Today’s advanced onsite systems need sophisticated electronics to ensure long, reliable operation and warn owners and system maintenance contractors about impending trouble. Here is a look at some of the latest controls, monitoring systems and alarms offered by manufacturers in the onsite industry.
Programmable in the field
MVP Control Panels are designed for one- or two-pump systems that time dose to a sand filter or drainfield. A digital programmable logic module with an LCD display and programming keys enables operators to adjust timer settings in the field quickly and accurately. Visual float position indicators, an elapsed-time meter, and counters for alarms and power faults make operation, maintenance and trouble-shooting easier. Panels differentiate high- and low-level alarms, and reactivate silenced alarms after 12 hours. Orenco Systems Inc.: 800/ 348-9843; www.orenco.com.
Combination control panel
The Model 20DS combination control panel has separate pump controls for micro-dosing the advanced aerobic treatment unit and for time dosing the disposal field. Units include a compressor circuit with low air alarm, separate high-water alarms for pre-tank and pump tank, and remote alarm monitoring via the NSF RMS 100 (hardwired) or the NSF RMS 312 (wireless) autodialer. (NSF autodialers are required in certain areas.) Options include 120- or 240-volt AC operation, multiple compressor circuits, and simplex or alternating duplex pump control. Ecological Tanks Inc.: 800/277-8179; www.etiaquasafe.com.
Nerve center
Outdoor Pedestal alarms combine the features of a junction box with those of a high-water alarm, providing a clean, aesthetically pleasing approach to onsite control. High-water alarms or high-water alarms with pump control have a pull-out assembly for easy wiring, an externally mounted Test/Normal/Silence switch, and a 360-degree audiovisual check for alarm condition. Quanics: 877/782-6427; www.quanics.net.
No cable to bury
The Tank Alert ABW alarm has a battery-operated wireless transmitter that triggers the indoor alarm horn when the high-water float switch activates. The unit has automatic alarm reset, 9-volt DC battery backup, alarm test and silence switches, green power-on indicator, red alarm indicator, low battery chirp, and loss-of-signal alarm. The transmitter’s range is 150 feet and complies with FCC standards. A UL-Listed components version is available. SJE-Rhombus: 888/342-5753; www.sjerhombus.com.
Floats or air pressure
The Power Zone Jr. Simplex Pump Controller has flashing red LED alarm lights, hand run button, pump run indicator light, NEMA 4X outdoor enclosure, latching door that can be locked, and an exterior audible alarm silence/test. Units operate by floats or air pressure — a single air bell replaces all the float switches. When using the air system, knobs inside the panel adjust the pump off, pump on, and high-level set points without entering the tank. CSI Controls: 800/363-5842; www.chandlersystemsinc.com.
Complete monitoring system
The external TS100 Holding Tank Alarm has all necessary components in the box. It comes with control switch, high-impact pedestal for the cable, watertight junction box with silence switch, test button, cord seals, fuse, terminal strip, and a redesigned removable terminal board for easy and clean hook up. Sturdy brackets replace the pedestal when mounting alarms on walls. An optional latch that can be locked is available for both styles. Septronics Inc.: 888/565-8908; www.septronicsinc.com.
Simplex/duplex control
The Model 10-0684 control panel controls a single-phase pump in residential and commercial onsite applications. A programmable timer activates a magnetic motor that turns the dosing chamber pump on and off. High- or low-water conditions override the timer, turning the pump on or preventing it from running dry. When the liquid level rises above its setpoint, a float activates the audio/visual alarm system.
Common applications include media filter, pressure distribution, and mound systems, or any application requiring a timed dose. All variable-level float switches are mechanically activated and do not contain mercury. Panels are available in multiple voltages. Zoeller Co.: 800/928-7867; www.zoeller.com.
Duplex Panel
Duplex control panels (up to 20 amps) include a 360-degree flashing alarm light, two amber run indicator lights, high-decibel audible buzzer, NEMA 4X fiberglass enclosure, stainless steel door latches, and external mounting feet. The systems also include an automatic alternating relay/override circuit, heavy-duty toggle switches, field wiring terminal strips, two motor circuit breakers, and 3-amp control/alarm circuit fuses. Septic Products Inc.: 419/282-5933; www.septicproducts.com.
