QuestionHello, I'm new to the sprinkler system word. My mother passed and I'm now taking care of her house. The 220v 1.5 hp centurion pump has gone bad. I replaced the capacitor about a year ago and recently when the pump stopped working I hoped it was the cap. again, but it was not. So I replaced the pump with a 120v .5 hp flotec pump that I had.
Can I use my 220v timer with a 120v pump or do I need to change the timer too?
Will the 120v .5 hp pump be strong enough to power the sprinkler system?
Currently, everything is hooked up, but I can not get the pump to turn on using the switch on the timer. When I plug the pump into a extension cord the pump will run, but I'm either getting low pressure to all of the 4 zones or good pressure only to one zone and the system does not want to change zones as I unplug and plug the pump in. PLEASE HELP
THANKS!
Ryan
AnswerRyan,
Thanks for the question I hope I can shed some light on your issues. Typically when a system has a pump there are 3 main components for a pump to work: the pump, irrigation controller and a relay switch/box to connect the two. My understanding of your statement is that you are either confusing the relay for the controller or you don抰 have a relay switch on the system or one is somehow integrated into the controller. Knowing the brand and model of each component would help me with my research.
Regarding your question on if you can replace a 1.5hp 220v pump with a .5hp 120v pump. Simple answer to that is no. The system was designed around the performance specs of the 1.5hp pump that was being used and you will have to replace it with a pump that has similar performance. Keep in mind that 220v pumps also run more efficient. By leaving in your .5hp pump you will dramatically shorten the life of that pump while your systems performance is suffering. Also be aware that most pumps can be wired 120v or 220v simply by looking at the wiring diagram for the pump and choosing the correct terminals.
Bob D
