Xylem Rule A53S - User Manual

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INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

A53S, A53S-24, A53D

Submersible Utility Pump

The A53S and A53S-24 Automatic Sump and Utility

Pumps activate approximately every 2-1/2 minutes to

check for water. During this “check”, the pump runs for

about one second and checks for resistance or drag

against the impeller. If resistance (water) is found, it will

run for as long as water is present. When all the water is

pumped out, the pump shuts off and returns to its 2-1/2

minute test cycle.

When testing the pump, unplugging/plugging the

pump in will not reset the 2-1/2 minute cycle. The Non-

Automatic A53D Sump pump does not have this feature

and can be activated by plugging the pump into a GFCI

electrical 110VAC outlet.

Cautions and Warnings

WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS OR FATAL,

PERSONAL INJURY OR MAJOR PROPERTY

DAMAGE, READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS IN MANUAL AND ON PUMP. THIS

MANUAL MUST BE KEPT WITH THE PUMP. MAINTAIN

ALL SAFETY LABELS.

Disconnect electrical power before installing or servicing

the pump. The motor’s sensor or automatic thermal

overload protection may allow the pump to operate

expectantly.

This pump should not be used to drain a pool cover

or prevent water from accumulating on top of a pool

cover. Using this pump as a pool cover pump will void

the warranty.

CAUTION: Pump must always be properly attached

to the strainer before powering the unit to prevent

damage to the pump, the surrounding environment or

property and injury to persons.

CAUTION: This pump has been evaluated for

use with water only. Pump is not designed for use

in or on top of swimming pools, open bodies of water,

hazardous liquids, or where ammable gases exist.

This pump is designed for use with fresh and salt water

only. Use with any other medium, including particularly

hazardous, caustic or corrosive substances, could result in

damage to the pump, the surrounding environment and

injury to persons or property, including possible exposure

to hazardous substance.

WARNING: Do not plug the pump into an outlet

while standing in water or on a damp surface.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, do not

permit children to use this product.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock,

do not use extension cord to connect unit to an

electric supply; provide a properly located outlet.

WARNING: This pump is provided with a 3-prong

grounding plug for use with a 110 volt AC 3-prong

outlet. To reduce the risk of electric shock, be certain

that it is connected only to a grounding type receptacle

protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

Contact a qualied electrician if you cannot verify that the

receptacle is protected by a GFCI.

WARNING: All electrical work must be performed

by a qualied technician. Follow all local and

electrical and safety codes NES and OSHA. Do not bury

cord. Visibly locate cord to minimize possible damage by

lawn mowers, hedge trimmers and other equipment.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock do

not use if cord or the product is damaged.

General Information

Sump pumps are designed to operate intermittently and

usually seasonally. It is recommended that you test the

pump before your rainy season begins to insure that the

pump is operating properly.

Restricting the ow by using a smaller pipe or hose size

(such as a garden hose) does not damage the pump, but

will result in a reduction in ow. For maximum ow, use

the shortest length of the largest diameter hose available.

If being used in a basement sump or basin, we suggest

installing a high water alarm system and a battery

back-up pump system for nished basements or areas

where ooding will cause property damage. Pump

manufacturer’s warranties cover only the pump. Labor

and incidental damage such as ooding is not covered.

For sump/utility use, attach the strainer to a wood base.

If mounting the pump onto concrete, rst fasten a piece

of wood to the concrete and then attach the strainer to

the wood. Use 1-1/8 “ I.D. hose, 1” pipe with the included

elbow pipe adapter, or use a standard garden hose with

included garden hose adapter. After connecting the

discharge hose to the pump it can be lowered into the

sump. Always lower the pump by holding the housing,

never by the power cord or hose.

All air/water pockets must be eliminated by having the

discharge hose, run level or continuously downwardly.

There must be no loops or “sags” in the hose that would

trap water.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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Summary

Submersible Utility Pump

Automatic Pump Operation

Describes the automatic 2-1/2 minute test cycle and how the pump checks for water and operates.

Important Safety Instructions

General Safety and Usage Precautions

Covers fatal injury warnings, personal safety, property damage, child safety, and usage limitations.

Electrical Safety and Installation

Details electrical shock risks, grounding, GFCI requirements, and power disconnection for service.

General Information and Setup

Pump Operation and Performance

Explains intermittent operation, testing, flow rate optimization, and system recommendations for basements.

Installation and Hose Guidelines

Covers mounting, strainer attachment, and proper discharge hose installation to prevent air pockets.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Pump Issues and Possible Remedies

Addresses common problems like pump not running, clogged strainers, and issues with water discharge.

Cleaning the Pump Strainers

Provides step-by-step instructions for removing debris and cleaning the pump's plastic and metal strainers.

Summary

Submersible Utility Pump

Automatic Pump Operation

Describes the automatic 2-1/2 minute test cycle and how the pump checks for water and operates.

Important Safety Instructions

General Safety and Usage Precautions

Covers fatal injury warnings, personal safety, property damage, child safety, and usage limitations.

Electrical Safety and Installation

Details electrical shock risks, grounding, GFCI requirements, and power disconnection for service.

General Information and Setup

Pump Operation and Performance

Explains intermittent operation, testing, flow rate optimization, and system recommendations for basements.

