Water Pump Pressure Control Switch

Adjustment Nut Directions

Which way to turn the large & small adjustment nuts

PRESSURE SWITCH NUT ADJUSTMENTS - CONTENTS: Which way to turn the pump
pressure control switch adjustment nuts to adjust water pump cut in or cut off pressure or both.
How to set the Range & Differential nuts on a typical pump pressure control switch using the
Schneider Electric Square-D Pumptrol switch as an example. Details of one-nut and two-nut
pressure control switch settings.
POST a QUESTION or READ FAQs about Setting the Water Pump Pressure Switch and
Improving Water Pressure
REFERENCES

How to adjust the pump pressure control switch using the Square-D
Pumptrol as an example:

This article describes how to adjust building water pressure by setting the
water pump cut-in and cut-out pressure on the well water pump pressure
control switch. We explain which adjustment nuts to turn and in which
direction to change pump cut-in pressure or cut-our pressure settings.

This article series also includes information on how to adjust building

municipal or community water pressure at a building.
Which NUT the Pressure Control Switch Does What? Range & Differential
Adjustment on a Water Pressure Control Switch

The (LARGER) RANGE Adjustment nut

The larger nut (green arrow) on the larger spring in the pump pressure switch:
changes cut-in AND cut-out simultaneously moving them both up (higher
pressure) or down (lower pressure). This is the range adjustment nut.

[Click to enlarge any image].

It has the practical effect of raising or lowering the operating pressure range of
the switch. So if your switch was running at 20/40 (on at 20 psi off at 40 psi),
and you tighten this nut 3 1/2 turns, you'll increase both numbers so that the
switch will now operate at 30/50 (on at 30 psi and off at 50 psi).

Usually the larger nut in the pump pressure control switch (green arrow in our
photo at left) adjusts the pump cut-on ("cut-in") AND pump cut-off pressures
simultaneously. This is the left-hand spring (and nut) in our photo and is
pointed-to by the green arrow.

That means that whatever the gap is between the cut-on pressure and the
cut-off pressure, that gap is maintained, but the entire operating range of the
pump is raised or lowered.

Turning the large nut clockwise RAISES BOTH the cut-on and cut-off
pressures. So turning the large nut clockwise shifts the whole operating
pressure range of the pump UP to HIGHER pressures.

Conversely, turning the large nut counter-clockwise will lower the whole pump
operating range. This is the simplest adjustment to make.
 Photo (above left) courtesy of a reader.

Help in identifying the range and differential nuts

The range nut has a larger diameter spring

The differential setting adjustment nut is on the smaller diameter spring
The differential setting nut is usually on a shorter spring - it will be
"lower" or further down in the pressure control switch. You will see this
in our photo above.
Some pressure control switches have only the range adjustment nut
and no differential nut.
In modern pressure control switches both nuts are typically sized to be
turned with a 3/8" nut driver or socket
Effect of Nut Turns on Range Adjustment

Here is an example of Range Nut Adjustment Settings & the Number of Turns
Required, using the Square-D Pumptrol Class 9013F and G Pressure
Switches as an example:

Pressure Switch Range Nut Adjustments: Range Changes vs Number of Turns of the Nut

Original
Range
Nut
Pressure
Number of Range Nut New Range Nut Pressure Setting
Setting
Clockwise Turns Cut-in / Cut-Out Pressure in PSI
Cut-in /
Cut-Out
Pressure
in PSI

20 / 40
3 1/2 turns 30 / 50 psi
psi

20 / 40
8 to 8 1/2 turns 40 / 60 psi
psi

30 / 50
3 1/2 turns 40 / 60 psi
psi
Notes:
Adapted from : "Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guidelines for Class 9013F and
9013G Pressure Switches" (2007), Original source: Schneider Electric USA 8001 Knightdale
Boulevard Knightdale, NC 27545 USA 1-888-SquareD (1-888-778-2733) www.us.SquareD.com

