PV
Photo Voltaic. Refers to Solar Panel as a source of power (PV Generator). Solar Panels produce electricity as soon as they are exposed to light.
Water Bore Pump Glossary
A general bore pump glossary explaining pump, pipework, water level, sensor, controller, and fault-code terms used across bore water systems.
Best suited for users researching bore pump performance, system sizing, bore water levels, and pump troubleshooting.
Water bore pump focus
This version is angled toward broader bore pump education. It is useful for explaining submersible pumps, surface pumps, static head, draw down, TDH, pipe losses, flow sensors, pressure devices, and maintenance terminology.
Power & Control Terms
Electrical input, controller, solar, generator, and wiring terminology used around bore pump systems.
AC
Alternating Current Voltage (VAC). Power type, usually from Mains or Generator. Can be Single or Three Phase.
DC
Direct Current Voltage (VDC). Power type, usually from Solar Panels, Battery Pack, or Charge Controller.
Single Phase
One Power input line. Specified AC Voltage at Amperage for one output.
Three Phase
Three Power input lines. AC peaks are offset to produce a Pulsed three line output.
PVD
Photo Voltaic Disconnect. The power isolation device for Solar Arrays/Strings.
Strings
A group of Solar Panels connected in Series (+ -> -).
Series Connection
Electrical Power connections where Positive (+) is connected to Negative (-). This increases Voltage output. Devices have a Maximum Input Voltage to be aware of.
Parallel Connection
Electrical Power connections where Positive (+) is connected to Positive (+), usually at a Bus Bar, and Negative (-) to Negative (-) on another Bus Bar. This increases Amperage output. Devices have a Maximum Amperage Load rating to be aware of.
Bus Bar (+/-)
Common terminal blocks for Power Positive & Negative connections).
VMP
Solar Panel Maximum Power Voltage. This is the Voltage when the Panels are running the System (under Load).
VOC
Solar Panel Open Circuit Voltage. This is the Voltage without any Load (no electrical devices connected).
IMP
Solar Panel Maximum Power Current. This is Amperage when the Panels are running the System (under Load).
ISC
Solar Panel Short Circuit Current. This is the Amperage without any Load (no electrical devices connected).
PMAX
Solar Panel Maximum Power in Watts.
Watts
Measurement of Power as Volts x Amps. Various configurations of Series and parallel can result in same Watts.
Irradiation
Measured strength of Sunlight producing Power with known square metre area (W/m2).
MPPT
Maximum Power Point Tracking. Motor power is Watts, which is Volts x Amps. MPPT ‘tunes’ this ratio to convert the Volts (Speed) to Amps (Torque) and keeps the Pump running. Without enough Amps the ‘pushing power’ stalls the Motor.
Pole Mount
A Solar Panel Mounting System that has Kits for 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 Panels on a single Pole.
Solar Terrace Array
A Solar Panel Mounting System for Panel Quantity 6+. Has ST2 as multiple Single Post supports or ST3 as multiple Dual Pad supports (slab, pylon, or sand spear mounted).
Panel Tilt
Optimal Panel orientation for Southern Hemisphere is North Facing. Tilt is 20 Degrees from horizontal if close to the Equator (NT, QLD) and 30 degrees for southern states (SA, VIC, TAS).
Sun Tracker
Specialised Solar Panel Mounting System that can track the sun for optimal exposure. They vary in pricing and complexity and have mixed results for long term viability.
MC4
An industry standard Solar Panel Cable plug. They are Male (stamped -) and Female (stamped +). It is confusing because the Female casing fits inside the Male casing, but the internal Male Pin connects inside the Female Sleeve. Best practice is to use Female (sleeve) plug on Positive Cable FROM a Power Source and Male (pin) plug on Negative Cable FROM Power Source.
Pump & Water System Terms
Hydraulic, bore, pump, and installation terms used in general water bore pump systems.
Submersible Pump
Compatible with being submerged in liquid. Pushes liquid from Source to Destination.
Surface Pump
Not compatible with being submerged. Can be below Source (Positive Inlet) or above Source (Suction Inlet).
