PENTAIR Myers ALC Adjustable Level Sealed Sump Level Control Instruction Manual
- June 9, 2024
- Pentair
Table of Contents
PENTAIR Myers ALC Adjustable Level Sealed Sump Level Control
INTRODUCTION
The ALC control is made in 5 models.
- ALC-8P is control with 8 ft. cord and plug for 115 volts.
- ALC-8P2 is control with 8 ft. cord and plug for 230 volts.
- ALC-18P is control with 18 ft. cord and plug for 115 volts.
- ALC-18P2 is control with 18 ft. cord and plug for 230 volts.
All plugs are series piggy back type so that pump cord can be plugged into back.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING:
This product and related accessories contain chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
PACKAGING
Each control is packaged separately and includes switch with cord and two
adjustable level weights and 30 inches of nylon support cable.
The ALC-15 unit has 108 inches of cable. A plastic cable tie is supplied to
mount switches to discharge pipe.
Each carton is marked with model number and ordering number.
DESCRIPTION OF SWITCH
The ALC control is a completely sealed level switch operated by a permanent
magnet. Fig 1 shows section of switch with parts call out. Any on-off level
within the limits of the switch can be obtained by adjusting weights on the
support cable. The set screw that holds the
weight is V4″ socket head stainless steel. Hex wrench is needed to adjust
weights. See Fig 2.
Spring bushing shown in
Fig 1is set at factory and is not to be adjusted. Method of adjusting is given
later under dismant- ling instructions. Switch piug is of the series type and
is for plugging directly into 115 or 230 volt grounded receptacle. The
grounded type pump cord is plugged into the back end of the series control
plug for automatic operation. This switch can be used with any manual sump
pump within the rating of the switch for automatic operation, or in pilot
circuit using magnetic starter. Switch is rated 1 HP-115 volts or 2 HP-230
volts A.C.
MOUNTING
- Switch can be mounted on the discharge pipe under the cover as shown in Fig 3 or can be mounted through flange on pump cover for sewage pump application as shown in Fig 4.
- When switch is mounted on discharge pipe Fig 3, the switch must be positioned so that weights hang free without touching pump and are opposite inlet pipe as shown.
- Weights must be secured on neoprene-covered cable so that bottom of lower weight is at least 4 inches off sump bottom and top of upper weight is below bottom of inlet pipe.
- Excess cable must be cut-off flush with bottom of lower weight Fig 5. After cutting cable, loosen set screw of lower weight and slide weight down ¼ inch so that end of cable will not be exposed. If cable is exposed, it may catch trash and cause faulty switch operation.
- When switch is mounted through cover Fig 4, cable must be pre-cut and weights set on cable before installing.
- Measure depth of sump basin from top of flange and cut cable so that bottom of lower weight will be about 4″ off bottom. Again adjust lower weight so that end of cable will not be exposed. Adjust upper weight so that top of weight is below bottom of inlet pipe.
- In either type installation, Fig 3 & Fig 4, be sure all excess pump and control cord is taken above basin and is coiled and taped as shown Fig 3 & Fig 4. Do not leave excess cable in basin as it may tangle with weights and cause switch to malfunction.
- Where switch is installed through flange Fig 4, be sure sealing “O” ring is in place in flange so that switch body will seal when pushed into flange. When metal flange is supplied, adjust set screw in flange so that switch will be held in place.
SWITCH OPERATION
This switch is completely sealed and has no vent cords or operating floats.
The construction is as shown by Fig 1. The displacement weights for level
adjustment are heavier than water but are lighter under water by the weight of
water they displace.
As the weights do not float, splashing or turbulence in the sump does not
cause erratic operation. In operation when the water rises in the sump the
lower weight is covered and loses some weight by the weight of water it
displaces which reduces some load on the primary spring. As the level
continues to rise, the upper weight will be partially submerged and when about
½ of the upper weight is submerged the load on the primary spring will be
further reduced and the magnetic follower will move up and attract the
permanent magnet energizing the switch to start pump. The pump down operation
is just the opposite. First, the upper weight is exposed and the weight
increases on the spring, when the level drains down until about ½ the lower
weight is out of water the load on the spring will increase further and the
follower will be pulled from the magnet de-energizing the switch to stop pump.
