On Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:42:31 -0800 (PST), Too_Many_Tools
wrote:

Going to help some friends in Arkansa this weekend install some sump
pumps.

I am looking for ideas for an adjustable sump pump switch setup that
one can adjust for different water levels, handle two different pumps
AC/DC, nonfouling with regards to algae/mold and be used to activate
an alarm to notify the owners that the pump(s) are running.

Let the designing begin!

It's already designed, and available pre-built or custom-built from
dozens of places - it's called a Duplex Pump Control Panel, or you can
get one for three pumps called... You guessed it, Triplex.

The good ones have an alternator, so Pump One is lead the first time
it starts, and Pump Two is lead the next time - spreads the wear
around, so the lag pump won't be frozen up from disuse and rust right
when the lead pump wears out from constant running...

They have seperate starters or contactors for the pumps, and all the
relays and switches and pilot lights you need, and the alarm sounder
and light for the high water alarm. If your pumps are the larger 5-HP
and up, they usually have Overheat sensors or Water Seal Failure
sensor switches, they put those alarm circuits in the pump panel.
Hourmeters to monitor each pump's life, etc.

4 float switches on a Duplex - All Off, Lead On, Lag On, and High
Water Alarm. When you have a big pump pit they use the standard
10-amp pear-shaped floats on cords, and strap them to a float stick
where they won't get tangled.

For a tiny pit like in a basement, you might want to use the
individual miniature hinged float switches like you put through the
side of a tank, and make brackets to hold them to the float stick.

Or if you expect lots of debris, you mount the miniature style
switches into the side of a large chunk of pipe (roughly 2" ID) so the
float ends are totally shielded, and screen the top and bottom and a
few other water inlet holes and vents - keep the large chunks outside
of the pipe.

They aren't cheap, but reliable usually isn't.

-- Bruce --