Alarms

Alarm-equipped effluent filter

The ML2-920 effluent filter from Bear Onsite has dual alarm switch connections, allowing installers the flexibility of choosing the Alderon Industries or SJE-Rhombus vertical reed switch to alert homeowners when filters reach approximately 90 percent capacity and need servicing. Connections are placed on the filtered side of the first screen of the unit, ensuring protection from large, buoyant solids such as toilet paper, vegetable matter or other solids that may adhere to switches and trigger a false alarm. The initial screen consists of two filtration levels ­– approximately 1/7 and 3/16 inch vertical slots. The final screen of the cartridge provides 125 linear feet of 1/20 inch horizontal slots. 877/653-4583; www.bearonsite.com.

Filter alarm

The wired indoor/outdoor 3014AB Filter Alarm (Smart Alarm) from Polylok provides audio/visual warning for home or business owners that a septic tank filter needs cleaning. The Smart Alarm Switch activates when the filter cartridge is near capacity (approximately 90 percent full) on solids that have built up through the filtering process. The switch – installed in the filter – sends a signal to the alarm panel, activating the audible and visual alarm alerting the home or business owner that the filter needs servicing. The alarm has a manual test switch and horn silencer; an alarm horn rated at 82 decibels at 10 feet; and 15 feet of cable, with longer lengths available. The switch is designed to fit Polylok, Zabel or Best filters, ensuring proper switch placement. 800/701-3946; www.polylok.com.

Exterior alarm with pump control

The exterior alarm with pump control from Septronics has pump controls located on the right side, with all alarm controls on the left side on a separately wired board. Pump control comes with a hand-off-auto switch. Turn the power to the pump totally off, run the pump manually with the flip of the toggle switch, or put it on automatic to run via the float switch in the tank. Add a receptacle and plug in the pump or hard wire it into the board. Keep the horn silent by flipping a toggle switch to turn off the audible alarm and use as a visual alarm only. 888/565-8908; www.septronicsinc.com.

Indoor/outdoor high water alarm

The Observer 500 indoor/outdoor high water alarm from SPI - Septic Products Inc. has a NEMA 4X polycarbonate enclosure rated for indoor or outdoor use, 360-degree red alarm light, alarm horn, alarm test and horn silence toggle switch, and a 6-foot 120 VAC power cord. External cord grips allow for easy installation. A mechanical float with a 15-foot cord is included standard, with other cord lengths – as well as mercury floats – also available. 419/282-5933; www.septicproducts.com.

Level Controls

Intelligent pump control

The Intelligent Pump Control (IPC) Panel from Aquaworx by Infiltrator is easy to install and leverages pressure transducer technology to monitor multiple types of system events and enhance system performance. The embedded microprocessor and floatless pressure transducer in the pump chamber monitor liquid levels, control pumping time intervals and log events in real time. With the Mountable and Removable Controller (MARC) user interface, installers and service providers can remove the unit for use on multiple IPC Panels and protect panels from tampering. The MARC allows the user to program a panel to address specific system design requirements. The system stores up to 4,000 events and can calculate system flow quantities on a daily basis. 800/221-4436; www.infiltratorsystems.com.

Timed- or demand-dose control panel

No-Float timed- or demand-dose control panels from Clarus Environmental offer a “no float” sensor that detects the liquid level in the tank and sends a signal back to the panel, where it is digitally displayed in inches inside the front cover. The sensor takes the place of up to four floats and has an operating range of up to 40 inches. Pump activation and alarm levels are easily adjusted in the panel. Mechanical float switches can be added for redundant off and high water alarm conditions to provide secondary protection. Panels are available in both simplex and duplex configurations. The simplex panel is easily programmed in the field for use as a timed-dose or demand-dose panel, while the duplex panel is for demand-dose applications only. They have an elapsed-time meter and cycle counter, audible and visual alarm, auxiliary alarm contact, 115/200/230 volt single-phase models with 7-15 amps, and a UL-listed NEMA 4X enclosure. 800/928-7867; www.clarusenvironmental.com.

