Need an electricians or anyones advice on Diy ato

I found this DIY ATO on e-bay...can anyone tell me if its worth it or safe....seems to be along the lines of those $100 ones out there...TIA..

Electronic Pump TopOff Control, Horizontal Float Switch - eBay (item 330337325563 end time Jun-19-09 19:27:44 PDT)

 

looks really over done
but it would work
I like vertical switches better but that should do the trick

 

He said he could change it for the vert switch...
over done?..could i build my own? what would I need to replicate it?

 

vert switch isn't neccisary i just like it more

yeah you could build your own you would by a switch and hook it up just like he did but instead of a fancy box just use an extension cord

 

But I have heard you need some kind of relay to run, say a MJ400 or any kind pump.
I have had the switch wired to an extension cord,but it kep frying the float switch(the vert slide one)
I was hoping for something a little more reliable..

 

you could easily build your own. all those parts could be found on graingers or mcmaster carr websites. would up grade the standard plug to a gfci type plug.as for the rest its a basic switch, and uses a basic relay. very simple diy

 

thats very wierd it fryed

yeh you could go with that one then it looks a lot more pro lol
or you could buy a regular one

 

could you be please more specific with what type of relay I would need...

 

i will see if i can find it for you

 

To be fair the price isn't outrageous, and not "over done" but I think you could do better with a little DIY effort for the same price.

The main problem I have is this system isn't redundant.

Check out my Solenoid controlled ATO here: http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/diy-solenoid-ato-auto-top-off-64316.html

Obviously you'd use a pump and not a solenoid, I am just demonstrating the triple redundancy of my set up.

I could build you one like in the ebay ad for about $40 also, maybe a bit less... but so could you. An outlet, relay, transformer, 1 float switch, and wire would be about $20-30 depending on quality, much less if you have any parts on hand or are good at scrounging.

To build one like in the ad you'd need:

1 110v outlet, $0.99 at Home Repot

1 single gang box + face plate, $3-5 Home Repot. A double gang would give you more room for mounting the transformer and relay... probably well worth it.

1 110v relay, $3-5 at radio Shack

1 low voltage transformer (depends on the relay) free for an old wall wart, $15 for a good new-in-box Triad.

1 float switch, $5-20 depending on quality. I prefer the vertical, but horizontals should work fine, just harder to mount.

An old extension cord for the plug and hook up wire.

...that's about it.