Water pressure sensor in the water supply system: specifics of use and adjustment of the device

Well-functioning water supply system is one of the most important attributes of comfortable living both in a luxurious cottage and in a modest country house. Often owners have to install an individual water supply network. After all, not all settlements have a centralized water supply.

A water pressure sensor in the water supply system will allow you to automate its supply to the taps. A small-sized device will significantly increase the service life of pumping equipment and at the same time prevent hydraulic shocks that are destructive to equipment.

You will learn how the device works and how to choose it correctly, taking into account the operating characteristics of the water supply, by reading the information we provide. We have described in detail the device and operating principle of the sensor. The information proposed for consideration was supplemented with photos and video materials.

Purpose and scope of use of the device

Questions that many residents of large cities are not even aware of immediately become relevant after purchasing country real estate. Among them - installation of personal water supply, one of the important elements of which is the pressure sensor.

Living outdoors is doubly enjoyable if you can take a bath, use the washing machine, or turn on automatic watering for beds planted with home-grown vegetables, strawberries and herbs.To satisfy all the needs of the residents of a particular private household, a well-functioning water supply system is required.

To automate the process of water intake into autonomous water pipelines, pressure sensors are installed, the specifics of which are used in the following selection:

Owners of dachas and cottages use water from wells and boreholes. To collect it, modern equipment is used, the heart of which is a pump. He pumps up water as needed. To extend the service life, a special sensor is installed that monitors the water pressure in the pipeline.

To ensure that the water in your dacha does not run out at the most inopportune moment, for example, while washing dishes or in the middle of a swim, automatic control of the pump will help.

The second name of this device is pressure switch. In some models of pumping stations it is included. The sensor has settings set by the manufacturer. Its purpose is to ensure the optimal frequency of turning the pump on and off.

If the relay copes well with its assigned function, then the heart of the individual water supply system will work for a long time. Otherwise, the pump may overheat and quickly burn out.

When 5-6 household members permanently live in a house, they turn on the taps to wash their hands, use the toilet, wash dishes, take a bath, use water to wash a car or water the garden. It is difficult to imagine how long a pump would last if its operation was not controlled by a sensor. It would turn on every time users needed water.

A regular drop in pressure and, as a result, low water pressure can cause the pump to turn on frequently. This may occur due to incorrect settings of the water pressure sensor

Classification of controller models

Market of equipment and spare parts for water supply systems is replete with offers from domestic and foreign factories. Among the pressure sensors you can find both inexpensive and simple models from Russian manufacturers, as well as expensive multifunctional solutions.

Expensive versions of pressure controllers contain a built-in pressure sensor. These types of devices, as a rule, not only monitor pressure, but also equalize it

All types of sensors can be divided into 2 main groups:

• electromechanical;
• electronic.

The first type of device has a metal plate that responds to the pressure of the hydraulic tank membrane in the system by closing or opening contacts. If its value is insufficient, then the pump is turned on, and otherwise, it is turned off.

Electronic type sensors send a signal about membrane deformation to the automatic control system. The information received is analyzed, and a command is received to turn off/on the pump.

Such equipment reacts very sensitively to the slightest deviation from the set values ​​and has protection against “dry” running. Depending on the model, it is possible to automatically start the system after an emergency shutdown, notify the owner of problems by sending a message to a mobile phone and other additional functions.

It is advisable to install complex devices in country houses where several family members are planned to live all year round

For example, the Spanish regulator KIT 02, which acts as a pressure sensor, is able to maintain a constant pressure of a given value, protects against dry running, has a reverse valve, a built-in pressure gauge, and dampens water hammer. But the cost of this model is far from 1000 rubles.

The most popular options for water pressure devices in a private water supply system:

• Russian - RDM-5 from Gileks;
• German - Grundfos FF 4-4, Tival FF 4-4, Condor MDR 5/5;
• Italian – PM/5G, PM/3W from ITALTECNICA, EASY SMALL from Pedrollo;
• Spanish – electronic regulator KIT 00, 01,02, 05 from ESPA.

One of the budget solutions could be a sensor from Gilex RDM-5. It has factory settings for the lower and upper limits of 1.4 and 2.8 atmospheres, respectively. You can change the range yourself, given that the operating values ​​of this device are from 1.0 to 4.6 atmospheres.

Comparative table of various sensors from Russian and European manufacturers. The last two options are electronic. Their cost is several times higher than mechanical ones.

