Municipal Water Supply Sensor Controller Circuit

Question

In this post I have explained a simple water sensor with pump starter circuit for switching a pump motor during municipal water supply periods. The idea was requested by Mr. Hitesh Thapa. Technical Specifications Is it possible to make a automatic water pump starter which turns On only when the city supply line has water flowing. Here is the scenario. - City Supply Line opens only for 1 hour anytime during 6AM - 10AM or rarely sometimes in the evening...

Swagatam · Accepted Answer

will depend upon the relay voltage spec used, if it's 12v then the supply can also be 12V and so on.

Advance Hi Tech · Answer

Required support to repair the electronic circuit

Nick Hayes · Answer

How much DC voltage do I need for this?

Swagatam · Answer

you can refer to the following article, the relay explanation along with its specs are provided herehttps://www.homemade-circuits.com/2012/01/how-to-understand-and-use-relay-in.html

Zafar Ahmed Abbasi · Answer

very helpful thank you

Faisal Pasha · Answer

Dear Swagatam Majumdar,The project (Municipal water supply sensor, pump controller circuit) circuit diagram doesn't show on your site. please send me circuit diagram at email id: faisalpasha9090@gmail.comthanks!

Swagatam · Answer

Dear Faisal, it could be your ISP problem, please read this:https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140620140349-53089235-blogspot-down-in-pakistan

Faisal Pasha · Answer

Finally I got circuit diagram from Google images, Mr. Swagatam Majumdar can you tell me how much voltages is required to run this circuit because i'm mechanical student I've not enough knowledge about electronics circuit.

Swagatam · Answer

Faisal, you can operate it with 12V... if the relay is also 12V rated, or any voltage that matches the relay coil voltage

Meet Patel · Answer

Hey.. Appreciated your project. I have one doubt.What type of sensor probes being used?

Swagatam · Answer

thanks meet, you can use brass terminals with solder plating as the probes.

Meet Patel · Answer

ok. thank you so much.

Meet Patel · Answer

should I use single channel relay on 3 phase motor or else double channel relay is suitable for the same?

Swagatam · Answer

for 3 phase motor you will require a TPTT relay or 3-pole relay with heavy duty contacts

Meet Patel · Answer

Ok. Thanks. Because single channel relay can conduct only DC supply.

Swagatam · Answer

relays can conduct AC/DC both, but in 3 phase there are 3 lines therefore 3 contacts would be required, a single contact relay cannot work

Meet Patel · Answer

Thanks a lot. Now I got the whole scenario.

Meet Patel · Answer

As you said I purchased 3 pole relay of PLA company (3C/O MPC 12D-5) having 11 pin encircled. It has 3 pole so on 3 common , 3 N/C and 3 N/O. Now how  should I make a connection of 3 phase motor with this relay?   please help me out.

Meet Patel · Answer

sorry I made a mistake. There is a single phase motor, not three phase motor. So i got solution. Thanks.

Meet Patel · Answer

How should  I make water level controller system in this same circuit?  So that after filling tank the motor will automatically turn-off, please guide me.

Swagatam · Answer

OK, in that case you can use a regular SPDT relay with 30 amp contacts.

Swagatam · Answer

I'll try to upadte the idea in the above article soon...

Meet Patel · Answer

No problem. Thanks.

Meet Patel · Answer

Hello sir, have you thought on that new concept which  I requested earlier?

Swagatam · Answer

Meet, due to lack of time I could not do it, will try to update it soon...

Swagatam · Answer

....I have updated the new design at the bottom of the article.

Meet Patel · Answer

Great. Now this would become Dual functionality embedded in one circuit only. Thanks a lot.

Swagatam · Answer

My pleasure!!

Ganesh Budukale · Answer

Respected sir,  as per this circuit diagram and instruction   build the same but i dint get result , would u can mail me with details .progressofganesh@gmail.com

Swagatam · Answer

Ganesh, the concept explained is very straightforward and should work without fail, you might have done something incorrect in your design...you can confirm the results using a cup of water and immerse the sensor points inside it to check whether the relay clicks or not...

