3P Technik TCA5000950 User manual
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Contents
Contents ......................................................................................................................................... 2
Product Description..................................................................................................................... 3
Component Listing .............................................................................................................................4
Handling and Storage, Pre-installation ......................................................................................... 4
Installation .................................................................................................................................. 5
Site Selection for the 3P Controller Unit............................................................................................5
The 3P Tundish and bracket assembly ...............................................................................................5
The Level Probe, a Conductivity Probe ..............................................................................................6
Operation.................................................................................................................................... 7
Control Unit Operation ......................................................................................................................7
LED Indicators.....................................................................................................................................8
Internal Jumper Settings ....................................................................................................................9
Troubleshooting Guide: an “At Site Level” Fault Finder ............................................................... 10
Full Technical Specification ........................................................................................................ 12
Control Unit......................................................................................................................................12
Level Probe.......................................................................................................................................12
Solenoid Valve ..................................................................................................................................12
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Product Description
Automatic mains water top-up for rainwater tanks with leak detection feature and pump dry-run
protection.
This unit is primarily designed to work with automatic pumps, i.e. pumps which are self- controlling by
having a pressure switch controller built in to the pump. If you are in any doubt, please consult a
professional. Your supplier can advise you.
You will need to Commission an automatic pump, which needs to feed into a water tight delivery
network. If you are in any doubt, please consult a professional. Experienced Rainwater Harvesting
(RWH) commissioning professionals are available to assist you. Failure to commission an automatic
pump may invalidate your warranty. A guide to commissioning is available as an Appendix to this
document. A pressure vessel will prolong the life of automatic pumps.
This is a reliable electronic controller that will give decades of trouble free service, once correctly
installed.
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Component Listing
1. Ball Valve, for isolating mains water supply.
2. 30cm Braided Steel Flexi Hose with Isolation Valve. To mains water feed.
3. Solenoid Valve.
4. 3P Tundish with Steel Wall Bracket. DN 40 Overflow. DN 50 Outlet.
5. Control Unit Module.
6. Level Probe, 15m standard.
7. “Schuko” (European) Mains Plug. This is supplied in order to allow you to connect any pump
to the European style mains socket on the front of the Unit.
Handling and Storage, Pre-installation
•Do not leave the Control Unit or solenoid valve outdoors in the rain. They are not IP68
waterproof. Do not store or use in a location subject to freezing temperatures. This may
include some outbuildings and uninsulated loft spaces.
•This is not an armoured or heavy-duty appliance, it will not survive impact and drops, crushing,
etc. Do not leave on the floor. If damaged do not use it.
•Do not store with or upon cement, sand, plaster, etc. These materials will corrode the circuit
board (and cause cosmetic damage).
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Installation
Site Selection for the 3P Controller Unit
We recommend installation be carried out by a qualified electrician.
The Control Unit and Solenoid Valve must be mounted indoors in a dry place. Do not install in a
location subject to freezing temperatures.
It can be wall mounted using the supplied fittings.
NOTE: It is not a waterproof unit. DO NOT install in a tank turret.
3P strongly recommends wiring the unit on a dedicated circuit, protected by a 10A Type C circuit
protective device, in accordance with current best practice and regulatory requirements as defined by
BS 7671, current IEE wiring regulations, and Part P of Building Regulations (where applicable). If in any
doubt consult a qualified electrician.
There are a wide variety of pumps supplied in the UK rainwater market, some with 2 pin “Schuko”, and
some with 3 pin UK plugs. A 2 pin “Schuko” plug can plug directly into the plug socket on the face of
the unit. If your pump has a 3 pin UK plug there are two options available.
•Change the pump’s plug to a 2 pin Schuko plug (one is supplied with this kit).
•Use an earthed 2 pin Schuko to 3 pin UK socket adapter to plug into the Control Unit’s pump
socket (not supplied).
SAFETY NOTE – European style Schuko plugs are not protected with a fuse, therefore it is vital the
controller is installed on a 10A fused outlet to protect both the pump and controller.
If in any doubt you MUST consult a qualified electrician.
The 3P Tundish and bracket assembly
The 3P Tundish acts as a Type AA air gap to comply with BS EN 13076: Devices to prevent pollution by
backflow of potable water. The 3P Tundish itself and its’ ½” feed nozzle are both freely rotatable in the
wall mounting bracket.
Install the 3P Tundish so that the potable water feed can gravity flow freely into the tank. Check the
rate of delivery of potable water does not exceed the capacity of the connected hose/pipework to
reach the tank at your site, without backing up. This is part of the Commissioning of your rainwater
harvesting system installation process.
The 3P Tundish outlet to the tank (Nominal OD 47mm, ID 39mm) can be connected using 2” hose or
with a 50mm MDPE Compression fitting, usually reducing to 32mm minimum, or using Waste Pipe at
50mm.
