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GENERAL GUIDE TO INSTALLATION & OPERATION
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 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 crimp connectors
or other crimp connect device. To seal connection, use standard sealant filled submersible pump wire splice seal device or,
embed connections in marine sealant (3M 4200 or 5200 Fastcure or equiv.) and cover w/heat shrink tubes. Do not apply heat
directly to wires when shrinking tubes; overheated wire insulation will develop cracks and leaks. 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.
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