Swagatam · Answer

...you can also try reducing the 10uF to 1uF for better response

Unknown · Answer

I want to buy a  'READY TO USE'  Controllerwhich can  Switch - On the pump, when it detectswater flow  from the City's supply  and  whenthe same stops,  it  Switch - Off the pump.  Hasany company incorporate this circuit design in their  Controller  device ?  And if so,  please listthe  name  and  contact info.  ThanksSudhirGurgaon  HRApril 27, 2017Note:  Needless to say,  the controller, should haveother features, like  Switch Off the pump, when tankgets filled

john kg · Answer

good day  sir i need  acircuit  which detects water flow and  giving  indication of  same  when pump starting to fill the  overhead tank . we  are using pvc pipes  and what kind of  snsor probs can be  used  instead of brass for effctive responsejohn

john kg · Answer

good day sir  is   it possible   to  use  probe  be made off  aluminium ( easily  avaliable  from  home  utensil) instead of  brass ( not  easily  availiable  in  my place ) john

Swagatam · Answer

good day john,you can try the same circuit which is explained above, for indication you can connect an LED in series with the base of the transistor.for the sensor aluminum will work but aluminum may be also prone to oxidation.  instead you can use copper and tin it with a thick layer of solder...the solder should be of the highest grade with a tin/lead ratio of 60/40...or better.

john kg · Answer

thank you  sir for  ur   kind  advice one  more  query how  much  should be the gap need  to  maintain  between the  sensor  probes and  voltage to supply  ( our  supply  pipe  is  1.5  inch dia )john

Swagatam · Answer

the distance could be around 1cm, but make sure that it is built in such a way that water does not clog between this gap when water supply has stopped.

hemanth hearts · Answer

Hello I want ready ckt is available in any where

Swagatam · Answer

sorry, there's no readymade unit available from here..

Ashish Gautam · Answer

Is it not possible to use 12v AC instead of 12v DC ? A transformer could be used to convert 220v AC into 12v AC ?

Swagatam · Answer

It is possible, but the circuit could be come a little complex...

Ashish Gautam · Answer

Complex in what way ? Also, I am not able to find the Tip122 Darlington transistor, is there any substitute for it ? Does relay work in both AC and DC or is there different type of relay for different current ? And will 12v relay work for this circuit ?Many thanks for the reply.

Swagatam · Answer

You can replace the TIP122 by manually making a Dalington using a 2N2222 and TIP31A relay will work only with DC, not with AC unless its rectifiedI have designed an anti-corrosion related circuit below, you can check it out:https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2017/06/anti-corrosion-probes-for-water-level.html

Swagatam · Answer

you ca use the relay which is shown in the following articlehttps://www.homemade-circuits.com/2012/01/how-to-understand-and-use-relay-in.html

Imtiyaz · Answer

Hi Swagatam,
The circuit is working fine. Request you to suggest a suitable modified circuit for eliminating the problem of pump frequently switching on off frequently during the starting few minutes of water supply. I wish once the pump is started should not go off for a couple of minutes even if the sensor are sensing water and air in sequence until the supply is stable.
Hope I am clear.
Thanks in advance.

Swagatam · Answer

Hi Imtiyaz, I am glad it is working for you!

To solve this you can add a 470uF/25V capacitor across the relay coil, this will make sure that the relay does not stutter during the initial fluctuating water supply conditions.

Imtiyaz · Answer

The shuttering still persist, without resolving continuous practical application is not possible.
As I am a mechanical engineer, request you to forward a complete circuit with discussed modification and introduction of selector switch for auto and manual selection. It would be more asthetic if led indicators are also introduced.
My e-mail id is
imtiyaz_ur@yahoo.co.in
Thank you

Swagatam · Answer

Hi, did you connect the capacitor across the relay coil? Even after you connect it if the water supply is too much fluctuating with large delays between ON and OFF then the relay will stutter,and cannot be solved with the above simple circuit.

In that case you will have to build a IC 555 monostable circuit and use it.

build the circuit which is shown in the following article

https://www.homemade-circuits.com/intruder-position-indicator-security/

remove the piezo, and connect the two wires with the water pipe probes.

remove the LED, resistor, and replace it with a relay, make sure to connect a diode across the relay coil.

The 1M pot will need to be correctly adjusted such that the stuttering just stops.

Imtiyaz · Answer

Thanks for the guidance,
All the 3 parts are working
A)Water sensing to start pump
B)Time delay to stop shuttering
C)Overflow pump stopping

Now one small problem, when incoming water stopped#pump goes off
But a slight residue water in the pipe touches the sensor the pump is restarted, how can this issue be tackled?

Swagatam · Answer

That's great! I am glad it's serving the purpose for you.

To solve the present issue, You will have to position the sensor in such a way that the water touches the sensor only when there's some force in the water, otherwise without any force the residual water should be unable to come in contact with the sensor points.

Deepak · Answer

Hello sir,
 As it used 10uf 25 v capacitor in the base of transistor after the resister 1k.  wht will happen when capacitor is charged and no water in pipe line than capacitor produce voltage to base of transistor without resister so it will not harm the transistor ?
As we know base of transistor need less than 0.7 v.

Swagatam · Answer

Hello Deepak, the charge stored in the capacitor will be restricted to a level which is perfectly safe for the transistor base. In fact the voltage level inside the capacitor will be restricted to 0.6V or 0.7V, because the forward voltage drop of most BJTs is restricted to this value therefore the capacitor can charge only upto this limit, so nothing to worry..

