Red Lion 4-Inch Deep Well Submersible Pump Owner's Manual

Introduction

This 4-inch deep well submersible pump is ideal for supplying fresh water to rural homes, farms, and cabins with 4-inch diameter or larger drilled wells, reaching depths of up to 250 feet. The RL-series offers 12 and 22 GPM models, while the RS-series includes 5, 12, and 22 GPM models. All RL-series 3-wire models with 1 hp and higher include a control box.

This product is covered by a Limited Warranty for 3 years from the date of original purchase. For complete warranty information, visit www.redlionproducts.com or contact Technical Support for a printed copy.

Specifications

RL-series Thermoplastic Discharge

*Includes control box

RS-series Stainless Steel Discharge

Control Boxes

Safety Instructions

This equipment should be installed and serviced by technically qualified personnel familiar with the correct selection and use of appropriate tools, equipment, and procedures. Failure to comply with national and local electrical and plumbing codes and Red Lion recommendations may result in electrical shock, fire hazard, unsatisfactory performance, or equipment failure. Know the product's application, limitations, and potential hazards. Read and follow instructions carefully to avoid injury and property damage.

General Hazards

• Do not disassemble or repair unit unless described in this manual.
• Failure to follow installation or operation procedures and applicable codes may result in explosion, fire, or electric shock.
• Do not use in explosive atmospheres or hazardous locations classified by the NEC, ANSI/NFPA70.
• Do not handle a pump or pump motor with wet hands, while standing on a wet or damp surface, or in water until the unit is unplugged or electrically disconnected.
• Do not use to pump flammable, combustible, or explosive fluids such as gasoline, fuel oil, kerosene, etc.

Electrical Hazards

• High voltages and system pressure capable of causing severe injury or death are present in this unit.
• Ground motor before connecting to power supply.
• To reduce risk of electrical shock, disconnect power before working on or around the system. More than one disconnect switch may be required to de-energize the equipment before servicing.
• Wire pump system for correct voltages. Follow wiring instructions in this manual when connecting motor to power lines.
• Check local electrical and building codes before installation. Installation must comply with their regulations, as well as the most recent National Electrical Code (NEC), Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and Canadian Electrical Code (CEC).
• This pump has not been investigated for use in swimming pool or marine areas.

Bodily Injury, Electric Shock, or Equipment Damage Hazards

• This equipment must not be used by children or persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental abilities, or lacking experience and expertise, unless supervised or instructed. Children may not use the equipment, nor may they play with the unit or in its immediate vicinity.
• Equipment can start automatically. Always unplug the pump power cord and disconnect electrical power before servicing the pump or control.
• Operation requires detailed installation and operation instructions provided in this manual. Read the entire manual before starting installation and operation. The End User should receive and retain the manual for future use.
• Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, or anything that may be caught in rotating parts. Tie up long hair and remove jewelry.
• Wear safety glasses while installing or performing maintenance on the pump.
• Keep safety labels clean and in good condition.
• Keep work area clean, well-lit, and uncluttered.
• This pump has been evaluated for use with water only.
• An acceptable motor control device shall be provided at the time of installation.

Pump or Other Equipment Damage Hazards

• Periodically inspect pump and system components. Regularly check piping for weakness or wear, ensuring all connections are secure.
• The motor is guaranteed by the manufacturer. In case of failure, it must be returned to an authorized product reseller for review. Product warranty is void if disassembled or reviewed by any other party.
• Install the pump in a properly developed well. Undeveloped well water often contains abrasives that can damage the pump.
• Check that the well is deep enough to allow the pump to be set at least 5 ft (1.5 m) from the bottom.
• Do not set pump below casing perforations or well screen unless there is an adequate flow of water over the motor for cooling purposes.
• Determine the correct pump setting from the driller's record, considering the static water level and the draw-down at the proposed pumping rate.
• Schedule and perform routine maintenance as required. Refer to "Maintenance" on page 7.

Installation

Typical Installations

Diagram showing two typical installation setups: "Without a Pitless Adapter" and "With a Pitless Adapter".

Electrical Connections

Risk of severe injury or death by electrical shock, or damage to system.

• Always disconnect electrical power before touching the pump.
• A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is required.
• If the power cord is damaged, it must only be replaced by qualified personnel.

Employ a licensed electrician or water systems contractor to ensure proper installation. Follow cable splicing kit instructions.

