The best pump pressure switches for 2020

Our daily life cannot be comfortable without clear and uninterrupted operation of heating and water supply systems. If the owners of apartments are fully dependent on the well-coordinated work of utilities and are not able to somehow influence the processes of providing their homes with energy, the owners of country houses themselves ensure uninterrupted supply of cold and hot water and optimal operating modes of the heating system. Engineering networks are designed for trouble-free operation at a certain temperature and a given pressure. Maintaining these parameters is the task of pumping equipment, for the solution of which it is necessary to have automatic control of the electrical circuit. The simplest element of automation of pumping equipment is a pressure switch. The editorial staff of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" offers an overview of "The best water pressure switches for pumps for 2020", compiled from the opinions of buyers and expert reviews.

What is a pressure switch for?

Pumping equipment in water supply systems does not work constantly, but it turns on periodically, as the contents of the storage tank are consumed. It is required to constantly monitor the parameters of the system and to turn on and off the pump in a timely manner so as not to leave consumers without water and not to create excessively high pressure that can damage the pipeline and shut-off and control valves. It is impossible to do this manually. The task can be handled by a simple process automation scheme, the main element of which is a pressure switch.

Interesting! The pressure switch is an automatic remote switch that opens the pump supply circuit at a given maximum value of the parameter in the system. When the minimum value is reached, the circuit is automatically closed, turning on the pump to fill the system with water.

What are the relays

There are the following types:

• electromechanical;
• electrical contact (switch);
• electronic.

Let's consider their structure and principle of operation.

Electromechanical

To set the parameters for turning off and turning on the pump, springs are provided here, which can be drawn in or released by tightening or loosening the foot nuts. The springs are mechanically connected to metal plates - contacts. The main element is a membrane that absorbs the pressure and is also mechanically connected to the contact plates. Sagging under the influence of water, the membrane acts on the contact plates forcing them to open or connect, opening or closing the control circuit.

The advantages of such devices are:

• Simplicity of construction;
• Reliability;
• Affordable price.

The disadvantages include:

• Quite relative accuracy of the device, due to the dependence of its operation on the temperature of the contact plates, which varies significantly depending on the duration of the response cycle;
• Difficulty with fine tuning.

Pointer

In essence, this is an analogue of an electrical contact pressure gauge, i.e. pressure gauge with built-in electrical contacts. The indicating arrow of the manometer, reaching the built-in electrical contact, interacts with it, opening or closing the control circuit. The advantages of this type of device are:

• Simple setup;
• Visual observation of parameter values;
• The accuracy is higher than that of electromechanical taxiways.

The disadvantages are:

• The cost is higher than that of an electromechanical apparatus;
• The complexity of the electrical connection (ЭКМ is connected via an additional relay).

Electronic

The most advanced RD, with a fairly broad functionality: high accuracy, the presence of an LCD display with digital indication of values, ease of adjustment in combination with a wide range of adjustable values ​​and parameters.
The product is endowed with the functions of taxiway and protection against dry running, leakage control and pipeline depressurization.

On a note! Dry-running protection is the same as the Pressure switch, only working "in reverse".

Its purpose is to stop the pump when the values ​​of the controlled parameter decrease to the minimum set value, excluding the possibility of its operation without water, thereby preserving its technically sound state.

In addition, the product will signal a malfunction of a hydraulic accumulator-storage tank of a special design, the presence of which is mandatory for any water supply scheme. There is a rubber water bag inside the steel tank. There is an air gap between it and the inner surface of the steel shell. The air pressure in the gap can be increased or decreased, respectively, by decreasing or increasing the amount of water in the rubber "bag".

Finally, using a button on the electronic relay housing, you can force the pump to stop, if necessary.

Among other advantages, the following should be noted:

• The absence of false alarms in case of sharp jumps in the values ​​of the controlled parameter in the system;
• Possibility of additional watering function.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• High price;
• Dependence on water quality, requiring the mandatory installation of strainers.

The efficiency and trouble-free operation of the water supply system depends on the correct choice of taxiway.

How to choose a relay

Consider the criteria for choosing the automation of the water supply system control.