As the position of the displacement weights on the cable does not change their
weight, the spacing of the weights will give the draw off required.
STARTING PUMP AND CHECKING SWITCH OPERATION
- Install pump and switch per previous instructions. On sewage pum: installations, the pump cord comes through sump cover and is sealed with split rubber plug. A second opening is left in the cover and a solid plug is supplied to fill hole. This hole can be used if a separate alarm control is required.
- Plug switch plug into grounded receptacle 115 or 230 volt as required.
- Plug pump cord plug into back of switch plug. See Fig 6.
- Run water into sump and when about½ of upper weight is submerged, pump should start and pump sump level down until about ½ of lower weight is out of water at which point pump should stop. In sealed sewage sumps, one of the rubber plugs can be taken out of cover and a flash-Light can be used to check switch operation through the hole.
- If pump does not start as described, remove switch and pump plugs and plug pump cord directly into receptacle as shown by Fig 7. If pump starts and operates, it will indicate switch is not operating due to hanging up of the weights or other causes. If pump does not start, check for blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker or defective pump.
- CAUTION- Never plug switch into ungrounded receptacle. Do not cut off grounding pin or use an adapter in ungrounded receptacle.
Further description of switch operation and checking for defects will be given in these instructions.
CHECKPOINTS IF PUMP DOES NOT OPERATE
- Be sure fuse is not blown or circuit breaker tripped.
- Be sure weights hang free and do not touch pump or basin walls.
- Be sure switch body is mounted vertical and is riot turned or twisted on mounting pipe.
- Be sure bottom of lower weight is at least 4 inches off sump bottom.
- Be sure support cable does not extend below bottom of lower weight.
- Be sure excess pump and control cord is coiled and taped above sump cover. See Fig 3 & Fig 4.
- Be sure pump and control cord plugs are firmly pressed together and into grounded receptacle.
- Pump may run but not deliver water. Start and stop pump several times by plugging pump in and out. Air may be trapped in pump case, starting and stopping will release air.
- CAUTION: Always unplug pump and switch before removing from sump.
DISMANTLING SWITCH FOR CLEANING OR REPLACING PARTS
-
Loosen set screw that holds spring adjusting bushing Fig 8. Set screw is socket head ¼ inch stainless steel.
-
Remove actuating assembly and clean all parts and hole in switch base Fig 9.
-
Remove assembly screws Fig 10.
-
Lift cap from body Fig 11.
-
To replace switch and magnet, remove holding screws Fig 12 and disconnect wires Fig 13.
Connect wires to new switch and mount in place with screws. Be sure to use lock washers under nuts. The ground wire is connected for safety in case water should get into switch chamber. Plastic housing gives good protection against live wire grounding. To properly set switch, just snug up on bolts then push up on magnet end of switch body to take slack out of holes. Press up on switch body only, not on switch arm. Tighten bolts. When switch arm is pushed down, magnet face should lie flat against plastic face and switch should click on. Raise arm and switch should click off. If switch does not click on and off properly, loosen screws and move switch for best adjustment. Make this test before follower assembly is re-installed. -
Replace switch cap.
CAUTION- Be sure seal “O” ring is in place and that all wires are tucked behind switch mounting flange so that they cannot interfere with switch arm operation. -
Replace follower assembly and set spring adjusting bushing. Inner face of bushing flange should be about¼ inch from face of housing. Snug up on set screw to hold bushing in place. Fig 14.
-
To check switch operation use following steps:
- a. Plug switch cord into grounded receptacle or grounded extension cord 115 volts and plug night type light into back of plug.
- b. Set weights on cable about 2 inches apart.
- c. Hold switch vertically and lower until weights are submerged in bucket of water.
- d. When upper weight is about½ out of water, test light should come on. Fig 15.
- e. Raise switch until about½ of lower weight is out of water and light should go out. Fig 16.
