Agma W Evo operating 20 degrees from vertical.

The innovative team at Mac3 has developed the Agma W Evo. They have modified the guiding collar of the original Agma W to allow the float arm to self-level by up to 20 degrees from vertical. This groundbreaking improvement empowers us to tackle the challenges of retrofitting components into existing systems with renewed confidence.

We all know that the Agma W has long been a useful and well adopted float switch. It works on a short-throw, constrained linear axis with magnetic switch activation, which makes it great for sump pump systems and narrow tank level control. However, the original Agma W only operated when installed up to 5 degrees from vertical. The new Agma W Evo with its 20 degree allowance is a real bonus for dirty water pump installations.

Aside from installation into a tank, the Agma W compact float switches from Mac3 are frequently used be OEM suppliers mounted directly to a pump. Pumps of course can move, either in the tank or during maintenance cycles. Having the ability to correct an offset means that if the pump wasn’t set vertically (for example, if there was an obstruction or detritus stuck under the pump itself), with the Agma W Evo deployed it wouldn’t cause an issue going forward, reducing the likelihood of future issues.

As with the other members of the Agma family, the Agma W Evo cannot be used if there are ferrous or otherwise magnetically susceptible deposits in the water, as this can cause issues with the magnets inside the float switch (but then my loyal readers would already know this).

Height differential for the Agma W EVO Float Switch

The Agma W Evo will function mechanically the same as the original Agma W and can be used as a direct replacement for the original units if necessary. However, the maximum working differential has been reduced from 150mm to 110mm. This change makes the Agma W Evo easier to work with in smaller tanks or shorter pumps. Nevertheless, when replacing a pre-installed Agma W, it’s important to account for this 40mm reduction.

So, once again, the ingenious Mac3 development team has improved a fantastic product, creating a solution that not only functions effectively but also instils confidence when tackling both new installations and maintenance tasks. This is particularly valuable when dealing with original installations that are not conducive to retrofitting or repair (nothing is ever straight. Ever).

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical Lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

The post Agma W Evo – Self levelling, linear float-switch for dirty water applications appeared first on Mac 3 UK.

In this post, we look behind the scenes at what makes Mac3 truly great.

Mac3 has successfully merged contemporary design and processes with old-school values of attentiveness and quality control (and we know, there isn’t any school like the old school).  I was amazed by the hands-on nature of the Mac3 testing methodology. Still, it does result in a product that has a level of care and inspection that is almost impossible to replicate in a fully automated process.

Only Float Switches that pass the test are Stamped.

In my experience, quality control (and inspection) relies on taking a sample from the current production, which is then used to generalise the state of that production run. Depending on the quantity in that run, it could be in somewhere in the range of 1 from 500 units. Alas, while this scheme does work, it can allow for rogue units to slip through. Mac3 however has a somewhat different approach to this for their ISO 9001:2015 certification. In their quality management system, every float switch (yes, I do mean every unit) is examined and electrically tested by hand! Yep, even now, that gives me pause for thought. This isn’t something that most manufacturers would even consider, but when you need a float switch that works, first time, every time, this is what is required. To top this off, every float switch, be it the superb Small to the mighty Mac5 is marked with a production number after inspection. A mark of distinction that indicates the unit has passed through scrutiny and is worthy of the Mac3 name.

Trust Matters

It is this certainty that really sets Mac3 apart from the rest of the field, not only that it is a quality float switch, but that Mac3 takes the quality of their products this seriously! I personally know that if I need a float switch on a project, Mac3 is the answer. Why? Because I know it works, it will last, and the end user has a better experience because of it. You can trust Mac3.

Mac3 is a beautiful alloy of modern ideas with traditional values.

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

The post Mac3 Float Switches – Trust Matters appeared first on Mac 3 UK.