Deepak · Answer

Thanks sir,
But I have one another problem.
Relay on without water in pipe line.
I put two probes across the water pipe with  1 pair of wire. 1 wire has dc voltege of 5.35 volt which comes from this circuit and the pararrel wire which is connected to bais of transistor also has dc voltage of 4.80 volt so how is it posible? And there is no water in the municipal pipe line even relay on !!! And there is 2 cm distance between two probe and also no continuity in wire while no water in pipe line

Swagatam · Answer

Hi Deepak, it could mean either your transistor is faulty or its ground connection is broken. Change the transistor and check again. Also preferably connect the base wire through a diode to eliminate confusions.

Fazil kadri · Answer

Hi, Tx for the relief you are giving so many people.
I have a request if you could give me a simplified complete circuit diagram including the non stuttering on/off at low supply for upto 1hp pump.
Will be greatly obliged . Thanks

Swagatam · Answer

Hi, thanks, to prevent stuttering of the relay, you can simply add a 1000uF capacitor right across the relay coil.

M.Siva Rama Prasad · Answer

Sri Swagatam 
While I was checking up. With different pump manufacturers I came across your own project That is a sensor based Auto on and off for a motor connected to the Muncipal water system . I am a lay man a retired senior banker . However I have a relative who is good in electronic circuits . I request you to please forward me a circuit diagram along with the components so that I can request my relative to make one for me .
Thanks 
Siva Rama Prasad

Swagatam · Answer

Hello Mr. M.Siva Rama,

The diagram shown in the above article has all the required information regarding the wiring and the parts details. If you show this to the concerned engineer, he will be able to make the prototype without any problems.
Still, if you need any further assistance please feel free to contact me here.

SANJAY GHOSH · Answer

Swagatam Sir, I would like to know why you are using a TIP 122 transistor as a relay driver, because  I feel a BC 547 or at the most a 2N2222 will be enough to drive even heavier relay. Please explain.

Swagatam · Answer

Hi Sanjay, 2 reasons for that, first TIP122 is a Darlington and will respond to water contact efficiently, secondly since the water pump relay may be quite big with coil resistance below 100 ohms TIP122 will easily handle it, BC547 may heat up and get destroyed with such relays. However, you an try two 2N2222 in Darlington mode, that will do the job equally well

Carlos · Answer

I already have it with a 100k resistor and a 100nf capacitor at the base of Gnd and it works well for years.

Manish Saini · Answer

Hello sir, tip122 not working only on relay sensor point not working

Swagatam · Answer

replace it with two BC547 as shown in the second diagram lower side.

Syed umer · Answer

Sir, 
Please clarify, what is voltage used to power the circuit, as well, which relay is used in the article "MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY SENSOR CONTROLLER CIRCUIT(first normal circuit)

Swagatam · Answer

You can use a 12V relay and a 12V supply input

Gaurav · Answer

Sir, where can I buy these probes? How to put them in local water line. I can not understand the prob installation and where can i buy it

Swagatam · Answer

Gaurav, the probes are simple copper wires tinned with good quality solder, no need to buy, you can make it at home

Gaurav · Answer

I have one more query, how can we connect 12 V dc relay to direct a.c with motor.  I can not understand these connections

Swagatam · Answer

Please read this article to understand how a relay is connected with AC mains load
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/how-a-relay-works-in-circuits-how-to-connect-it/

Gaurav · Answer

Sir, can I use 5V relay and 5V dc supply also? Because it is easily available in mobile charger. Otherwise i have to buy 12V adapter

Swagatam · Answer

Hi Gaurav, yes that will do, but I don't think a 5V relay will be able to drive a heavy pump motor

Manish · Answer

Hello sir 
I am a medico nd I have a little knowledge of resistors nd capacitors .
So sir can u explain me little bit simply that what all things I have to buy for thsi project?
Nd plzz explain me circuit little deeply.
Due to lack of time almost always 
my  house tank remain empty ????,so sir plzz help

Swagatam · Answer

Hello Manish,

I have updated the parts list in detail, under the respective diagrams.
The explanation is already given in the above article, if you are not able to understand anything specific, please let me know I'll try to clarify it.

Carlos · Answer

Hello, the circuit really works .. But what happens is that the tips have been corroded for a while.

Swagatam · Answer

Glad it worked, you can try replacing the metal probes with graphite probes

Hitesh · Answer

I want this circuit. Kindly Contact me.

Udam Ganpat Bhoir · Answer

Can you make youtube video of Municipal water supply sensor controller circuit please

Swagatam · Answer

In my free time I will try to make a video...

Vikas Yadav · Answer

Can you make a PCB layout for both the circuits? And upload the template.

