Product Comparison : Rainwater Harvesting Top-up Controllers 3P TCA5000950 vs 3P TCA7000

TCA7000 and TCA5000950 are both electronic rainwater harvesting top-up controllers designed to intelligently top-up your rainwater tank with mains water during dryer spells. Manufactured by 3P Technik UK. They both operate a conductivity sensor with no moving parts, top-up mains water via a solenoid valve, and can inhibit pump operation during top up. They do however differ in features, components, and target applications. Below is a detailed comparison followed by a feature comparison matrix.

It’s also worth noting here that TCA7000 was introduced to replace TCA5000950 rainwater harvesting mains water back up controller, which 3P Technik now considers a legacy product. Spare parts for the obsolete TCA5000950 are now limited.

Comparison of 3P TCA7000 and TCA5000950 Rainwater Harvesting Mains Water Back-Up Controllers

Common Features

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  Comparison of Mains Water Back up Controllers for Rainwater Harvesting Installations TCA7000 (left) v TCA5000950 (right)

  Purpose: Both controllers manage mains water top-up for rainwater tanks, ensuring a consistent water supply for domestic applications like garden irrigation or toilet flushing.

• Microprocessor Control: Both use microprocessor-driven systems for precise water level management and safety features, avoiding the mechanical wear issues of float switches.
• Solid-State Level Sensing: Both employ conductivity-based sensors for reliable, wear-free water level detection.
• Leak Detection: Both include electronic leak detection to prevent excessive mains water usage, with timed overrun alarms to halt operation if the tank fails to fill.
• UK Water Regulations Compliance: Both meet BS EN 13076 standards, incorporating a 3P Tundish with an integrated overflow to prevent backflow contamination.
• Optional Pump Isolation: Both can switch off pumps (up to 10A) during top-up cycles to prevent dry-running, protecting pump motors.
• Solenoid Valve Maintenance: Both feature an Automatic Anti-Blocking System (ABS) to periodically activate the solenoid valve, preventing seizure.
• Float Switch Option: Both can be operated with a conventional float switch if required.

Key Differences

1. Probe Cable Length:
   • TCA7000: Comes with a 20-metre probe cable, extendable to 100 metres.
   • TCA5000950: Includes a 15-metre probe cable, extendable to 30 metres.
   • Outturn benefit: The TCA7000 supports larger or more complex installations with greater distance between the tank and control unit.
2. Solenoid Valve Options:
   • TCA7000: Offers solenoid valves from ½” BSP up to 2” BSP, catering to a wider range of tank sizes and flow requirements.
   • TCA5000950: Includes a ½” BSP solenoid valve with a 30 cm braided hose and isolating valve.
   • Outturn benefit: TCA7000 is more versatile for larger systems requiring higher flow rates.
3. Operational Modes:
   • TCA7000: Features 15 operational modes to accommodate various tank sizes, including small header tanks, with adjustable top-up overfill delay and timeout alarms.
   • TCA5000950: Does not specify multiple modes but allows adjustable alarm delay and top-up dwell time, with a default 30-minute overrun alarm.
   • Outturn benefit: The TCA7000 offers greater customisation for domestic and commercial tank sizes, and can even work in small header tanks, while the TCA5000950 is best suited for domestic tanks of 1000 to 5000 litres.
4. Self-Test Mode:
   • TCA7000: Includes a self-test mode for faster installation and commissioning.
   • TCA5000950: Features a solenoid test function (push-button) but no full self-test mode for system commissioning.
   • Outturn benefit: The TCA7000 simplifies setup and troubleshooting, especially for professional installers.
5. Components Included:
   • TCA7000: Several kits available with many different options for solenoid valve size and probe cable length. All individual parts available separately.
   • TCA5000950: One complete kit. An economy version TCA5000950ECON is available which excludes the braided hose and isolating valve. Some options available upon request. Probe cable extension is available but requires modification of the supplied probe.
   • Outturn benefit: The TCA7000 can be purchased with precise options to suit specifications.
6. Ingress Protection:
   • TCA7000: An IP65 control panel suitable for indoor or outdoor installation.
   • TCA5000950: IP20 ingress protection, indoor use or other protection from environmental factors required.
   • Outturn benefit: The TCA7000 is more robust for outdoor or exposed installations.
7. UK vs European Design
   • TCA7000 is designed for the UK market with a moulded BS1363 plug.
   • Outturn benefit is a European design requiring a replacement of the mains plug, and an adapter or European Schuko plug on the pump to fit the in-built power outlet.
8. Pump Restart Delay:
   • TCA7000: Enforces a pump restart delay when necessary to reduce motor temperature and improve pump longevity.
   • TCA5000950: Supports pump isolation during top-up but no other delay.
   • Outturn benefit: The TCA7000 offers enhanced pump protection for high-usage systems.
9. Target Application:
   • TCA7000: Designed for a wide range of domestic and light commercial systems, with features like multiple modes and larger valve options.
   • TCA5000950: An existing top seller for domestic systems, with a focus on simplicity and cost-effectiveness (especially in the economy version).
   • Outturn benefit: The TCA7000 is suited for domestic and more complex or larger setups.

Summary

• TCA7000 is set to replace TCA5000950 as 3P Technik’s standard top-up controller. It performs all the functions of the previous model and includes enhancements to cope with a wider range of tank sizes and installation constraints. Recommended for all new installs.
• TCA5000950 is still available and may be preferable where an exact replacement is needed for an existing TCA5000950 installation.

3P TCA7000 vs TCA5000950 Rainwater Harvesting Top-up Controllers Feature Comparison

For further details, contact our Technical Team.