Schneider Electric offers technical assistance for their Pumptrol product line: Schneider Electric
Pumptrol Product Line 8001 Knightdale Boulevard Knightdale, NC 27545-9023 e-mail:
control.support@us.schneider-electric.com Telephone: 1-888-SquareD (1-888-778-2733)

Watch out: Electrical equipment should be serviced only by qualified electrical maintenance
personnel. No responsibility is assumed by Square D [ nor by InspectApedia.com ] for any
consequences arising out of the use of this material. - Pumptrol Pressure Switch Installation & Wiring
Instructions (2010), retrieved 1 April 2015, Schneider Electric USA 8001 Knightdale Blvd. Knightdale, NC 27545 1-888-
SquareD (1-888-778-2733) www.us.SquareD.com

Pump Pressure Switch Pumptrol Nut Adjustment Sequence

Watch out: Schneider Electric, the manufacturer of the Square-D Pumptrol

pressure control switch warns that when adjusting the pressure control
settings it is important to make the adjustment in the proper sequence: adjust
the RANGE nut FIRST, then adjust the DIFFERENTIAL nut SECOND. -
Pumptrol Pressure Switch Installation & Wiring Instructions (2010), retrieved 1 April 2015, Schneider
Electric USA 8001 Knightdale Blvd. Knightdale, NC 27545 1-888-SquareD (1-888-778-2733)
www.us.SquareD.com

Example Pump Pressure Switch Adjustment Instructions from Square-D Pressure Control

Understanding how pump pressure control switches work and which way to
turn which of the two nuts in the control can be confusing.

On a Square-D Pumptrol 9013FSF-2 pump pressure switch, for example,

Square D tells us that we

Turn the Large Range Nut #1 (green arrow at right in our photo, the
larger spring and nut) clockwise (to the right or "down") to raise [both]
cut-on and cut-off pressures. This is "tightening the nut down" against
the spring. ("Rightie-tightie, leftie-loosie" as Mara Gieseke says to her
kids). Thanks to reader Rise for this clarification.

In other words, adjusting the pressure on this spring shifts the whole
operating range of the switch up or down, but keeps the difference
between cut-in and cut-out the same, whatever it happens to be
(typically it's about 20 psi from the factory.)
Which Way do I turn the Larger Range Nut on the Pressure Control
Switch
If you want the pump to turn ON (cut-in) sooner, that is, at a
higher water pressure, turn the nut clockwise or "tighter". This shifts
the whole operating pressure range of the pump control (and thus the
water pump) up to higher cut-in and cut-out pressures.

If you want the water pump to turn ON (cut-in) later, that is, at a
lower water pressure, turn the nut counterclockwise or "looser". This
shifts the operating range to lower cut-in and cut-out pressures.

The gap between cut-in and cut-out pressures remains the same when
you adjust the range nut. It is the smaller differential nut that can change
that gap as we explain in this article.

Remember to adjust the larger RANGE nut first, then adjust the smaller
DIFFERNTIAL nut.

Watch out: be sure to check the adjustment instructions for your particular
pressure control switch and to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Shown
below are the instructions for a Type 9013-series Square D Pumptrol. This
particular switch was the Square-D Pumptrol 9013FSG ( for which a contact
replacement kit is available: Catalog No. 9998PC241). The switch label
instructions say:

1. Turn Nut #1 CW (clockwise or "down" or tighter) to raise cut on & off

pressures.
2. Turn Nut #2 CW (clockwise or "down" or tighter) to raise off
pressure only. - Op. Cit.
The (Smaller) Differential Adjustment Nut

The smaller nut (red arrow) atop the

smaller spring in the pump pressure switch: changes the differential between
cut-in and cut-out pressure.

The the pressure differential adjustment nut (and spring) in our photos - and
sketches is pointed to by the red arrow.

