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Grundfos SQE – electronically controlled variable speed submersible pumps
Grundfos SQE are electronically controlled, variable speed submersible pumps designed for domestic water supply, small water supply systems, irrigation and tank applications. The pumps use a permanent magnet motor and built-in frequency converter, providing high efficiency, soft starting and the ability to maintain constant pressure via CU 300, CU 301 and Grundfos GO Remote.
Main advantages of SQE
- Variable speed via frequency control to adapt to the specific operating point.
- Possibility to maintain constant pressure with CU 301 or CU 300.
- Permanent magnet motor (PM motor) for high efficiency over a wide range.
- Built-in frequency converter with soft start to reduce starting current.
- Dry running protection with automatic shutdown in the event of lack of water.
- Overvoltage and undervoltage protection (150–315 V).
- Overload protection with automatic speed reduction.
- Overheating protection with temperature sensor in the electronic unit.
- Upthrust bearing protection at low backpressure start.
- Floating impellers with tungsten carbide/ceramic bearings for sand resistance.
- Built-in check valve with spring.
- Two-way communication with CU 300, CU 301 and Grundfos GO Remote.
- Possibility to manually set the speed via SPP 1 potentiometer.
Applications
- Domestic water supply for single-family houses and villas.
- Small water supply systems for residential buildings and commercial properties.
- Irrigation of gardens, parks and agricultural areas.
- Tank applications – filling and emptying.
- Maintaining a constant water level in wells and pools.
- Pumping from one tank to another.
- Sampling wells for groundwater monitoring.
Suitable liquids
- Thin, clean, non-aggressive and non-explosive liquids without solid or long-fiber particles larger than grains of sand.
- pH value of the liquid between 5 and 9.
- Maximum sand content – 50 g/m³ (increased content reduces service life).
General technical characteristics
| Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Pump type | Variable speed submersible pump with electronic control |
| Working fluid | Clean, non-aggressive water (pH 5–9) |
| Maximum sand content | 50 g/m³ |
| Liquid temperature range | 0–35 °C (Western, Central Europe and Asia-Pacific), 0–30 °C (North America) |
| Minimum flow velocity around the motor | 0.15 m/s for temperature up to 40 °C |
| Degree of protection | IP68 |
| Insulation class | F (155 °C) |
| Supply voltage | 1 × 200–240V, 50/60Hz |
| Speed range | 3000–10700 rpm |
| Output connection | Rp 1¼" (SQE 1, 2, 3), Rp 1½" (SQE 5, 7) |
| Cooling | From the pumped liquid through an internal circulation system |
| Engine protection | Built-in electronic protection against dry running, overvoltage, low voltage, overload and overheating |
| Impeller type | Floating impellers made of polyamide, reinforced with 30% glass fibers |
| Camps | Tungsten carbide/ceramic for each impeller |
| Management | CU 300, CU 301, Grundfos GO Remote, SPP 1 potentiometer |
Installation
The SQE can be mounted vertically, horizontally or in any intermediate position, as long as the pump does not fall below the horizontal level of the motor. For horizontal mounting, it is recommended to use a flow sleeve to ensure sufficient flow velocity around the motor and prevent sand or mud clogging.
Constant pressure system
Using the CU 301 and a pressure sensor, the SQE maintains a constant pressure in the system regardless of the variable demand. At low flow rates (below 0.18 m³/h), the pump operates in on/off mode with a booster tank (8 liters). At higher flow rates, the pump maintains a constant pressure by speed regulation.
Electronic protections
- Dry run protection: Automatic shut-off in the event of lack of water after 30 seconds of operation. Alarm is activated when accumulated time of 5 seconds is below the minimum power limit.
- Overvoltage and undervoltage protection: Shutdown at voltage below 150 V or above 315 V. Automatic restart when returning to the permissible range.
- Overload protection: Automatic speed reduction in case of increased load. Shutdown at speed below 3000 min⁻¹.
- Overheating protection: A temperature sensor in the electronic unit switches off the motor at a critical temperature and restarts it automatically when it cools down.
- Upthrust protection: An upthrust bearing protects the pump and motor when starting with very low backpressure.
