1. What is the suggested normal cycle time for my submersible well pump to achieve maximum years of service?
2. What is the difference between a 4" submersible pump with a 2-wire motor vs. a three-wire motor?
3. Can my submersible pump operate in a horizontal position?
4. What is causing my pressure switch to make a clicking on and off noise?
5. What are the maximum starts of my submersible pump and motor in a day?
6. What is the difference between a shallow well jet pump and a convertible jet pump?
7. How do I prime a jet pump?
8. How do I determine the right size pump for my home water system?

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1. What is the suggested normal cycle time for my submersible well pump to achieve maximum years of service?

Submersible Pumps should run a minimum of one minute to dissipate heat build up from starting current of the motor. A tank should be properly sized for the system to allow for a minimum of one minute run time for the pump and motor.

2. What is the difference between a 4" submersible pump with a 2-wire motor vs. a three-wire motor?

The difference between a "two wire" and "three wire" pump has to do with the type of single-phase motor that is used. A three wire single-phase motor requires a control box with a starting capacitor. The starting capacitor is used to help get the motor running, and then is automatically switched out once the motor is up to speed. Because of this starting arrangement, the motor electrically requires three "hot" leads (plus a lead for the ground connection) to operate correctly, thus the "three wire" designation. The two-wire motor requires no control box. Instead of using a starting capacitor, a two-wire motor has an electrical device built inside the motor that is used to get the motor started. This device is referred to as a start arrestor. Because of this starting arrangement, only two "hot" leads (plus ground) are required, thus the "two wire" designation. A three-wire motor will have typically slightly more starting torque than a two-wire motor (although most applications don't require the additional starting torque).

3. Can my Submersible pump operate in a horizontal position?

Submersible pumps are designed primarily for operation in the vertical, shaft-up position.
With certain restrictions, motors are also suitable for operations in positions from shaft-up to shaft-horizontal. As the mounting position becomes further from vertical and closer to horizontal, the probability of shortened thrust bearing life increases. For normal thrust bearing life expectancy with motor positions other than shaft-up, follow these recommendations:
1. Minimize the frequency of starts, preferably to fewer than 10 per 24-hour period.
2. Do not use in systems, which can run even for short periods at full speed without thrust toward the motor.
3. For four inch motors up through 2 HP that are started more than 10 times per day, the pump must be installed so that the motor is tilted downward (pump discharge upward) from horizontal by at least 15 degrees to minimize coast-down wear on the up thrust washer in the motor.

4. What is causing my pressure switch to make a clicking on and off noise?

The majority of the time when the pressure switch is clicking on and off rapidly, it is from an unbalance in the system from a low pre-charged tank. This condition is commonly referred to as rapid cycling of the unit. Disconnect power to the pump and open faucets nearest tank to empty water from tank. Using an automotive tire gauge, check air pressure in tank at valve stem. The tank pressure should be 2 PSI less than the switch is set to cut in at. For Example, if the pressure switch setting were 30-50 PSI, the tank would need to be charged to 28 PSI. Always check the valve stem air for possible leaks. This can be easily checked using a solution of soapy water.

5. What are the maximum starts of my submersible pump and motor in a day?

The average number of starts per day over a period of months or years influences the life of a submersible pumping system. Excessive cycling affects the life of control components such as pressure switches, starters, relays and capacitors. Rapid cycling can also cause motor spline damage, bearing damage, and motor overheating. All these conditions can lead to reduce motor life. The pump size, tank size and other controls should be selected to keep the starts per day as low as practical for longest life. The maximum number of starts per 24-hour period is shown in Table 3. The average starts per hour are shown in Table 3a.This information is based on using a Franklin Electric submersible motor.

6. What is the difference between a shallow well jet pump and a convertible jet pump?

A shallow well jet pump has a venturi jet and nozzle inside the pump housing and can pull water from depths up to 25 ft. This maximum depth will be less at higher altitudes.
A convertible jet pump has an ejector assembly containing the venturi jet and nozzle and can be used in shallow wells and deep wells. For use in shallow wells 25 ft or less the ejector remains fastened to the pump body. In deep settings from 26 feet to well over 120 feet, the ejector assembly is removed from the pump body and positioned near the lower part of the well on a 2 line system. This set up allows the pump to get the water to the surface area and have adequate psi for the water system. A reduction of flow is noticed when pumping from deep settings. Often times a submersible well pump is preferred in deep setting so that maximum flows and psi. can be achieved.

7. How do I prime a jet pump?

Priming a jet pump will first require you to turn the power off to the unit. Throwing the breaker in the breaker box is generally the safest way. Next, you will need to remove the priming plug at the top of the pump casing. Using a funnel and a large pitcher of water, fill the pump body to the top. Allow a few moments for water to settle then fill again. This often takes several pictures of water if the water table in well has dropped below the foot valve. Replace the priming plug securely. If a shutoff valve is present in line going to home, close it. This will give the pump an opportunity to charge the line to the pressure tank first. Turn power back on and monitor pressure gauge. The pressure switch should shut the pump off once the cut out pressure is reached. Partially open shutoff valve in line to the house. This will help the pump to charge system without losing prime again.. Once prime is reached, each water outlet in home should be opened allowing any air to exit the water system. The shutoff valve should be repositioned to normal open position following priming.

8. How do I determine the right size pump for my home water system?

The rule of thumb in deciding the flow rate of gallons per minute needed in the home is to simply count the total water fixtures in the home. Be sure to include showerheads, toilets, dishwashers, clothes washers, and all outdoor faucets. One gallon should be allowed per water outlet. This will give you the approximate gallons per minute needed for your household. Next the horsepower for the pump will need to be determined by calculating the total dynamic head of the water system. Several factors make up total dynamic head. They include water level in the well, draw down, elevation rise from wellhead to the highest water outlet in the system, friction losses, and the pressure needs of the home. A very important factor in pump selection is to know the recovery flow rate of the well in gallons per minute. It is important to always try to match a pump with the recovery rate of the well to avoid over pumping. If the recovery rate of the well is less than the needs of the home, a larger pressure tank should be considered for the system. Often times a larger flow submersible pump is selected and set at lower depths in the well. For maximum years of service of the pump, one should consider matching the pump to the recovery rate of the well.

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