Water pump problem

[heffneil]

My house has a fairly sophisticated water cleaning system involving reverse osmosis for the entire house (water down here is REALLY bad). Anyway the waste water is stored in a tank and there is a double float system that operates a well pump inside once it has reached a certain level and stays on until the bottom float drops. Anyway I noticed the shrubs around the edges are getting brown and I looked and noticed the pump tripped the breaker. I turned it back on and it tripped immediately indicating a short on the motor. I was kicking myself in the behind because I knew something was wrong and I believe this has been going on for weeks.

I would like some way to monitor this. I purchased a water meter for this tank but it is analog. There is an overflow spout that I thought about putting a pan or something at the end and then putting a water sensor on there but if it rains it will trip. maybe a water flow sensor on the output of the pump and an water flow sensor on the overflow? The overflow is really a trickle so I don't know how particular or if those sensors exists. Any suggestions here? I thought also about CT's on the motor itself...

Thanks!

Neil

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

There are a lot of ways to go about this, but a question for you. What type of system(s) do you have in place now? An Elk, automation software, lighting control/monitor, Ocelot?, wireless/X-10/W-800, etc...?

 

[heffneil]

There are a lot of ways to go about this, but a question for you. What type of system(s) do you have in place now? An Elk, automation software, lighting control/monitor, Ocelot?, wireless/X-10/W-800, etc...?

Ah good question I am using an HAI Omnipro II. I can run wire out there if need be or something wireless.... Anything is really an option at this point.

Thanks,

Neil

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Can the Omnipro discern analog voltage levels (to monitor your water meter)? That would be ideal. Also can you monitor the float levels and not interfere with your existing system's operation?

You could then do logic as when a certain float is closed, flow level should be indicated.

If not, perhaps place a water sensor inside a piece of hose on the overflow so it is not influenced by rain.

Also, if you want to measure your voltage at the outlet, consider using a wall wart that will trip a relay and monitor those contacts with the Omni. You could also get "current switches" from places like CR Magnetics.

A combination of all of these things would be ideal, tied to logic and alerts to let you know if a problem exists.

 

[mustangcoupe]

You could also get "current switches" from places like CR Magnetics.

Im going to try one of these current switch with a DS10A to monitor my the status of my window AC units, you should be able to use a wireless zone sensor hacked for this purpose to monitor the current of the motor, and a second hacked sensor to monitor the float level...

Or you could hardwire these things too B)

 

[heffneil]

Can the Omnipro discern analog voltage levels (to monitor your water meter)? That would be ideal. Also can you monitor the float levels and not interfere with your existing system's operation?

You could then do logic as when a certain float is closed, flow level should be indicated.

If not, perhaps place a water sensor inside a piece of hose on the overflow so it is not influenced by rain.

Also, if you want to measure your voltage at the outlet, consider using a wall wart that will trip a relay and monitor those contacts with the Omni. You could also get "current switches" from places like CR Magnetics.

A combination of all of these things would be ideal, tied to logic and alerts to let you know if a problem exists.

Im sorry the water meter is just a plain old meter i.e. not electronic at all. Sorry for the confusion.

The pump is hard wires and 230 volts. It is a 1hp well pump in a tank.

Neil