RD for work with submersible and borehole pumps

Such units require the installation of a dry-running protection relay with a minimum delay (within 30 s). The working life of the blower will increase with a soft start. The automatic restart function will not be superfluous, especially when taking water from a marginal well.

Surface pumps

For them, protection against dry running with a longer pause when triggered (within 180 s) is selected. The configurable pause auto-restart feature is welcome. It will not be superfluous to measure the differential pressure "Delta", which is possessed only by RDE-M (Master).

Pumping stations with accumulators

When working with a hydraulic accumulator, it is better to be able to control its filling time. Only the IDE-M has this opportunity. Adjusting the parameters of the dry-running protection will not be superfluous, as well as the adjustable automatic restart of the equipment. Automatic control of the presence of air in the accumulator is encouraged. The control system with the leakage control function, implemented only in RDE-M, as well as the ability to control the pipeline rupture, is very useful.

When choosing between a pointer and an electronic relay, be guided by your own perception, i.e. see which option is most convenient for you. It is easier to read the readings from the LCD display, but perhaps it is more convenient for someone to watch the readings of the pressure gauge.

What to look for

1. It is not worth buying a taxiway to the pumping station. It is already equipped with an automatic system for maintaining pressure in automatic mode.
2. Factory settings, as a rule, satisfy the parameters of individual water supply systems: shutdown of equipment when the pressure in the system reaches 2.5 bar, turning on at 1.5 bar, activation of protection against dry start - 0.5 bar.
3. When buying, you should pay attention to such a characteristic of the device as the estimated number of switching on the device. The higher this number, the longer the product will last.
4. The larger the capacity of the accumulator, the less often the pump will start, therefore, its working resource increases.

How to connect a relay

As an example, the simplest circuit for connecting an electromechanical relay is considered. The device must be connected to the water supply and the mains. We consider a water supply system with a hydraulic accumulator.

Pipeline connection

A special fitting with five adapters is used to connect to the pipeline. Two are used to connect to the pipeline (water inlet and outlet), one more is used to communicate with a hydraulic accumulator, and two small diameter outlets are intended for a pressure gauge and a taxiway. All outputs are threaded, sealed with fum tape or tangit unilok thread. Retrogrades can use the old "good" linen strand, having previously cleared it from the fire.

The connecting pipe is most often made with a 1/4 inch thread. Therefore, a thread of a suitable diameter should be found on the five-way union. Possible options: the device has a 1/2 "DN connection, and a 5-way connection - 1/4" and vice versa. In this case, you will have to select an adapter. To connect the device to a hydraulic accumulator, it is more convenient to use a flexible hose (rubber-fabric or metal hose). The connection to the pipeline has been completed.

Electrical connection

There are two cable holes on the cover of the device for supplying power. Under the cover there are three terminal blocks: one for connecting the taxiway to the pump, another for the supply wire (from a 220V outlet), and the third for grounding. All of them are clearly shown in the photo below.

Nevertheless, you should carefully read the step-by-step user manual and accurately determine the order of connecting the device in terms of electrical part. It depends on whether the purchased device will work.

Setting up

Having finished connecting the device, you can start setting it up. To do this, do not forget to attach a pressure gauge to the five-way connection. Then, armed with a suitable wrench and user manual, we tighten the springs of the device, guided by the readings of the pressure gauge. Having set the required value of the equipment activation parameter (for example, 1.5 bar), open the water tap and wait for the RD to close the control circuit. So we check and adjust the equipment until the pump starts to turn on at a given pressure. The upper limit is set in the same way.

Pointer and electronic relays are connected and configured in the same way. The difference between them is that when adjusting the latter, you will not have to tighten the springs. It is enough to use the adjusting screws or the cursor on the control panel.

Setting up a taxiway is a simple job, you can do it yourself.

Top manufacturers

To get a good product, buy it from the best manufacturers. Some of them are worth getting to know better.

German company founded at the end of the 19th century. She started with the production of centrifuges and milking machines. Later she established the production of pumping equipment.

Interesting! Condor Werce engineers in 1935 developed the first spring-diaphragm device for remote control of the pump when the set values ​​of the controlled parameters are reached.

Today it is the world's leading manufacturer of electronic control devices for pumping and compressor equipment in water and compressed air supply systems. The popularity of Condor Werce's taxiway models, sensors and control units is self-evident. Among her regular customers are such well-known manufacturers as Atlas Copco, Ingersoll Rand, etc.

