When it comes to pumps and controls, people often emphasize the former rather than the latter – and that can be a mistake. Pump controllers are critical parts of a pumping system, particularly any situation where a pump needs to either run continuously or autonomously. If your pump doesn’t have a good pump controller attached, you’re probably making your life more difficult – and even risking damage to the pump.
So, what is a pump controller, and what does it do? Let’s take a look.
The Importance of Pump Controllers to Pumping Systems
At its most basic, a pump controller switches the pump on and off automatically. That’s its core job, but this can have a lot of variations and benefits depending on how its used.
Pump controllers can be either “dumb” or “smart,” depending on your needs. They may run on a purely mechanical timer, turning the pump on and off at present times or situations. In other cases, they can be computer controlled, potentially with fairly complicated AI covering how to control the pump, along with factors such as pumping strength.
However, the most important reason to have a pump controller is to prevent damage to your pump. You might say that the controller is there to turn the pump off, more than turning the pump on. A pump controller might have pressure-detection systems, for example, with pre-set limits on how much pressure is allowed. If the pressure ever goes too high – indicating an obstruction in the line or other problem – the controller automatically shuts down the pump.
This can also extend to other environmental factors such as heat, flow rate, or power usage, just depending on your needs. If the pump falls out of optimal parameters, it gets shut down until the user can investigate the problem.
Of course, turning a pump on and off too many times is hard on it. Over time, this can wear out the motor, which is generally built for constant use. If your pump controller starts shutting down your pump too often, that’s a sign of larger maintenance issues that should be checked out by specialists in pumps and controls.
FloRight Pumps & Controls
FloRight Pumps & Controls has spent decades building a reputation as one of America’s best sources for pumps, components, repairs, and expertise. From new system installs to advice on maintaining older systems, we know pumps inside and out. Click here to contact us with your questions!