Available Options
Grundfos SBA – automatic submersible pump for wells and cisterns
The Grundfos SBA is a ready-to-use automatic submersible booster pump for clean water from wells, cisterns and rainwater tanks. The built-in control unit automatically switches on and off according to demand, so no external pressure control or separate controller is required.
Main advantages of Grundfos SBA
- Ready-made automatic submersible booster pump with built-in control unit.
- No external controller, pressure control or Pressure Manager is required for automatic start/stop.
- Automatic start and stop according to pressure and water consumption.
- Built-in dry-running protection with automatic restart.
- Quiet operation when submerged in a well or water tank.
- Composite and stainless steel housing for corrosion resistance.
- Built-in check valve.
- Built-in thermal motor protection against overload and overheating.
- Option for a model with integrated 1 mm inlet strainer.
- Option for a model with side entry and 1.5 mm floating strainer.
- Float switch option for additional low level protection.
- Adapter included for 1" or 3/4" hose/pipe.
- Lifting eye for stable and safe lowering of the pump.
How does automatic control work?
The SBA has a built-in control unit that monitors the pressure and flow rate in the system. The pump starts when the pressure drops below the start value or when the flow rate exceeds the minimum flow rate. After consumption stops and the flow rate drops below the minimum value, the pump switches off with a delay of approximately 10 seconds.
In case of water shortage, the built-in controller stops the pump to prevent it from running dry. In models with a float switch, the automatic restart occurs when the water level is sufficient again. In models without a float, the pump attempts an automatic restart every 24 hours.
Applications
- Automatic pressure boosting for domestic water supply.
- Use of rainwater from external cisterns or internal buffer tanks.
- Garden watering and irrigation.
- Water supply to toilet cisterns, washing machines, sinks and other suitable consumers.
- Transferring water to roof or other buffer tanks.
- Pumping clean water from small private wells.
- Automatic water supply for one-story and two-story houses.
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.
- Position the pump so that the height to the highest point of consumption is within the limits for the selected model.
Construction and materials
The Grundfos SBA is built on the SB platform and adds an integrated control unit, check valve and automatic control. The housing is made of water-resistant composite, and the main components are made of stainless steel and technical polymers.
| Component | Material | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in controller | Electronic control unit | Provides automatic start/stop, dry-running protection and automatic restart. |
| 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. |
| Check valve | Built-in | Limits the return flow to the pump after stopping. |
| O-rings | NBR | Sealing of components. |
| Power cable | Neoprene H07RN-F | Suitable for submersible application. |
Design advantages
- Built-in control unit: Provides automatic start/stop without external press control.
- Dry-running protection: Stops the pump in case of water shortage and allows an automatic restart attempt.
- 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 SBA 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 SBA models
The SBA series is mainly available in models 3-35 and 3-45. Both models are automatic all-in-one pumps with a built-in controller, a maximum flow rate of up to 3 m³/h and dry-running protection. The main difference is in the maximum head, starting pressure and permissible head to the highest point of consumption.
| Characteristics | SBA 3-35 | SBA 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 |
| Starting pressure | 1.5 bar | 2.4 bar |
| Maximum height to highest point | 13 m | 20 m |
| Power P1 at 230 V / 50 Hz | 0.72 kW | 0.78 kW |
| Power P2 at 230 V / 50 Hz | 0.47 kW | 0.55 kW |
| Rated current at 230 V / 50 Hz | 3.3A | 3.6A |
| Speed at 230 V / 50 Hz | 2800 rpm | 2800 rpm |
| Minimum flow rate for operation | 1 l/min | 1 l/min |
| 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?
- SBA 3-35: Suitable for single-storey houses, villas, toilet cisterns, laundries, car washes and garden watering, when the highest point of consumption is up to approximately 13 m above the pump.
- SBA 3-45: Suitable for two-story houses, longer pipe runs or higher pressure requirements when the highest point of consumption is up to approximately 20 m above the pump.
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 when there is a risk of low water level. It stops the pump at low level and allows automatic restart when the water level returns.
The data is in accordance with the provided technical catalogue for Grundfos SBA. Check the specific product number, inlet variant, presence of float, voltage, plug type and height to the highest point of consumption before ordering and installation.