NEMO PUMP INSTALLATION

PREFACE: This document is intended as a general guide to understanding the installation and operation of a Nemo Submersible/Flojet Pump Unit. It does not contain complete information regarding safe and proper plumbing and electrical practice as well as information regarding the differing conditions of specific installations. If in doubt, proceed with caution and/or seek professional assistance.

SYSTEMS - Typically, either a storage tank, a pressure tank, or a combination of both (storage tank to booster pump to pressure tank) is part of a submersible pump water system.

OTHER FACTORS include power source voltage and regulation, distance between power source and pump, and height between pump and tank (head).

Available power source voltage determines pump voltage.

Distance between pump and power will determine gauge of electrical wire relative to pump amperage. (See Chart.)

For longevity of small submersibles, either a storage tank or combination system is preferred over a direct to pressure tank system.

EXAMPLE:

Well depth..............................................60'

Distance pump to power.........................65'

Static water level................30' below grade

Level of pump......................40' below grade

Pump amps-volts.....................3.5 @ 24VDC

Wire size.......................................12 gauge

Height pump to tank...............................55'

Tank type................storage w/float switch

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE:

1. Thoroughly read all literature included with the Nemo Pump.

2. Lay out delivery pipe (1/2" 100PSI Polyethylene), electrical wires (waterproof stranded copper), and pump near well head.

3. Connect one end of pipe to pump (use s.s. hose clamp).

4. Install appropriate fitting at other end of pipe.

5. Solder electrical wires to pump leads, or connect wires with uninsulated crimp connectors or other crimp connect device. Embed connections in marine sealant (3M 4200 or 5200 Fastcure or equiv.) and cover w/heat shrink tubes (or other standard submersible pump wire splice seal device). Slightly shrink center section of tubes and allow ample time for sealant to set prior to immersion. WARNING: Take Care! If this connection leaks your pump will fail.

6. Bundle pipe and wire at 5' +/- intervals with cable ties and be sure that spliced wires at pump do not protrude beyond diameter of case.

7. Lower pump into well to a point below static water level (1' to Maximum 20' ). A safety line is not required.

8. Connect pipe from tank to pipe from well.

9. Connect electric wires from tank switch to wires from pump. (Protect circuit w/12-15 amp fuse.)

10. Review all procedures in thorough detail to determine if entire system and all plumbing and electrical connections have been installed and secured in accordance with professional standards.

CAUTION: Only proceed with plumbing and/or electrical connections if qualified. Otherwise, seek advise of professional plumber/electrician.

WARNING: Major damage to pump motor can result if pump is operated when water in delivery pipe is frozen or otherwise obstructed; Nemo pumps are not equipped with bypass valves.

OPERATION - To prevent pump damage or excessive wear, Pressure Tank Systems must be fitted with a pressure switch that switches pump off before total system pressure exceeds maximum rated pump pressure. Total system pressure is equal to the p.s.i. of head (each 2.31' of head = 1 p.s.i.) plus p.s.i. of pressure switch shut-off setting. Total system pressure should not exceed maximum rated pump pressure (up to 100 p.s.i. for standard Flojet pumps).

To prevent overflow and excessive pump wear, a Storage Tank System (best system for small subs) must be fitted with a float or water level sensor switch. Being that a storage tank is not under pressure, total system pressure is simply equal to p.s.i. of head.

Pumps operated direct from photovoltaic modules should be protected from low voltage inputs via a manual or automatic (LVD) disconnect switch at power source.

For proper operation of pump, electrical circuit must be suitably fused, grounded, and equipped with main disconnect switch at power source.

APPROPRIATE USE: Nemo Pumps are primarily designed to efficiently supply potable water to off-grid remote site dwellings and for other low volume intermittent duty applications. Expected years of maintenance free service will be proportionately shortened if designed use is exceeded by high volume continuous duty applications.

TROUBLE PREVENTION NOTE - Most pump failures are caused by improper installation and/or operation. Extra careful attention should be given to electrical wire connection and waterproofing, submergence depth, total system pressure, motor overload conditions, and excessive or low voltage inputs.

(NOTE-The text above is the formal version of the installation procedure, with all the superfluous cautions, warnings, details, etc. In actual practice, the procedure is much simpler than this inflated document suggests. But please do read it; there are a few important points included that could spell failure if ignored.)

FOOTNOTES:
1. The speed (RPM) of the pump motor is proportionate to the voltage level output of the battery or, if the pump is directly connected to a solar module, the voltage level output of the solar module.
If the voltage level output is too low, the pump motor can slow, stall, overheat, and possibly burn out.
This extreme under-voltage situation is unlikely to happen with a properly balanced battery powered pump system. However, a pump powered directly from a solar module will slow and stall during low light (dusk/night/dawn/cloud) conditions.
Installing a Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) switch between the pump and the solar module will eliminate the dangers of these under-voltage conditions.