The device from the German company Grundfos model FF4-4 is distinguished by the ability to set settings with an accuracy of 0.01 atm. Its operating range is from 0.07 to 4 atmospheres, and FF4-8 – up to 8 atmospheres. It has a transparent cover and a special scale inside the device.

Well-thought-out functionality and excellent design of German models make using the device a pleasure

All this greatly simplifies self-adjustment - no need to twist the nuts and wonder if it’s enough. The scale immediately shows the result. The main negative quality of the device is the cost, which is almost 5 times higher than RDM-5.

Design and principle of operation of a typical sensor

Most often, owners use mechanical type sensors. Their main advantage is independence from electricity. They do not require a special outlet to turn on the device.

These devices are designed to turn the pump on and off when the specified pressure is reached. Therefore, the pump is connected to the network via a sensor.

The structure of the device depends on the model and manufacturer. More often, summer residents use the simplest Russian relay (+)

The simplest and most popular mechanical sensor is RDM-5. It consists of the following elements:

• metal platform;
• membrane;
• piston;
• springs;
• adjusting bolts with nuts;
• plastic case;
• electrical contacts.

More expensive models from foreign manufacturers may have a scale for adjustment, a built-in pressure gauge and other components that allow you to perform a wide variety of functions.

With a water pressure sensor it is much more convenient to organize watering of beds, flower beds, shrubs and lawns

Based on the number of capabilities and cost, the following groups of pressure sensors can be distinguished:

• simple pressure switch;
• additional sensor for protection against dry running. It is paired with a simple relay, for example, from Aquatica;
• A water pressure controller is a complex device with a sensor, pressure gauge, many other functions and a fairly high price.

The design of electronic controllers with a built-in pressure switch and pressure gauge is more complex than that of mechanical ones. Such devices, depending on the model, have an additional regulator that prevents changes in water pressure in the system. This ensures always uniform pressure, regardless of whether the pump is running at a particular moment.

A sensor that controls the operation of the pump is usually installed in water supply systems with a hydraulic accumulator. The device is always mounted in front of the storage tank. Its function is to constantly measure the water pressure in the system.The sensor compares these readings with the specified values.

If the household is located in an area with frequent power outages, then it makes sense to install a large storage tank in the attic

As soon as the pressure becomes lower than the settings, the contacts close and the pump turns on, starting to draw water. It fills the accumulator, which helps create the required pressure.

When the sensor detects the upper pressure limit set by the owner of the house, the electrical contacts open and the pump stops working.

The frequency of switching on/off depends on accumulator volume, pressure in the system and the number of water consumers. For example, if the owner of the cottage is taking a bath, her husband is enjoying hydromassage in the shower, and the dishwasher is working in the kitchen, then the sensor will turn on the pump at a certain moment.

At first, when you turn on the taps and shower heads, water will flow from the storage tank. As soon as its quantity decreases, the capacitance membrane will also reduce resistance.

Accordingly, the pressure in the system will become less. The hydraulic tank membrane will immediately respond to this change and, as soon as the readings reach the lower pressure limit set by the user, the pressure switch contacts will close.

At this moment, the pump will turn on and begin pumping water into the system, at the same time filling the free space in the accumulator. If the taps are still open, water from the well will flow until the pressure in the system reaches the upper limit of the range set by the owner.

The volume of the accumulator depends on the needs of a particular household and its residents.The more people live and the more plumbing fixtures are installed, the larger the capacity of the tank will be required.

If the house uses an electronic controller with additional functions as a sensor, then when the pressure drops, the water pressure does not become weaker. The built-in regulator helps maintain the desired pressure, and the user will not notice anything, unlike the situation with a simple pressure sensor.

Principles of adjustment

A device that monitors pressure and controls the operation of the pump automatically is very convenient to use. It requires almost no attention or maintenance. Perhaps 1-2 times a year you have to clean it of debris and check how the sensor copes with controlling the given range of water pressure.

What do you need to know before starting work?

Initially, the owner who purchased such a device has 2 options:

• leave the settings set at the factory;
• independently set the desired response range.

The first option is convenient when the parameters of the pump and pressure in the system correspond to the factory settings. For simple domestic models they are 1.4 and 2.8 atmospheres, respectively, for the lower and upper limits. Depending on the device and the manufacturer, these figures may differ.

