Wiring A Light (At Panel) To Monitor Remote Water Pump Operation

[gazz]

After recent complications with a new water pump installation, I was wondering if it is possible to install a light in the house that would give a visual indication when the water pump is running. The panel is very basic with mains supply going through a Safety-cut then to a circuit box. The water pump is on it's own circuit with a 16 amp breaker. The water pump operation is controlled by a pressure switch (a 100 metres away).

Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.

[Crossy]

How good are you with a soldering iron?

Not actually difficult to do but I doubt you'll find a ready built device. I'll post a diagram if you think you would be able to build it.

Have a look here http://www.eleccircuit.com/ac-power-monitor-with-led-display/ if your pump is over about 200W you'll need fatter diodes, http://www.mynpe.com/more.php?data=293921026600 for up to 1hp pump.

[bankruatsteve]

How good are you with a soldering iron?

Not actually difficult to do but I doubt you'll find a ready built device. I'll post a diagram if you think you would be able to build it.

Have a look here http://www.eleccircuit.com/ac-power-monitor-with-led-display/ if your pump is over about 200W you'll need fatter diodes, http://www.mynpe.com/more.php?data=293921026600 for up to 1hp pump.

Ouch.

[gazz]

Thanks Crossy. The circuit seems simple enough but the explanation given in your link: From originally at we use the way checks the condition of AC power Load by a temple AC Voltage. But when use this circuit. You can check the event can work by check AC current flow through load. This circuit easily in case of Load and control switch stay far from the stall shows. Because misfire stand an electric line from load again the group. This circuit easily use electronic parts a little with be normal rectifier diode 4 pcs, Resistors 1 pcs and LED 1 pcs only. It as a result can know that have current change load get already although. This circuit will suit AC house electric but this idea still can go to is usable that is high class low voltage get. By make volt be down 1.5V always just. ...baffles to say the least!

The pump motor is rated at 300 watts. I'm not experienced in wiring up additional circuitry to what is already installed so would need some help with that aspect. (proper wire size, correctly rated diodes / resistor, and where to introduce the LED monitoring circuit--before / after the breaker?) I have a friend nearby who should be able to help with this.

Thanks again.

[VocalNeal]

Would be simple to just wire a 220v bulb from the motor side of the pressure/level switch? Put a 10w bulb somewhere, either in or near the house.

[Crossy]

Thanks Crossy. The circuit seems simple enough but the explanation given in your link: From originally at we use the way checks the condition of AC power Load by a temple AC Voltage. But when use this circuit. You can check the event can work by check AC current flow through load. This circuit easily in case of Load and control switch stay far from the stall shows. Because misfire stand an electric line from load again the group. This circuit easily use electronic parts a little with be normal rectifier diode 4 pcs, Resistors 1 pcs and LED 1 pcs only. It as a result can know that have current change load get already although. This circuit will suit AC house electric but this idea still can go to is usable that is high class low voltage get. By make volt be down 1.5V always just. ...baffles to say the least!

The pump motor is rated at 300 watts. I'm not experienced in wiring up additional circuitry to what is already installed so would need some help with that aspect. (proper wire size, correctly rated diodes / resistor, and where to introduce the LED monitoring circuit--before / after the breaker?) I have a friend nearby who should be able to help with this.

Thanks again.

Hmmm, I see what you mean about the operational explanation

Use the bigger diodes that I suggested in my earlier post and you should be good to go, LED limiting resistor value 22R 0.5W as indicated in the diagram. Place the indicator in series with the live wire to the pump, as long as it's after the breaker where you actually place it is up to you.

How it works, in English:-

The three diodes in series create a forward voltage drop of about 3V on the positive half cycle of the supply current, the single diode in inverse-parallel provides a current path for the negative half cycle. The LED and its current limiting resistor are connected across this 3V supply so that as soon as any current flows the LED will light.

If the circuit proves to be over sensitive (lights when the pump is not running), a resistor across the whole arrangement, say 10R 1W, will slug it so that it won't start lighting until at least 200mA is flowing.

Make sure you build it in to an insulated box, but be aware that the diodes and 10R resistor will get warm when the pump is running so don't try to be too miniature.

A quick Google leads to loads of different circuits with similar function including a couple with relay outputs, handy for making one of those power strips where one outlet controls the others (power on your printer etc. when you turn on the PC) like those shown here http://www.ecircuitslab.com/2012/08/current-monitor-and-alarm-circuit.html

[lopburi3]

Just to add if any confusion that the sw (switch) on diagram is the pressure switch on the pump - not your breaker/wall switch so you do not have to worry about that - just place on direct wire to the pump. I would use normal wire size that currently in use for the added legs.

As mentioned above a light connected to a wire from pump might be a viable alternative if easy to run and access available at pump to connect it. Although 100 meters would be a bit of wire.

[VocalNeal]

Gazz,

May I ask under what circumstances do you wish to know if the pump is running? Day/Night? Morning/Evening? What would be the likely causes of the pump not running or the pump running when you believe it should not be?

[gazz]

Right, thanks guys. I think I got it straight: live supply to insulated box, containing diodes and resistor (I'll mount the indicating light on the outside of the existing wooden cabinet covering the distribution panel; additionally, there's lots of room to mount a small circuit box within) then simply run the lead exiting the new insulated box back to the connection point at the breaker for the pump. Am I correct with this plan?

Running a wire from the pump is not practical in my case as the entire wiring conduit delivering mains supply from the road to the house (and back down again to pump) is underground.

[gazz]

Gazz,

May I ask under what circumstances do you wish to know if the pump is running? Day/Night? Morning/Evening? What would be the likely causes of the pump not running or the pump running when you believe it should not be?

The footer valve on the last installation gave out after eight years as did the motor on the pump. There is no storage tank between ground well and house (something I will rectify once I decide where and how it will be installed). The sidewalk behind the house which was not anchored to the foundation is now slowly falling away and cracking. And, of course the pipe work for one of the washrooms runs through the cement. I will have a leak there one day unless I manage to get the walk way repaired first--it's on the list of things to do;) Having the light in the house indicating when the pump is running will help to determine if there is a small leak / large leak or other malfunction whereby the pump cycles when it should not.

[VocalNeal]

I understood there is no storage tank, as it works on pressure

There is always more than one way to skin a cat so to speak. If you don't want to or can't run the extra cabling to the house for a simple lamp in parallel to the pump you could mount a strategically place bright or bright coloured spot lamp or Halogen bulb in a dark surround (black PVC pipe/ flower pot) at the pump which could be viewed from one location in the house (just like a lamp in the house), even in bright sunlight. Think railway signals.

[mrbojangles]

On the theme of there being more than one way to skin a cat.

Would something wireless, like a baby monitor not work? Put one in the pump room and one in the living room (or wherever) and when the pump kicks in you will hear it on the monitor in the house. This would give you more flexibility as you can move it wherever you want instead of having to be in the same room as where you have fitted the light. Just a thought.

[bankruatsteve]

Maybe run some speaker wire and connect to a door buzzer? (switched so you only hear when you want)

[lopburi3]

I suspect the light is to see how long it is running (actually turns off) rather than be alerted to when it starts each time - but could be wrong.

[gazz]

Good thought Mr. Bojangles...that's what I call thinking out of the box!

Indeed Lopburi3, the light is precisely to monitor how long the pump is running. A quick squirt to top off the accumulator tank; multiple bursts over a short period of time; continuous running when no taps open...etc. The light would be in a location that would be visible from main living area and kitchen so easily monitored most times during waking hours.

Thanks to all for suggestions, advice and hints.