Positive Inlet
Gravity assisted positive pressure. Beneficial to Pump operation.
Suction Inlet
Pump must draw from Source against Gravity. Height/Lift limited (~3.5M) before cavitation may occur.
Cavitation
The Vapour-to-liquid transformation threshold can be achieved by Negative Pressure (like boiling without heat). Pressure above the threshold then violently compresses Vapour back into a Liquid, sending highly concentrated shockwaves into nearby metal surfaces, causing strong vibrations. This can be loud, and sound like gravel in the pipes, as millions of microscopic implosions are happening simultaneously. Prolonged cavitation can lead to catastrophic failure.
System Sizing
Using parameters of a Site to customise an Installation for an intended Output.
Ambient Conditions
Location specific Seasonal (weather) and Environmental (permanent) conditions.
Static Head
Maximum vertical distance from Dynamic Water Level to highest Pipe or Outlet.
Dynamic Water Level
The stable Water Level when Pump is running.
Standing Water Level
The stable Water Level when Pump is not running and inflow has balanced. May also abbreviate to SWL.
Draw Down
The distance between Standing Water Level and the Dynamic Water Level. The more a Pump draws down the level the harder it must work to push the water to the destination.
Pressure Loss
Result of Liquid moving through Pipe Size, Length, Material, and Connectors (junctions, elbows, valves, adaptors, etc). Indicated as additional Head (Meters).
TDH
Total Dynamic Head is the result of Static Head plus Pressure Loss (entire Pipe system).
Flow Sleeve
[Pump Shroud] Installed on the Pump Unit to direct flow over the Motor for cooling.
HR Pump
Helical Rotor type Pump End and Motor. This is a Progressive Cavity style Pump. The corkscrew Rotor pushes the water up the Stators’ Double Helix interior in ‘moving’ cavities. The HR-Motor has a threaded coupling and not interchangeable with Centrif Motors.
Centrif Pump
Centrifugal Multistage Impeller type Pump and Motor. Each impeller is driven by a central shaft. They draw from the lower center and fling outward to the chamber wall then upwards to the center for next stage. The C-Motor has a NEMA Splined coupling and is not interchangeable with HR-Motors.
SHRE Pump
[Pump-in-a-Pipe] A Helical Rotor Pump Unit fully enclosed in a surface mounted Tube (horizontal or vertical). Requires specialised Pump/Motor Centralizers and anti-vibration Shock Pads for Mounting Frame.
Check Valve
[Non-Return Valve] Prevents liquid above the Valve from flowing back through the System. A leaking/missing Check Valve at the Pump Outlet can cause back flow to spin the Pump and Motor in reverse, turning Motor into Generator and feeding unrestricted Current into the electrical system/Controller, causing potential danger and damage.
Pump Priming
Having no Air in the Pump chamber or Inlet Piping. Any recurring Air Volume over a small amount can cause Cavitation and/or a Run-Dry situation, damaging the Pump/Pipe components.
Reverse Outflow
A situation where the Motor is incorrectly wired and running in reverse but producing a diminished Flow at the Pipe outlet.
Flex Shaft
[Drive Shaft or Whip Shaft] Improved HR coupling. This reduces vibration of the Off-Center Rotor from damaging the Motor shaft bearings (Carbon/Ceramic/Bronze sleeves).
Thrust Bearing
[Axial Bearing] Two round flat surfaces, one fixed to Motor Shaft, the other to the Casing, use rotation and pressure to allow a microscopic layer of lubricant to support the axial downward thrust from the Impeller/Rotor force plus the column of water being lifted. Kingsbury is a specific design that ensures the surfaces never touch and can support immense load.
Sacrificial Anode
An alloy block clamped to the Motor, Pump Body, or Riser (metal on metal contact), that will intentionally corrode faster than the Pump material. As an electrical device in liquid, corrosion can be accelerated by Stray DC electrolysis.
Stray DC
A phenomenon caused by unfiltered DC devices such as electric fences, leaking current into the ground. Moisture in the soil allows a conduit for the current to reach the metallic Pump, potentially from kilometers away, where it causes electrolysis corrosion on its way past.
