Available Options
Grundfos PM START – pressure control for automatic pump control
Grundfos PM START is a compact pressure control for automatically switching Grundfos and other water supply pumps on and off according to the current water consumption. The device starts the pump when a set pressure of 1.5 or 2.2 bar is reached and keeps it running as long as there is sufficient flow.
Main advantages of PM START
- Automatic control of water supply pumps according to consumption.
- Turns on the pump at a set starting pressure – 1.5 or 2.2 bar.
- Keeps the pump on as long as there is sufficient water flow.
- Stops the pump in case of water shortage and prevents it from running dry.
- Automatically resumes operation after a temporary power outage.
- Built-in check valve.
- Internal membrane and small inner vessel for more stable operation.
- LED indication for power, pump operation and fault.
- RESET button to reset the emergency indication.
- Suitable for generator operation.
- Installation with or without a pressure vessel.
Applications
- Water supply systems for single-family houses.
- Residential buildings and small blocks.
- Villas, summer houses and vacation properties.
- Rainwater collection and use systems.
- Gardening, irrigation systems and watering.
- Agricultural applications with clean water.
- Automation of surface, multistage and submersible water supply pumps within the permissible power.
Suitable liquids
- Clean water from the water supply network.
- Rainwater without solid particles and fibers.
- Clean, thin, non-aggressive and non-explosive liquids.
Technical characteristics
| Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Product type | Pressure control / pressure manager for automatic pump control |
| Power supply | 1 × 230 V AC ±10%, 50/60 Hz; 1 × 115 V AC ±10%, 50/60 Hz versions also available |
| Maximum current | 10A |
| Maximum power at 230 V | 1.5 kW / 2 hp |
| Maximum power at 115 V | 1.1 kW / 1.5 hp |
| Maximum working pressure | 10 bar |
| Minimum flow rate | Approximately 1 l/min |
| Liquid temperature | 0–60°C |
| Ambient temperature | 0–50°C |
| Degree of protection | IP65 |
| Connection type | G1 / NPT, 1" |
| Installation | Directly to the pump outlet or between the pump and the first point of consumption |
| Operation after a power outage | Automatic resume after power recovery |
LED indications and RESET
Installation and operation
The pressure control can be installed in a system with or without a pressure vessel. It is installed directly on the pump outlet or on the pipeline between the pump and the first point of consumption. When the pressure drops to the set value, the device turns on the pump. The pump continues to operate as long as there is water flow; in the event of a water shortage, PM START turns it off and activates dry-running protection.
Construction and components
The provided datasheet describes the functional components of the PM START, but does not specify specific materials in detail. Below are listed the structural elements confirmed in the document, without making unconfirmed claims about the type of materials used.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Housing with IP65 protection rating | Protects electronic and hydraulic components from dust and water jets. |
| Built-in check valve | Limits backflow to the pump and supports stable system operation. |
| Inner membrane | Helps limit short cycles and smoother response to pressure changes. |
| Inner court | It works together with the diaphragm to stabilize the pressure in the controller. |
| Electronic control unit | Monitors pressure and flow rate, controls pump start/stop and dry-running protection. |
| LED indications | They indicate power supply, pump operation and emergency status. |
| RESET button | Used to reset the indication after an error has been corrected. |
| G1 / NPT connections | Allows connection to a water supply system with a 1" connection. |
Practical advantages
- Compact solution: Combines control, dry-running protection, check valve, diaphragm and small inner vessel in one device.
- Fewer external components: In basic systems, a separate dry-running protection relay is not required.
- Easy diagnostics: Indicator lights and a RESET button make it easy to identify and reset errors.
- Flexible installation: Suitable for direct installation on the pump or in the pipe installation.
Dimensions
| Size | Value |
|---|---|
| Total length (L) | 192 mm |
| Length L1 | 131 mm |
| Length L2 | 61 mm |
| Total width (W) | 162 mm |
| Width W1 | 53 mm |
| Width W2 | 109 mm |
| Total height (H) | 150mm |
| Height H1 | 70mm |
| Height H2 | 80mm |
| Nominal connection size (DN) | 1" |
Approvals and certificates
Grundfos PM START has markings and approvals for safety and use in drinking water systems. These are listed in the supplied product sheet. [6]
Safety approvals
- CE marking: Declares compliance with applicable European safety, health and environmental protection requirements.
- TÜV Rheinland Certified: Certification by TÜV Rheinland is indicated for the specific product/performance.
Drinking water approvals
- NSF/ANSI 61: Approval for components used in drinking water systems.
- NSF/ANSI 372: Compliance with requirements for low lead content in drinking water components.
- ACS: French sanitary approval for contact with drinking water.
Why are they important?
- Safety: Approvals indicate that the product has been evaluated against applicable electrical safety and usage requirements.
- Potable Water: NSF/ANSI 61, NSF/ANSI 372 and ACS are important in installations where PM START has contact with domestic water supply.
- Compliance: For sites with regulatory requirements, it is important to confirm that the specific product number selected carries the necessary approval for the relevant market.
Comparison of PM START variants
The main difference between the PM START variants is the starting pressure. The choice should be made according to the height between the pressure control and the highest point of consumption, as well as whether the selected pump can provide the required minimum pressure. [6]
| Characteristics | PM START 1.5 bar | PM START 2.2 bar |
|---|---|---|
| Starting pressure | 1.5 bar | 2.2 bar |
| Maximum height to highest point | 15 m | 22 m |
| Approximate number of floors | Up to 5 floors | Up to 7 floors |
| Minimum required pump pressure | 3 bar | 3.5 bar |
| Maximum pump pressure | 10 bar | 10 bar |
| Suitable choice | Lower buildings, villas, single-family homes and lower-height systems. | Taller buildings, systems with greater elevation and higher point of consumption. |
Which option should you choose?
- PM START 1.5 bar: Suitable for systems where the highest point of consumption is up to 15 m above the pressure control. Typically a practical choice for single-family houses, villas, garden systems and installations up to about 5 floors. The pump must be able to provide a minimum of 3 bar.
- PM START 2.2 bar: Suitable for systems where the highest point of consumption is up to 22 m above the pressure control. Suitable for taller buildings or installations with greater elevation, up to about 7 floors. The pump must be able to provide a minimum of 3.5 bar.
The data is based on the supplied Grundfos PM START product sheet. Please check the specific product number, starting pressure, supply voltage and pump compatibility before ordering and installation.