Questions and Answers for Little Giant 20S Series 20S-CIM 2 HP Submersible Sewage Effluent Pump

A:  Little Giant pumps have both model numbers and item numbers. Model numbers, which can include letters and numbers, indicate families of products so multiple versions of a product may have the same model number. For example, you may have a model available in several different voltages, phases, connection size, etc. On the other hand, item numbers, which use only numbers, are unique. Every version of every product made has a unique item number. In this case you have indicated item number 514320. Therefore, in my mind both pumps would be the same. I cannot explain to you why the model numbers are different as I do not know what you are looking at. However, I do know that “DPLX” stands for Duplex. A duplex pumping system utilizes two pumps. The pumps can run independently or in tandem. Duplex systems offer both redundancy and increased capacity. This series of pumps has a flanged connection. The flange connection on the 514320 is threaded 2” female thread. Little Giant also offers item number 514420 which utilizes a 3” female connection flange. If from a desk top computer, you scroll down the Home Depot product listing page you will come to a section entitled Product Details. If you expand that section, you will find PDFs of the product documents. The specification sheet and instructions offer additional detail. Chris 978 651 3301

A:  That would depend on the application. But typically, a pump this large would be one component in a pumping station. The lift station would have been engineered and designed for the specific application. In my state, code requires the plans be stamped by an engineer, as proof that the sizing calculations were done correctly and be approved by the board of health. The pump or pumps would normally be wired to a control panel with sensors called floats. Most contractors use panels made by SJE Rhombus. The logic of turning the pumps on and off is built into the panel. For example, I typically design larger systems that would use this type of pump to have two pumps. We call these duplex systems. I specify panels that alternatively turn on each pump. The panel will alert you when a pump has failed. Then you use the pump that is working to empty the chamber so you can correct the one that is not. The biggest difference between dependable pumping stations and ones that a problematic is not the cost or size of the pumps. It is the thoughtfulness of the system design and installation. A system that has not been done correctly will bring years of problems. Its not rocket science but it does take experience.

A:  It is 208-230 volts 60 Htz single phase. There is a PDF on the listing that confirms if needed.

A:  Ultimately that is an issue of code which varies from state to state, and even community to community. Thus I am not in a position to give you a definitive answer. I would direct you to either a qualified licensed plumber or the code enforcement official in your area. With that said let me offer you a general opinion. It all depends on the nature of the 2” line you intend to go into. Meaning I do not have enough information. There are times such as when going into a forced sewage main that you may go down in size. In those situations there would be an engineer that had done very specific load calculations to insure it will work correctly. On the other hand if the situation calls for pumping up via a 3” line you would pretty much never pump into a 2” gravity line. In my decades of dong this let me say what determines how well a pumping system works, has very little to do with expensive or powerful the pumps are. The reliability and longevity of sewage pumps and systems is most impacted by how much thought went into sizing and installation. When done incorrectly they can be a nightmare from day one. When done correctly they get into a grove and give decades of reliable service.

A:  No it is not. This is a sewage pump which means it is designed to move semi solids. This pump like many work in an interesting may. The spinning impeller creates a negative pressure. Water moves to pressure drop. Thus water is drawn into the pump chamber. As this happens the water pushes the water in front of it. The end result is the pumping of the water. What i am trying to point out is the impeller in most pumps really doesn't touch the water in the way most people envision. As you move up in pumps the next higher category is Grinders. In addition to working the way sewage pumps do, grinders have teeth that do come in contact with the sold and semi solid waste and will chew it up into a slurry. There are some grinders that will even chew up bath towels and tooth brushes and anything else you can get down the pipe. The down side to a grinder is that because the teeth and impeller actually make contact with the solids the teeth eventually dull. When sizing a grinder you want to be careful not to under size and over size the unit. Both can create problems you want to select one that has the appropriate pump curve for you application . Feel free to give me a call if you would like to talk about this. Chris 978 651 3301

A:  I assume you mean float switch not flow switch. It does not come with one. Pumps this large are usually utilized in engineered systems that would have a separate and specific control system that would turn the pump or pumps on and off. You are welcome to call and we can discuss. Chris 978 651 3301

A:  This unit is single phase so assuming you need single and not three phase it may be applicable. However keep in mind that pumps are not sized by HP, motors are. The pumping ability is illustrated in a pump curve which is a graph that shows how much it will pump at different amounts of height. You want to size a pump by matching the curve to your application. To make a comparison, a Mack Truck and a Ferrari both may have 500HP but they are going to travel at very different speeds due to the gearing. The same is true with pumps. HP is relevant but not the only factor to be considered. Feel free to give me a call. Chris 978 651 3301

A:  No, this will not suit your needs.