NEW! Mac3 Float Switch – Key Green – made with Recycled Plastic

Is it possible to take a superb idea, and make it better? If pop culture has taught as anything, it is rare (with a few notable exceptions) for a sequel to surpass the original. However, bucking the normal trend, Mac3 have managed just this!

By taking the proven and trusted design of the Key Float Switch, and using 100% recycled plastic for the float body – well, does it get any better? We have the tried and tested design, along with the globally renowned quality, attention to detail and product innovation, and a solid commitment to the environment and waste reduction!

The Key, in recycled plastic, is the perfect choice for those who want to combine reliability with environmental responsibility. Contact us to include it in your next project.

While there isn’t much more to say about the Key Green, (as the Key float switch design has been adopted by so many OEM users). However,  it is most definitely a positive step into the circular economy for what has become a universal clean-water float switch.

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

The post Key Green – Now it’s even easier to be green! appeared first on Mac 3 UK.

Alternating Pump Relays from Mac3

Sequencer Range of Alternating Pump Relays from Mac3

The Sequencer family consists of the Sequencer, Sequencer2q and Sequencer 3.

Alternating Relay for 2 Pumps

Both the Sequencer and Sequencer2q control two pumps and are available in 230/110vac and 24Vac – to suit a variety of installation sites – from commercial to domestic, even mobile installations using 24vac (boats, bowsers and the like).

Installation is simple. Sequencer units are mounted onto a DIN rail (usually in a project box – or inside a cabinet). All that needs to be considered is the working pressure of the system versus the lowest permissible system pressure. This requires the use of two pressure switches. The first is used to alternately trigger a single pump (for regular demand), with the second (set to a lower value) to trigger the second pump simultaneously (for periods of high demand).

As with all Mac3 equipment, thought has been given to dry-run protection. In this case, a dedicated float switch can be added to deactivate both pumps if the supply tank level is too low to run the system safely.

The Sequencer2q adds manual pump activation to the basic Sequencer. It combines the Sequencer2 with an additional panel that enables the user to manually override pump activation by selecting a pump (or both) to run (for testing, maintenance or the like – and of course, curiosity). The additional panel also shows the status of the attached pumps displayed via LEDs on the control board it is ideal as OEM product as it is particularly suited for use in control panel construction as it requires a mount or faceplate.

3 Pump Alternating Relay

The Sequencer 3 is a slightly different animal. It is capable of working with three pumps (rather than the two in the other Sequencer models).

Unlike the Sequencer2q, the Sequencer 3 has the current pump status and manual pump control LED display integrated into the main body of the unit. It is therefore ideal for mounting inside a clear-fronted cabinet or control box (I mean, who doesn’t like to see what’s actually going on?).

As with the other models in the Sequencer family, the Sequencer 3 uses the same pressure switch setup for pump activation (alternated single unit start, and multiple pump startup as required), along with the potential to add a float switch for dry-run protection.

However, unlike the other models, the Sequencer 3 is only available in 230/110vac.

Summary

All in all, the Sequencer family of pump alternating relays are simple to install, and even easier to use. From a simple two-pump installation that doesn’t require manual override (Sequencer) to two or three pump systems that can display pump activity and allow manual pump activation (Sequencer2q or Sequencer 3), there is a Mac3 Sequencer to do the job.

Other uses for the Sequencers

Now usually, I stick only to the water related uses of Mac3 equipment, but the Sequencer family can very easily be deployed with pneumatic systems so long as there are multiple compressors/motors attached to the system. In fact, now that I think about it, perhaps I should be writing about ‘alternate’ uses for some of these units… Watch this space! (or if you’d like to know more, contact us to discuss).

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

The post Sequencer(s) – Alternating Pump Relays appeared first on Mac 3 UK.

Is the RainControl only for use with rainwater?

Simply, no. The RainControl can be used with other fluids. As long as the pressure sensor being used is tolerant of the fluid (viscosity, temperature, pH etc.) the RainControl can be used.

Do I need to build a panel around the RainControl?

