A pump saver protects a well pump from damage caused by voltage fluctuations and dry well conditions by monitoring the electrical supply and well water level, and shutting off the pump when problems are detected.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Voltage Protection: A pump saver constantly monitors the voltage supplied to the well pump motor. If the voltage drops too low (brownout) or surges too high, the pump saver will shut off the pump. This protects the motor from overheating and potential burnout caused by operating outside its optimal voltage range. The linked YouTube video emphasizes this voltage protection.
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Dry Well Protection: Pump savers can also prevent damage from the pump running dry. When a well's water level drops too low, the pump can start sucking air. Running a pump without water to cool it can quickly damage the motor. Some pump savers use sensors to directly detect low water levels, while others monitor the pump motor's current draw; a decrease in current can indicate the pump is running dry.
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Automatic Restart Delay: After a fault (low voltage, dry well) is detected and the pump is shut off, the pump saver typically has a built-in timer. This timer prevents the pump from immediately restarting when the voltage returns or the water level recovers. The user can adjust this timer, as mentioned in the referenced video, to allow sufficient time for the well to refill or the voltage to stabilize before the pump restarts, preventing further damage.
In summary, a pump saver safeguards your well pump by automatically shutting it off during abnormal electrical conditions or low water levels and then restarting it after a pre-set delay to prevent damage and prolong the life of the pump.
