Adding a Pump Saver

[lukebarber]

I have a new 3/4hp Schaefer submersible pump down my well. The electrician recommended a Pump Saver Plus 231-INSIDER-P. The pump saver is manufactured by SymCom.

http://www.clrwtr.com/PDF/SymCom/SymCom-231-INSIDER-P-Pump-Savers.pdf

Is there a true cost benefit to installing a Pump Saver? Doesn't the pump already have some safety features already built in?

Thank you in advance for any help.

[lukebarber]

Do pumps come with an internal run dry sensor?

[lukebarber]

Also is there a big difference in amp draw between running the pump dry and just restricting it to 1 GPM?

[Cary Austin]

No pumps do not come with a run dry sensor, only an overload.  By the time an overload trips it is too late to save the pump/motor.  The Cycle Sensor is what you need to protect your pump from running dry, and it will also protect from rapid cycling.  There is not much difference between the amps when pumping 1 GPM and when the pump is running dry.  But the Cycle Sensor is sensitive enough to know the difference.

You can see it here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj0C7ozNMWM&list=PLpIZn7LpzYEBob4C7rCouKZdbdAmca8v3

[lukebarber]

Hi Cary, Thank you for the fast response.

If the pump run dry, would it melt down or can create enough heat to melt off the drop pipe?

[lukebarber]

Also, if the well makes just enough water to keep the amps from dropping too far, but not enough water to keep the pump cool, can I still have problems?

[Cary Austin]

That is what happens with the other brands that are not adjustable.  With the Cycle Sensor you can set it where ever you want.  Your 3/4HP pump will draw 7 amps when pumping max flow.  Depending on the brand of pump it will drop to 6 or maybe down to 4 amps when the well pumps dry.  Whatever that number is for your pump, you just set the Cycle Sensor slightly higher.  If the pump only drops to 6 amps, set the CS at 6.2.  If your pump drops to 4 amps set the CS at 4.2, and so on. 

The Cycle Sensor is sensitive enough that you can set it to turn the pump off at the amps it runs when the well still has 10-20' of water if you want.  But that is getting pretty sensitive, it is best to let it run until it draws air, as that is an easier number to see happening.

What makes the Cycle Sensor so sensitive is that it measures the power factor as well as amps.  The power factor drops a lot when the pump isn't doing any work, which makes detecting run dry amps easier.

[lukebarber]

Thank you for the explanation.

[lukebarber]

BTW, are you the owner? You are very responsive & knowledgeable.

[Cary Austin]

BTW, are you the owner? You are very responsive & knowledgeable.

Owner, inventor, chief cook, and bottle washer too.