LITTLE GIANT
CONDENSATE PUMPS
Condensate
pumps are installed in fixtures such as refrigerators and air conditioners to remove
buildups of condensation. Condensation occurs when water vapor comes into
contact with the cooled surfaces in the fixture and begins converting to water.
The condensate will usually drip down into a condensate pan that carries the
water to an outside drain. In the event that the nearest drain is a far enough
away from the fixture, condensate pumps are used to pump the water through
piping to a plumbing drain stack or an outside drain. Liquid from the
condensate pan will drain into the pump, pushing up a float as the water level
rises. When the water level rises enough, the float will trigger a switch that
activates the impeller at the bottom of the pump, drawing the water through and
pushing it into the pipe system. Some models have a failsafe switch near the
top of the pump in the event that the first switch doesn’t react. If the
floater makes it to the higher switch, it sends a signal to deactivate the
fixture, which prevents from the condensate from spilling over and into the
inner workings of the fixture.
Franklin
Electric offers a line of professional-grade Little Giant branded condensate
pumps that are designed specifically for dealing with condensate buildup in
fixtures. Below are a listing of the various models and their individual
features.
LARGE RESERVOIR (1
GALLON) PUMPS
The
largest of the available Little Giant condensate pumps are the 1-gallon
reservoir pumps. These pumps are available in three general unit types, with greater
variations in each of the individual models. Each model is a vertical-type pump
unit with a leak- and rust-proof ABS tank. Each model is UL/CSA listed and is
protected from thermal overload. Certain versions include a built in failsafe
switch. Below are specifics on the individual series.
· VCL-14
SERIES (200 gallons per hour, 1/50 horsepower, safety switch by default,
115 volts, discharge through 3/8-inch barbed adapter)
·
VCL-24ULS
SERIES (270 gph, 1/18 horsepower motor, safety switch model available, 115
or 230 volt models available, discharge through 1/4-inch FNPT or 3/8-inch O.D.
barbed adapter)
·
VCL-45
SERIES (450 gph, 1/5 horsepower motor, safety switch model available, 115
or 230 volt models available, discharge through 3/8-inch O.D. copper tube
discharge)
LOW PROFILE (1/3
GALLON) PUMPS
In
areas where space conservation is important or there is enough space in the
fixture to fit a small pump, the low profile 1/3-gallon pumps can be utilized
efficiently. These are best suited for high-efficiency gas furnace condensate. These
pumps are available in two variations, with the key difference being the
voltage. While both pumps are capable of sustaining 80 gallons per hour and
come standard with a safety switch and a built-in check valve, one model is
capable of 230 volts while the other only 115 volts. Both models are built with
the vertical pump design and have a leak- and rust-proof ABS tank. They are
also UL/CSA listed and are protected from thermal overload.
MEDIUM RESERVOIR (1/2
GALLON) PUMPS
If a
full gallon reservoir isn’t needed for the fixture, Little Giant also has
half-gallon reservoir pumps. These pumps are scaled down in their flow capacity
as well, with the two series being available with 65 or 80 gph rates. Each pump
is fitted with a half-gallon leak- and rust-proof ABS tank and the motor is
protected from thermal overload. Like the low profile pumps, these are suitable
for handling high-efficiency, gas-furnace condensate as well as A/C condensate.
The pumps are built standard with a 3/8-inch barbed discharge port. All pumps
are UL/CSA listed. Here are specifics on the individual models and variations.
·
VCMA-15
SERIES (65 gallons per hour, 1/50 horsepower motor, 115 volts, variations
available with either safety switch, tubing or both)
·
VCMA-20
SERIES (80 gph, 1/30 horsepower motor, models available with either 115 or
230 volt capacity, variations available with either safety switch, tubing or
both)
MEDIUM RESERVOIR
(NXTGEN) PUMPS
One of
the newer models of the medium capacity pumps that Little Giant has produced;
the NXTGen pumps have improved flow rates in comparison to the medium reservoir
pumps. There are a number of variations of the single NXTGen model pump which
add additional functionality to the system. Depending on the voltage selected
for the model, these pumps can sustain a flow of either 78 or 84 gallons per hour.
These pumps utilize a patent-pending cooling system design and the motors are
protected from thermal overload. Each pump is cCSAus listed, which qualifies it
both for UL and CSA standards. The 78-gph-rate variations are capable of 230
volts and are available both in the standard model and with the safety switch
variation. The 84 gph models are more prevalent, clocking in at 115 volt
capacity and with variations available that include the safety switch, a length
of drain tubing and an anti-sweat sleeve designed to compensate for condensate
buildup on the exterior of the tank.
MINI-SPLIT/DUCTLESS –
EC SERIES
For
mini-split or ductless air conditioning units, Little Giant's EC-400 condensate
pump is built to assist with removal of condensate buildup in these smaller
units. The pump is attached to the condensate tray inside the part of the cooling
unit that is installed indoors. These work slightly differently than standard
condensate removal pumps, as water is needed to be suctioned into the reservoir
from the condensate tray and then expelled through the pump when the reservoir
reaches a certain level. The pumps are self-priming and are built to operate
silently. These pumps are only capable of a simple 2.5 gallons per hour and
come in two variations of voltage – 115 and 230. They come standard with an
overflow safety switch that will shut down the cooling unit if it is in danger
of overflowing.
SHALLOW PAN CONDENSATE
PUMPS
In
large or industrial-strength air conditioning units, the condensate pans are
large enough that specifically designed pumps can simply be installed in the
pan and they will be able to remove the condensate directly from the pan
instead of having it drain into a reservoir. There are three different models
of shallow pan condensate pumps offered by Little Giant, the 1- 2- and 3-ABS
model shallow pan pumps. These pumps each have unique designs and capabilities
which will be listed below.
· 1-ABS
SERIES – This series of pump is designed for in-pan placement and
condensate removal. The pump comes standard with a 1/150-horsepower oil-filled
motor that is permanently lubricated and designed for maximum heat dissipation.
The pump activates whenever the condensate level reaches a certain preset
point. Similarly, the system will engage an automatic shut-off when the
condensate depletes to a certain level. The pump was designed with high
efficiency, small size and quiet running in mind, while still being able to
maintain a constant flow rate of 205 gallons per hour. The only variations in this
particular kind of pump are the voltage capacities, with specific models
available with 115 or 230 volt capacity.
·
2-ABS SERIES – As with the 1-ABS, this
pump was designed for in-pan placement. It has a 1/40-horsepower oil-filled
motor that is capable of an output of 300 gallons per hour. Functioning
similarly to the previous pump, it activates and deactivates at pre-set levels.
This model of pump can be installed with a half-gallon ABS tank if needed. As
with the 1-ABS, there are 115- or 230-volt variants.
·
3-ABS
SERIES – The highest capacity pump available from Little Giant, the 3-ABS
shallow pan condensate removal pump comes standard with a 1/12-horsepower motor
and an epoxy-coated aluminum motor cover. It also has a galvanized steel tank
cover and a 1-gallon tank capacity. The pump is capable of a constant output
rate of 310 gallons per hour and will activate and deactivate automatically as
is the standard for the ABS series. As with the previous two ABS models, 115-
and 230-volt variants are available.
No comments:
Post a Comment