Vega Pump Controllers
A borehole pump controller sits on the surface and starts, runs and protects the submersible motor in the hole. Vega offers two levels: the MA analogue control box, which simply starts a single-phase motor, and the 20Y, Y1, 30Y and 30A intelligent controllers, which also watch the motor current and switch the pump off before it runs dry, overloads or loses a phase. This guide explains which one your pump needs and what each costs.
Motor Range
0.25 – 30 kW
220V and 380V
Dry-Run Protection
No probes needed
Current sensing on 20Y, Y1, 30Y
Analogue Boxes
From R206
Incl. VAT
Intelligent 1-Phase
R1 671
20Y, 0.37 – 2.2 kW
Intelligent 3-Phase
From R2 143
Y1, 30Y and 30A
Timers
On 0 – 48 h, off 0 – 480 min
30Y and 30A
Why the controller matters
Most borehole motors do not fail on their own. They fail because the water level dropped below the pump, the supply voltage sagged, a phase was lost or the pump was started too often. A standard control box does not see any of this. An intelligent controller measures the motor current continuously: when the current drops because the pump is sucking air, it switches off, waits, and tries again later.
Match the controller to the motor kW exactly. Single-phase controllers contain the start and run capacitors sized for one motor rating. A box from a different kW will fit the wires, but the motor will run hot and fail.
Which Vega controller do you need?
| Your motor | Basic start and overload | With dry-run and voltage protection |
|---|---|---|
| 3" 220V single-phase, 0.25 kW | MA analogue control box | MA box plus a separate level switch |
| 4" 220V single-phase, 0.37 – 2.2 kW | MA analogue control box | 20Y intelligent controller |
| 380V three-phase, 0.37 – 7.5 kW | Motor starter to specification | Y1 intelligent controller |
| 380V three-phase, 5.5 – 15 kW | Motor starter to specification | 30Y intelligent controller |
| 380V three-phase, 18.5 – 30 kW | Motor starter to specification | 30A intelligent controller |
| Constant pressure or soft start, any size | – | AR100 / AR200 VSD controller |
MA analogue control boxes
The MA box is the simplest way to start a single-phase borehole motor. It houses the run capacitor and a thermal overload protector, giving protection against short circuit and over-current. Operation is manual: the pump runs when the box is switched on. IP44, ambient −25 to +55 °C.
| Control box | Run capacitor | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| C/Box STD 3" 0.25kW (220V) | 16 µF | R206 | Buy online |
| C/Box STD 4" 0.37kW (220V) | 20 µF | R211 | Buy online |
| C/Box STD 4" 0.55kW (220V) | 25 µF | R224 | Buy online |
| C/Box STD 4" 0.75kW (220V) | 35 µF | R224 | Buy online |
| C/Box STD 4" 1.1kW (220V) | 45 µF | R246 | Buy online |
| C/Box STD 4" 1.5kW (220V) | 55 µF | R280 | Buy online |
| C/Box STD 4" 2.2kW (220V) | 75 µF | R364 | Buy online |
20Y single-phase intelligent controller
For 220V single-phase deep-well pumps from 0.37 to 2.2 kW. The start capacitor is built in, so the 20Y replaces the standard control box. Non-contact current sensing detects dry running without probes in the borehole.
- Dry-run protection with automatic restart timer
- Overload and no-load protection
- Over- and under-voltage protection
- Water shortage alarm
- Timer on/off control and LCD display
- Size 275 × 205 × 75 mm
| Motor | Start capacitor | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.37 kW | 20 µF built in | R1 671 | Buy online |
| 0.55 kW | 25 µF built in | R1 671 | Buy online |
| 0.75 kW | 35 µF built in | R1 671 | Buy online |
| 1.1 kW | 45 µF built in | R1 671 | Buy online |
| 1.5 kW | 55 µF built in | R1 671 | Buy online |
| 2.2 kW | 75 µF built in | R1 671 | Buy online |
Y1, 30Y and 30A three-phase intelligent controllers
For 380V three-phase pumps: borehole motors, centrifugal, multistage, sewage and booster pumps. All three monitor the motor current to detect dry running, and protect against overload, phase loss and voltage faults within a 304 – 456 V window.
