Need help with wiring auto skimmer shut off

[hobbzz]

I can't believe this hasn't been posted anywhere yet, but I need help with wiring an auto shut for a skimmer cup. I have all the parts... this relay, a 12v dc transformer, extension cord, and my skimmer lid has a built in float switch. I just can't find any schematics on the whole of the internet on how to wire it up. Anyone know how?

 

[AcroporAddict]

I can't believe this hasn't been posted anywhere yet, but I need help with wiring an auto shut for a skimmer cup. I have all the parts... this relay, a 12v dc transformer, extension cord, and my skimmer lid has a built in float switch. I just can't find any schematics on the whole of the internet on how to wire it up. Anyone know how?

Can't help you with your question, but since you use an Apex, just hook the skimmer cup float switch into your apex, and control the Apex power outlet the skimmer pump is plugged into with it. Set the power outlet up as a switch, or the Apex equivalent. When the float switch is floating, have the power outlet shut off.

I have a ReefKeeper Elite, and the float in my skimmer cup is hooked to my RKE like that.

 

[hobbzz]

I've got the junior. I'd need a breakout box and pm1 or 2. Thanks anyway.

 

[aaronpentz]

I'll draw something up in a little bit

 

[CuzzA]

Here's what I did.

Simple float switch going through one vent hole in the skimmer lid.

Splice the wire and use these quick connect but crimps so you can easily disconnect the switch to clean the cup.

Wire the float switch to the Breakout Box.

Create a virtual outlet in Apex. For example.

SKIM-FULL

If SWITCH-4 CLOSED Then OFF
If SWITCH-4 OPEN Then ON

Then in the A/C outlet the Skimmer is plugged into add this, for example.

SKIMMER

If Outlet SKIM-FULL = ON Then OFF

 

[radobahn]

^^ Just like CuzzA said..

I used to have problems with the water level fluctuating in my sump. It wasn't much but was just enough to throw off the skimmer and wet skim until the cup filled up. So I installed two floats that'll shut off the skimmer via breakout box and apex.

Fluctuating was finally fixed after getting a gate valve dialed in.. but I left the second float switch anyway.

 

[hobbzz]

I appreciate the help radobahn and cuzza, but I will not be using my apex, which is a route that would cost $140+. I'm taking the $20 route and using the parts I already purchased.

Aaronpentz, here is the diagram of the relay if that helps


Thanks.

 

[schatzi]

I want to preface this with...if you're asking these questions I'm not sure you should be doing this. It can be dangerous and can kill you. But if you're comfortable then proceed...

Connect like this...12v negative to pin 13, 12v positive to one side of the float, other side of the float connects to pin 14. When the float is in the lowered position (skimmer cup not full) then this would be the float OPEN setting and the relay would not be active. Best to test your float with a meter to verify it operates this way. And then depending on how comfortable you are with cutting into your skimmer power cord this is one way to get it done. Strip the power cord open. Cut the hot wire, usually black, one side of the wire goes to pin 4, the other side to pin 12. Works like this...When the relay is not activated the power will run through pin 4 to pin 12 and the skimmer runs. When the relay is activated the relay triggers and the connection from pin 4 to pin 12 opens and the power to the skimmer is cut off.

A better suggestion is to cut open a good quality extension cord, splice as described for the skimmer and then plug the skimmer into the extension cord. That way you don't mutilate your skimmer and could re-sell it some day.

Please don't hurt yourself.

 

[Mark Bianco]

^^^+++1

 

[hobbzz]

I appreciate the help schatzi, that's exactly what I needed. I would say that this information is not natural instinct, people are not born with the knowledge of how to wire a relay triggered by a float switch. They need to learn it, meaning they need to be taught. Just because someone hasn't learned it yet simply means they haven't had a need to, not that they are not capable of understanding it. Don't worry, I won't hurt myself, this is much simpler than wiring my leds in parallel strings with fast blow fuses and resistors.

I'm also not being facetious when I say that, I truly appreciate the concern and help. Thanks again.

 

[schatzi]

no problem. just don't want to be the guy who killed somebody!

Update...If the float is CLOSED in the lowered position then connect the skimmer power to pins 8 & 12, not 4 & 12

 

[hobbzz]

Thanks.

 

[aaronpentz]

I want to preface this with...if you're asking these questions I'm not sure you should be doing this. It can be dangerous and can kill you. But if you're comfortable then proceed...

Connect like this...12v negative to pin 13, 12v positive to one side of the float, other side of the float connects to pin 14. When the float is in the lowered position (skimmer cup not full) then this would be the float OPEN setting and the relay would not be active. Best to test your float with a meter to verify it operates this way. And then depending on how comfortable you are with cutting into your skimmer power cord this is one way to get it done. Strip the power cord open. Cut the hot wire, usually black, one side of the wire goes to pin 4, the other side to pin 12. Works like this...When the relay is not activated the power will run through pin 4 to pin 12 and the skimmer runs. When the relay is activated the relay triggers and the connection from pin 4 to pin 12 opens and the power to the skimmer is cut off.

A better suggestion is to cut open a good quality extension cord, splice as described for the skimmer and then plug the skimmer into the extension cord. That way you don't mutilate your skimmer and could re-sell it some day.

Please don't hurt yourself.

This is exactly how I was going to draw it. I would add a latching circuit to it and maybe an indicator light. The reason for the latching circuit is when you remove the skimmer cup lid the skimmer will immediately turn on. The latching circuit allows for the skimmer to stay off until you hit a reset button. And the indicator light is just to tell you the skimmer cup is full without having to look at it

 

[hobbzz]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I empty the skimmer when I feed and the skimmer/return are off. Thanks again for the help guys, works like a charm.