Will you check my switch program for me please?

[PotRoast]

I am adding two float switches.

#1 float switch is (NC) will be at the bottom of my sump in my return pump chamber. I want it to shut off the return pump outlet if the water level in that chamber gets dangerously low for whatever reason. Also don't want my pump to switch on and off like crazy while my low water issue is happening. I believe I need to set a MIN time for my pump to turn back on but I am unsure how that works exactly.

#2 float switch is reversed (NO). It will be at the very top of my sump. I want to shut off my topoff outlet if the water is extremely high in my sump. I am using this switch as a failsafe against my ATO solonoid.

So....

For switch#1 here is my proposed programming (RETURN PUMP):

Fallback ON
Set ON
If Switch1 OPEN then ON
If Switch1 CLOSED then OFF
Min Time 30:00 Then ON
If FeedA then OFF


For switch#2 here is my proposed programming (ATO):

Fallback ON
Set ON
If Switch2 CLOSED then OFF
If Switch2 OPEN then ON
(do I need a min time for this one?)

Thanks in advance

 

[swearint]

For switch#1 here is my proposed programming (RETURN PUMP):

Fallback ON
Set ON
If Switch1 OPEN then ON
If Switch1 CLOSED then OFF
Min Time 30:00 Then ON
If FeedA then OFF

You only need one or the other of the highlighted code.

The Min Time won't do anything for you since you want the pump to run continuously unless the sump is low. Normally, I would use Defer 1:00 Then OFF. This would require the float switch be CLOSED for a full minute before the outlet is changed to OFF. But since you also have a Feed command that turns it OFF, it would apply to it as well. Instead, use Defer 1:00 Then ON, it will have the opposite effect. It will require that the float switch remain OPEN for at least a full minute before turning back ON.

I don't think your float #2 is a good arrangement. You basically have the ATO running continuously until the extreme high mark is reached. You would be better to have a normal level float and a third high level float as failsafe.

[ATO]
Set OFF
If Switch2 = CLOSED Then ON
If Switch3 = OPEN Then OFF
Defer xx:xx Then ON

Keep in mind that the default state of the Apex switches is OPEN. So, if accidently disconnected the ATO will stay OFF and not flood. Choose an appropriate delay for the Defer so that the ATO does not short-cycle. Another thing to keep in mind, if you have any snails or hermit crabs that can get on the float, you will get false ATO activation. A solution that I use is a virtual outlet to limit the maximum run time.

Todd

 

[PotRoast]

Thanks Todd.

I get you on the return pump programming.

On the ATO, I should have clarified that I have an autotopoff.com double sump mount ATO system. It has one float as the main level float, then a second backup failsafe float. Both are hooked to a relay. The relay goes to a solonoid. The solonoid controls the top off water coming straight from the RODI unit (no topoff reservoir) The solonoid/relay/Co2 is plugged into a six strip outlet, and the outlet is then plugged into my apex.

The ATO switch I am installing is actually a third switch, and the second failsafe against my main level switch and its backup. What I am thinking is that this float will turn off the ATO system outlet on the apex in case something crazy happens.

 

[swearint]

OK, that makes sense.

Todd

 

[PotRoast]

with that in mind does my ATO program make sense to you as I wrote it? Or would you add anything?

 

[swearint]

Other than the redundant Set ON/ If... ON, it looks fine.

Todd

 

[Specialtang]

I have a two float from ATO.com stright from my RO/DI unit

Here is what Curt from Neptune Systems gave me

ATO
Fallback OFF
If Switch1 CLOSED Then OFF
If Switch1 OPEN Then ON
If Switch2 CLOSED Then OFF
Min Time 015:00 Then OFF


Switch 1 being the bottom one of course. If that fails to read and the water level gets to Switch 2 it will shut off the outlet Also.

 

[aquamanic]

Fundamentally, a switch being OPEN causing something to happen is a problem waiting to happen. The default or disconnected state for any switch is OPEN. If you pull out your switch wire or disconnect the breakout box, the switch will appear to the controller as OPEN. File that away for the moment.

Todd has suggested the best test. Once you get your switches programmed, go ahead and unplug the breakout box. Now, watch what happens (because Murphy dictates it will happen when you're away on vacation). Is it what you want?

Just something to think about.

 

[Specialtang]

Fundamentally, a switch being OPEN causing something to happen is a problem waiting to happen. The default or disconnected state for any switch is OPEN. If you pull out your switch wire or disconnect the breakout box, the switch will appear to the controller as OPEN. File that away for the moment.

Just something to think about.

That does make sense, I just wonder why Neptune sys told me what I posted earlier. makes me want to change mine back to the way I had it

 

[Specialtang]

I flipped my bottom float over and changed my code to


ATO
Fallback OFF
If Switch1 CLOSED Then ON
If Switch1 OPEN Then OFF
If Switch2 CLOSED Then OFF
Min Time 015:00 Then OFF

Now we will wait to see how it acts when the water gets low.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

 

[swearint]

That does make sense, I just wonder why Neptune sys told me what I posted earlier. makes me want to change mine back to the way I had it

It is not technically wrong to do it the other way. It is just an additional consideration, and depends on what you are controlling. Sometimes, there is no definite choice, it is a matter of the lesser of two evils.

Todd