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[Solved] PZ-829 RC and PZM-20 rainwater tank controllers - questions and concerns

bar7709 1137 14
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  • #1 19880050
    bar7709
    Level 17  
    Posts: 205
    Help: 28
    Rate: 39
    Hello, I own a rainwater tank for watering the garden.

    The watering is controlled by a rainbird controller.

    The controller is connected to a contactor which runs the pump.

    I need a controller that will protect the pump from running dry (minimum level). It will pump water up to the maximum level ( when the rainbird runs out, watering can run). The controller will give voltage to a 230/24 transformer and this will activate an electro-valve which will fill the tank.

    I found a PZ-829 RC controller, but unfortunately either I am doing something wrong or there is no possibility to start pumping immediately after the water drops below the maximum level.

    In theory, the solution to my problem turned out to be the PZM-20 controller, everything worked as long as there was city water in the tank, unfortunately with rainwater the sensors do not work.

    The whole control set should preferably be mounted on din rails.
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  • #2 19880116
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    Posts: 8542
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    The PZ-829RC should work fine for you after all it has two relay contacts from the max and min probe.
    I understand that you want to start topping up when the water drops below the max level and turn off topping up when it reaches the max?
  • #3 19880125
    bar7709
    Level 17  
    Posts: 205
    Help: 28
    Rate: 39
    Yes, I want the topping up to start as soon as the water drops below the max. The PZ-829 starts pumping when it drops below the minimum and this creates an interruption in watering and the rainbird controller doesn't know there is no water so part of the garden will be unwatered.

    To correct, this max level will be somewhere around the middle of the tank. The rest will be supplemented by rainwater

    Added after 2 [minutes]:

    There is also the possibility that I am wiring something wrong, I have the controller on the table so I can test the proposal on the fly.
  • #4 19880134
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    Posts: 8542
    Help: 1196
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    Well then mate you are simply connecting the control to the wrong contacts.
    You must use the Rmax contacts
    PZ-829 RC and PZM-20 rainwater tank controllers - questions and concerns
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  • #5 19880234
    bar7709
    Level 17  
    Posts: 205
    Help: 28
    Rate: 39
    The max and min pins work the same way, so if I have a short on max pins between 7-8 then on min I have a short on 10-11, if it changes 8-9 then on min 11-12. Unless my controller is just faulty?

    In the picture below, max probe pulled out, short on pins 7-8 and 10-11. Inserting pull out probe doesn't change anything.

    PZ-829 RC and PZM-20 rainwater tank controllers - questions and concerns .

    Only after pulling out the minimum probe does the controller switch to minimum mode. Then I insert the minimum after it max and then the controller switches to max mode.
  • #6 19880246
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    Posts: 8542
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    How does the controller behave when all the probes are removed from the water ?
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  • #7 19880258
    bar7709
    Level 17  
    Posts: 205
    Help: 28
    Rate: 39
    Diode changes to minimum, short circuit on pins 8-9 and 11-12

    Added after 6 [minutes]:

    Looking at the diagram below I find that the controller works as intended by the manufacturer. Apparently I need a different solution.

    PZ-829 RC and PZM-20 rainwater tank controllers - questions and concerns .
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  • #8 19880299
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    Posts: 8542
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    Well, just place the minimum probe at the level at which you want the topping up to be activated and the maximum at the level of the full tank, unless I still don't understand something.
  • #9 19880318
    bar7709
    Level 17  
    Posts: 205
    Help: 28
    Rate: 39
    The idea is that for the time it takes to fill the tank from minimum to maximum level, the pump will be switched off. I am keen to keep the pump intervals as short as possible.

    I would like the minimum level to be the level that protects the pump from running dry and to protect the pump from this controller too.

    And the filling is started as soon as it falls below the max. level, so that the pump is not interrupted.
  • #10 19880328
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    Posts: 8542
    Help: 1196
    Rate: 2621
    I understand that the PZM-20 met your expectations but does not work if you have rainwater ?
    And the sensitivity adjustment did not help for rainwater ?
  • #11 19880334
    bar7709
    Level 17  
    Posts: 205
    Help: 28
    Rate: 39
    Adjustment unfortunately didn't help, clean water everything worked, dirty sensitivity to the max and nothing.
  • #13 19880358
    bar7709
    Level 17  
    Posts: 205
    Help: 28
    Rate: 39
    I would like it to be on probes like the pz-829, I saw such a solution at a customer some time ago. I think it's all a matter of finding the right controller.
  • #15 19895082
    bar7709
    Level 17  
    Posts: 205
    Help: 28
    Rate: 39
    I solved the problem by mounting two C61F-GP controllers
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by a user in controlling a rainwater tank system using the PZ-829 RC and PZM-20 controllers. The user seeks a solution to ensure the pump does not run dry while allowing for automatic topping up of the tank when water levels drop below a specified maximum. The PZ-829 RC was initially considered, but it was found to activate the pump only when water levels fell below the minimum, disrupting the watering schedule managed by a Rainbird controller. The PZM-20 controller was tested but failed to function correctly with rainwater due to sensitivity issues. Suggestions included proper wiring of the PZ-829 RC and the potential use of float sensors instead of probes. Ultimately, the user resolved the issue by installing two C61F-GP controllers.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Want your tank to refill as soon as the level drops? PZ‑829RC offers "two relay contacts" so you can trigger on Rmax, not Rmin. [Elektroda, spinacz, post #19880116]

Why it matters: It keeps irrigation running while the tank auto-fills and protects the pump from dry-run.