Sensors, Switches & Controls
Controller inputs, protection devices, pressure/level sensors, and switch logic.
Controller
Central Unit that takes Power and Sensor input and outputs Power to the Pump Motor.
Float Switch
A Sensor Switch that uses Water Level to output ON/OFF. Configured as Normally Open (NO) or Normally Closed (NC) signals. Entire Switch assembly floats from fixed pivot point.
Normally Open
A Switch signal that has an Open Circuit under normal conditions. When triggered, closes circuit.
Normally Closed
A Switch signal that has a Closed Circuit under normal conditions. When triggered, opens circuit.
Water Meter
Also Flow Meter. A Sensor for measuring flow. Various types (wheel, ultrasonic, etc) and Outputs (analog 4-20mA, pulse per L or 10L, etc) suit different requirements.
Flow Switch
A paddle type switch Sensor that can be NO/NC when water is flowing. Controller must support a bypass delay for startup.
Pressure Switch
A Manually set Pressure device that triggers circuit NO/NC when Min or Max Pressure reached.
Pressure Transducer
Analog Sensor that can return a variable signal to interpret as a Pressure in a Range.
Well Probe
[Run-Dry Sensor] Smaller version of the Float Switch that uses internal Float and magnetic switch component.
Level Sensor
A Sensor using Barometric (Air) Pressure differential to determine Water Level.
SPD
Surge Protection Device. Usually for Sensor input to protect the Controller from external Power spikes (lightning).
Grounding
[Earthing] Electrical devices require an Earth connection to Ground Stake to prevent potentially fatal electric shocks, discharge, and short circuits.
Digital Input
A Switch style Sensor. Can only be On/Off as Open Circuit or Closed Circuit, depending on Controller.
Analog Input
A Transducer style Sensor that produces a signal range. Depending on Controller, it can be 4-20mA, Impulse per Volume, or similar.
LPS
Liquid Pressure Sensor (Analog Transducer). Models vary in pressure range and signal type.
LLS
Liquid Level Sensor (Analog Transducer). Has two inbuilt barometric sensors. One for liquid pressure and the other for atmospheric pressure via a capillary tube in the wiring loom.
WLMS
Water Level Measurement Solution. Uses barometric pressure of the liquid to compare with atmospheric pressure from a Plugin PCB inside the Controller.
Sun Sensor
A small Solar Panel of known area produces a voltage range for calculation of Irradiation intensity. Can be used to set ON/OFF range parameter in Controller.
Sun Switch
A small Solar Panel with dial control to set Open/Closed Circuit based on Irradiation intensity. Used with Digital Input of Controller.
Cable Gland
A Case fitting with screw collar and internal rubber seal that clamps to Cable when tightened, allowing a sealed transition of Cable to inside connections. Should be checked regularly to prevent insect and moisture ingress.
Cables, Motors & Pipework
Practical terminology for cabling, pipework, motor testing, and controller hardware.
Safety Rope
Misused term for the Material used to suspend the Pump Unit from the Bore Cap or Cover Plate. Stronger material is required for deeper installations as it must be rated for the Weight of Itself, the Pump, Cable, Piping, Liquid Column, and backpressure when in operation.
Splicing Kit
All inclusive Kit for joining Cables. Can be resin-filled or glue-strip heat shrink. An incorrectly prepared Cable or applied Kit can allow liquid intrusion and short circuit Motor cables.
Cable Rating
Size and Quantity Code of Cable. Usually [Number of Cores] G [Copper Cross Section in mm2]. 4G2.5 means 3 Cores plus Earth Core at 2.5mm2 copper cross section each.
Lay-Flat Hose
This is a style of Piping that is a very strong flexible hose that can be flat-rolled for transport and capable of suspending the Pump Unit and Cabling vertically. Can be used in any direction but MUST be STRAIGHT, no bends or even slight curves, unlike Poly Pipe. Has specialised collar clamped couplings.
Poly Pipe
This is a semi-rigid style of plastic Piping using plastic thread clamped collars. A Coloured Stripe indicates Pressure rating. Poly is NOT officially rated to suspend Pump Units.