Not at all. The RainControl functions as a level controller on its own. However, you can use the output from the RainControl to operate other components of a larger controller.

I’m trying to maintain a minimum tank level, from either mains water or a holding tank. Is the RainControl suitable for this?

Absolutely! The RainControl is totally suitable for maintaining a minimum tank level from either mains water or a holding tank. It can activate/deactivate a pump, solenoid, or simple mechanical valve using its onboard relay. The only thing you need to do is define the activation range, which includes the levels for activation and deactivation.

I need to set a high-level alarm on a holding or process tank. Should I consider using the RainControl, or do I need to create something from scratch?

This is a slightly trickier scenario. Yes, the RainControl can be used as a high-level system by triggering a beacon or sounder, depending on the location and ambient noise. However, if you need to activate a local beacon, or a remote beacon, and open a spillway or overflow solenoid, this would require a more complex controller. You would need to use the output from the RainControl to drive either a secondary controller or relays for this purpose.

I want to keep a tank at a minimum level, as in I want to hold water in a tank and release it over time, along the lines of a retention tank. Would the RainControl work in this situation?

I particularly liked this question. The answer is yes! With a little planning, a throttled outlet with a motorised valve can be activated by the RainControl. It really is only a matter of calculating the required flow rate and minimum tank level. Of course, if we wanted to get a little clever, the designer could add other functions like a high-level alarm or discharge notification by using the RainControl output to drive multiple relays. A setup like this can be as simple or complicated as the designer (or user) wants, and all centralised around a simple little box.

I have another potential use for the RainControl Tank Level Controller who can I contact for more information?

As always, with any of the Mac3 products, we are always happy to discuss them in greater detail and how they can be deployed in your designs or installations. Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

The post FAQs RainControl – Tank Level Controller appeared first on Mac 3 UK.

RainControl rom Mac3 – Tank-level Control

Any Rainwater Tank level control system consists of four elements:

• A tank
• Rainwater harvesting
• Mains-water
• Controller

The key objective is to maximize the storage and use of harvested rainwater while minimizing the use of mains water. This requires a delicate balance as we experience fluctuating periods of wet weather and droughts with little warning. During wet periods the water tanks are full, but in the increasingly common dry summers, the tanks run low. Depending on usage, this can lead to various problems, from sanitation issues (such as yard washdown and toilet flushing) to maintenance issues (such as pump damage due to running dry). Not to mention the alarmed calls from sites/users when things don’t run exactly as expected. this is the point where an end user will ask ‘What’s the point of this system if it doesn’t work without rain?’ followed shortly by ‘To hell with it, I’ll just use the mains instead’.

RainControl for tank level control

At this point, we can pull a RainControl from our sleeve, either in the design stage or retrofitting to a pre-existing tank installation to add both level monitoring and top-up functionality.

The RainControl is designed to be DIN-rail mounted, allowing for installation in both panel mount systems or as a standalone unit in a windowed project box. The RainControl panel displays the live level inside the tank along with top-up status. It uses a pressure transducer, which eliminates the need for moving parts inside the tank, simplifying installation and use as only one input has to be configured.

Overview of the settings on the Mac3 RainContro

Now, unlike the majority of ‘simple’ or ‘basic’ top-up systems, the RainControl doesn’t add water to the tank for a specific amount of time, rather the RainControl can be configured to add a measured amount of water. This allows the installer (or end user) to set or adjust the minimum and maximum intervention levels inside the tank. When properly configured, this ensures that there is always a minimum level of water in the tank. When the RainControl detects that the water level has dropped below the minimum set level, it opens a solenoid or motorized valve to top up the tank until it reaches a specified maximum level. Once the tank is filled to this level, the RainControl closes the valve or solenoid until the water level drops again to the initial minimum point.

