Automatic Pump Controllers and Variable Speed Drives
0.5 – 8 bar
adjustable start and stop pressure
up to 2.2 kW
230 V single-phase supply
Dry-run protection
on every model
Which controller do you need?
| Model | What it does | Pump size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coelbo Switchmatic 1 | Electronic pressure switch with digital pressure gauge; starts and stops the pump at the pressures you set; dry-run protection by minimum pressure | up to 2.2 kW (3 HP), 16 A | R 1 647.23 |
| Coelbo Switchmatic 2 | As Switchmatic 1, plus current reading, overload and overcurrent alarms, fast-cycling protection and twin-pump (cascade) operation; dry-run protection by current | up to 2.2 kW (3 HP), 16 A | R 1 982.31 |
| Italtecnica Brio Tank | Pressure and flow controller with a built-in 0.4 l expansion vessel that cuts down pump starts from small leaks; restarts the pump when the pressure drops | up to 1.5 kW (2 HP), 12 A | R 1 585.85 |
| Italtecnica Sirio Universal | Variable speed drive (inverter) on the pump outlet: changes the motor speed to hold a constant pressure, soft start, dry-run protection | 230 V supply; output 1 × 230 V (14 A) or 3 × 230 V (9.7 A) | R 8 946.56 |
Rule of thumb: a Switchmatic or Brio Tank switches the pump on and off at fixed pressures – the simplest and cheapest way to automate a booster or borehole pump on a pressure tank. Choose the Sirio when you want the same pressure at every tap, quieter running and less wear, because the pump slows down instead of switching on and off.
Coelbo Switchmatic 1 and 2 – electronic pressure switches
| Specification | Switchmatic 1 and 2 |
|---|---|
| Supply | 1 × 110 – 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Max. current / pump power | 16 A / 2.2 kW (3 HP) |
| Start pressure (cut-in) | 0.5 – 7 bar, factory set 3 bar |
| Stop pressure (cut-out) | 1 – 8 bar, factory set 4 bar |
| Differential | 0.3 – 7.5 bar |
| Dry-run protection | Switchmatic 1: by minimum pressure · Switchmatic 2: by motor current |
| Switchmatic 2 extras | current reading, overcurrent and overload alarms, fast-cycling protection, synchronised or cascade operation of two pumps |
| Protection / temperature | IP55, water up to 40 °C, ambient up to 50 °C |
| Connection | G¼” female rotating nut (fit with a T-kit on the pump outlet) |
Italtecnica Brio Tank – pressure controller with expansion vessel
| Specification | Brio Tank |
|---|---|
| Supply | 230 V AC ±10 %, 50/60 Hz |
| Max. current / pump power | 12 A / 1.5 kW (2 HP) |
| Restart pressure | 1 – 3.5 bar adjustable, factory set 1.5 bar |
| Max. pressure | 10 bar |
| Built-in expansion vessel | 0.4 l, precharged to 1.5 bar |
| Dry-run protection | yes – stops the pump when water is lost (red light) |
| Protection / temperature | IP65, water 5 – 35 °C |
| Connection | 1” male (BSP) |
Do not fit a non-return valve between the pump and the Brio Tank on a surface pump – it can stop the pump from switching off. With a submersible pump the non-return valve is fine.
Italtecnica Sirio Universal – variable speed drive for constant pressure
| Specification | Sirio Universal |
|---|---|
| Supply | 230 V single-phase, 50/60 Hz |
| Output (selectable) | 1 × 230 V, 14 A (single-phase pump with capacitor) or 3 × 230 V, 9.7 A (three-phase 230 V pump in delta) |
| Pump size | up to 2.2 kW |
| Pressure | set point 0.5 – 8 bar, max. 8 bar |
| Max. flow | 150 l/min (9 m³/h) |
| Functions | constant pressure, soft start, dry-run protection with built-in flow switch, second set point and twin-pump operation via the auxiliary contact |
| Protection / temperature | IP X5, water 5 – 35 °C |
| Connection | 1¼” male – male |
The Sirio drives a 230 V motor only. A 400 V three-phase pump needs a 400 V drive – ask us.
How to choose
1. Check the pump: 230 V single-phase up to 2.2 kW suits all four; the Brio Tank is for pumps up to 1.5 kW (2 HP); a three-phase 230 V pump needs the Sirio Universal.
2. Pick the pressure: set the start pressure about 1 bar below the pressure you want at the taps; the pump must be able to reach the stop pressure.
3. Choose on/off or variable speed: Switchmatic or Brio Tank for simple automatic on/off; Sirio Universal for constant pressure and soft starting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Switchmatic 1 and Switchmatic 2?
Both switch the pump on and off at adjustable pressures and show the pressure on a digital display. The Switchmatic 2 also measures the motor current: it protects against dry running and overload by current, warns when the pump starts too often, and can run two pumps together.
Do I still need a pressure tank?
With a Switchmatic, yes – a pressure tank stops the pump from starting for every small draw. The Brio Tank has a small 0.4 l vessel built in. The Sirio Universal works without a large tank because it slows the pump down instead of switching it off.
Can I use these on a borehole pump?
Yes, if the motor is 230 V and within the power limit: fit the controller on the delivery line above ground, after the borehole pump.
What protects the pump if the water runs out?
All four have dry-run protection: the Switchmatic 1 by minimum pressure, the Switchmatic 2 by motor current, the Brio Tank when water is lost, and the Sirio by its built-in flow switch.
Need help choosing or want a price?
Our pump team will check the right size for your flow and head and give you a quote.
WhatsApp us: 082 516 2248 Get a Quote / Size my pump info@pumps.co.za