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Note the 3P Tundish has an optional overflow. This is recommended and particularly useful if the top-
up feed pipework to the underground tank gets blocked, as it will then likely prevent flooding of the
room where the Controller is located. The overflow can be connected with a Universal Waste Adapter.
(Product Code 5000411UWC).
The Level Probe, a Conductivity Probe
The supplied conductivity Level Probe is used as a minimum water level detector in
the rainwater tank. The standard length of cable supplied is 15m. This can be
extended to order, up to 100m. It carries a very low voltage/current.
1 To Control Unit (from level probe)
2 Water From Roof
3 Max Water Level (overflow)
4 Floating Intake
5 Calmed Inlet
6 Pump
7 Level Probe set 200mm above pump
8 Approx. 0.3-0.4 m (guide only)
9 Minimum Water Level
10 Sewer Connection
Fix the Level Probe in the tank so that it is suspended approximately 0.3 to 0.4 metres above the
bottom, depending on the shape of the tank and position of pump inlet. It should be positioned to
ensure there is no risk of cavitation or air entrainment to the pump inlet. If in doubt you MUST consult
an approved and qualified plumber. The height of the Level Probe determines the minimum water
level of the tank at which the pump will run.
The Level Probe works by conductivity. When the Level Probe’s contacts are immersed in water a
circuit is completed and the control unit detects this. When the prongs of the probe come out of the
water, topping up is activated.
Note: The Level Probe’s length of cable can be extended to a maximum of 100m.
OPERATIONAL ADVICE NOTES – Ensure that the tank is entirely free of debris before installing a
pump and this controller. Sand, grit, cement and even plastic swarf from manufacturing and other
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debris will quickly clog any filters and may damage the pump’s internal parts and the pump’s
impellers, prematurely shortening the operational life of the system, and invalidate pump and other
component warranties. The potable feed pipework to the solenoid must also be clear and free of
debris.
Maintenance Advice – It is good practice to gently clean the probe at intervals of three years or
whenever checking the tank.
Operation
Control Unit Operation
When the Control Unit is powered up:
High Water Level: If the Level Probe is immersed in rainwater, (i.e. below the rainwater level in the
tank) then the green LED remains on, there is power to the pump socket (so a connected pump will
then run) and the solenoid valve is closed (i.e. not topping up).
Low Water Level: If the rainwater level falls below the Level Probe a top-up cycle will begin. The green
LED flashes and the Solenoid Valve opens to allow mains water to flow via the Tundish and so into the
rainwater tank. During the top-up cycle the pump will be turned off (power to the pump is isolated
during topping up).
Test button: Pressing this when the Solenoi
Solenoid Valve.
Stop/Reset button:
Closes the solenoid valv
flash.
A second press will reset the contr
oller to its
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Once the water level reaches the Level Probe again the pump is re-enabled, and so allowed to run.
The solenoid valve will remain open for a further ONE minute before closing. The top-up cycle is now
complete and the green LED changes from flashing to solid.
Self Maintenance: The Control Unit will momentarily open and close the Solenoid Valve three times a
week to prevent blockages. This process takes place automatically.
Safety Shutdown: During a top-up cycle, if the water level in the tank has not reached the level probe
after 30 minutes of topping up, the unit will shut off the pump and close the solenoid. The red alarm
LED lights to indicate that there is one or more of: 1. a leak or blockage in the delivery pipework
feeding to the tank, 2. a failure of the tank itself, or 3. a problem with the solenoid valve.
LED Indicators
Green - Solid
Normal Operation. Solenoid Valve closed. Pumps runs as usual.
Water level sufficient.
Green - Flashing
Top-up cycle in progress. Solenoid Valve open (topping up).
Pump is disabled (switched off) during top-up.
Red - Solid
Safety shutdown.
Top up failed.
Red - Flashing
Control Unit stopped manually
(stop/reset button has been pressed by an operator).
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Internal Jumper Settings
This can be adjusted to increase the duration of the top-up cycle, and should be set by 3P in advance,
or otherwise adjusted by a qualified electrician or instrumentation technician.
The power supply MUST be disconnected before opening the Control Unit, there are hazardous
voltages inside.
For larger tanks and flow rates the jumper can be
moved from the default position 1, to position 2. This
position tops up much more water into the tank. (see
below).
In position 2 the pump shut-off delay and alarm
delays are also increased accordingly.
If in any doubt please consult a qualified electrician or
electronic technician.
Attention! The Control Unit must only be opened when it has been ensured that
there is no power to the unit.
