MATelec HydroSTART FPC-81241-E Mild Steel IP54 Single Door 1PH 12-18A DOL Dual Pump Controller

Designed for indoor utility rooms, the FPC-81241-E HydroSTART controls two single-phase 230 Vac pumps. This dual-pump panel is built into a single-door IP54 powder-coated mild steel enclosure. It provides automatic alternation and sharing for dual submersible pumps in drainage applications.

This dual-pump utility controller is rated for single-phase 230 Vac inputs, distributing power to two pump lines. It utilizes standard external thermal overload relays with a 12 to 18 Amp rating for motor safety. The bimetallic strips inside each relay deflect under excessive current, opening the contactor control circuit for that pump. Each thermal relay requires a physical cooldown period before its respective fault can be reset.

Configurable DIP switches on the module select between dual-pump level control and pressure-boosting operations. Level empty is controlled by up to five float switches, while pressure boost uses up to three pressure switches. Duty pump alternation shifts the active pump on start or after 30 minutes, while recirculation mode rotates pumps after six hours. Staggered starting sequences prevent simultaneous starting to protect single-phase lines.

The compact IP54 mild steel enclosure has a single door with a padlockable mains isolator switch. The dual-pump capacitive keypad features scannable status LEDs for power, system, and alarm modes. Standard visual and acoustic alarms drive a visual strobe and audible buzzer alarms provide indication of system faults, with smart chirp silencing the alarm after five minutes. Outputs include Modbus RTU RS485 and a volt-free common fault contact. Software safety includes low-level protection and a 7-day pump anti-seize program.

Features

• Standard volt-free BMS fault reporting contact and direct-to-module Modbus RTU RS485 SCADA connection.
• Automatic 3-second staggered pump start delay designed to reduce excessive current draw and water surge.
• Capacitive touch keypad with system status LEDs, mute buttons, and manual pump run toggles.
• Bimetallic external thermal overload relays with a 12 to 18 Amp rating to prevent motor overload damage.
• Integrated dual-pump alternation sequences rotating active duties on starting or after continuous run times.
• Deflection-based mechanical bimetal elements that open contactor starting circuits during overcurrent events.
• Individual pump circuit breakers and padlockable main isolator for robust electrical protection.