RKL troubleshooting

Ok, so I have my ATO system set up through my RKL and am having some issues. I have their float switch kit, just the single switch, which I think might be contributing to my problems. Anyway, the switch turns my top off pump just like it should but doesn't turn it off properly. It just kind of runs for an indeterminate amount of time. The crazy thing is, I can pull the switch assembly out of my sump and flip it on and off manually and the pump turns on and off just like it should. I looked at in the water and the float is going up and down like it should so that ruled out that issue. Here is how I have the programming set up on my top off pump for those that are familiar with it:

Pump is on PC4, CH3 and float switch is on SL1, SWA

CH3:
Mode: Auto
Function: Switch
On Device: SWA
On When: Closed
Off Device: SWA
Off When: Open
Timer: 00
In Standby: Off
Default: Off

The only thing I can think of would be to use the Timer function, but I'm not sure how that would affect the overall functionality of it and how to properly setup the timer for this type of application. I'm also wondering if the addition of a second float switch would solve the problem but I don't see how by the fact that the same switch could be used for both on and off and in that case, wouldn't the second switch be used as just a fail safe. Any thoughts or ideas?

 

I don't know, but you should never use your controller as an ATO IMO. too many things to go wrong. Really should have a dedicated circuit, such as a separate ATO controller. Sorry, i know that's not what your looking for...

 

That's fine, I'm looking for any and all advice. I was actually thinking about going back to that kind of setup. I had that setup prior to getting my RKL but was hoping to simplify things by using my controller. Is the only negative about using the RKL for ATO the complexity of programming it? You're not the first person I've heard saying to use a separate dedicated ATO system.

 

Is the water level higher in you ATO than the exit point on the water line. If so this is your problem. The water will continue to run until the levels are equal. The pump is closed when the power is turned off it runs right past the impeller into the hose.

 

Could be a siphon... I interpreted your description as the pump was actually running. If it is shutting off, but water is still flowing, then I would suspect a siphon for sure.

As to why not to use a controller. The controller goes from hardware to software, back to hardware. An ATO controller will be a hardware switch. The hardware switch is much more simple and reliable. The software step adds too big of a potential failure point for an ATO IMO.

 

My ATO resevoir level is lower than my sump water level and the pump actually continues to run even after the switch tells it to turn off, so no siphon is occuring. While this was occuring the other day, I actually looked at the status of the switch in the controller menu and it read "Open" which should have triggered the pump to turn off.

 

Actually, which socket is it on? Low voltage devices, such as pumps usually need to be on 1 or 4. They will not always shut off correctly on 2 and 3, it is a known issue.

 

It's on socket 3, so that may be my problem. I'll have to switch it over and see if that solves the problem. Thanks for the info, I did not know that.

 

Interesting and good to know.

 

Well switching outlets seems to have solved the problem. Only time will tell I guess. Thanks again for the help guys!