The upper and lower limits of the factory settings must be indicated in the passport in the technical characteristics section

If the specified range suits the home owner, then all that remains is to install the sensor, following the installation instructions. Otherwise, you will have to independently adjust the sensor that controls the water pressure in a private water supply system.

It is more convenient to adjust the desired range in models that have a built-in pressure gauge and a more sensitive graduation scale. But the cost of such a solution will cost a tidy sum.

Before you start adjusting the device, you need to look at the maximum permissible operating range in the passport and compare this data with the pump power. It is important to leave a small reserve - you cannot allow the equipment to work to its maximum. This gap is about 0.5 atmospheres.

Also, it should be remembered that the optimal operating range of the pump is 1-1.5 atm. There is no point in doing more - water hammer may occur, causing irreparable damage to the equipment. The minimum threshold for turning on the pump must be at least 1.4 atm.

If during pump operation there is a possibility that the water level in the water intake will drop below the limits required for normal operation of the equipment, then it is better to supplement the pressure sensor with an automation unit. Then the unit will turn off when there is a threat of “dry running”

Even before setting up the sensor, you must find out what pressure is in the accumulator. To do this, disconnect it from the network, drain the water, and check the pressure with a pressure gauge.

If the reading is 1.4 atmospheres or less, then you need to pump it up to 1.5 atm. Otherwise, excess air should be released to this value by pressing the nipple.

Step-by-step pressure sensor setup

Depending on the sensor model, the steps to adjust it will vary slightly. Each device has its own parts that are responsible for setting the operating range of the pump. For example, the German FF4-8 has a division scale where everything is extremely easy to adjust. And you don’t need to remove the cover to make adjustments - it’s transparent.

You can make the adjustment yourself by studying the device data sheet or invite a specialist

If this is a complex electronic pressure controller with additional functions, then you should carefully read the specifications in the passport for indicating the operating pressure for the system. Moreover, it should be at least 0.5 atm less than the maximum permissible values.

Regardless of the brand and model of the device that monitors pressure, you must first check the lower limit at which the pump operates. To do this, you need to drain the water by opening the tap. As soon as water pumping begins, you need to record the pressure gauge readings.

Some sensor models have a built-in pressure gauge, others do not, for which you need to buy a separate measuring device

When the pump turns off, this value should also be recorded - this is the upper limit of the maximum permissible system pressure. Moreover, these readings should not differ from each other by more than 1.5 atmospheres.

Knowing the initial response range of the equipment, all that remains is to adjust the upper limit and its difference with the lower one. If this is a model with two springs, then adjustment will be made using a wrench.

First you have to remove the protective cover to see 2 springs underneath. The large one is responsible for changing the upper limit of the limit. To decrease or increase the limit value, you have to turn the nut. Moreover, it is better to do this slowly, turning it 0.5 - 1 turn.

Having tightened it once, you need to open the tap and check the pressure value obtained on the pressure gauge to turn on the pump. If the indicator is not satisfactory, continue turning the nut.

Sometimes, instead of adjustment, it is necessary to clean the flange and contacts of the device from mineral deposits. Inclusions are brought by water that has undergone insufficient purification or transported through old metal pipes

A small spring is responsible for changing the difference between the upper and lower pressure. When tightening it, it is important to remember that this difference should not be more than 1.5 atm. When the nut in front of the large spring is tightened, and the small nut is also adjusted, you should open the tap again and start draining the water.

As soon as the pump turns on, you need to remember the value indicated by the pressure gauge - this will be the lower limit. After this, you have to wait for the pressure in the system to increase. As soon as it reaches the upper limit, the pump will turn off. This reading also needs to be remembered and compared with the lower one.

If the numbers differ by 1.5-1 atm and do not intersect with the minimum and maximum permissible operating values, then everything was successful. Otherwise, you need to drain the water again and start the adjustment again.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video #1. Review of sensor models that monitor pressure in the water supply system:

Video #2. Detailed video about an electronic relay for monitoring water pressure:

Video #3. Information in video format about the features of adjusting the domestic water pressure sensor:

Video #4. About the features of servicing a pressure sensor that has worked for 2 years. Initially, the task was to change the previous operating range of the pump:

Having become familiar with the specifics of operation and adjustment of water pressure sensors in private water supply systems, you can configure the device yourself.

If you still have doubts about your own abilities, it is better to call a specialist who has a good reputation. It is important that the sensor works correctly, then there will be no problems with the entire water supply system of the cottage/country house.

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