Digital Pressure Control FAQ
Q: How does the Digital Pressure Control compare with traditional pressure switches?
A: The Digital Pressure Control combines electronic pressure sensing and control technology with a pair of switching circuits. This allows the unit to function as a pressure gauge, pressure switch and pump protector.
Q: How does the unit provide Constant Pressure without varying the pump speed?
A: When paired with a properly sized tank, the Digital Pressure Control can be set to maintain a 10 psi differential, providing steady water pressure.
Q: What third-party ratings does the Digital Pressure Control carry?
A: The unit is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Listed in the US and Canada. The Digital Pressure Control also features a National Electrical Manufacturers’ Association (NEMA) Type 3 enclosure, allowing installation in outside applications.
Q: Is the unit compatible with pump starter boxes and chemical feeders?
A: Yes. The control is wired like a mechanical pressure switch. This allows the Digital Pressure Control to activate motor relays, water treatment feed pumps and 3-wire pump starters.
Q: Fire ants and other insects will often collect inside mechanical switches, causing operating problems. Is the Digital Pressure Control also susceptible?
A: No. The Digital Pressure Control features a gasketed cover and sealed enclosure to prevent pest infiltration.
Q: Does the Digital Pressure Control require dedicated electrical grounding?
A: No. This control does not incorporate a chassis ground terminal. Unlike controls with metal housings, the Digital Pressure Control does not require a dedicated ground. However, in installations where the pump motor is grounded, the installer should pass the ground wire directly through the unit as detailed in the installation manual. For applications where metal conduit must maintain a continuous ground, an Electrical Boarding Kit, Part No. 146-2350 is available from Water Worker. This kit contains 2 conduit clamps that allow an external ground junction between the incoming and outgoing lines.
Q: What pump protection features are included?
A: The Digital Pressure Control actively monitors water pressure, voltage and pump cycling to prevent equipment damage and alert the user to problem conditions. Three common system problems are addressed: Rapid Cycle, Low Suction and Improper Voltage. Each condition is identified by a unique error code.
Q: What are the error codes and how does the Digital Pressure Control detect and respond?
A: System problems are detected and addressed as follows:
| Error Code | Condition | Detection | Response |
| E1 |
Rapid Pump Cycle Run cycle is too short to protect pump. Failed or undersized tank possible. |
Time between pump cycles is too short. Control identifies successive rapid cycles. | Control continues to operate. User is alerted via error code. |
| E2 |
Low Suction Unusually low water pressure indicates a dry well, piping blockage, water leak or faulty wiring. |
Control is running, but pump is unable to achieve 10 psi; or pressure drops below 10 psi during normal operation. | Control shuts pump off and alerts user via error code. Automatic restart after 60 minutes allows low-yield wells to recover. |
| E3 |
Improper Voltage Line voltage is outside of typical pump motor specification. |
Line voltage is outside of safe 10% tolerance for over 2 minutes. | Control shuts pump off and alerts user via error code. Automatic restart when incoming line voltage returns to normal. range. |
Q: What protection is offered against power surges and lightning strikes?
A: The Digital Pressure Control is designed to withstand sudden power surges found in typical residential applications. True protection against direct lightning strikes is not realistic in residential appliances, though evidence exists that the Digital Pressure Control may sacrificially absorb lightning energy, protecting the pump and associated equipment.
Q: What happens if a problem resolves itself before service can be performed?
A: The Digital Pressure Control records the most recent error code in memory; accessible even if the fault is intermittent. Diagnostic instructions are provided in the product manual.
Q: After an error has occurred, how can an error code be cleared manually?
A: Error codes will clear automatically when the condition has been corrected. Alternately, two methods are available to reset a code manually:
- Press and hold all three buttons simultaneously until the code clears.
- Interrupt power and restart. Upon activation, the code will have cleared.
Note that an error code will reappear until the problem condition has been remedied.