RainControl for Tank Emptying

We could use the same simple system to drain a tank. Turning this on its head, rather than filling a water tank, the relay inside the RainControl could be connected to a pump rather than a valve. So using the same setup (and just a touch of cunning) we can set the operational levels for draining a tank once it reaches level ‘x’ turning off the pump at level ‘y’.

This is an interesting idea for SuDS systems if we use an attenuated outflow on a motorised valve rather than a pump. The RainControl is a robust reliable system at a very competitive price point.

RainControl for Tank Level Alarm

The use of pumps/valves (and solenoids) is certainly one avenue. The RainControl could also easily be adapted into a high/low-level alarm using the relay to activate an alarm rather than a pump or valve. Again, it’s robust, simple to configure and install and competitively priced.

RainControl from Mac3

As with much of the Mac3 line, there are multiple uses for any given piece of equipment given a little design thought. The RainControl is a flexible addition for any parts list if building a controller from scratch, adapting an existing installation to a new purpose (always good fun) or simply replacing a failed system, there will always be a use for the RainControl.

Why not contact us if you have a thought about how you could use one of these anew, or to repair a failed system. We particularly love fixing redundant Rainwater Harvesting systems and bringing Rainwater Harvesting tanks back into use.

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

The post RainControl – Tank Level Control appeared first on Mac 3 UK.

Quadri Pump Controller, highly configurable and easy to use.

As with all the Mac3 equipment I’ve come across, the quality and attention to detail always shine through. The Quadri is no exception to this, housed in a smart ABS housing – the Quadri not only looks good (I mean, who doesn’t appreciate a well-made casing?) but it is also going to last.

As a general-purpose pump controller, the Quadri can be deployed in several ways:

Boosting

Creates a pressure booster type system, using pressure switches and level probes to monitor an installation for pressure drop, then activating a pump as required to restore pressure to the user-set value.

Storage

For liquid storage, the Quadri is used to monitor the level in two tanks and maintain levels that are set on the Quadri itself.

Sewage

Similar to the storage setting but optimised for a single tank. Use a suitable dirty water float switch to control the level inside a septic tank, holding sump or similar.

Effortless versatility. Control one or two pumps. It’s just so easy.

All versions of the Quadri can determine tank level using float switches, pressure sensors, or level probes. This allows for greater flexibility when retrofitting to an existing installation and potentially reusing existing hardware inside the tank.

On top of this, the dual pump models are capable of duty balancing, alternating usage of each pump or, if configured to do so, activating both pumps together at times of increased demand.

Cos-phi Monitoring

Quadri Pump Controller with CosPhi Dry-Run Protection

The Quadri is also available with cos-phi (cosφ) monitoring in all variants (single / three-phase, single or dual pump). These versions are particularly well suited to installations where conventional level monitoring simply isn’t practical – think boreholes, wells, and remote tanks (the kind that made sense at the time of installation but, were never intended to be improved or modified (nobody stops to think of the tech that has to work on it afterwards!)). Installation or retrofit becomes considerably easier as we don’t need to run extra cables for conventional float switches, pressure transducers, or the like. Remember, less cabling generally leads to a happier life!

As the Quadri cosφ is constantly monitoring the power factor of the pump motor, the Quadri can shut down the system when it detects a potential blockage or dry-run situation. Protecting the installation, allowing the user (or their tame maintenance engineers) to investigate and resolve the issue.

The Quadri family of pump controllers is a simple and effective tool to consider when designing or upgrading a system, with the functionality and ease of use that we have come to expect from the Mac3 line.

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

The post Quadri Pump Controller – one or two pumps – it’s just so easy appeared first on Mac 3 UK.

Inverters, VFDs or ‘that box on the wall’ (yes, I’ve had someone use that one before). There are as many names for these devices as there are types of them. Add into that the variations for voltage / current provisions, single vs three-phase and the list of variants is endless.

The HydroController pump inverter by Mac3 makes variable speed drive simple while allowing for customisability in execution.

