I have situation where the water is drawn from well with a Pump. I configured to switch on the pump with a pump start relay as soon as the schedule configured starts the 4 zones one after one. I have two queries for the experts to answer. Thanks in advance in answering my queries.
- After the 4 zones completes watering, the pump start relay is not switching off the Pump. I can share the pictures or video of my setup.
- while the four zones are watering, if the power goes off for some time and then power return, will the rest of the schedule run by switching on the Pump with pump start relay.
I have just seen your photo of the “complex” watering system. The green wires from Inkbird controller M&C go to operate the “pump start relay”(swinging in the breeze). The black wires take power from what looks like push buttons and applies power to what looks like a “Contactor”.
Now this may be the problem a “Contactor” typically operates with “Green Botton” latches it ON and the “Red Button” latches it OFF. I am guessing that the pump relay is simulating the “green button” latch on function. If I am right then nothing is latching it OFF but the pump relay is in fact turning off at the end of the watering cycle.
You need to get an electrician involved! Or provide details on the “Contractor”?? Place a 24 VAC torch globe across the M&C Controller and it will help you understand what is happening! Cheers
Let me know if this helps.
Thanks, James.
You have an excellent understanding of the system and a great way of explaining the connections—really appreciate your insights.
I don’t have an electrical engineering background myself, and since it’s currently raining (and expected to continue for the next two months), I’m also trying to find a local electrician to help. However, it’s quite challenging to find someone with the right knowledge here in the village.
In the meantime, I’ve been using ChatGPT to figure out how to connect the pump start relay to the Inkbird controller to get the pump running. I plan to continue working through it this way and will reach out if I run into issues.
I’ll share detailed pictures of the setup so you can guide me more easily if needed.
Could you kindly share your email ID so I can send everything directly to you?
Thanks again for all your support!
I need more close up photos.
It looks like the pump may be 3 phase. Hence contractor.
Am I correct re the buttons ?
After you push the green button do you hear the Contactor pull in?
Then another Contactor operate a few seconds later?
Please answer the questions to help me relate to the picture better and how it is functioning.
Re send photo in this session!
Thanks. Sure will send Pic and details on this friday or Saturday once I am at my farm. I am weekend farmer 
Let’s build an action plan for your weekend visit.
The 4G white box unit looks like a remote control switch the allows the pump to be turned on and off from a remote radio switch? Yes ? No ?
If not what is it?
As it is connect into the BUTTONS either to get power or to allow it to do a similar function to that if the buttons.
Do you have email ?
I am in Adelaide, South Australia
Yes 4G white Box unit is used to switch on the pump ON/OFF remotely from my Mobile. Now I have disconnected and have directly connected the Pump start relay. If the pump start relay would able to switch ON/OFF the pump as per the schedule in the controller we don’t need 4G box. My email ID harsha_619@yahoo.co.in I am from Bangalore India.
Addressing point 2 - reviewed and tested
If power is lost during an automatic watering cycle during a Zone on time and restored during that zone schedule on time the watering WILL NOT be resumed. Pump output will remain off as will that Zone. Should there be another zone scheduled for after the power outage- then normal watering process will continue. That is the Pump output M&C will activate with this Zone coming on.
Note:- If your watering cycle has multiple Zones set to start at the same time (not recommended) they will come on sequentially relative to zone number for the zone time set for each Zone. In this scenario if a power outage is experienced and reinstated the watering cycle will stop.
Hope this helps you understanding!
wow perfect thanks James for reviewing & testing this scenario. I will come back soon on the point 1 we discussed for which i need your help on setting up pump start relay.
Not sure if you got my email.Pls Confirm
Your 3 phase (Delta configuration) pump is run from a contractor which is controlled by a 3 wire connected push on - push off button system.
The benefit of this system is, if there is a power failure the pump will remain off until the on button is pushed.
If the push buttons are dis connected (removed) and a 2 wire system is used - with 2 NEW simple on / off switches in series. (1 is master on/ off ).
Your Inkbird and 4G could be connected in parallel with 1 of the switches to allow either 3 methods to turn on or off the pump through simple relay contact action.
Google 2 and 3 wire Contactor wiring configurations to learn the difference and relate to what you have and what you need.
The module with a RED button / dial which forms part of the Contactor unit must remain wired in to continue its role in the protecting the system.
Hope this helps gives you a solution simple and cost effective. I have given this my best shot based on limited info provided.
Please cover bare connection to improve safety.
Cheers
Thanks, James — I received your email as well.
As an interim solution, I’m currently using the mobile-controlled white box (starter) to manage the motor. I first schedule the irrigation manually, and after 1–2 minutes, I turn on the pump remotely using the mobile starter. I then either switch off the pump before the irrigation schedule ends or set the schedule to extend beyond the power availability window so the pump shuts off automatically when the power goes off.
Power is available between 6 AM – 10 AM and 3 PM – 6 PM, so I’m aligning the schedule accordingly to ensure the pump turns off without requiring additional intervention.
This weekend, I plan to visit the site and take close-up pictures so I can work on implementing the solution you recommended. Its been great support from you, much appreciated