Here is my dilemma. I have two water wells; consequently, I have two deep well pumps. Presently I have a relay set up to switch wells each time the pressure switch requires water. They are labeled #1 and #2. #1 is the shallower well and will run out of water if demand is high (such as irrigating garden or lawn). This causes the pressure switch to shut off the pumps to keep them from operating dry.
I would like to set up my system to run #2, #2, #2, #2, #2, #1, but have no idea what kind of switching is required. Any ideas??
Water – What switch and relay circuitry is required to manage two water well pumps effectively
pumprelaywater
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Best Answer
This can be solved with four special purpose relays. Relays are basically electrically operated switches. Alternating relays are special relays that cycle between two or more loads sequentially when they are electrically activated.
You could cascade one triplex alternating relay with three regular (duplex) alternating relays to achieve what you want - calling pump #1 every sixth call.
The pressure switch that calls the pump would energize the coil of the triplex alternating relay. Each of the three outputs of the alternating relay would go to a duplex alternating relay.
Each of the three duplex relays has two outputs for a total of six outputs. You'd wire one of the outputs to start pump #1, the rest all to start pump #2. This is what would be energized each consecutive call for water from the pressure switch-
First call:
Output 1 of triplex, Output 1 of duplex A
Second call:
Output 2 of triplex, Output 1 of duplex B
Third call:
Output 3 of triplex, Output 1 of duplex C
Fourth call:
Output 1 of triplex, Output 2 of duplex A
Fifth call:
Output 2 of triplex, Output 2 of duplex B
Sixth call:
Output 3 of triplex, Output 2 of duplex C
and at that point the cycle repeats. So if Pump #1 is connected to say Output 2 of Duplex C, and Pump #2 is wired to the rest, Pump #1 will run every sixth call.
See Macromatic ARP and ATP models for an example. This may be $300.00 or so of relays - a PLC would actually be cheaper. The relays would be very simple.
Then again if you change your mind and you want pump #1 to run 1/7th of the time, with the PLC that's an easy programming change, with the relays you are S. O. L.
*Original answer...