Component materials
Grundfos SQE is built from high-quality materials that ensure long service life, resistance to sand and corrosion, and high efficiency.
| Component | Material (SQE) | Material (SQE-N) |
|---|---|---|
| Pump (impellers, diffusers) | Polyamide reinforced with 30% glass fibers | Polyamide reinforced with 30% glass fibers |
| Pump housing | Stainless steel EN 1.4301 / AISI 304 | Stainless steel EN 1.4401 / AISI 316 |
| Shaft | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Impeller bearings | Tungsten Carbide / Ceramics | Tungsten Carbide / Ceramics |
| Motor housing | Stainless steel EN 1.4301 / AISI 304 | Stainless steel EN 1.4401 / AISI 316 |
| Rotor | With permanent magnets (PM motor) | With permanent magnets (PM motor) |
| Stator | High efficiency copper coils | High efficiency copper coils |
| Electronic unit | Built-in frequency converter with microprocessor control | Built-in frequency converter with microprocessor control |
| Check valve | Built-in check valve with spring | Built-in check valve with spring |
| Cable | Submersible cable with motor plug (up to 100 m) | Submersible cable with motor plug (up to 100 m) |
Advantages of materials
- Polyamide with 30% glass fibers: High strength, low weight and resistance to abrasive sand.
- Tungsten carbide/ceramic: Exceptional wear resistance of impeller bearings, extending service life in sandy water.
- Stainless steel AISI 304: High corrosion resistance for standard clean water applications.
- Stainless steel AISI 316 (SQE-N): Increased corrosion resistance for aggressive environments, contaminated waters and applications with a high chloride index.
- Permanent magnet motor: High efficiency over a wide speed range, less heat loss and longer service life.
- Built-in frequency converter: Precise speed control, soft start and protection against electrical anomalies.
Approvals and certificates
Grundfos SQE has the necessary safety and quality approvals and certificates that guarantee reliable operation in domestic, commercial and industrial applications.
Major approvals
- CE marking: The pump meets the requirements of European directives for safety, health and environmental protection.
- UL approval: Compliance with Underwriters Laboratories standards for North America (for specific versions).
- ISO 9906:2012 Grade 3: Hydraulic performance tested according to the international pump standard.
- EN 60335-2-41: Safety standard for submersible pumps for wastewater and water supply.
Why are approvals important?
- Health and Safety: Approvals ensure that the pump meets strict safety and reliability standards.
- Regulatory compliance: The use of approved products is mandatory in many countries for installations related to water supply.
- Trust and quality: Certified products have passed rigorous testing and meet high quality standards.
- UL approval: Ensures compliance with North American safety standards and allows the pump to be used in the USA and Canada.
Comparison of SQE models
Grundfos SQE is available in several series according to nominal flow rate – SQE 1, SQE 2, SQE 3, SQE 5 and SQE 7. Each series includes several models with different maximum head. The SQE-N versions are made of stainless steel AISI 316 for aggressive environments.
| Series | Nominal flow rate | Maximum head (approx.) | Output connection | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SQE 1 | 1 m³/h | 35–155 m (SQE 1-35 to SQE 1-155) | Rp 1¼" | Small domestic installations with low flow and high head |
| SQE 2 | 2 m³/h | 35–115 m (SQE 2-35 to SQE 2-115) | Rp 1¼" | Standard domestic installations with moderate flow and pressure |
| SQE 3 | 3 m³/h | 30–105 m (SQE 3-30 to SQE 3-105) | Rp 1¼" | Larger domestic and commercial installations with high flow rates |
| SQE 5 | 5 m³/h | 15–70 m (SQE 5-15 to SQE 5-70) | Rp 1½" | Large installations, irrigation and water supply systems |
| SQE 7 | 7 m³/h | 15–40 m (SQE 7-15 to SQE 7-40) | Rp 1½" | Industrial applications and large water supply systems with very high flow rates |
Which model to choose?
- SQE 1: Suitable for small domestic installations with low flow rates (up to 1 m³/h) and high head – for example deep wells for single-family homes.
- SQE 2: Universal model for standard domestic installations with moderate flow (up to 2 m³/h) and head – the most commonly used choice for water supply to single-family houses and villas.
- SQE 3: For larger domestic and commercial installations with high flow rates (up to 3 m³/h) – residential buildings, small commercial premises and irrigation of larger areas.
- SQE 5: For large installations with very high flow rates (up to 5 m³/h) – irrigation of parks and agricultural areas, water supply systems for residential complexes.
- SQE 7: For industrial applications and large water supply systems with maximum flow rate (up to 7 m³/h) and moderate head.
Difference Between SQE and SQ
- SQE: Electronically controlled variable speed pumps (3000–10700 min⁻¹), constant pressure capability with CU 300/CU 301, two-way communication with Grundfos GO Remote, higher energy efficiency.
- SQ: Submersible pumps with constant speed, electronic protections (dry running, overvoltage, overload, overheating), but without the possibility of variable speed or constant pressure.
The technical specifications are in accordance with the provided Grundfos SQE technical catalogue. Please check the specific product number, voltage, cable length, version (SQE or SQE-N) and compatibility with control units (CU 300, CU 301) before ordering.