PVC Pipe
This is a rigid Plastic type piping usually for storm water.
ID
Common abbreviation for Inner Diameter.
OD
Common abbreviation for Outer Diameter.
Oil Filled
Motors with Non-Conductive Oil based lubricant/coolant. Coils are exposed to the Oil for cooling purposes and simplified manufacture. Seal failure allows water/oil exchange which can cause internal corrosion and short circuits in Coil Windings as well as contamination of Source Water.
Water Filled
Motors with demineralised water as lubrication/coolant. More tolerant to failed Seals exchanging Source Water, but suspended solids/particles can cause excessive wear in Bearings. Coils are encapsulated in the housing with resin and not exposed.
Coil Winding
Refers to the oval-shaped Coil of wire that provides a magnetic field when Current is applied. Over time the individual strands can deteriorate their coating, usually at the peak end of the oval, causing short circuits and reduced performance. Insulation Resistance Testing can determine severity. Not usually viable to repair.
Cable Isolation Test
Also Motor Insulation Test refers to measuring Earth leakage with 1000V MEGmeter between Cable pairs L1-Gnd, L2-Gnd, L3-Gnd. Result below 0.5MOhm indicates short circuit in Splice and/or Motor Coils.
Cable Resistance Test
Measures Resistance (Ohm) between Cable pairs L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L1. Motors have specific expected results and tolerance per make/model.
BLDC Motor
BrushLess Direct Current Motor. Relies on Controller to apply precision timed Current to Coils in sequence to ‘push’ the Magnetic Shaft to achieve rotation. Smart electronics detect direction when starting and adjust for correct rotation.
PSC Controller
Permanent Split Capacitor Controller. Single Phase Dual Coil AC Motors are usually for Pumps under 1.5kW and can start with low torque. They have a Start Winding and a Run Winding, with a specifically rated Capacitor to ‘phase-delay’ current for the Run Winding, causing rotation. Startup Voltage Spike (counter EMF) can blow fuses/breakers and damage unprotected Generators..
CSCR Controller
Cap Start - Cap Run Controller. Single Phase Dual Coil AC Motors over 1.5kW and needing high torque startup, use two Capacitors (different ratings for Start and Run). To start rotation, they parallel connect to the Start Winding (maximum torque) and when a Potential Relay detects a Voltage Spike (counter-EMF) and breaks connection (open circuit) to the Start Capacitor.
RPM
Revolutions per Minute.
WWL
Well Water Level (Source).
TWL
Tank Water Level (Fill).
PCB
Printed Circuit Board.
GPRS
General Packet Radios Service. Older term meaning Cellular Mobile Connection, not Satellite.
PumpScanner Alerts
Common PumpScanner messages and likely causes to investigate.
PumpScanner: Source Low
Terminal 1 & 2 are Open Circuit. Possible Causes: no water at Sensor, defective Sensor, broken wiring, Terminal connections (grip plastic instead of wire), Main Board, IO Board, Power Board. Triggered Restart Delay: 15 minutes.
PumpScanner: Remote Switch
Terminal 3 & 4 are Open Circuit. Possible Causes: Remote Switch Device is defective or not configured properly, broken wiring, Terminal connections (grip plastic instead of wire), Main Board, IO Board, Power Board. Triggered Restart Delay: 15 minutes (if Tank Full Delay option set).
PumpScanner: Water Sensor
Terminal 14 & 15 are Open Circuit. Possible Causes: No water at Sensor, defective Sensor, broken wiring, Terminal connections (grip plastic instead of wire), Main Board, IO Board, Power Board.
PumpScanner: Overload
The controller was not able to reach the minimum speed and detected a too high current. Probable Causes: defective Motor, Motor cable, or Pump End is tight. Triggered Restart Delay: 4 minutes.
PumpScanner: OverVoltage
Power Supply has exceeded the Controller Max Input. A too high voltage will damage the controller permanently. Probable Causes: incorrect/spiked DC Power source, PV wiring configuration incorrect (Serial adds Voltages, Parallel adds Amps), faulty/damaged Power Board.