The differential adjustment nut has the practical effect of raising or lowering
the cut OFF pressure only. This in effect, widens the gap or pressure
differential between cut-in and cut-off pressures. Or as the manufacturer puts
it:

Adjusting the differential changes the cut-out setting. The cut-in does
not change. - Op. Cit.

Which nut to turn in the pump pressure switch control, and which direction to
turn it, are usually visible on a label inside the pressure switch cover.

Above we show photos of a common Square D water pump pressure control

switch (Schneider Electric) and below is an example of the label with pump
control adjustment details.
Which Way do I turn the Smaller (Differential) Nut on the Pressure Control Switch?

Turn the Small Differential Nut #2 (red arrow in our photos &
schematics above, the smaller spring and nut) clockwise to raise the
cut-out pressure.

If you want the water pump to turn OFF (cut out or cut-off) at a
higher water pressure, turn this nut clockwise or "tighter".

If you want the water pump to turn OFF (cut out or cut-off) at a
lower water pressure, turn this nut counter clockwise or "looser"

Here is why the small nut is called the "Differential"

Adjusting the pressure on this spring shifts just the pump cut-out
pressure up (clockwise) or down (counter-clockwise). But as readers
Don Travis has pointed out, it's a bit more complicated than this.

On at least some pressure control switch models, the small nut on the
pressure control switch increases (turn down or tighten) or decreases
(turn up or loosen) the differential between the cut-off and cut-on points
on the switch.

In other words, If you leave the large nut alone and change the smaller
one, you increase the gap between pump cut-in and pump cut-out
pressures. A larger gap between cut-in (cut on pressure) and cut-out
(cut off pressure) means you will run water longer in the building before
the water pump is turned on.
Watch out: After adjusting nut#2 you may need to check the actual
operating water pressures in your system and adjust nut#1 to be sure that you
are not pushing the cut-out (upper pressure) so high that the water pump
never turns off (dangerous).

Or in a contrary case if you completely loosen the smaller nut #2 (differential

adjustment) so that the pump differential between cut-in pressure and cut-out
pressure is very small the water pump may short cycle on and off rapidly
when water is being run in the building.

Especially if the well pump is a submersible (hidden and silent down inside the
actual well) you may not realize that the pump motor is not shutting off. This
can burst a pipe, burst a water tank, cause in-building leaks (especially at
pressures over 70 psi), or burn up the well pump. You may be best to leave
this adjustment screw alone.

In sum, the "Range" nut shifts the whole operating range of the pressure
control up or down, but keeps the gap between cut-in and cut-out the same.
The "Differential" nut widens or narrows the gap between the cut-in and cut-
out pressures. But messing with the gap also shifts the operating pressure of
the control so you may have to re-visit the range - or leave this nut alone.

Watch out: also, as the manufacturer (Schneider Electric for Square D

Pumptrol wiring connections),

Electrical equipment should be serviced only by qualified electrical

maintenance personnel. No responsibility is assumed by Square D [ nor by
InspectApedia.com ] for any consequences arising out of the use of this
material. - Pumptrol Pressure Switch Installation & Wiring Instructions (2010), retrieved 1 April 2015,
Schneider Electric USA 8001 Knightdale Blvd. Knightdale, NC 27545 1-888-SquareD (1-888-778-2733)
www.us.SquareD.com

What if my Pressure Control Switch has Only One Adjustment Nut?

Yeah. Some pump pressure control switches such as Schneider Electric's

Square D Pumptrol Types FTG and FHG have only a range adjustment nut.
There is no differential adjustment. Just follow the adjustment instructions for
the large Nut 1 marked in green and described as RANGE nut in the article
above.
How to increase the well pump cut-in pressure without setting the cut-out
pressure too high

Reader asked: We have a well and have been experiencing intermittent

low water pressure.

I checked the pump and it cuts in at 25 PSI and cuts off at 65 PSI. But the
diagram on the inside of the pump switch cover indicates that it should be
cutting in at 40 PSI and out at 60 PSI. It has a maximum PSI of 80.