| Feature | Y1 | 30Y | 30A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor power | 0.37 – 4 kW or 5.5 – 7.5 kW | 5.5 – 15 kW | 18.5 – 30 kW |
| Supply | 380V ±10%, 50 Hz | 380V ±10%, 50 Hz | 380V ±10%, 50 Hz |
| Dry-run detection | Motor current | Motor current, delay 0 – 600 s | Motor current, delay 0 – 600 s |
| Level and pressure control | Float switch, electrode or pressure switch | Float, electrode probe or pressure switch / contact gauge | Float, electrode probe or pressure switch / contact gauge |
| Timer | On/off timer | On 0 – 48 h, off 0 – 480 min | On 0 – 48 h, off 0 – 480 min |
| Display | Voltage, current, water level | Voltage, current, reservoir level | Voltage, current, reservoir level |
| Size | 320 × 220 × 125 mm | 310 × 254 × 106 mm | 300 × 400 × 190 mm |
| Price | R2 143 | R3 799 | R5 970 |
The 30Y and 30A also restart automatically after an over- or under-voltage trip once the supply returns to normal, show faults as text with an audible beep, and switch between automatic and manual mode.
Setting up dry-run protection
- Install and wire the controller to the motor rating on the label.
- Run the pump with water flowing and note the normal running current.
- Set the overload trip slightly above the running current and the no-load (dry-run) trip below it, as the manual describes.
- Set the restart delay long enough for the borehole to recover. On a low-yield hole that can be 30 minutes or more.
- Add a float switch or electrode probe in the tank so the pump stops when the tank is full.
Price guide
| Controller | Models | Price range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA analogue control boxes, 220V | 7 | R206 – R364 | Shop |
| 20Y intelligent, 220V single-phase | 6 | R1 671 | Shop |
| Y1 intelligent, 380V | 2 | R2 143 | Shop |
| 30Y and 30A intelligent, 380V | 2 | R3 799 – R5 970 | Shop |
Prices include VAT and are correct at the time of writing. The product page always shows the current price.
Frequently asked questions
Does a single-phase borehole pump need a control box?
Yes. The start and run capacitors for a single-phase submersible motor sit in the surface control box. Use a Vega MA box or a 20Y controller of the same kW as the motor.
What is the difference between the MA control box and the 20Y?
The MA box starts the motor and gives overload and short-circuit protection. The 20Y also detects dry running, over- and under-voltage and no-load, restarts automatically after a set delay and has a timer and LCD display.
How does the 20Y detect dry running without probes?
It measures the motor current. When the pump runs out of water the current drops, and the controller switches off, then restarts after the timer delay.
Which controller do I need for a 5.5 kW three-phase borehole pump?
The Y1 covers 5.5 to 7.5 kW in one model, and the 30Y covers 5.5 to 15 kW with a longer timer range and probe or float level control.
Can the Y1, 30Y or 30A control a sewage or booster pump?
Yes. They are general three-phase pump controllers for submersible, centrifugal, multistage, sewage and booster pumps, with float, electrode or pressure-switch control.
What voltage range do the three-phase controllers accept?
They run on 380V ±10% at 50 Hz and protect the motor outside a 304 to 456 V window.
Can I use a 20Y on a 525V pump?
No. The 20Y is for 220V single-phase motors, and the Y1, 30Y and 30A are for 380V. 525V pumps need a starter and protection built to specification.
Do I still need a pressure tank with an intelligent controller?
For a pump feeding the house directly, yes, or use a VSD controller. The Vega controllers protect the motor but do not stop rapid on-off cycling from small draws.
Not sure which controller fits?
Send us the motor kW, voltage and what the pump feeds. We will match the control box or intelligent controller and the settings.
Related guides
- Vega Borehole Motors
- Vega Borehole Pumps
- Vega Variable Speed Drives
- Vega Pump Accessories — float switches and pressure tanks
- Vega Pumps
- Vega Control Boxes — shop the category