Flowlight Booster Pump Instruction Manual

3
III. PUMP MUST NOT RUN DRY
Water is the lubricant for your pump. If it runs completely dry, it will overheat and fail.
DRY RUN SWITCH is an optional accessory to prevent damage from dry run. It is a small
device with two wires that attaches to the front of the pump. It senses temperature, and
switches the pump off before it gets too hot. If you are pumping from a tank, cistern or any
water source that can run low accidentally, a Dry Run Switch should be used. If it saves a
failure once in 10 years, it's worthwhile.
WARNING The dry run switch must be clamped tightly to the front (red plate) of the pump. Its
round metal surface MUST press firmly against the red plate or it will not function. If you can
slip a piece of paper between the switch and the red plate, it is not making sufficient contact.
Loosen the clamp and press the brackets further onto the pump so the contact is tight.
OPERATION The red push-button pops out if the pump runs dry. Push it in to reset the switch,
after water is restored.
A FLOAT SWITCH placed in the supply tank is an alternative to the Dry Run Switch. The
advantage is that it will reset itself when water rises, and will not allow the pump to lose prime.
The disadvantage is the need to run a power cable to the switch -- OK if distance is short.
Please call your dealer or the factory if you have questions.
WARNING Do NOT use a “LOSS OF PRIME” PRESSURE SWITCH for dry run protection.
This is a pressure switch with an automatic shut-off lever. It will NOT function with this type of
pump. Your pump will push sufficient air to maintain pressure, holding the switch on.
PLUMBING SYSTEM DESIGN
If you are not experienced in water supply design and installation, you may wish to seek
professional assistance. Many people are surprised to find how "complex" water system
design can be.
See diagrams on p. 20, for typical groundwater installations.
MINIMIZE SUCTION LIFT to just a few feet, if possible. The practical suction limit for any pump
is 20 vertical feet at sea level (subtract 1 ft. for every 1000 ft. of elevation). The more you
minimize suction lift, the more reliable and quiet your pump will be. Just be sure the motor will
not be submerged if the water level rises, or it will be ruined. Your pump may be placed
DOWNHILL from your water source, if feasible.
YOUR INTAKE PIPE may run any reasonable horizontal distance, although it is BEST TO
KEEP IT SHORT. (We know of installations where the pump is placed 200 feet from the water
source, using 1 1/2" pipe.) USE LARGE PIPE for the intake (1 to 1 1/2" for larger Slowpumps or
Booster Pump).
Slope the intake line from the water source UP toward the pump. AVOID HUMPS in the intake
line. They trap air pockets which can block the flow. AVOID LEAKS IN SUCTION LINE. They
are hard to locate and will cause constant problems.