Setting Delay for Return Pump and Skimmer After Power Outage

[BarSnackz]

Is there a way to set a couple minute delay on my return pump and skimmer in my sump without the use of a brand name controller?
Had a couple second power outage the other night and it made my return pump almost run dry and ATO to constantly run until I was able to get to the power outlets to unplug them while the return section of my sump was able to catch up in water volume.
Luckily I was home and awake when it happened (2am as these outages always seem to be in the middle of the night). I just fear for that one day when I'm not home or asleep and the outage causes my pump to run dry and break and the ATO to put my salinity all out of whack.

I know a controller would make my life so much easier - just trying to find a cheaper route if at all possible.

Thanks!

 

[Silver14SS]

Maybe something like this? It has a 15 minute delay, maybe you can find an adjustable one.
https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Controls-15-Minute-Lighting-Single/dp/B004JKDP1S

 

[TheEngineer]

Hmmm... that's an interesting question.... The link @Silver14SS provided certainly seems like it would do the trick. >$60 seems excessive to me.

This would be cool, but you have to hit a button to start it:

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Dela...4593&sr=8-20&keywords=time+delay+relay+120vac

 

[BarSnackz]

Yeah that's what I was thinking. Reading through the reviews on that delay plug and it didn't seem to get much praise. I would jump on it but I don't know that I can bring myself to pay $60 now and then down the road pay $500+ for a controller that would make that plug obsolete. Thank you for the suggestion through @Silver14SS !

 

[TheEngineer]

Got it!

AC compressor delay:

https://www.amazon.com/Packard-PTD2...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00BDEGO0M

 

[ADAM]

Got it!

AC compressor delay:

https://www.amazon.com/Packard-PTD2...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00BDEGO0M

You need a " Delay-on-Make " once the input is ON you will remain ON through the relay until power is lost. Once power is restored the ON-Make will give the restart time delay option you are looking for. During a power outage the ON-Make would give a time delay once power is restored. The On-Break will not, delay ON-Break would start a timer once the power was lost initially, also a constant power input is needed to maintain the timer, therefore a power loss would lose timing. The link below describes the basic difference in DOM and DOB and their uses.

https://www.functionaldevices.com/about/blog/2018/03/delay-relays-delay-on-make-vs-delay-on-break/


During a power outage voltage to this relay would be lost therefore the timer function may not be what you want. Ive used these above timers for 20+ years on AC/ Heat Pump applications, particularly with old mechanical thermostats. There are some Wifi/ Smart powerstrips available now that may prove to be enough control for your needs. During a power loss most of the wifi plugs and switches I use are in the off position when power is restored until the switch reconnects to Wifi and the programmed setting for ON or OFF is observed. This Christmas season when rain would cause a ground fault power trip on my outdoor lighting, (Couldn't find the reason for the life of me!!!!) once the power was reset to the outdoor "Smart" plug it would take a couple minutes for the switch to activate and turn the switch back to ON.

Using the IFTTT app (or similar), a wifi connected power strip or two, some basic float switches, and fairly common relays/ sensors you can DIY a basic controller for pretty cheap as well.

 

[ADAM]

The delay ON-Break and ON-Make messed with my head for a while when starting out in HVAC, it was always the opposite of what I think but would undoubtedly pick the opposite of the opposite knowing it was the opposite of what it seemed it should be....if that makes sense!?

Hope the above reply helps, many local HVAC/ Plumbing supply houses should have the above DOM and DOB relays on hand. I would call first to see if they have them and also to see if they will sell them to you without being a licensed contractor or account holder.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

I know you said you wanted to do this without a controller.

Looks pretty darn easy with one though.

https://forum.neptunesystems.com/showthread.php?21671-Pump-Restart-Delay
https://forum.neptunesystems.com/showthread.php?16614-Pump-delay-after-power-outage

 

[TheEngineer]

Cool! Thanks for sharing @ADAM (from this Adam)

 

[redfishbluefish]

Here's the one I purchased for my return pump, and I couldn't be happier....for $8.99.....3 minute delay restart.

Mia Volt Surge Protector.

 

[TheEngineer]

Here's the one I purchased for my return pump, and I couldn't be happier....for $8.99.....3 minute delay restart.

Mia Volt Surge Protector.

Even better! Plug and play!

 

[TheEngineer]

Silly expensive but just saw this at BRS

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/protein-skimmer-delay-timer-reef-octopus.html