Another top up device

[Guest]

Just to share

Had done a circuit that can top up tank. My version have 3 sensors.

1) Sump high floating switch

2) Sump low floating switch

3) Top up container low floating switch

Operation:

1) when sump water level hit low switch -> top up pump ON

2) when sump water level hit high switch -> top up pump OFF

Any time during operation, if the "Top up container low floating switch" hit low, the top up pump will turn OFF.

The top up pump can be any a low power AC pump.

Cost: $70 exclude Top up pump

[Guest]

Any one interested?

can post some photo. but DC no battery for now. too lazy to charge

[bloodlamb]

Just a comment,

Maybe you use the top float switch as a safety cutoff instead of pump cut off then you could save 1 relay. Things like float switches and relays are most prone to failure so It will be good to minise on them.

My design is similar except that I use DC pump (tunze metering pump) and there is no cutoff for the topup pail. It also have 2 LED indicators, power switch and a force turn on pump button.

The most expensive thing is the pump, float switches and DC adapter. It cost me about 90+ as a complete system (DC power + float switches + pump).

[Guest]

"top float switch as a safety cutoff "? Sorry which switch your refering to? The High, Low or TopUp one?

I understand less component would be better. Are you saying using 1 switch drive the relay? Then there would not have "latching effect". What i done is that the pump will off only when hit high. It will not ON/OFF with water waves. Only ON when hit LOW.

Thanks for inputs

[bloodlamb]

I meant the high level cut off. I found that the float switch got it's own damping effect so if you put it at the last compartment in the sump small waves would not affect it.

Initially I was worried too because I thought that the pump would be turning on/off very fast. In actual operation it did not happen. My auto top off turn on about 10 sec every hour? I use a fan for cooling hence this is important for the tank.

My top float switch is just wire in series and is in the normally closed mode. Its kept dry to reduce problem of sticking and snalis crawling onto it.

[Guest]

well that good idea. But i did it already, and running for a month without problem. One bad point is that the switch is in the water. As you said the switch keep dry is better.

If going to do another one will use your version. then need to buy only DC pump, relay, and switch. think that will cost $40

[bloodlamb]

How much you get your float switch? I paid $18 each from Sim Lim Sq.

[Guest]

$10.90 per float switch Sim Lim tower. think level 4.