PumpScanner: Manual Software Switch OFF
Software configuration section ‘Operational Settings’ has option ‘Pump OFF’ enabled (ticked). This setting overrides the physical On/Off switch of the Controller.
PumpScanner: Sun Sensor
The irradiation measured by the Sun Sensor is below the Installation Settings configured value. Probable Causes: defective Sensor, broken wiring between Controller and Sensor, Terminal connections (grip plastic instead of wire), Main Board, IO Board, Power Board. The pump will start automatically once irradiation is above set value. The voltage of the Sun Sensor should be at roughly 10 V (open circuit – disconnect from the controller).
PumpScanner: Pressure/Level Switch
Pressure / Liquid Level measurement from Analog 1 / 2 Sensor(s) are outside configured range(s). Probable Causes: Installation Settings Analog 1 / 2 Measuring Range not same as Sensor, Feature Setting Analog 1 / 2 range values are incorrectly set, defective Sensor(s), broken wiring, Terminal connections (grip plastic instead of wire), Main Board, IO Board, Power Board.
PumpScanner: Constant Pressure/Flow Control
The Pressure / Flow measurement(s) were outside the range(s) set in “Feature Settings”. Probable Causes: Installation Settings for Water Meter / Analog 1 / 2 not set correctly, Feature Settings Water Meter / Analog 1 / 2 not set correctly, defective Sensor(s), broken wiring, Terminal connections (grip plastic instead of wire), Main Board, IO Board, Power Board.
PumpScanner: Daily Amount
The Pump has reached its set Daily Amount. Check “Feature Settings” - “Control Pump by Water Meter” - “Daily Amount” value.
PumpScanner: Battery Low (LVD)
Controller Input Voltage from Battery is below recommended level. Deselect Battery Mode option under Installation Settings if Battery not used. System will restart once Voltage increases.
PumpScanner: Timer
The Timer configuration under Operational Settings has stopped the Pump. Check the Timer configuration and/or select Synchronize Clock under Installation Settings.
PumpScanner: Min Speed Timer
The Pump could not reach the minimum RPM. Probable Causes: Naturally low irradiation, low Input Voltage, high Min Speed value, defective Motor, tight Pump End, Main Board, IO Board, Power Board. Set Min Pump Speed under Operational Settings (cannot be less than factory default). Triggered Delay Timer: 4 minutes.
PumpScanner: Analog Input 1 Error
Analog Input 1 is receiving unexpected data (not in 4-20mA range). Possible Causes: Incorrectly wired (+ & - matter), Sensor defective, broken wiring, Terminal connections (grip plastic instead of wire), Main Board, IO Board, Power Board.
PumpScanner: Analog Input 2 Error
Analog Input 2 is receiving unexpected data (not in 4-20mA range). Possible Causes: Incorrectly wired (+ & - matter), Sensor defective, broken wiring, Terminal connections (grip plastic instead of wire), Main Board, IO Board, Power Board.
PumpScanner: Analog Input 1 Signal out-of-range
Analog Input 1 is receiving a signal outside the expected range. Possible Causes: Incorrectly wired (+ & - matter), incorrectly configured, Sensor defective, broken wiring, Terminal connections (grip plastic instead of wire), Main Board, IO Board, Power Board.
PumpScanner: Analog Input 2 Signal out-of-range
Analog Input 2 is receiving a signal outside the expected range. Possible Causes: Incorrectly wired (+ & - matter), incorrectly configured, Sensor defective, broken wiring, Terminal connections (grip plastic instead of wire), Main Board, IO Board, Power Board.
PumpScanner: Overtemperature
Controller has detected high internal Temperature. The Controller will reduce the Power to the Pump or stop the Pump until the Temperature decreases. This is usually due to high ambient temperature, insufficient cooling, or defective Power Board.
PumpScanner: Sun Sensor Fault
Terminals 16 & 17 are receiving unexpected data. Possible Causes: Incorrectly wired (+ & - matter), incorrectly configured, Sensor defective, broken wiring, Terminal connections (grip plastic instead of wire), Main Board, IO Board, Power Board.
