Test and monitoring system for a sump pump installation operable from a remote location

摘要

An automated system for monitoring and testing a sump pump installation includes an electrically-actuated valve which admits liquid to the liquid container in response to a valve control signal. A test control module includes a test control circuit which when actuated supplies a valve control signal to initiate a test cycle during which liquid is admitted to the container to cause the liquid level in the container to rise, after which the sump pump discharges liquid from the container until a predetermined event terminates the test cycle. An indicator circuit indicates in response to completion of the test cycle whether the test was successful or unsuccessful. A communications circuit is included which receives and verifies control signals addressed to the system from an external originator to allow a test cycle to be remotely initiated in the event of impending severe weather or other threats.

主权项

1. An automated system for monitoring and testing a sump pump installation of the type having a liquid container, a motor driven pump which when powered discharges liquid from the container, and a switch circuit which supplies current to power the pump motor upon the liquid level in the container rising to a first predetermined level, the monitoring system comprising:
a liquid conduit including an electrically-actuated valve which admits liquid to the liquid container in response to a valve control signal; a test control module including a test control circuit which when actuated supplies a valve control signal to initiate a test cycle during which liquid is admitted to the container to cause the liquid level in the container to rise to at least the first predetermined level, to test the pump discharging of liquid from the container, said test control module supplies a valve control signal to stop the admittance of liquid upon a predetermined event terminating the test cycle; a communications circuit for receiving and verifying from an external originator a control signal addressed to the system, and for actuating the test control circuit to supply the valve control signal to initiate the test cycle in response thereto; and wherein the test control module further includes an indicator circuit which indicates in response to completion of the test cycle whether the pump discharges liquid from the container a portion of the liquid.