Available Options
Grundfos SB – submersible pump for wells, cisterns and rainwater
Grundfos SB is a quiet submersible booster pump for pumping clean water from small private wells, underground tanks and rainwater tanks. The pump is suitable for domestic water supply, garden irrigation, pressure boosting and water transfer between tanks.
Main advantages of Grundfos SB
- Submersible booster pump for clean water from wells, cisterns and tanks.
- Suitable for rainwater, small private wells and underground water tanks.
- Quiet operation when submerged below the water surface.
- Composite body and stainless components for corrosion resistance.
- Built-in thermal switch for overload and overheating protection.
- Option for a model with integrated 1 mm inlet strainer.
- Option for a model with side entry and 1.5 mm floating strainer.
- Possibility of a float switch to shut off at low water level.
- Adapter included for 1" or 3/4" hose/pipe.
- Included check valve for mounting to the pump.
- Lifting eye for stable and safe lowering of the pump.
- Suitable for operation with an external controller, for example Grundfos Pressure Manager.
Important: external control
Grundfos SB is a submersible pump itself and requires an external controller to automatically switch on and off according to water consumption. A suitable example is the Grundfos Pressure Manager. In the version with a float switch, the pump can be switched off at low water level, which prevents dry running.
Applications
- Pressure boosting for domestic water supply.
- Use of rainwater from external cisterns or internal buffer tanks.
- Garden watering and irrigation.
- Water supply to washing machines, toilet cisterns, sinks and other suitable consumers.
- Transferring water to roof or other buffer tanks.
- Pumping clean water from small private wells.
Suitable liquids
- Clean fresh water.
- Rainwater without solid particles and fibers.
- Clean, thin, non-aggressive and non-explosive liquids.
- Water with a maximum chloride content of 300 ppm.
- Water with free chlorine below 1 ppm.
Choice between inlet and floating strainer
| Variant | When to choose | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated inlet strainer | When the distance between the tank wall and the pump is less than approximately 1.5 m. | Compact solution with a 1 mm strainer that limits the entry of larger particles. |
| Side entry with floating strainer | When the distance to the wall is more than approximately 1.5 m or when suction from the cleaner middle layer of water is important. | The floating strainer sucks water below the surface, away from sediments on the bottom and floating debris on the surface. |
Installation guidelines
- The pump is installed only in a vertical position.
- The maximum installation depth is 10 m below the water level.
- The pump must operate in an environment without risk of frost.
- Before installation, check that there is no sand or solid sediment in the well or tank.
- The pipes must be installed so that they do not transfer mechanical load to the pump.
- For models with a float, ensure sufficient free space for the float to move.
- For models with a floating strainer, ensure there is free space between the strainer and the tank walls.
Construction and materials
Grundfos SB is made of corrosion-resistant composite and stainless steel materials. The housing is lightweight and the motor is cooled by the pumped water when operating submerged.
| Component | Material | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pump housing | Polypropylene PP30GF | Lightweight and waterproof housing for submersible installation. |
| Stator housing | Stainless steel EN 1.4301 / AISI 304 | Hermetic stator protection and good corrosion resistance. |
| Inlet strainer | Stainless steel EN 1.4301 / AISI 304 | In models with an integrated strainer, it limits the entry of larger particles. |
| Input socket | Depending on the floating strainer variant | Connects the side inlet to the flexible suction line. |
| Base | Polypropylene PP30GF | Ensures a stable position at the bottom of the well or tank. |
| Impeller | Polypropylene PP30GF | Open design for passage of particles up to 2.8 mm. |
| Wet part of the shaft | Stainless steel EN 1.4301 / AISI 304 | Corrosion resistance in contact with water. |
| Camera/diffuser | Polypropylene PPO20GF | Optimizes the hydraulic performance of the multistage pump. |
| Shaft | Stainless steel EN 1.4401 / AISI 416 | Strength and wear resistance. |
| O-rings | NBR | Sealing of components. |
| Power cable | Neoprene H07RN-F | Suitable for submersible application. |
Design advantages
- Self-bleeding valve: Removes accumulated air from the hydraulics for a stable start.
- Open impeller: Ensures free passage of small particles up to 2.8 mm.
- Stainless steel parts: Ensure corrosion resistance and long service life.
- Submersible induction motor: Hermetically sealed stator, permanent capacitor and bearings lubricated for life.
- Built-in thermal protection: Turns off the pump when overloaded and restarts it automatically after cooling.
- Lifting eye: Ensures stable removal and lowering of the pump.
Approvals and safety
Grundfos SB is designed for use with clean water in domestic and garden systems. The technical catalogue lists the relevant approvals and markings for the SB/SBA series. [15]
| Marking / approval | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CE | Compliance with applicable European safety, health and environmental protection requirements. |
| EAC | Conformity marking for applicable markets of the Eurasian Economic Union. |
| ASME A112.18.6 | Standard specified for certain versions of the series. |
| CSA B.125.6 | Standard specified for certain versions of the series. |
| IP68 | Degree of protection for the submersible pump. |
| Insulation class F | Thermal class of the motor insulation. |
Safe operation
- The pump must only be used for clean, non-aggressive water within the specified operating conditions.
- The maximum installation depth is 10 m below the water level.
- Check that the power supply, plug, and cable match the specific product number.
- For models with a float, ensure that the float moves freely.
- Do not use the pump for flammable liquids, oils, gasoline or aggressive chemicals.
- Disconnect the pump from the electrical supply before removing, servicing or cleaning.
Comparison of Grundfos SB models
The SB series is mainly available in models 3-35 and 3-45. The difference is in the maximum head and power. Both models have a maximum flow rate of up to 3 m³/h and can be offered with an integrated inlet strainer or with a side inlet and floating strainer, as well as with or without a float switch.
| Characteristics | SB 3-35 | SB 3-45 |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal flow rate | 3 m³/h | 3 m³/h |
| Maximum pressure | 35 m | 45 m |
| Maximum flow rate | 3 m³/h | 3 m³/h |
| Power P1 at 230 V / 50 Hz | 0.70 kW | 0.80 kW |
| Power P2 at 230 V / 50 Hz | 0.47 kW | 0.55 kW |
| Rated current at 230 V / 50 Hz | 3.35A | 3.60 A |
| Liquid temperature | 0–40°C | 0–40°C |
| Maximum system pressure | 10 bar | 10 bar |
| Maximum installation depth | 10 m | 10 m |
| Protection class | IP68 / Class F | IP68 / Class F |
| Power cord length | 15 m | 15 m |
| Output connection | G 1 / NPT 1 | G 1 / NPT 1 |
Which model to choose?
- SB 3-35: Suitable for single-story houses, garden irrigation, toilet cisterns, washing machines, car washes and standard applications with moderate pressure requirements.
- SB 3-45: Suitable for taller buildings, longer pipe runs or systems with higher pressure requirements at the farthest point.
How to choose the input option?
- Integrated inlet strainer: For tanks in which the pump is close to the wall – less than about 1.5 m away.
- Side inlet with floating strainer: For larger tanks and for suction from the clean middle layer of the water, away from sediment and surface particles.
- Float switch: Recommended in case of risk of low water level because it stops the pump and limits the risk of dry running.
The data is in accordance with the provided technical catalogue for Grundfos SB. Check the specific product number, inlet variant, presence of float, voltage, plug type and the need for an external controller before ordering and installation.