Available in single to single-phase, single three-phase and three-phase to three-phase variants, along with 220V and 400v flavours (oh, the agony of choice). Along with these choices, the HydroController is also available as an inline installation HCW – allowing for direct pressure monitoring of the delivery line, or, as a wall-mounted unit HCA – using an external pressure sensor that can be connected to the delivery line away from the unit itself.

Pump Inverter with Easy Installation

The physical installation of a HydroController unit is simple.

For the HCW models (inline), this is as easy as mounting onto the delivery line from the pump. Using the 1.25” BSP threaded stainless steel pipe that runs through the HydroController. It’s that simple. This also allows installation both vertically or horizontally – depending on space or site requirements.

Likewise, for the HCA models (external sensor), installation is just as simple. Rather than using an inline mounting, we can mount the HydroController to any flat surface requiring only connections to the pump and a pressure sensor (and power) to be run to the unit. Making the HCA version suitable for plant room installations that are away from the wet end (or that end that the electricians don’t want water getting anywhere near).

HydroController Advanced – Multi-master protocol

Like its smaller cousin, the e-control (Insert link here) the HydroController Advanced can be configured to employ a multi-master protocol. This uses a similar setup to the e-power advanced, allowing suitably configured units to share control of the attached pumps. If one unit were to fail or be disconnected for any reason, another HydroController would become ‘master’ and lead the other units. A useful feature for installations that are either awkward to access or, that have been supplied on a service contract.
Who doesn’t like to drop phrases like Canbus, serial connection and multi-master into a discussion with a customer or site representative? Follow that with no redundant systems and we tick all the boxes that site managers love to hear!

Specialist Pump Inverters

HydroController for Swimming Pool Pumps – HydroController Pool

The HydroController series has a few other tricks up its sleeve – in the form of the HydroController Solar and HydroController Pool. These are both dedicated use units that have been optimized for specific deployments:

HydroController Pool

The control software for this unit has extensively been reworked for use with swimming pool systems. Aside from being able to control large pumps, the Pool has a wireless network card. This allows the user to remotely connect to the hardware allowing them to make changes to the run schedule through the Mac3 Helpdesk (not to mention users can view the current activity of their system – which is a pretty cool).

HydroController Solar – Inverter for water pumps in off-grid solar systems

HydroController Solar

This has been reworked from the ground up to be installed with solar photovoltaic systems. Ideal for off-grid or remote installations where cable installations are cost prohibitive (or simply too much of a pain). When deployed with a suitable battery (leisure or deep cycle marine batteries are best suited to this), charging relay and of course a suitable pump, a simply constructed system takes shape. Again, with a little further consideration, the system can be made mobile (or at least haulable with a tractor or forklift). Giving totally flexible deployment, so long as you have pipe/hose in place.

HydroController, complicated installations and uses made simple – both in traditional pump control situations and the more esoteric requirements for solar and pool type installations.

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

The post HydroController – Pump Inverter made Simple appeared first on Mac 3 UK.

Anyone who has seen my previous posts will see that I firmly believe in the power of simplicity. For any problem, there is always a simple solution (no, it isn’t always a hammer). For instance, if you are looking for a single tank-level controller, I highly recommend the SensoPress from Mac3.

Mac3 SensoPress – Simple yet versatile tank-level control

One Controller

This unit is designed to be DIN rail mounted and is easily be fitted into any existing cabinet, project box or mounting solution that can accommodate a 110mm length of DIN rail (plus any required cabling) to fit perfectly.

SensoPress is available in single or quad output relays in 230vAC and 117vAC. It can be configured as a tank fill/empty controller (single output) or to link outputs to set levels.

Suitable for working with clean and dirty water, water with suspended solids (such as sand) and aggressive fluids, the SensoPress can be employed in a wide variety of situations when equipped with an appropriate sensor.

While the single output models would work best in a simple tank filling or emptying situation. The quad output model allows for more complicated processes and finer level control.