- f. If light turns on when less than ½ of weight is out of water, loosen set screw in spring bushing and push bushing in about 1132 to 3/54 inches. Turn bushing so that set screw point wi II not come back into same groove. Measure spacing before and after adjustment. Fig 14. If light turns on when more than ½ of upper weight is out of water, loosen bushing screw and pull bushing out about 1132 to 3/54 inches and measure as above. Tighten set screw to hold bushing in place. It may take two adjustments to get proper setting. It may not be possible to get both upper and lower weights to operate at½ height for on and off. If levels vary on either weight, the operation will be satisfactory as the½ weight not used gives considerable safety factor. Be sure no cable extends below lower weight on these tests.
-
Re-set weights on cable for on-off levels required and install in sump.
230 VOLT SWITCHES
- To test 230 volt switches use Neon tester in the blade openings of series plug. See Fig 17.
- CAUTION-DO NOT USE 115 VOLT NITE LIGHT AS IT WIL L BL OW OUT ON 230 VOLT CIRCUIT.
STANDARD LIMITED WARRANTY
Pentair Myers® warrants its products against defects in material and
workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of shipment from Pentair
Myers or 18 months from the manufacturing date, whichever occurs first –
provided that such products are used in compliance with the requirements of
the Pentair Myers catalog and technical manuals for use in pumping raw sewage,
municipal wastewater or similar, abrasive-free, non-corrosive liquids.
During the warranty period and subject to the conditions set forth, Pentair
Myers, at its discretion, will repair or replace to the original user, the
parts that prove defective in materials and workmanship. Pentair Myers
reserves the right to change or improve its products or any portions thereof
without being obligated to provide such a change or improvement for prior sold
and/or shipped units.
Start-up reports and electrical schematics may be required to support warranty claims. Submit at the time of start- up through the Pentair Myers website: http://forms.pentairliterature.com/startupform/startupform.asp?type=m. Warranty is effective only if Pentair Myers authorized control panels are used. All seal fail and heat sensing devices must be hooked up, functional and monitored or this warranty will be void. Pentair Myers will cover only the lower seal and labor thereof for all dual seal pumps. Under no circumstance will Pentair Myers be responsible for the cost of field labor, travel expenses, rented equipment, removal/reinstallation costs or freight expenses to and from the factory or an authorized Pentair Myers service facility.
This limited warranty will not apply: (a) to defects or malfunctions resulting from failure to properly install, operate or maintain the unit in accordance with the printed instructions provided; (b) to failures resulting from abuse, accident or negligence; (c) to normal maintenance services and parts used in connection with such service; (d) to units that are not installed in accordance with applicable local codes, ordinances and good trade practices; (e) if the unit is moved from its original installation location; (f) if unit is used for purposes other than for what it is designed and manufactured; (g) to any unit that has been repaired or altered by anyone other than Pentair Myers or an authorized Pentair Myers service provider; (h) to any unit that has been repaired using non factory specified/OEM parts.
Warranty Exclusions : PENTAIR MYERS MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES THAT EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE HEREOF. PENTAIR MYERS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Liability Limitation: IN NO EVENT SHALL PENTAIR MYERS BE LIABLE OR
RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM OR
RELATED IN ANY MANNER TO ANY PENTAIR MYERS PRODUCT OR PARTS THEREOF. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE MAY RESULT FROM IMPROPER INSTALLATION. PENTAIR
MYERS DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY, INCLUDING LIABILITY UNDER THIS WARRANTY, FOR
IMPROPER INSTALLATION. PENTAIR MYERS RECOMMENDS INSTALLATION BY PROFESSIONALS.
Some states do not permit some or all of the above warranty limitations or the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages and therefore
such limitations may not apply to you. No warranties or representations at any
time made by any representatives of Pentair Myers shall vary or expand the
provision here of.
490 PINEBUSH ROAD, UNIT #4 CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO, CANADA N1T 0A5 800-363-PUMP
NOTE! To the installer: Please make sure you provide this manual to the owner of the equipment or to the responsible party who maintains the system.
1101 MYERS PARKWAY ASHLAND, OHIO, USA 44805
419-289-1144
WWW.FEMYERS.COM
Warranty Rev. 12/13