Installation and Hose Guidelines

Covers mounting, strainer attachment, and proper discharge hose installation to prevent air pockets.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Pump Issues and Possible Remedies

Addresses common problems like pump not running, clogged strainers, and issues with water discharge.

Cleaning the Pump Strainers

Provides step-by-step instructions for removing debris and cleaning the pump's plastic and metal strainers.

This document describes the Rule Submersible Utility Pump, a device designed for various water removal tasks. The manual covers the A53S, A53S-24 (automatic models), and A53D (non-automatic model) pumps, providing essential information for safe installation, operation, and maintenance.

Function Description

The Rule Submersible Utility Pump is primarily designed for intermittent and seasonal water removal. The automatic models (A53S and A53S-24) feature a unique 2.5-minute test cycle. During this cycle, the pump runs for approximately one second to check for resistance or drag against the impeller. If water is detected, the pump continues to operate until all water is removed, then shuts off and returns to its 2.5-minute test cycle. Unplugging and replugging the pump does not reset this cycle. The non-automatic A53D model, however, is activated by plugging it into a GFCI-protected 110VAC electrical outlet.

These pumps are intended for use with fresh and salt water only. They are not designed for use in or on top of swimming pools, open bodies of water, or with hazardous liquids or flammable gases. Using the pump as a pool cover pump will void the warranty. The pump's motor includes a sensor or automatic thermal overload protection, which may cause it to operate unexpectedly if triggered.

The pump's design allows for flexibility in discharge hose connections. Users can employ a 1-1/8" I.D. hose, a 1" pipe with the included elbow pipe adapter, or a standard garden hose with the included garden hose adapter. Once the discharge hose is connected, the pump can be lowered into the sump by holding its housing, never by the power cord or hose. It is crucial to eliminate all air/water pockets by ensuring the discharge hose runs level or continuously downward, without any loops or "sags" that could trap water.

For basement sump or basin applications, it is recommended to install a high-water alarm system and a battery back-up pump system, especially for finished basements or areas prone to property damage from flooding. It is important to note that the manufacturer's warranty covers only the pump itself and does not extend to labor or incidental damage such as flooding.

Usage Features

The pump's operation is straightforward, but adherence to safety guidelines is paramount. Before any installation or servicing, the electrical power to the pump must be disconnected. The pump is supplied with a 3-prong grounding plug and must be connected only to a grounding-type receptacle protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to reduce the risk of electric shock. If verification of GFCI protection is uncertain, a qualified electrician should be consulted. Extension cords should not be used to connect the unit to an electrical supply; a properly located outlet is required. All electrical work must be performed by a qualified technician in accordance with local, electrical, and safety codes (NES and OSHA). The power cord should not be buried and must be visibly located to minimize damage from lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, or other equipment. The pump should not be used if the cord or the product is damaged. Users should never plug the pump into an outlet while standing in water or on a damp surface, and children should not be permitted to use the product.

Restricting the flow by using a smaller pipe or hose size, such as a garden hose, will not damage the pump but will reduce the flow rate. To achieve maximum flow, the shortest length of the largest diameter hose available should be used.

For sump/utility use, the strainer should be attached to a wood base. If mounting the pump onto concrete, a piece of wood should first be fastened to the concrete, and then the strainer attached to the wood.

Regular testing of the pump before the rainy season begins is recommended to ensure proper operation.

Maintenance Features

Maintaining the pump's strainers clean and free of debris is critical for optimal performance. The manual recommends regularly removing any debris that may accumulate in and around both the plastic strainer and, if applicable, the internal stainless steel strainer located under the plastic base strainer.

Cleaning Procedure:

Disconnect Power: Always unplug the power cord before cleaning the pump.
Remove Plastic Strainer: Press the two red tabs on either side of the base and remove the red base.
Remove Debris: Clear any built-up debris and clean the components with a mild detergent.
Replace Metal Strainer: If equipped, place the metal strainer over the pump's inlet and press the pump onto the strainer until both lock tabs "snap" into place.

If the impeller becomes jammed due to ice, no immediate action is necessary; the pump will resume normal operation once the ice thaws. While the pump will continue its 2.5-minute water check cycle even when frozen, it is recommended, though not strictly necessary, to disconnect the pump during extended periods of freezing to prevent unnecessary wear. If the impeller jams due to debris, the debris should be removed as soon as possible to restore automatic pumping mode.

The manual also provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues:

Pump runs for a few seconds only: This indicates insufficient water. The automatic control system will test for water every few minutes. If the water level is only about 3/4", the pump will shut off after a few seconds. It will continue pumping only if sufficient water is present.
Clogged strainer or jammed impeller: Disconnect the pump from the power source, remove the strainer(s) (including any internal stainless steel strainers), and clear debris from the strainer(s) and the surrounding area, as well as from the impeller.
Blocked discharge line: Disconnect the pump from the power source and remove any blockage from pipes/hoses and the discharge port.
Pump does not run: Check the electric receptacle for power, fuse, and/or circuit breaker. Verify that the receptacle is a three-prong grounded outlet in good condition and that the plug makes good contact.
Pump runs but does not pump water (air lock): Check the discharge hose. Ensure it runs level or continuously downward once it starts downward, and that there are no loops or sags in the hose that could trap water.

Proper attachment of the pump to the strainer is essential before powering the unit to prevent damage to the pump, the surrounding environment, property, and injury to persons.