Italian corporation, known since 1982.Its popular models of RD, protection against dry running, float switches, frequency converters and other elements of automation and control for engineering networks are in high demand.

Famous and one of the world's largest manufacturers of pumping equipment. The company was founded in 1945. The country of the brand is Denmark. Representative offices and subsidiaries in more than 50 countries. Among the new products is the CMBE pumping station. Its "highlight" is the built-in frequency converter. The device stably maintains the set parameter regardless of the number of water sampling points and without a hydraulic accumulator.

Russian manufacturer of pumping and heating equipment. The company considers its mission to be the desire to bring comfort and coziness into the difficult life of fellow citizens. Its models are affordable.

Interesting! The brand name is formed from the initial letters of the English words: water, warmth, quality - Water, Warmlu, Quality.

An Italian manufacturer of high-quality pumping equipment in the middle price category and automation elements for household use. Production in Russia.

The international company is a leader in the production and sale of automatic components for the control of water supply systems and heating equipment. Formed in 1932. Subsidiaries in hundreds of countries around the world. Head office in Denmark. Danfoss products are of the highest quality and are not cheap. Most often used in the construction of industrial enterprises and office buildings of large companies.

Russian manufacturer of pumping equipment and automation components. The company was founded at the end of the last century. Produces inexpensive products of acceptable quality. Production in Podolsk (Moscow region).

Russian manufacturer of pumping equipment and control units. Microprocessor-controlled devices are popular. One of the main suppliers of the company is the Italtecnica concern. The enterprise has its own production base. The goals of the company are to produce high quality equipment at affordable prices.

Russian manufacturer of pumping equipment with production in China. The products have been known since the times of the USSR. The pumps were manufactured in Samara (formerly Kuibyshev). Currently, production has been moved to China, but the company constantly monitors the quality of products.

It is up to you which company to buy the device. Anyway, it's worth asking experienced users for advice.

Where can I buy

The easiest way is to purchase the necessary devices in a specialized store. This option allows the buyer to feel the goods with his own hands, ask questions to a specialist and make the right choice. However, in the absence of such outlets in the immediate vicinity, you can order online from the online store. On the Yandex Market website, you can not only find out the name of such Internet resources, but also read reviews about them, go to the page to make a purchase.

Rating of quality RD for the pump

Cheap devices

WWQ RD-2

10th place.

The review opens an electromechanical device by the Russian manufacturer WWQ RD-2. The device is designed to operate in cold water supply systems with a maximum water temperature of up to 40 ° C. The device is equipped with a 1/4 ”thread for connection to the pipeline. The pressure in the system must not exceed 5 bar (0.5 MPa). Supply voltage - 220 V. The relay is made in accordance with the protection class IP 44. This means that the casing protects the inside of the device from penetration of small objects and drops of moisture, i.e. the device can be installed in rooms with high humidity. Its average cost is 416 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Unipamp LP / 3

9th place.

The inexpensive device was developed by the Russian company Unipamp. Model LP / 3 is a dry-running protection relay.Power is supplied from a 220V network, the maximum water temperature should not exceed 40 ° C. Manufactured in accordance with the IP 44 protection class, the device can be operated in rooms with high humidity. Connecting diameter - 1/4 inch. The device will turn off the equipment when the pressure drops to 0.5 bar and below, in order to prevent its operation in the absence of water, which, being a working medium, simultaneously serves as a cooling liquid. The maximum head at which the circuit will open is 2.8 bar. The average price is 490 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Jileks RDM-5

8th place.

Another device from a Russian manufacturer is the electromechanical RD Dzhileks RDM-5. Powered by 220 V, the design provides IP44 protection (suitable for use in humid rooms). Installation together with pumps with a capacity of no more than 1100 W is allowed for pumping water with a temperature of no more than + 35 ° C. The average cost is 550 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Aquario PS-5-2

7th place.

The device is Italian design. Electromechanical relay powered from a 220V network, with a maximum working pressure of 10 bar. Factory settings are standard for devices of this class:

• inclusions - less than 1.4 bar;
• shutdown when reaching 2.8 bar.

