TEST AND MONITORING SYSTEM FOR A BATTERY-POWERED DC PUMP INSTALLATION

摘要

A test and monitoring system for a sump pump installation of the type having a battery-powered sump pump which pumps liquid from a sump container when the liquid level in the container rises. A current probe operatively associated with the electrical circuit between the battery and the pump provides an output signal indicative of current flow to the motor. The system includes a control module which is periodically actuated to initiate a test cycle wherein a valve is actuated open to admit liquid into the pit. If the pump is operative, the pump pumps liquid from the container, causing the liquid level in the sump container to fall, and the control module in response to the output signal of the current probe to terminate the test cycle and indicate a successful test. If the sump pump is inoperative, the liquid level in the container continues to rise and the test cycle is terminated, the valve is closed and an unsuccessful test is indicated.

主权项

1. An automated system for testing and monitoring a sump pump installation of the type having a liquid container and a battery-powered motor-driven sump pump which when actuated by liquid rising to a first predetermined level in the container discharges liquid from the container, comprising:
a liquid conduit including an electrically-actuated valve which admits fresh water into the liquid container when actuated by a valve control signal; a test control module which when actuated supplies a control signal to the valve to initiate a test cycle during which liquid is admitted into the container, the liquid level in the container rising to at least the first predetermined level and actuating the pump, the pump, if functional, discharging liquid from the container until a predetermined event terminates the test cycle; a current probe arranged in the electrical circuit between the battery and the sump pump motor to provide an output signal indicative of current flow to the motor; and wherein the test control module further includes an indicator circuit responsive to the output signal which indicates a successful test in response to cessation of current flow to the pump motor.