Issue with ATO. Need advice.

[Oblivionis]

I use two float switches to add water to my sump. Lower switch (Switch 1) to dictate when water is needed and an upper switch (Switch 2) as a safety. Once in a while (maybe once a week) ATO pump stays on for too long and adds too much water causing the upper switch to open and turn off the ATO pump and send an alarm. Initially I thought there was a siphon forming as my fresh water reservoir is at a similar level as the sump. So I redid the plumbing to make sure that doesn't happen but that didn't solve the problem. For some reason from time to time the ATO stays on for too long and trips the upper float switch.
Here is my code. Any help is appreciated.
Fallback OFF
If Switch1 OPEN Then OFF
If Switch1 CLOSED Then ON
If Switch2 OPEN Then OFF
Defer 004:00 Then ON
If FeedA 000 Then OFF
If FeedB 000 Then OFF

 

[swearint]

Code looks correct. Have you checked the Outlet XML report to see if the outlet state is changing correctly? If the pump is not on outlet 4 or 8, it could be that it does not draw enough current to reliably operate the Triac relay,

Todd

 

[Oblivionis]

Is there a way to view XML outlet report from few days ago?

The ATO pump is a Maxijet 1200 plugged into outlet #6. Would that not be enough current to trip the outlet?

The weird thing is that it always overfills the sump to the same level above the upper switch. Like the pump runs too long for the same amount of time each time this happens. Like if it runs for a few seconds after the upper switch opens. So I'm not even sure if the upper switch is doing anything besides tripping the email alarm.

 

[jlylec]

Is there a way to view XML outlet report from few days ago?

The ATO pump is a Maxijet 1200 plugged into outlet #6. Would that not be enough current to trip the outlet?

The weird thing is that it always overfills the sump to the same level above the upper switch. Like the pump runs too long for the same amount of time each time this happens. Like if it runs for a few seconds after the upper switch opens. So I'm not even sure if the upper switch is doing anything besides tripping the email alarm.

I'm still learning all of this programming, but is that Defer statement saying that the pump should stay on for four minutes?

 

[swearint]

Is there a way to view XML outlet report from few days ago?

The ATO pump is a Maxijet 1200 plugged into outlet #6. Would that not be enough current to trip the outlet?

The weird thing is that it always overfills the sump to the same level above the upper switch. Like the pump runs too long for the same amount of time each time this happens. Like if it runs for a few seconds after the upper switch opens. So I'm not even sure if the upper switch is doing anything besides tripping the email alarm.

Yes, after loading the current report, add the following to the end and refresh:

?sdate=YYMMDD

Do the Feed modes work consistently? The Triac relays tend to turn ON with no problem, but have difficulty turning OFF. The MJ1200 is rated at 5W, so that is right on the theshold based on users experience. If available, using outlet 4 or 8 would be better. If not, them you might try adding a small nightlight to the outlet to increase draw.

Todd

 

[Oblivionis]

No, the defer refers to the switch staying in CLOSED state for 4 minutes before the ATO comes on.

 

[swearint]

I'm still learning all of this programming, but is that Defer statement saying that the pump should stay on for four minutes?

No. It requires that any condition that would turn the outlet ON, be true for four minutes before it takes the action. This is useful for filtering out fluctuating signals to avoid false alarms, etc.

Todd

 

[Oblivionis]

Yes, after loading the current report, add the following to the end and refresh:

?sdate=YYMMDD

I still don't know how to do this. It won't let me type anything into the report.


I will try adding one of the heaters to the outlet with the ATO. Maybe that will help. Thanks.

 

[swearint]

Sorry, I was not clear. I meant to say to add it to the address bar.

http://(your address will be here)/cgi-bin/outlog.xml?sdate=xxxxxx

Not sure adding the heater will work consistently as it would have to be on at the time in order to draw the extra current.

Todd

 

[RussM]

I still don't know how to do this. It won't let me type anything into the report.

Add it to the URL in the address bar of the browser.

Or use Reeftronics outlet log processor.

 

[Oblivionis]

I meant a spare heater turned up high added to the same outlet as ATO so it comes on every time that outlet turns on.

Looking at the log this is what happens. Low switch comes on, 4 minutes later ATO pump comes on, 5 seconds later ATO pumps goes off (supposedly) along with the low switch, 53 seconds later email alarm goes on along with the high switch.
Here is a section of the log that applies to the issue:
<date>06/18/2011 15:35:06</date>
<name>ATOlowswitch</name>
<value>ON</value>
</record>
- <record>
<date>06/18/2011 15:39:05</date>
<name>ATO</name>
<value>ON</value>
</record>
- <record>
<date>06/18/2011 15:39:10</date>
<name>ATO</name>
<value>OFF</value>
</record>
- <record>
<date>06/18/2011 15:39:10</date>
<name>ATOlowswitch</name>
<value>OFF</value>
</record>
- <record>
<date>06/18/2011 15:40:03</date>
<name>Email_Alarm</name>
<value>ON</value>
</record>
- <record>
<date>06/18/2011 15:40:03</date>
<name>ATOhghswitch</name>
<value>OFF</value>

 

[swearint]

OK, that indicates that the outlet logic is correct and functioning. So that leaves the current draw issue like I suspected.

I don't think it would be a good idea to use the heater, you are putting heat into the tank unnecessarily. If you don't want to use a nighlight, then there have been reports that a small plugin GFCI adapter adds enough draw to do the job. Although, I have not tried it.

Todd

 

[Oblivionis]

Thanks very much for your help. The reason I want to use a heater is because I have a spare one and my tank is in a basement that stays cool all year long. Even now, in the middle of June my heaters still come on. So the extra heater coming on for 5 seconds every hour or so will not be a problem.