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 depending on the water guy.
- We need to keep a watch during these times and keep the main tap open to see if the water has come.
- Once the water has come, we turn on the water pump attached to the main supply line to pump water into our underground water tank.
Could this be automated, like we install some sensor between the water pump and the main supply line that detects water and turns on the motor only when the supply is in full flow?
I have made the water level indicator at home from watching some videos online and it works fine for the overhead tank at home but this one seems to be tough nut to crack :).
Any help is highly appropriated.
Thanks,
Hitesh Thappa
Circuit Diagram
Parts List
- Resistor 1k, 1/4 watt, 5% CFR = 1 no
- Capacitor 10uF/25V Electrolytic = 1 no
- Transistor TIP122 = 1no
- Relay 12V/30 Amp/ SPDT = 1no
- Diode 1N4007 = 1no
- Stainless steel metal for the probes
- 220 V AC to 12 V DC adapter = 1no
The Design
The circuit design of the proposed municipal water sensor with pump starter is very simple as may be witnessed in the shown diagram.
A Darlington TIP 122 transistor becomes the main active sensing device in the circuit. The device being a Darlington is very sensitive and thus becomes specifically suited to the application.
Its base and the positive DC are together clamped as probes across the water pipe mouth where the incoming utility water is intended to be sensed.
In absence of water the probes stay separated with air gap which renders a very high resistance across the probes which in turn keeps the transistor/relay stage switched off.
The 10uF capacitor at the base of the transistor ensures that the transistor does not get rattled or disturbed by external noises trying to make way through the sensor wires.
When utility water supply initiates, the pipe mouth begins throwing water into the adjoining tank, the speed of the water through pipe brushes across the probes creating a relatively low resistance across it.
This low resistance allows the positive DC to reach the base of the BJT triggering it into conduction...the transistor now conducts and switches ON the relay, the relay contacts shift position and switch ON the connected pump.
Upgrading the above municipal water sensor into an overhead tank overflow cut off circuit
The discussed circuit in the above section can be appropriately enhanced with an additional feature which will enable the circuit to sense an overhead tank full situation and switch OFF the relay along with the pump motor. The upgraded circuit design can be viewed below:
Parts List
- Resistor 1k, 1/4 watt, 5% CFR = 2 no
- Capacitor 10uF/25V Electrolytic = 1 no
- Capacitor 0.22uF PPC = 1no
- Transistor TIP122 = 1no
- Transistor BC547 = 2nos
- Relay 12V/30 Amp/ SPDT = 1no
- Diode 1N4007 = 1no
- Stainless steel metal for the probes
- 220 V AC to 12 V DC adapter = 1no
Discussion & Solutions
Required support to repair the electronic circuit
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
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.
How much DC voltage do I need for this?
will depend upon the relay voltage spec used, if it's 12v then the supply can also be 12V and so on.
you can refer to the following article, the relay explanation along with its specs are provided here
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2012/01/how-to-understand-and-use-relay-in.html
very helpful thank you
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.com
thanks!
Dear Faisal, it could be your ISP problem, please read this:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140620140349-53089235-blogspot-down-in-pakistan
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.
Faisal, you can operate it with 12V… if the relay is also 12V rated, or any voltage that matches the relay coil voltage
Hey.. Appreciated your project.
I have one doubt.
What type of sensor probes being used?
thanks meet, you can use brass terminals with solder plating as the probes.
ok. thank you so much.
should I use single channel relay on 3 phase motor or else double channel relay is suitable for the same?
for 3 phase motor you will require a TPTT relay or 3-pole relay with heavy duty contacts
Ok. Thanks. Because single channel relay can conduct only DC supply.
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
Thanks a lot. Now I got the whole scenario.
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.
sorry I made a mistake. There is a single phase motor, not three phase motor. So i got solution. Thanks.
OK, in that case you can use a regular SPDT relay with 30 amp contacts.
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.
I'll try to upadte the idea in the above article soon…
No problem. Thanks.
Hello sir, have you thought on that new concept which I requested earlier?
Meet, due to lack of time I could not do it, will try to update it soon…
….I have updated the new design at the bottom of the article.
Great. Now this would become Dual functionality embedded in one circuit only. Thanks a lot.
My pleasure!!
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
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…
…you can also try reducing the 10uF to 1uF for better response
I want to buy a 'READY TO USE' Controller
which can Switch – On the pump, when it detects
water flow from the City's supply and when
the same stops, it Switch – Off the pump. Has
any company incorporate this circuit design in
their Controller device ? And if so, please list
the name and contact info. Thanks
Sudhir
Gurgaon HR
April 27, 2017
Note: Needless to say, the controller, should have
other features, like Switch Off the pump, when tank
gets filled
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 response
john
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
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.
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
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.
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
Hi, thanks, to prevent stuttering of the relay, you can simply add a 1000uF capacitor right across the relay coil.
Hello I want ready ckt is available in any where
sorry, there's no readymade unit available from here..
Is it not possible to use 12v AC instead of 12v DC ? A transformer could be used to convert 220v AC into 12v AC ?
It is possible, but the circuit could be come a little complex…
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
Gaurav, the probes are simple copper wires tinned with good quality solder, no need to buy, you can make it at home
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.
You can replace the TIP122 by manually making a Dalington using a 2N2222 and TIP31
A relay will work only with DC, not with AC unless its rectified
I 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
you ca use the relay which is shown in the following article
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2012/01/how-to-understand-and-use-relay-in.html
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.
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.
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
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..
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
I already have it with a 100k resistor and a 100nf capacitor at the base of Gnd and it works well for years.
Hello sir, tip122 not working only on relay sensor point not working
replace it with two BC547 as shown in the second diagram lower side.
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)
You can use a 12V relay and a 12V supply input
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
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/
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
Hi Gaurav, yes that will do, but I don’t think a 5V relay will be able to drive a heavy pump motor
dear,
5 volt dc is for relay coil to trigger switching AC 230 volt for the pump.
5V relay might not have sufficiently heavy contacts to handle the pump motor current.
Hello, the circuit really works .. But what happens is that the tips have been corroded for a while.
Glad it worked, you can try replacing the metal probes with graphite probes
I want this circuit. Kindly Contact me.
Can you make youtube video of Municipal water supply sensor controller circuit please
In my free time I will try to make a video…
Can you make a PCB layout for both the circuits? And upload the template.
Thanks
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.
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!
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
Hi Gurmel,
You can try the following simple design for protecting the motor against dry run:
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
Good morning. The sensor can be simply two metal wires held at a distance of 1 inch, as shown in the diagram above.
Sir,u provide me ready circuit
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…
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.
Hi Mustakeem, are you referring to the following concept:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/float-switch-water-level-controller/
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.
I will try to design the circuit soon, and let you know once it is done….
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/
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?
Hi Joju,
You can try the following design:
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.
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.
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.
Hi Swagatam,
Thank you very much for your support.
I will follow your advice and I will come back, in case I am struck.
Thank you once gaian.
Joju Xavier
No problem Joju, let me know if you have any problems with the circuit…
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?
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.
Sir, namastubhayam.mera sawaal ye tha ki mere water tank mein ek alarm lga tha jiska transformer khraab ho chuka hai kya main iski jagah transformer less circuit ka istemaal kar sakta hu agar haa toh x rated capacitor ki value aur zener ki value kya honi chahiye
Hello Ashu,
I won’t recommend a transformerless power supply, because it is not isolated from the mains AC and can be dangerous to touch, instead you can use your mobile charger or any readymade AC to DC SMPS adaptor.