They can be adjusted between 1 and 5 bar. The device is designed to operate in cold water supply systems with a working environment temperature of no more than 40 ° C. The assembly corresponds to the protection class IP 54. The average cost is 600 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Italtecnica PM / 5G

6th place.

Product from a renowned Italian manufacturer. Powered by a 220V network. The maximum permissible water temperature is 40 ° C. The switch-on pressure is adjustable from 1.2 to 2.5 bar, the switch-off pressure is 1.8 to 4.5 bar, respectively. Connecting pipe with 1/4 “thread. The maximum allowable power of the equipment is 15400 W. Average cost: 648 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Expensive pressure switches

Aquacontrol RDS-M 1/2 "

5th place.

The list of expensive devices in our review is opened by the switch RD of the Moscow manufacturer Aquakontrol LLC. Model RDS-M ½ “is an advanced electronic device with wide functionality:

• dry running protection function with 30 s response delay;
• the ability to automatically restart;
• leakage protection function.

Powered by 220V, the water temperature should not exceed 40 ° C. 1/2 '' (15mm) threaded connection. The maximum equipment power for this model does not exceed 1500 watts. The threshold values ​​of the parameters are set quickly and easily by turning the screw on the control panel with a screwdriver. Regulation ranges:

• switching on the unit - from 0 to 6 bar;
• shutdown - from 0 to 6.5 bar;
• dry-running protection actuation - about 30 to 180 s.

The change in pressure during operation can be observed by the arrow on the scale of the built-in pressure gauge. The average cost of the device is 2750 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Vortex ARD - 1

4th place.

Electronic pressure switch of Russian design, manufactured in China. The device has extensive functionality:

• dry running protection function;
• automatic restart function, which makes it possible to check the presence of water;
• functions of protection against leaks, rupture of pipelines, frequent switching on;
• the presence of an irrigation regime.

Power supply from 220 V. The maximum possible load for this type of device should not exceed 1500 W.The device is assembled in accordance with a protection class of at least IP 65. Its average cost is 3490 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Condor Werce Mdr 5/5

3rd place.

In third place is a device from the manufacturer # 1 of pumping automation, the German company Condor. The Condor Werce Mdr 5/5 is an electromechanical pressure switch with a maximum load capacity of 5500 W. These are quite powerful pumps. The RD is powered from a 220V network, assembled in accordance with the IP 54 protection class. The device can be operated in hot water supply systems with a pressure of no more than 5 bar, and a water temperature not exceeding 80 ° C. The average cost is 4524 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Grundfos FF 4-4 Day

2nd place.

In second place among pump control devices is the product of the world-famous Danish brand Grundfos FF 4-4 Day. The proposed model is an electromechanical version, powered by a 220V network, assembled according to the IP 54 protection class, for operation with a maximum pressure of no more than 4 bar. The pipe connection is 3/8 ”threaded. Despite the simplicity of the device, the quality of materials and workmanship, the electrical power of the equipment with which this device works cannot be compared with cheap Chinese samples. Its average price is 5700 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Danfoss KPI 35G1 / 4 "

1 place.

The first place in the rating of expensive models of pressure switches and the best customer reviews is received by the model of the international corporation Danfoss KPI 35G1 / 4 ”. The device is an electromechanical control device that is successfully used in any technological and household pipelines. The quality of the product is confirmed by 15 international certificates, it works reliably, accurately and with a wide range of settings ranging from 0.2 to 28 bar. The difference between the upper and lower pressure thresholds (differential differential) is adjustable. The KR series is designed to work with liquid and gaseous media. The contact part of the device can withstand high loads. If desired, the buyer can order the device with the installation of gold-plated contacts. The average cost of the device is 5900 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

In order not to make mistakes when choosing a water pressure switch, you should collect as much information as possible about the product: find out how much the selected model costs, listen to advice and recommendations from experienced users, carefully study the description and step-by-step user instructions. The last document will give an idea of ​​how to mount the relay with your own hands at home, how to connect it correctly so that the relay does not fail immediately after switching on. The product description will give you an understanding of how to adjust the settings if the factory settings are not satisfactory. The information obtained will make life easier for the user during operation and during equipment repair. The editors of the site hope that after reading our review, buyers will find answers to all their questions.