OilSmart^®
Water Pump Switch & Sensor
Frequently Asked Questions

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Question: Is the OilSmart^® Switch certified?

Answer: Yes, the OilSmart^® Switch is a patented technology, Underwriters Laboratory Marine Listed, and CE Certified.

Question: How does the technology work?

Answer: Sensing is accomplished by measuring the dielectric constant of the medium (water or oil) at the sensor. To prevent cycling the pump off and on, the switch has two sense points (one to control the water level for pump turn on and one to turn the pump off). These two independent sensors connect to a logic circuit, which works as follows:

• When the water reaches the top sensor the OilSmart^® Switch will turn the pump on.
• When the water is pumped down and the lower sensor is uncovered it will turn the pump off.

If oil is present on the lower or top sensor it will not activate the OilSmart^® Switch. If oil were totally covering our switch it would not activate or harm the switch in any way. As water enters the structure and eventually covers both sensors the OilSmart^® Switch will turn the pump on, the pump would remain on until the off sensor detects oil or no more water, the OilSmart^® Switch would then turn the pump off before pumping out the oil.

Question: Is the OilSmart^® Switch a dielectric type switch?

Answer: No, the OilSmart^® Switch is composed of solid-state circuitry totally encapsulated in a plastic case. The technology can be described several ways:

1. A proximity sensor circuit operation. The medium measured (water or oil) does not have to actually touch an exposed sensor. A major advantage of our product is the sensor can be exposed or not, and the water is not used as the conductor between the exposed sensors, un like the troublesome dielectric type.
2. A capacitive sensor. A field is generated and the sensors measure the dielectric value off the faceplate of the switch or an extended stainless steal rod.
3. A dual mode oscillator. The method used in generating the field that measures the dielectric value. The OilSmart^® Switch is set to operate at a dielectric value of 50, the lower range of tap water. Oil has a smaller dielectric value that is why it’s used as an insulating material in electric apparatus. Oil will not cause our switch to operate or harm it any way.

Question: Can the distance between on and off be extended?

Answer: Yes This is commonly called the dead span, as mentioned above a stainless steel rod is used as the off sensor allowing for a dead span up to six inches (6”).

Question: Can the exposed rod cause electrolysis while exposed in the water?

Answer: No as mentioned, the sensor is capacitive not dielectric.

Question: Is maintenance required?

Answer: Yes, the face of the switch should be clean of metallic materials, i.e. dirt, salt, metal, or soap products.

Question: How far will the switch allow the water to be pumped down?

Answer: This depends on several items, i.e. size of pump, size of impellor, is there a check valve on the discharge line?However, install the OilSmart^® Switch so the bottom of the stainless steel rod (off level) is above the intake grates of the pump, two inches (2”) or more; this varies by the size of the sump and water back flow. If installation is too low, the pump will suck air before the water is below the off sensor or the back flow of the plumbing water after pump shut down will cycle pump on and off.

Question: Can the switch be mounted to the pump?

Answer: Yes, a plastic zip lock can be used to mount the switch directly to the pump as long as the off sensor is above the intake grates of the pump. If the pump is too small, we recommend mounting to the water outlet plumbing.

Question: Will the standard 120volt switch operate a one-horse power motor?

Answer: No, the standard 120volt model is rated at 6 amps; the motor load depends on size and class of motor in addition to the lift and size of the discharge line.

Rule of thumb: the standard switch will safely handle up to a 1/3 hp pump. We also offer an inline 20 amp relay that will handle up to a 1/2hp pump. However, if the actual load is known both items will safely handle nameplate rating.

Question: Will extreme cold or heat, effect, the switch?

Answer: Yes, the switch is rated between 0° and 160°F. High temperature will distort the plastic housing and greatly lower the load ability of the unit. Extreme cold, if the switch becomes submerged in ice with a high dielectric value, the switch would not turn off. However, in this condition the pump or any other type operation would not operate properly.


Questions Relating to Laboratory Tests The following procedure is offered as a result of customer questions relating to laboratory tests. The new technology, as you know, is a capacitive type controller with the sensitivity factory set for field conditions, at a dielectric value of approximately 50; some ordinary tap water will not trigger the switch. There has been some difficulty testing with non-conductive water (Distilled Water).

TESTING AND INSTALLATION OF
THE OilSmart^® SWITCH

	DO NOT Use distilled water
	DO NOT Use soft water
	DO NOT Use filtered water
	DO NOT Test in a small glass jar or beaker
	DO NOT Emulsify or mix the oil and water with a mixer
	USE Ordinary tap water (must be un-filtered) with a dielectric value higher than 50
	USE Water from actual field conditions, is best
	USE A bucket or tank that will allow at least a 2" clearance from the switch faceplate
	USE Any hydrocarbon by-product on the water (even common cooking or vegetable oil)

The "ON" position is the small button.

The "OFF" position is the bottom of the stainless steel rod

Install the OilSmart^® Switch so the bottom of the stainless steel rod (off level) is above the intake grates of the pump, 2" or more. This varies by the size of the sump and water back flow. If installation is too low, the back flow of plumbing water after pump shut down, will cycle on and off.

The INITIAL INSTALLATION should be in a clean environment, clear of mud and all metallic debris.

CLEAN STRUCTURE requires minimum switch maintenance for a trouble-free operation.

Install the switch in a manner that the on and off sensors clear any metallic material (earth, mud, concrete, and all metal) by a minimum of 2".

PORTABLE PUMPS: be sure to clean the switch before and after pumping each structure.