I have a sump pump that may be running more than I thought it was. I have a meter that reads wattage, voltage, power frequency, calculates costs excreta, but does not tell me how many times the device has turned on and off. That's actually all I really need but may have to purchase something more complicated to answer my question. I do not have wi-fi available at this location. I have done some searches but most of what I could find were for commercial applications and were cost prohibitive.
110v AC motor/appliance start up monitor
- Thread starter 2manybikes
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torch
Well-known member
Equipment
B7100HSD, B2789, B2550, B4672, 48" cultivator, homemade FEL and Cab
I'm on the outer limits of my electrical knowledge! I basically need to know how many times the pump has operated in a given period. Say 24 hours or so. If the device cant break it down to time periods, then I'll just have to check it every day for a while.
I use these temp sensors to track how often the water softener runs (~every 10-14 days) and how often the boiler runs to heat hot water. I attach the sensor to the water drain on the softener and the exhaust pipe on the boiler. I collect the data on Ambient's ws-3000.
ambientweather.com
ambientweather.com
I take the micro SD card out to download the data.
For a sump pump, the motor case may not change temp fast enough if it is short cycling. You could try the temp of the discharge stream or pipe.
Ambient Weather WH31P Water Proof Probe Temperature Sensor
Water Proof Probe Temperature Sensor for WS-2902, WS-2000, WS-1965, WS-3000, WS-4000, WS-5000, WS-1938, WeatherHub and ObserverIP Series Weather Stations
ambientweather.com
Ambient Weather WS-3000-C Console
This data logger includes a full-color display with graphing and monitoring of temps, humidity, dew point, and heat index, and allows monitoring up to 8 channels
ambientweather.com
I take the micro SD card out to download the data.
For a sump pump, the motor case may not change temp fast enough if it is short cycling. You could try the temp of the discharge stream or pipe.
Hourly, daily, monthly.
Something like this. $62
You're looking for a current transformer that can store data for export via a card for analysis in Excel or such. Many do not do this, you'll have to look around and the cost may go up to do so.
Something like this. $62
Amazon.com: Single Phase Smart Power Meter Consumption Monitor Electricity Meter with 2 200ACT Current Transformer 90‑250VAC : Industrial & Scientific
Buy Single Phase Smart Power Meter Consumption Monitor Electricity Meter with 2 200ACT Current Transformer 90‑250VAC: Power Meters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
You're looking for a current transformer that can store data for export via a card for analysis in Excel or such. Many do not do this, you'll have to look around and the cost may go up to do so.
Last edited:
North Idaho Wolfman
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Staff member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
You could put a flow switch on the output with a simple counter.
Everytime it pushed water it would count.
Everytime it pushed water it would count.
DIGITEN FS-C02 G3/4" BSP Male Thread Brass Water Flow Switch 1-30L/min, 0-2A/ 0-220V(AC or DC): Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
DIGITEN FS-C02 G3/4" BSP Male Thread Brass Water Flow Switch 1-30L/min, 0-2A/ 0-220V(AC or DC): Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
www.amazon.com
Amazon.com: Portable Digital Electronic Counter, Digital Counter, 0-999999 for DIY Projects Electronics Applications : Industrial & Scientific
Amazon.com: Portable Digital Electronic Counter, Digital Counter, 0-999999 for DIY Projects Electronics Applications : Industrial & Scientific
www.amazon.com
Do you just need the count or do you need detailed timing information like when it switched on and when it switched off? And do you need this data remotely accessible (GSM, Internet connection)?
Does the sump pump discharge to daylight and do you have a trail camera?
Put a mini paddle wheel in the discharge path and focus the trail camera on the paddle wheel.
Put a mini paddle wheel in the discharge path and focus the trail camera on the paddle wheel.
Thanks to everyone for a lot of different ideas! I have learned a great deal about a lot of devices I had no clue even existed. I have an idea now, and have already ordered a few parts to construct it. I will report back when I get it built and tested. Thank you to everyone who responded.