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What is a relay control board?
Relay boards are computer boards with an array of relays and switches. They have input and output terminals and are designed to control the voltage supply. Relay boards provide independently programmable, real-time control for each of several onboard relay channels.
What is pump relay?
A pump start relay is an electrical device that allows your irrigation timer to communicate with the pump. This device is imperative when you are using a pump to supply water to your irrigation system. Pumps are built to use normal house currents; the relay changes the irrigation timer to normal household voltage.
How does a water pump relay switch work?
A separate pair of wires then run from the relay switch to the pump pressure control switch. When the pump pressure control switch detects a need for change in water pressure, it signals to the relay switch to turn on, effectively turning on the water pump.
Where to find the water pump control switch?
Watch out: while the pressure control switch is usually easy to find (located on or close to the water pressure tank) the pump relay switch might be found nearby, say on a wall (photo below left) or it might be hidden away in a closet or crawl space (photo above right).
Can a jet pump be used as a relay?
For instance, when the water pump is found above-ground (non-submersible), such as in installations where a jet pump is installed near the water pressure tank. Additionally, these separate relay switches should not be used with submersible pumps that draw on average less than 15A of current.
How is the action of a water pump controlled?
For lighter water pumps, the on/ off pump action is controlled by the pressure control switch directly. However, the problem arises when the water pump has too high a voltage/amperage combination. Large horsepower water pumps can easily draw more than 15A—enough amperage that would cause the pressure control switch to be burned up rapidly.