1. Ensure supply voltage and current ratings match the electrical ratings of the motor and control box.
2. Install a fused disconnect switch or circuit breaker.
3. Ground the pump and distribution panel with the motor's green conductor.
4. For two-wire pumps, make wiring connections.
5. For three-wire, single-phase pumps:
   • Install a magnetic contactor if the pressure switch is not sufficient to handle the motor's electrical rating. The pressure switch then acts as a pilot circuit to control the contactor.
6. For three-wire, single-phase pumps, install control boxes according to the control box manual and electrical code.
   • Mount control boxes in an area protected from rain, snow, high temperatures, and temperatures below 14°F (-10°C).
7. For 3-phase pumps, install a magnetic starter equipped with quick-trip, ambient compensated heaters, electronic adjustable overload, soft start, or VFD of the correct horsepower size.
8. For 3-phase motors, install a separate lightning arrestor close to the wellhead.
9. Test the unit: Brace pump shell and apply power momentarily.
10. For three-phase motors, ensure pump rotation is counterclockwise when viewed from the pump discharge. Interchange any two leads at the magnetic starter to change rotation.
11. Place the motor and pump labels in the circuit breaker box for future reference.

Physical Installation

Refer to "Typical Installations" on page 4.

1. Confirm the motor's lead wires are secure under the pump's lead guard.
2. Install a pressure tank per manufacturer's recommendations.
3. Attach a 3/16-inch to 1/4-inch diameter steel safety cable to the pump.

   IMPORTANT: If using a different type of cable, confirm the system weight does not exceed the limit.

4. Attach Schedule 40 galvanized pipes to the pump.
   • If using plastic pipe, refer to manufacturer's recommendations for depth and pressure.
   • Keep pipes clean and free from debris.
   • Use pipe sealant on all fittings.
5. Install system check valves.

   IMPORTANT: Install only positive sealing check valves. Never use swing-type check valves.

   • For installations more than 200 feet (61 m), install check valves in the drop pipe at intervals of 200 feet (60 m) or as specified by the check valve manufacturer.
   • Install an in-line check valve in the discharge line within 25 feet (7.6 m) of the pump and below the draw-down level of the water supply.
   • If permitted by local codes, install a relief valve between the wellhead and the pressure tank.
6. Install a torque arrestor just above the pump.
7. Fasten the electrical cable to the drop pipe with clamps or appropriate tape every 10 feet (3 m).
   • Do not scrape or pinch the cable against the well casing.
   • Keep the cable slack when using plastic drop pipe to allow for stretching.
   • Check continuity and insulation resistance with an ohmmeter and megger.
8. Lower pump to a minimum of 5 feet (1.5 m) from the bottom of the well and above the well screen or casing perforations.
9. Test the well. Refer to "Well Test" on page 6.
10. Place a sanitary well seal or pit-less adapter over the top of the well per manufacturer's recommendations.

Well Test

Risk of damage to pump or other equipment.

• Never run pump unless it is completely submerged in water to avoid pump and motor damage.
• Air drawn into the pump can cause an airlock under certain conditions.

1. Install a partially opened gate valve on the end of the pipe.
2. Start the pump and slowly open the valve to full flow.

   If the discharge water is not clear within 30 minutes, stop pump and take necessary steps to correct.

3. Adjust valve until maximum required system flow rate is obtained.
4. Ensure the pump output is not greater than the yield of the well (low-yielding) by monitoring the well draw-down level at the maximum system flow rate.

   Refer to "Low-Yielding Well" on page 7 to correct the issue.

Maintenance

Low-Yielding Well Solutions

1. Install a smaller pump. Consult a licensed water systems professional contractor for sizing.
2. Add additional length of drop pipe to place the pump lower in the well.
3. Install a Franklin Pumptec or similar electronic run-dry sensor.
4. Install a float-less liquid level control to work with the pressure switch.
5. Place a flow control valve in the discharge line upstream from the pressure switch to restrict output.

   A pressure tank with a bonded diaphragm, air cell, or water bag is recommended.

6. Install a low-pressure cut-off switch.

Check Valve Replacement

Risk of damage to pump or other equipment.

Fluid draining back through the pump can cause the pump to rotate backwards. If the pump/motor starts during this time, damage to the pump can occur.

Most 4-inch submersible pumps come standard with an internal check valve to prevent water back flow.

To remove:

1. If the pump discharge has a snap ring blocking the check valve, remove using a standard size snap ring tool.
2. Unscrew the check valve assembly (clockwise) using a T-handle wrench, sold separately.

NOTE: Check valves are reverse (left-hand) threaded.

For reassembly, tighten the check valve to 15 inch-pounds.

Troubleshooting

For technical assistance, parts, or repair, please contact: 888.885.9254 | redlionproducts.com

106720101 Rev. 003 01/23

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