Jumper
Setting
Delay before pump
shut-off during top-up
Top-up duration after
level probe is reached
Safety Shutdown delay
1
15 sec
1 min
30 min
2
10 min
20 min
45 min
Jumper setting 1: The pump will turn off 15 seconds after the beginning of a top-up cycle. The
Solenoid Valve will close 1 minute after the water level reaches the Level Probe. If the water level
doesn’t reach the Level Probe within 30 minutes the unit alarms.
Jumper setting 2: The pump will turn off 10 minutes after the beginning of a top-up cycle. The
Solenoid Valve will close 20 minutes after the water level reaches the Level Probe. If the water level
doesn’t reach the Level Probe within 45 minutes the unit alarms.
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Troubleshooting Guide: an “At Site Level” Fault Finder
Symptom
Possible Faults
Solution
Solid Red LED –
Controller has
alarmed and
shut down.
Solenoid is blocked
Solenoid has failed.
Solenoid functions
normally, tundish
overflows
Solenoid functions
normally, tundish does
not overflow but tank
does not fill.
Press Reset, then test solenoid by pressing Test
button. If solenoid clicks but no water flows, check
the supply pipework and flexi-hose for blockages. If
supply is clear but solenoid does not function, replace
solenoid (call technical support).
If solenoid does not click, check wiring from solenoid
to controller for possible damage. If OK replace
solenoid (call 3P Technical support).
The supply pipe from tundish to tank is blocked. Clear
blockage and retest.
Check tundish to tank pipework by visually looking for
top-up water entering the tank. If no water is present,
suspect failure in pipework. If water is present
suspect tank failure.
Flashing red
LED –
Controller has
been stopped
Manually.
No fault.
Press the stop/reset button to reset the controller.
Top-up cycle is
too frequent
causing pump
to be shut off
during demand
for water.
Too small a top-up time
is selected.
Follow the Internal Jumper Settings instructions to
change the jumper to position 2. Consult a qualified
electrician before opening the Control Unit. If in any
doubt please consult a qualified electrician or
electronic technician.
Top-up cycle
activates often,
even when no
water is drawn
on demand.
Possible tank failure or
fault (leak) in supply
pipes from pump.
Shut down controller and pump and check tank water
level periodically (during dry weather). If water level
drops, suspect tank failure. Otherwise switch on
controller and pump and check for leaks in outlet
pipes from pump, and possible leaks of toilet float
valves, etc. Consider a larger pressure vessel. Consult
a professional adviser.
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Symptom
Possible Faults
Solution
Controller does
not function
(no lights).
Internal fuse failure.
Controller or associated
wiring has tripped the
mains circuit breaker or
RCD.
Have the controller’s internal fuses checked by a
qualified electrician and replaced if necessary. If the
unit fails again, contact your supplier for replacement.
If in any doubt please consult a qualified electrician or
electronic technician.
Have the supply circuit checked by a qualified
electrician. Check circuit breaker is of a suitable rating
(10A Type B recommended), also test wiring
insulation and earth. If the supply circuit is proved to
have no fault, contact your supplier for replacement.
Pump does not
run, top-up and
other functions
seem ok.
Pump failure.
Controller Damaged.
Unplug the pump and test separately.
The control unit can supply up to 10A at 240v to the
pump. It may be damaged if this specification is
exceeded.
For all other
faults.
Contact your system
supplier.
If your system supplier is no longer trading, you may
consult 3P Technik UK.
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Full Technical Specification
Control Unit
Dimensions (W x H x D): 97mm x 163mm x 62mm
Weight: 0.5 kg
Supply voltage: AC 230-240 V 50 Hz
Nominal Power Consumption: 5w (excluding pump)
Internal fuse: 32 mA
Pump power outlet socket: AC 230-240 V, max. 10 A (fused)
Mains Plug Fuse: T 10 A
Operating Temperature Range Ambient: 0 °C to +40 °C
Electrical Protection class: II (DIN 57 700)
Ingress Protection: IP 20 (EN 60529)
Noise immunity: According to EN 50082-1
Noise suppression: According to EN 50081-1
Level Probe
Supply voltage: AC 6 V
Probe current: 1.2 mA
Cable length: 15m (max. 30m)
Dimensions of probe (L x Ø): 87mm x 30mm
Weight: 0.2 kg
Principle of operation: Conductivity
Medium: Clean water
Solenoid Valve
Dimensions (W x H x D): 95mm x 80mm x 100mm
Weight: 0.5 kg
Supply voltage: AC 230-240 V 50 Hz
Power consumption: max. 5.5 VA
Connection cable: 3m
Mounting position: Any
Medium: Clean water
Maximum pressure: 12 bar
Flow rate at 4 bar inlet pressure and open outlet: approx. 50 l/min
Connection: Inlet: ¾” BSP union nut with in-line filter
Function: Closed when de-energised
Protection: IP 56 (EN 60529)
Outlet: ½” BSP female thread
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