thing to do (for me).

Added information. I'm a Mechanical engineer.

 

[Warstud]

I have a Jet Pump also and don't like the noise associated with it. How much does it cost to go with a Submersible pump and can I do it myself?

 

[doitmyself]

Quote:
If the pump runs too often..there is a problem somewhere...leaking check valve, leak, pump degradation, whatever. Seems like a commons sense thing to do (for me).


Interesting. Seems like you could run off of regular voltage from the pressure switch, change it to 12 or 24 volt thru a simple relay, then run a low voltage line upstairs to see it running at your convenience....maybe above your bed?????

Off topic, at my workplace we installed a submersed pump irrigation well with a Cycle Stop, constant pressure valve system. It supposedly delivers constant pressure without cycling your pump on and off. Their company has a short cycle sensor:

http://www.cyclestopvalves.com/st-viewcat.php?cid=17 (list prices, but still pricey).

 

[Al]

Thanks (seriously).. I think my receptacle is simpler.

 

[brianl703]

Wire a 240V relay in parallel with the pump, then use that to switch an indicator.

Legal because you won't be connecting a 120V bulb between hot and ground, if there's no neutral available on the well pump circuit because there's only a 3-wire cable going to the panel.

 

[expat]

Do you really need a light? Why not just an induction Amp meter?
Just clip it on the hot wire.

 

[tom slick]

Simple and cheap solution is a 250v light bulb

You're welcome

 

[Stu_Rock]

Originally Posted By: tom slick
Simple and cheap solution is a 250v light bulb

You're welcome

As I was reading this thread, I was wondering if anyone was going to mention this.

 

[Al]

Best solution. No additional fixture to buy. A test light, permanently wired. Works great. Zero cost.

Thanks for the suggestions. Considered all of them.

Hmm..no images, oh well.

 

[rjundi]

Don't you have a pressure tank with a pressure guage? That will tell you the pump is running as pressure rising is obvious.

A pressure tank is must have if you don't want to short cycle your submersible pump and kill it.

 

[Al]

Yea..pressure tank and gauge. I want to be able to check it without squinting down at a gauge.

Also trying to make it easy for the wife. Being 65 you never know if she may have to be on her own.

I can see if its running from 30+ feet away.