PumpScanner: Internal Comm error (MPPT)
The communication between the Main-CPU and the MPPT-CPU is disturbed. Replace the Main-Board.
PumpScanner: Short Circuit Motor Cable
Short Circuit between the Motor Phases detected (high current peak). Probable Causes: defective Motor, defective Cable Splice, broken wiring, Power Board. System will only restart when disconnected from Power for at least 1 minute.
PumpScanner: Low Power
Controller was not able to initialize the Motor during the start sequence. Probable Causes: Everything. Usually tight Pump End. Inspect Panels, PV Cables, Disconnect, Input Power, Controller Boards, wiring, connections, Splice(s), Motor (insulation and phase test, bearings), Pump End (debris, Stator & Rotor damage/wear), water quality and Temperature.
PumpScanner: Internal Comm error (LED)
LED Board fault. Check cable. Replace LED/Main Board(s).
PumpScanner: Barometric Sensor error
Controller detected error with Barometric Sensor. Check wiring, connections, addon PCB, and Breather.
PS2 Controller Components
Main PS2 controller board functions and component descriptions.
PS2: Main Board
This is considered the “brain” of the Controller. It incorporates all the control functions, interacts with the other Boards, contains the embedded DataModule, and the Bluetooth hardware that allows communication with the PumpScanner app.
PS2: LED Board
The LED Board indicates the current status of the controller (see above, or the PS2 Controller Manual).
PS2: IO Board
The IO Board connects the Sensor Terminals on the Power Board to the Main Board and acts as a protective barrier between the connected external devices and the Main Board.
PS2: Power Board
The Power Board distributes the Input Power (Solar/AC/Battery) to the other Boards, and outputs to the Motor as directed by the Main Board. The MOSFET components generate heat. Ants are conductive and create short circuits. Cleaning can remedy some faults.
FTA Error Codes
FTA controller error and timer code explanations.
FTA Error Code: E00
Power is Lost. The input voltage is unstable. Input power supply does not match set MODE (ie. DC set, AC supplied).
FTA Error Code: E10
PCB Component Fault. Undetermined component has failed. Replace the Controller.
FTA Error Code: P02
PFC Fault. Power component of PCB has failed. Replace Controller.
FTA Error Code: P09/10/11
U/V/W Phase Over-Current. Motor Output Power Line U, V, or W has exceeded Current limit.
FTA Error Code: P20
Fan fault. Cooling Fan rotation cannot be detected. Check unit for damage or obstruction.
FTA Error Code: P43
Phase Missing. Motor Output Power U/V/W has interrupted circuit. Check Cable, connections, and test Motor (Isolation and Resistance Test).
FTA Error Code: P44
Short Circuit. Motor Cable has short circuit. Check connections and Cable condition.
FTA Error Code: P45
Tank Full event triggered. TWL terminal is Open Circuit. Check Tank level, Sensor, and wiring.
FTA Error Code: P46
Pump Unit Stalled. No rotation detected when Power supplied to Motor. Check for blockage and Motor bearing condition.
FTA Error Code: P48
Run-Dry Event triggered. WWL terminal is Closed Circuit. Check Source level, Sensor, and wiring.
FTA Error Code: P50
Low Voltage Event triggered. Voltage has dropped below minimum required.
FTA Error Code: P51
High Voltage Event triggered. Voltage has exceeded Maximum limit. Check Settings and Power Source.
FTA Error Code: P60
Controller has overheated. Provide shade and/or better ventilation.
FTA Error Code: P80
Flow Meter Event triggered. No Flow or signal from Flow Meter. Check Pipe discharge, Meter wiring, and Sensor operation (obstruction).
FTA Error Code: T1
Delay Timer Countdown for Run-Dry Event.
FTA Error Code: T2
Delay Timer Countdown for Tank Full Event.
FTA Error Code: T3
Delay Timer Countdown for Flow Meter Event.
Note: This glossary is intended as a practical reference only. Electrical and pumping installations should be designed, installed, and tested by suitably qualified personnel using the relevant product manuals and local regulations.
