Vega Borehole Pumps

A Vega submersible borehole pump is a multistage pump end that hangs in the water column and lifts water to the surface, driven by a separate submersible motor below it. Vega builds pump ends for 3-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch boreholes, from a 0.18 kW domestic kit to 110 kW bulk-supply pumps. This guide sets out every Vega range we stock, how to choose between them, what each one needs to run, and current prices.

Pump end or complete kit?

Most Vega borehole pumps are sold as the pump end only (the wet end). The motor, control box and cable are chosen separately so each can be matched exactly to the borehole. Vega also packages ready-to-install kits for the common domestic sizes, where the pump end, motor, cable and control box come together in one box.

A pump end does nothing on its own. Every “wet end only” listing needs a matching Vega borehole motor of the same kW, a control box or pump controller, submersible cable and a rising main. Check the motor power on the pump end listing and buy the motor to match.

Vega borehole ranges at a glance

The number after the range name is the nominal flow class; the number after the slash is the stage count. More stages give more head, so the 4SD2/28 lifts roughly four times higher than the 4SD2/7 at the same flow.

Maximum head is the shut-off head of the largest and smallest model in each range. Rated flow is the top of the recommended flow band. 6SP46 performance data is on each product page.

Which size fits your borehole?

Measure the inside diameter of the casing, not the drill bit size. The pump, motor and cable guard must pass the full depth of the hole, so leave clearance.

The 6-inch pump ends list a minimum 8" (200 mm) well because the 6" motor and cable guard need the extra clearance. The 10SP ranges use a 6" motor at the lower powers and an 8" motor at the higher powers; the product name states which.

Choosing the range: flow first, then head

1. Know your borehole yield. The driller's yield test gives the sustainable rate. Choose a range whose rated flow sits below that yield. A 4SD16 in a 1 m³/h hole will draw the water down to the pump and run dry.
2. Work out the total head. Pumping water level + height from borehole to tank inlet + friction in the pipe + any pressure you need at the outlet (10 m per bar).
3. Pick the range by flow. For a household drawing 0.5 – 2 m³/h, the 4ST1, 4SD2 and 4SD3 fit. For garden and small irrigation at 3 – 8 m³/h, look at 4SD4 to 4SD8. For 10 m³/h and above, 4SD10 to 4SD20 or the 6-inch ranges.
4. Pick the model by head. Within the range, open the product page and read the performance table at your flow. Choose the model that delivers your flow at your total head, with a little margin.
5. Match the motor. Buy the Vega motor of the kW shown on the pump end, in the voltage available on site.

Worked example

A farmhouse borehole has a pumping water level of 55 m and a tested yield of 2.5 m³/h. The tank stands 6 m above the borehole head and the 120 m pipe run adds about 6 m of friction. Total head = 55 + 6 + 6 = 67 m. The household needs about 1.5 m³/h. The 4SD2 range covers that flow comfortably inside the yield; the model to choose is the one whose performance table shows at least 1.5 m³/h at 67 m. On 220V that stays within the 2.2 kW single-phase limit.

Maximum head is not working head. It is the pressure at zero flow. A pump quoted at 100 m maximum head delivers little or no water at 100 m. Always select at your actual head from the performance table on the product page.

Single-phase or three-phase?

Vega single-phase 4" motors run up to 2.2 kW on 220–240V. Above that, and for any 6-inch, 8-inch or 10-inch pump, you need a three-phase 380V or 525V supply. Three-phase motors draw less current for the same power, so the cable can be smaller on a deep hole. Where only single-phase is available but you need a three-phase pump, an AR200 or VSD running a 220V three-phase motor is an option up to 2.2 kW.

Construction and materials

Because the couplings follow the NEMA standard, a Vega pump end fits any NEMA motor of the same size and kW, and a Vega motor fits other NEMA pump ends. Sand is the enemy of any borehole pump: if the water carries sand, have the hole developed and cleaned before installing.

Operating limits

Installation notes that prevent failures

• Hang it on a stainless steel safety rope, never on the cable or plastic rising main alone.
• Use dry-run protection. A Vega 20Y, Y1 or 30Y controller switches the pump off when the water runs out and restarts it after a set delay.
• Size the cable for the full length so the voltage at the motor stays within limits on start-up.
• Fit a pressure tank or controller so the pump is not starting every time a tap opens.
• Use a borehole base plate to support the rising main and seal the casing at the top.
• Record the installation depth, pump model and motor kW for the next service.

Price guide

Current prices on our store, including VAT. Pump-end prices exclude the motor.

Prices are correct at the time of writing and may change. The product page always shows the current price.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Vega Pumps — the full Vega range
• Vega Borehole Motors — 3" to 8" motors
• Vega Pump Controllers — control boxes and dry-run protection
• Vega Solar Pumps — off-grid borehole pumping
• Borehole Pump Guide — cable sizing and installation for all brands
• Vega Submersible Borehole Pumps — shop the category