Duplex control system

PDC Series panels from Liberty Pumps control the operation of two ProVore residential grinder pumps. The system includes a primary pump control float and an alarm float. LED indicators show power on, pump run status, alarm status and horn enable/disable status. Both pumps are individually protected with a manual reset fuse to isolate a failed pump. They have NEMA 1 indoor-rated enclosures, plug-in-ready wiring, factory-wired floats with quick-disconnect at the box, audible and visual alarms, and 9-volt alarm backup. Receptacles are angled to accept standard or right-angled plugs, and an automatic six-hour run limiter protects against run-dry or runaway pump conditions. 800/543-2550; www.libertypumps.com.

Pump system control panel

The 4-in-1 Controller from Orenco Systems supports numerous electrical configurations and dosing schedules within a single panel. Both Simplex (MVP-S2DM) and Duplex (MVP-DAX2DM) models are available and can be configured in the field for timed or demand dosing. While the control circuit operates on 120-volt power, the pump circuit is dual-rated for both 120- or 240-volt power, meaning installers and service providers can reduce their panel inventories for new installations and repairs. It includes a programmable logic unit with multiple timing intervals for changing flow conditions, and a built-in elapsed-time meter and counter. It also displays float position and has a float error indicator. Each panel includes a reference chart to assist with troubleshooting during installation and testing, as well as wiring diagrams. It is completely touch-safe. 877/488-3594; www.orenco.com.

Pump control module

The Dial-a-Time control from See Water is designed to control pumps with ratings up to 16 full-load amps. The compact, solid-state technology has no moving parts to become tangled, ensuring the proper evacuation of water. This is an ideal control for sump pump basins and any confined-space application that requires consistent liquid-level control. With a limitless pumping range, it can be set to pump from seconds to hours. It has been tested for the frequent cycling of sump pumps and has performed this action over 2 million cycles without failure. 888/733-9283; www.seewaterinc.com.

Simplex and duplex pump control

Relay Logic Series control panels from SJE-Rhombus utilize traditional, user-friendly components for simplex and duplex pump control in water and sewage applications. The simplex panel controls one 120-, 208- or 240-volt single-phase pump in pump chambers, sump pump basins, irrigation systems and lift stations. It has a NEMA 4X-rated indoor/outdoor enclosure with stainless steel lockable hasps, an inner door for added safety, HOA switch for manual pump control, external test/normal/silence switch and a green pump run indicator light. A magnetic motor contactor is used to turn the pump on and off. If an alarm condition occurs, an alarm switch activates the audible/visual alarm. The duplex model provides alternating single-phase pump control with override. Panels are UL/cUL listed. 888/342-5753; www.sjerhombus.com.

Monitoring Devices

Remote management control panel

The Click+Clean all-in-one panel from RH2O North America allows users to change settings and log data from the home or office, detecting problems before they occur. It has an LCD screen for easy onsite setup, and can be configured to simplex, duplex, or control multiple systems in one panel. It can handle one to eight pumps, blowers or aerators, as well as floats, pressure transducers and flowmeters. Once installed, the panel will make sure all mechanical components continue to work by monitoring current. If a pump fails, a high-level alarm occurs, or the power shuts off, an email will immediately be sent to the service provider notifying them of the problem. 519/648-3475; www.rh2o.com.

Aerator timer

The P101FA-2 Timer from Septic Services is designed for shaft-design aerators but can be used for any application that requires mini-breaker (4- to 7-amp) shut-off capability. The 24-hour timer prevents overload on the aerator motor if it becomes obstructed with debris. It is adjustable in 15-minute increments to meet local codes for aerator operating usage, and is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. The durable plastic construction is resistant to wear and temperature extremes. A NEMA type 3R rainproof enclosure provides protection against corrosion. The unit has wiping contacts and zinc-plated screw terminals to resist corrosion and withstand harsh environments. The timer is rated at 120 volt and 20 amp. It has a three-position toggle switch (on/auto, off, continuous), warning light and reset button located on the front. 800/536-5564; www.septicserv.com/store.