WorldWide Drilling Resource

34 DECEMBER 2016 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Simplify Installation and Maintenance Adapted from Information by Merrill Manufacturing courtesy of Power PR While water well drilling and pump installation contractors have access to products at local hardware stores, big box stores, or regional wholesalers, they are often exposed to a fraction of what is actually available. Retailers typically offer only a few of the most common items, and wholesalers tend to lead contractors to the products they stock. The complexity in most water well systems begins with the numerous parts needed to integrate the well, pump, water storage tank, pipes and fittings, as well as the water distribution line. Adding to the challenge are the various codes and design options required to meet strict federal, state, and municipal regulations. A growing number of contractors are demanding suppliers offer a more comprehensive list of parts and accessories to enable installations and maintenance to be simplified. “As proactive contractors look beyond the usual parts and accessories, they are finding attractive options they never knew existed,” said Danny Ahrens, owner of Florida-based Water Products Marketing, a supplier of water well equipment to distributors and contractors. “Innovation is helping them to install water well equipment more efficiently and cost-effectively while at the same time improving quality; and that gives them an edge in the market.” Some contractors use the same standard parts and accessories their mentors or fathers did, however, this is not always the best idea. Trying more effective nonstandard parts can dramatically cut installation times, among other benefits. For example, instead of installing a traditional control box and pressure switch, which involves running wires between them and fitting all the connections in an undersized case, contractors could use a control switch. This innovative device combines a three-wire control box (with start capacitor, relay, run capacitor, and a wire terminal strip) and a pressure switch into one easy-to-install device, eliminating the time it takes to install and connect a pressure switch and a separate control box. Merrill Manufacturing offers a heavy-duty pressure switch for longer life, an extra large case for easy wiring, and heavy brass wire connections which can hold #4 wire. “Instead of a standard pressure switch and control box, installers are finding that Merrill’s control switch can act like a junction box,” stated Ahrens, who has been involved with more than 50 field installations with the device, some operating for nearly ten years. “The design reduces the amount of required connections - including conduit, fittings, washers, and lock washers - by half,” he explained. This speeds installation up to 50%, extends service life, minimizes time-wasting nuisance calls, and eliminates issues related to start capacitors and relays. Since the control switch works with all brands of motors, it also reduces the in- ventory of replacement parts contractors must bring to the jobsite. Simplify Installation cont’d on page 62. *- (*-! %)"*-( /%*) 1%.%/222 (22 *-# %))!.*/ /!- !'' ..* % /%*) /$ ))0 ' - ! $*2 *)1!)/%*) )0 -4 %))! +*'%. --%*// *-/$2!./ -**&'4) -& $! 0'! 0) 4 3$% %/*- !/ 0+ * - *" %-! /*-. !!/%)# ) *.+%/ '%/4 *) 4 ' ..!. ) ''$%)!4 ! /0-! - ! $*2 %!. -*#- ( 2 - . ),0!/ ) .%)* %#$/ 0!. 4 +! &!-. ) ' ..!. ))0 ' !!/%)# ./ -!.% !)/. !!/%)# %) ' * - !!/%)# ) '0( %)# ' .. / ! )!. 4 '0( %)# ' .. /