Thanks

Bharat Khanna · Answer

Hi,
How can we reach out to you. We are part of a social initiative related to water conservation and would like to talk to you to understand how we can use this as this would help a lot and have a vast application. please share your contact details for further discussions.

Swagatam · Answer

Hi, sorry, I am mostly busy with my blog, so can't participate in external jobs. If you have any doubts or questions please feel free to ask me here, I will try to solve it for you!

Aslam Choudhary · Answer

dear,
5 volt dc is for relay coil to trigger switching AC 230 volt  for the pump.

Swagatam · Answer

5V relay might not have sufficiently heavy contacts to handle the pump motor current.

Gurmel · Answer

Hi Swagatam
Due to our house is the last in the water supply pipe line. The sensor can’t detect the water. Previous house pumps in our lane has taken all the water. We have to suck water with a Texmo self-priming pump to get water to the sensor. Can you suggest a sensor with timer so that motor doesn’t run dry if the municipal water supply is missing that day due to man power?
Best Regards 
Gurmel

Swagatam · Answer

Hi Gurmel,
You can try the following simple design for protecting the motor against dry run:

https://www.homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/simple-dry-run-protection-circuit.jpg

K SURYAKUMAR · Answer

Good morning. Can you guide us in installing some sensor between the water pump and the main supply line that detects water and turns on the motor. And kindly provide your contact details. Tks & Rgs K.Suryakumar mob: 9600483771

Swagatam · Answer

Good morning. The sensor can be simply two metal wires held at a distance of 1 inch, as shown in the diagram above.

Krishan bansal · Answer

Sir,u provide me ready circuit

Swagatam · Answer

Hi Krishan, sorry, I cannot provide readily built circuit, you will have to build it yourself, I can only assist you in the building process...

Mustakeem Mustakeem · Answer

Hi Swagatam,
Thank you for your help. Do you have any idea of a floating valve that has both manual control and an electronic relay switch? We need to install it in one of the water tanks, which will turn off the UV as well once the tank is full.

Swagatam · Answer

Hi Mustakeem, are you referring to the following concept:

https://www.homemade-circuits.com/float-switch-water-level-controller/

Aslam Iqbal · Answer

How to add timer relay where sensor probes are working? Water flowing in line is not known unless motor sucks enough water. Timer should run motor for 10-15 seconds and keep running if water in line otherwise close. In short, motor should turn on every 15 minutes for 10-15 seconds. If water is coming, motor will keep running otherwise keep trying.

Swagatam · Answer

I will try to design the circuit soon, and let you know once it is done....

Swagatam · Answer

I have designed the circuit, you can find it in the following link:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/pump-motor-timer-circuit-with-dry-run-protection/

Barclay Momin · Answer

If SMPS is used for the power supplies in the circuit using probes that touches water, due to any reason, is there  ever no chance the water gets electrified or people get even minor electric shock from the water?

Swagatam · Answer

Modern SMPSs are very safe and perfectly isolated from the input AC mains, so there should be no risk of any leakage of 220V in water.
However, if you are still not sure then it is better to use a transformer based power supply. Furthermore, you can consider attaching the water with the earthing line so that even if there's any minutest leakage it is safely grounded.

Joju Xavier · Answer

Hi Swagatam
Here my scenario 

I am looking for a solution where automatic water inlet valve connected into municipality water line should open for adjustable time every day when water is detected in line.
Is it possible to achieve this?

Swagatam · Answer

Hi Joju,
You can try the following design:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/555-monostable-water-pump-activation-circuit-with-dry-run-protection.jpg
You can replace the motor with the inlet valve, or if the valve current rating is lower then 150mA then you can replace the relay coil with the valve.

Joju Xavier · Answer

Hi Swagatam,
Your prompt reply is appreciated.
I have following clarifications.
1. In my case, I feel the "Push Button" is nothing but the water sensing probes. Please confirm.
2. Since there is no motor involved, can I remove BC547 & 1K resistor, which are connected between Motor dry run probes?
3. What should be the values for R1 & C1, in order to achieve pulse duration of 5min ? The pulse duration is nothing but,  water supply duration. Please confirm.
4. Every time the water sensing probes detects water, after no water, will retrigger 555 and generate pulse. Please confirm.

Swagatam · Answer

Thank you Joju, here are the answers.
1) The points marked as "Dry Run Detector" are the sensing probes. The push button is not required for your application, please remove the push button.
2) As mentioned above, the BC547 circuit is required, and cannot be removed.
3) R1 = 580k, C1 = 470uF/25V.
4) Yes, each time the water is detected across the probes, the 555 output will repeat the timing sequence.

Municipal Water Supply Sensor Controller Circuit

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Circuit Diagram

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Technical Specifications

Circuit Diagram

The Design

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