Pump controls are necessary for most automated systems using a pump. When using a pump in a system with an irrigation controller, not only does there need to be a start/stop signal to control the irrigation valves for each zone but a start/stop signal is also needed to operate the pump. Pump controls, more specifically referred to as pump start relays (PSR), are the communication link between the controller and the pump. Think of a pump start relay like a light switch in your house; when a signal from a controller is received by a pump start relay, that signal communicates to the pump providing on/off functionality.
A signal via a controller to a pump start relay is not the only method for engaging a pump. Other signals from devices such as float switches, pressure switches, and toggle switches can influence pump operation as well. The PSR requires a signal receiver that must match the incoming signal voltage to engage and send power to the pump.
There are a wide variety of features that a pump start relay can have. The only function of some relays is to start/stop the pump, while others have more advanced features such as pump protection (such as pressure and temperature sensors), multi-signaling, and water level control. That being said, how do you figure out what pump control might be best for you? Here are a couple of examples of recommended pump control choices based on specific functionalities you might want:
Desired Function | Pump Control Recommendation |
Simple on/off functionality | StartBox Control |
On/Off functionality with pump protection | SmartBox Control |
Varied pump operation based on water level | Liquid Level Control |
Low incoming amperage or 2-wire decoder system | Reduced Incoming Amperage Control |
While there are many pump start relays and control boxes that come standard with necessary features, some specific features like the capability to control multiple pumps or the ability to start or stop a pump on demand require specialty controls and have to be custom-made. Here is a table that provides information on several different pump controls that we offer:
Pump Control | Specifications | Compatibility | Features/Application |
Munro StartBox - Standard | Signal Voltage: 24V Line Voltage: 110V, 220V
40 Amp Relay | Controllers w/ 0.36 A or stronger signal
All single phase ¾ hp - 5 hp pumps | Pump start relay for residential turf irrigation pumps |
Munro SmartBox - Standard | Signal Voltage: 24V, 110V, 220V
40 Amp Relay
20 PSI pressure sensor included | Controllers w/ 0.36 A or stronger signal
Any residential turf pump
| Pump start relay and pump protection |
Munro StartBox w/REA & Float Switch | Signal Voltage: 24V
Line Voltage: 110V, 220V
Pump Up, Pump Down Feature | Controllers w/ 0.36 A or stronger signal
All single phase ¾ hp - 5 hp pumps | Pump start relay with water level control for variable water level applications
Any place where power can be interrupted |
Munro SmartBox w/Retry Switch | Signal Voltage: 24V
20 PSI pressure sensor included
Temperature sensor included | Controllers w/ 0.36 A or stronger signal
All single phase ¾ - 5 hp pumps
| Pump start relay with retry timer which will automatically try restarting pump upon shutdown protection mode |
Munro SmartBox w/Pressure and Flow Start, 220V | Signal Voltage: 24V
Line Voltage: 110V, 220V
| Controllers w/ 0.36 A or stronger signal
Up to a 2HP pump
| Pump start relay with pressure start
No pressure tank required |
Munro SmartBox for Reduced Incoming Amperage | Signal Voltage: 24V
Line Voltage: 110V, 220V
Pressure sensor + Temperature sensor included | Any 24V controller providing less than 0.35 A signal
2-wire decoder system | Pump start relay that accepts low amperage start/stop signal
Compatible with 2-wire decoder system |
Munro SmartBox - Thermal Protection | Signal Voltage: 24V, 110V, 220V
Pressure sensor included
| Controllers w/ 0.36 A or stronger signal
All single phase ¾ hp - 5 hp pumps | Pump start with protection against over amping with thermal protection. |
If you have any questions please contact our Helpdesk here.