Why Has My Rainwater Tank Pump’s Safety Switch Tripped?

switchboard safety switch water tank

Rainwater tank pumps play a crucial role in harnessing and distributing rainwater for various purposes, from irrigation to residential use. In this post, we’ll delve into the functions of a rainwater tank pump, explore the benefits of using one like the Grundfos JP PS pump, and discuss common reasons why the safety switch may trip.

Rainwater harvesting pump systems. Source: Grundfos
Rainwater harvesting pump systems. Source: Grundfos

Rainwater tank pumps are designed to extract water from rainwater tanks and distribute it for irrigation, household use, and other applications. These pumps are essential for maximizing the use of collected rainwater and reducing reliance on mains water supply. In residential settings, rainwater tank pumps provide water for tasks such as watering gardens, filling swimming pools, and flushing toilets.

The Grundfos JP PS Pump

The Grundfos JP PS pump is a reliable and versatile option for rainwater tank applications. Featuring a pressure tank and a self-priming, single-stage centrifugal pump, the JP PS is designed for a wide range of garden and domestic applications.

Here are some of its key benefits:

  • Efficient Water Supply: The JP PS pump delivers consistent water pressure for irrigation and household use, ensuring reliable water supply for various tasks.
  • Self-Priming Design: With its self-priming capability, the pump can automatically evacuate air from the system, ensuring hassle-free operation from the get-go.
  • Robust Construction: Constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel (AISI 304), the JP PS pump is built to withstand harsh Australian conditions, ensuring longevity and reliable performance.
  • Thermal Overload Protection: The pump comes equipped with thermal overload protection, safeguarding against overheating and potential damage, providing peace of mind for users.

Domestic pressure boosting with a water pressure pump. Source: Grundfos

Reasons for Safety Switch Tripping

Despite their reliability, rainwater tank pumps may experience issues that lead to safety switch tripping. Some common reasons include:

  • Electrical Overload: Excessive electrical load or short circuits can cause the safety switch to trip as a protective measure.
  • Motor Overheating: Overheating of the pump motor due to prolonged operation or insufficient cooling may trigger the safety switch.
  • Blockages or Mechanical Issues: Blockages in the pump or mechanical issues such as seized bearings can lead to increased motor resistance, prompting the safety switch to trip.

If your rainwater tank pump’s safety switch has tripped, it’s essential to address the underlying issue promptly to prevent further damage and ensure uninterrupted operation. At AllAbout Pumps and Pipes, our team of experienced professionals can diagnose and rectify pump issues efficiently. With our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction, we provide comprehensive pump repair and maintenance services, including spare parts replacement and electrical troubleshooting. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert assistance with your rainwater tank pump concerns, ensuring optimal performance and peace of mind for your rainwater harvesting system.


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All About Storm Water Pumps and Orange Pumps

Orange Pumps built a unique range of engine-driven pumps for fighting fires and other water transfer applications by combining excellent self-priming, high volume, and high pressure. Davey Family developed the Utility Pump in Tooronga, Melbourne, during the early 1970s.

Integral to the output design of the pump is the torque-tuned impeller, which maximizes the engine’s horsepower that enables more pressure to be delivered with every increase in a revolution of the shaft. Due to its ability to generate pressure up to 120 meters from a single impeller, the UP series is unique in the industry.

Pressure is only useful when delivering volume, while the UP range can do both. Its wide vanes on the impeller allow large volumes of water to pass through. The UP range produces up to 550 liters per minute or around 250 liters per minute at an operating pressure of 60 meters.

Types of Orange Pumps Supply

· Pumps and Pressure Systems

Whether you’re doing the laundry, bathing the kids, watering the garden or washing the car, or doing all of those at once, you can expect a constant, continuous flow of water. Constant pressure systems can handle household demands effortlessly.

· Farm & Irrigation

In the agricultural industry, industry professionals extensively use pumps for irrigation and other water management purposes. The equipment enables them to move massive quantities of water quickly. Compared to older water management methods, it accommodates much higher volumes, which is necessary to keep various harvesting and growing operations running smoothly and efficiently.

· Engine Drive Pumps

An engine-driven pump runs off gasoline or diesel and helps operators safely transfer fluids and chemicals in corrosive environments. Common uses include manufacturing, chemical operations, industrial, agricultural, and flood recovery. Engine Driven Pumps refer to centrifugal and diaphragm pump styles for trash pump, water transfer, high-pressure, dewatering, and semi-trash application types with dry priming and wet prime at pump startup.

· Submersible Pumps

These pumps are also named stormwater, sewage, and septic pumps. The applications of these pumps mainly include building services, commercial, domestic, rural, industrial, municipal, & rainwater recycling applications.

· Bore Hole Pumps

Boreholes are thin, deep vertical holes drilled into the ground, where submersible borehole water pumps are inserted to extract water. Borehole pumps are typically used for water supply, reducing groundwater levels, sprinkler irrigation, pressure boosting, and geothermal systems.

· Solar Pump Systems

Solar water pumps can supply water to areas beyond power lines. Such places commonly rely on animal or human power engines for their water supply. It can replace the current pump systems, resulting in climate-related and socio-economic benefits. The water supplied by the solar water pump can be used to irrigate crops, water livestock, or provide potable drinking water.

· Centrifugal Pump

A centrifugal pump uses an impeller with curved blades that accelerate the fluid outward when rotating. A combustion engine or electric motor normally drives impellers, and their movement produces suction at the pump inlet, pulling water inside.

Centrifugal pumps can be classified into three sub-types based on the type of water flow they produce. The flow pattern is determined by both the impeller shape and the pump’s construction.

· Positive Displacement Pump

Positive displacement pumps move a fixed amount of fluid at regular intervals. They are built with internal cavities that fill up at the suction side to be discharged with higher pressure at the outlet. Also, positive displacement pumps can be reciprocating or rotary based on how fluid is displaced.

Key Takeaways

At AllAbout Pumps & Pipes, such as Orange Pumps, each installation has a different requirement of specific pressure to deliver the desired flow over a specified distance. Our team will equip you with the best products and trusted partners.

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