How do I get the well pump to cut in at 40 PSI instead of 25 PSI? I believe this
would give us adequate water pressure at all times.

According to the information on your website adjusting the mainspring will

change both the cut in and cut off pressures and adjusting the differential will
adjust only the cut off pressure. Apparently, there is no way to adjust only the
cut in pressure? Thanks for your help. - L.W.

Reply: Here is how to change the cut-in pressure without pushing the
cut-out pressure too high

A competent onsite inspection by an expert usually finds additional clues that

help accurately diagnose a water pressure or pump problem.

And your cause of inadequate water pressure might be due to more than just
the static pressure capability of the pump. For example, the pump's maximum
flow rate in gpm could be inadequate, or you could have a partly closed water
valve or clogged water pipe. Put another way, many homes that operate
between 30 and 50 psi have very good water pressure and flow rate at the
fixtures. So if you don't there may be another problem besides the pressure
switch settings.

That said, here are some things to consider:

Most pump pressure controls are tricky to adjust in the way you mentioned,
but you should be able to set the cut-in to a higher number and then adjust the
cut-in - cut-out pressure differential to keep the cut-out pressure from being
too high. That will cause your well pump to turn sooner when you start running
water (and will cycle it more often, a factor in pump wear).

At PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT we explain that the smaller

nut on the pump control switch adjusts the differential or gap between cut in
and cut out and the larger nut raises the cut-in pressure (as well as cut off).

In other words you can set the cut in pressure higher and then narrow the
differential so that the cut-off pressure is not dangerously high or above what
the pump can reach.

Watch out: don't run the water pressure control with too narrow a differential
between the cut-in and cut-out or the pump may just sit there short-cycling
until you burn up the motor. If your pump is staying on for less than 30
seconds (I prefer longer), you may be heading for trouble.

Watch out: setting the cut-out water pressure too high can cause the pump to
never turn off or at high pressures you may find leaks at fixtures. And
high water pressure that exceeds the rated water tank pressure can burst the
tank - a very dangerous event. Also make sure your pressure tank has a relief
valve installed.

Finally, I suspect that after you have increased the pump cut-in or cut-on
pressure to a higher number, say 30 psi, if you will find that this does not fix
your water pressure problem.

The fact that your low water pressure is intermittent might in fact point to a
problem with the well flow rate itself.
See WELL YIELD DEFINITION.

Once the well pump turns on and presuming you are running water
continuously, especially if more than one fixture is running, you may see that
your pump runs continuously until you turn the water off. If this is the case, it's
not the starting water pressure setting that is at fault, it's the pump or piping or
well that is limiting the water flow rate.

If I'm right that means that the water flow rate through the system, from well
through pump and pipes, elbows, valves, etc. is just not enough, and further
diagnosis is in order.

Follow-up and Water Pressure Problem Solved:

Looks like I will call a plumber. I adjusted the mainspring to raise the cut-
in/cut-out range but there was no change.

The water pump switch was faulty and had to be replaced. Also the line going
into the water tank was clogged and had to be rodded out. Working fine now.

The homeowner attempted to adjust the pressure control switch for the water
pump. When he turned the adjusting nut the water pump behavior and water
pressure did not change. That observation led to calling a plumber who
replaced the pressure control switch - which solved the water
pressure problem.

...

Continue reading at PUMP PRESSURE SWITCH STANDARD (PSI)

SETTINGS or select a topic from closely-related articles below, or see our
complete INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES below.

Or see PRESSURE SWITCH NUT ADJUSTMENT FAQs - questions &

answers about this article

Or see WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT FAQs

Suggested citation for this web page

PRESSURE SWITCH NUT ADJUSTMENTS at InspectApedia.com - online

encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair,
& problem prevention advice.
INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to WATER SUPPLY,
PUMPS TANKS WELLS

Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search

InspectApedia