Kwolford
New Member
I am not sure that device will work with a VFD? It says it will work with any motor starter, and a VFD does not have a motor starter. No, you do not need a soft start. That is just a sales gimmick, like the VFD.
Most VFD's have low current protection built in. I don't know about the WEG. But it should have an undercurrent adjustment. If so, you just need to figure out how to program it. But studies show you will spend 3 times as much maintaining a VFD pump system over 15 years, and an even higher percentage as more time goes by. As was said, and inexpensive 1/2HP single phase pump with a Cycle Sensor is the way to go. Just a matter of how much you want to spend maintaining the VFD before you switch.
From talking to the Pump contractor that set this system up for the previous owners, he said that the owner wanted to save money on the system (I guess by a cheaper 3 phase pump and the cost of larger gauge wiring?) The Weg does shut down when detecting dry pump/low current. The process to program the VFD to reset at intervals seems so complex that I’d rather do away with it, especially since I’d like to be able to easily change those parameters. It seems that the cheapest route right now would be the 3 phase pump monitor that I listed above and a combination of 3 phase converter and starting motor controller? What would be my actions for 3 phase conversion and motor starter? I’m gonna get a static level up there with a pump guy this Thursday and want all my options on the table before I go with a new single phase pump set deeper.