Quick Facts

How do I make PZ‑829RC start filling as soon as it drops below the max level?

Use the Rmax relay for the fill circuit. Place the Max probe at your refill threshold; place the Min probe at dry‑run protection. Then test probe behaviors before final wiring. "You must use the Rmax contacts." How-To: 1. Wire the solenoid/contactor control via Rmax. 2. Set Max at the desired start‑fill level. 3. Verify switching by lifting and dipping probes in water. [Elektroda, spinacz, post #19880134]

Why does my PZ‑829RC only switch when the minimum probe is reached?

On the bench, the controller enters MIN mode when probes are out of water. In that state, contacts 8–9 and 11–12 close. It switches to MAX only after restoring the Min probe first, then Max. This matches the manufacturer’s logic for safe sequencing. It prevents false MAX without a valid MIN reference present. [Elektroda, bar7709, post #19880258]

Where should I place the Min and Max probes to protect the pump and avoid irrigation gaps?

Place the Min probe at the level that should start topping up. Place the Max probe at the full‑tank cutoff. Then drive the fill via Rmax to act from the Max probe. This keeps irrigation active during top‑up between Min and Max. "Place the minimum probe at the level at which you want the topping up to be activated." [Elektroda, spinacz, post #19880299]

Why doesn’t my Zamel PZM‑20 detect rainwater?

PZM‑20 level detection relies on conductivity. Tap water worked, but rainwater did not trigger the probes. Even with maximum sensitivity, detection failed in dirty rainwater. That indicates insufficient conductivity for this model in that application. "Adjustment unfortunately didn't help ... sensitivity to the max and nothing." [Elektroda, bar7709, post #19880334]

What’s a proven workaround if probes won’t sense rainwater and I don’t want floats?

Use independent level controllers that meet your logic. The thread author solved the issue by installing two Omron C61F‑GP controllers. This delivered the desired start‑at‑Max and stop‑at‑Min behavior. It resolved the top‑up control without switching to floats. This approach fit the DIN‑rail control concept. [Elektroda, bar7709, post #19895082]

Can I keep irrigation running while topping the tank with mains water?

Yes. Start filling right after the level drops below your chosen Max point. Keep the Rain Bird watering while the tank tops up. Use Min only for pump dry‑run protection. This sequence removes the gap between Min and Max. It matches the goal to avoid irrigation interruption. [Elektroda, bar7709, post #19880318]

How do I wire a 24 V solenoid valve using a 230/24 V transformer with these controllers?

Switch the transformer primary with the controller’s relay output. Feed the solenoid from the 24 V secondary. This lets the level controller start top‑up automatically and keeps the valve coil on low voltage. The OP targeted a 230/24 V path to the electro‑valve. Confirm ratings and isolation before wiring. [Elektroda, bar7709, post #19880050]

What happens on PZ‑829RC when all probes are out of water?

The controller shows MIN state and changes relay contacts. In this condition, terminals 8–9 and 11–12 are shorted. The LED indicates MIN as well. Reinsert Min first, then Max, to return to MAX control. This behavior matched the shared bench test results. [Elektroda, bar7709, post #19880258]

Is my PZ‑829RC faulty if the MAX relay doesn’t react until MIN triggers first?

It is likely working as designed. MAX action depends on a valid MIN reference in this logic. After comparing to the diagram, the poster concluded it was correct. Follow the probe sequence to see MAX engage. Test by lifting and inserting probes in order. [Elektroda, bar7709, post #19880258]

Are float switches a better choice for low‑conductivity rainwater?

Yes. Floats do not depend on water conductivity, so they work in dirty or low‑ion water. The thread suggested standard float level sensors as an alternative. They integrate well with DIN‑rail relays for simple control. Consider floats if electrode sensing remains unreliable. [Elektroda, spinacz, post #19880347]

How should I set my Max if I want to prioritize rainwater but still allow auto top‑up?

Place the Max probe around mid‑tank or your chosen threshold. That starts mains top‑up only after rainwater drops below that point. The remaining volume can still fill from rainfall. This balances rain use with uninterrupted irrigation. The OP planned Max mid‑tank for this outcome. [Elektroda, bar7709, post #19880125]

How can I quickly bench‑test probe placement before installing in the tank?

Use a tabletop test. 1. Remove both probes; confirm MIN state and contacts 8–9/11–12 close. 2. Insert the Min probe; confirm state change. 3. Insert the Max probe; confirm MAX and relay behavior. Note LED and contact changes at each step. [Elektroda, bar7709, post #19880258]
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