One Probe

Typically, when designing a multiple-level system, the installation would require the fabrication of the float switches to the correct lengths. This is both time-consuming and, depending on the physical layout of the tank/plant room, potentially quite complicated (routing multiple cables is no fun, especially when there are obstructions (see: hammer)). The SensoPress simplifies the installation process by requiring only a single probe to be run into the tank.

Versatile Tank-level Control

The SensoPress allows us to set different outputs at a user-defined level. For example, a pump is started at ‘a’ and stopped at ‘b’ in case of high level – sounding an alarm if the level reaches ‘x’ or opening a valve when level ‘y’ is reached. Of course, this is only a very basic suggestion, but it gives an idea of what we can achieve with this simple-to-use unit, depending on the outputs of the model being used.

The actual levels, and output relays assigned to them are programmed on the SensoPress itself. This can be done in a plant room, or with careful planning before the SensoPress is even taken to site. So, no more messing about inside a tank, just turn up with the unit preset from the comfort of your office (work smart, not hard). This just leaves fine-tuning and final testing for the site visit.

Live Status Display

Unlike a traditional hardwired panel, the SensoPress can display the live status of the installation, be adjusted as required (without tools) and allows for password protection (to keep inquisitive users from making changes they really shouldn’t be).

Mac3 SensoPress has an intuitive user interface and display

Overall, the SensoPress is a useful addition to the level control toolbox, and there really is something cool about blue backlit displays (reminds me of the servers I used to use as a kid).

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

The post SensoPress – Simple Tank-level Control appeared first on Mac 3 UK.

Advanced Flood Alarm – RKIT Level Alarm

At this time of year, we often hear of and see footage of rivers bursting their banks – and the damage this causes to homes and businesses around the country. Now, while prevention is always better than a cure, we can try to lessen the impact of these events with warning systems. To this end, we have created the RKIT – a family of Level Alarms that give the homeowner (or work site) advanced warning of rising water levels. When sited and installed correctly, they potentially give enough time to get vulnerable persons and items out of harm’s way or to move vehicles and prepare for the incoming water.

The most suitable kits for permanent advanced flood warning installations are the RKIT 1 and 2. These are mains (230vAC) powered devices with a 10m (RKIT 1) or 40cm (RKIT 2) cable attached to the capacitive level sensor. The cable can be lengthened via request or with a suitable IP68 cable joint to better fit site requirements.

If the Reka level capacitive level sensor is mounted at the lowest point of the property at risk of flooding (on a post or wall facing the water source) as the level rises, the legs of the Reka become submerged – triggering the alarm. By default, the RKIT comes with an 80dB sounder and beacon – which is generally loud enough for a domestic dwelling (and to annoy everyone around me in the office when I am testing the kits!).

As the Reka sensor requires immersion to activate and has no moving parts, there is little risk of a false alarm caused by splashing or rainfall.

Deployment of an RKIT unit can also form part of a flood action plan – not only to start breaking out the sandbags – but also to prepare other measures – such as the use of sumps to draw water away from important areas, moving critical or precious items to higher levels in a building and of course, isolating electrical circuits that are at risk.

While we cannot stop the waters (Canute tried that one, and we all know how that turned out) – we can at least prepare for them. As they say – Forewarned is forearmed.

Level Alarm – other uses

Aside from flood protection, the RKIT can be deployed in other situations that require a high-level / overflow alarm – protection for plant rooms, lift shafts, and even for when filling the coolant bath for machine shops (nothing is as slippery as ‘suds’ in a workshop ((some bruises don’t go away)). The RKIT is a remarkably versatile piece of kit. It is also available in 110v (RKIT 3 and 4) and 24vDC (RKIT 5 and 6) for worksite and marine / off-grid use.

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

The post Advanced Flood Warning – RKIT Level Alarms – Forewarned is Forearmed! appeared first on Mac 3 UK.