Swimming Pool Starter Help!

[Lucien Nunes]

Sure thing, what I meant was that is that one doesn't want 400V coils and control circuits even within a panel, because 400V is harder to switch with small relays and control devices.

 

[Bobster]

Sure thing, what I meant was that is that one doesn't want 400V coils and control circuits even within a panel, because 400V is harder to switch with small relays and control devices.

Section 9 also covers this. Any more than 2 control devices and it needs a dedicated isolating transformer or psu.

Can't get much in the way of a control system with that. Hence the only 400v control you really see now a days is the dol in a box with a stop and start button. Even then these usually aren't wired control. Simply pushing the contactor in manually, then hitting the trip on the OL to stop.

 

[markythesparky]

On a lot of contactors there is a switch that sets the contactor to stay off in the event of a power failure or restart automatically.

Not sure how 230v will operate the 400v coil though!

Also the UV’s must turn off if the pump stops. They will burn out otherwise.

Where abouts are you?

 

[Pete999]

On a lot of contactors there is a switch that sets the contactor to stay off in the event of a power failure or restart automatically.

Not sure how 230v will operate the 400v coil though!

Also the UV’s must turn off if the pump stops. They will burn out otherwise.

Where abouts are you?

What is operating the 400Volt coil, are dry contacts on the 230 timer, somehow integrated into the 400 Volt control circuit, dangerous and I believe does not comply to BS 7671, cant give you the reg number if there is one, it was/is something in the back of my mind that is reminding me. Imagine the problems of a 230 V timer with NO/NC dry contacts, with a possible 400V sitting on them, not nice.

 

[Pete999]

Once external controls are introduced. Anything above a 230v control circuit is currently forbidden. It's not just preference, it's regulations.

Do you know the reg number Rob out of interest?

 

[westward10]

See #50.

 

[Pete999]

Section 9 BS60204

Thanks Rob Will take a look

 

[ipf]

Section 9 also covers this. Any more than 2 control devices and it needs a dedicated isolating transformer or psu.

Can't get much in the way of a control system with that. Hence the only 400v control you really see now a days is the dol in a box with a stop and start button. Even then these usually aren't wired control. Simply pushing the contactor in manually, then hitting the trip on the OL to stop.

Still come across plenty control panels with 400v control circuits but anything controlling remotely with 400v is definitely a no no.

Mind you, the only 'swimming pool starters' I've come across have been stood with a pistol...…….then all the swimmers dive in on trigger.

 

[Bobster]

Still come across plenty control panels with 400v control circuits but anything controlling remotely with 400v is definitely a no no.

Yes there's still plenty about. It's a no no to modify or instal new now though. Just the same as old wilex rewirable CUs. Still plenty around, you're not going to install new though.

Oh an I'll point out for those that don't know. Unlike 7671 the BSEN 60204 is statutory.

 

[mydigitalhome]

Why not a self resetting RCBO?

 

[Pete999]

Why not a self resetting RCBO?

Are you suggesting that you fit a device that will trip in the event of a fault, only to reset it's self before the fault has been identified and rectified, seems to defeat the point of a Safety device don't you think?

 

[Richard Burns]

Self resetting RCBOs monitor the circuit and will only reset if the fault has cleared quickly, they are intended to avoid the nuisance of short duration intermittent faults. If the fault is significant then the RCBO will not reset.

 

[Pete999]

Self resetting RCBOs monitor the circuit and will only reset if the fault has cleared quickly, they are intended to avoid the nuisance of short duration intermittent faults. If the fault is significant then the RCBO will not reset.

Thanks for that Rich

 

[netblindpaul]

Technically a swimming pool pump control system comes under the Machinery Directive and if it is to auto restart then there would have to be a hell of a lot of built in safety if there is any potential of injury from it. Also BS 7671 would not apply due to clause 110.2,xi.

 

[Adam W]

What's wrong with chlorine?

Chlorine sanitises the whole pool all the time, not just the bit in the tube when it's switched on.

 

[dlt27]

Hi all, just a quick update.
When investigating closer I found the contacts on the starter contactor had welded together so the pump was never turning off by the timeclock.
I thought using 240v from the timeclock just wouldn't switch the contactor, however being as the customer said it used to work I'm thinking now that 240v was operating the contactor and caused it eventually to weld closed due to arcing.
I fitted new starter with 240v coil and all now seems to be working correctly.
Thank you again for all advice given..

 

[Lucien Nunes]

I'm thinking now that 240v was operating the contactor and caused it eventually to weld closed due to arcing.

This sounds quite likely. If the coil was running at the wrong voltage, it might have been very sluggish to pull in and/or not compressed the contact springs fully, causing excessive arcing.

 

[marconi]

dlt27 - so good of you to provide an update - alas too many folk do not. Well done, Sir!