can you use a light dimmer to control pumps?

[PeeJ]

I was thinking of intalling some seperate plugs in the wall for all my pumps and have a dimmer switch for each one. This way I could control flow without using valves... would this work or is it stupid?

[prof]

That will work for some pumps but not all.

Hopefully someone with the electrical knowlege will chime in...

[mkengr45]

If you operate an electric motor at a voltage lower than what it is rated for, this will cause the amperage to increase, and the motor will burn up. I know this is the case with big electric motors used in fans on big AC systems, I am quite sure the same would apply.

Randy

[reefer]

sorry, using a electrical dimmer doesn't work for some pumps. here's an article from reefkeeping magazine (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-09/nftt/index.htm) written by roger vitko, explianing the difference in pump motors.
hth!
8)

[PeeJ]

just wonderin...thought it would be a more convenient idea than gate/ball valves. **** things

[shellback]

Bad word never say gate valve. Always use ball.

[PeeJ]

ball? for controling flow? not from what i heard....

gate valves are much more accurate for controlling flow rates, where ball valves are better for just turnin stuff on and off.

[shellback]

The ball is accually a better product for me personnally. The ball valve can be marked when you find the correct position then opened and closed then returned to the same adjustment. The gate valve is a guess,they have leak bye,stick and hard to reregulate.
Me personally I hate the !$&@^%& things but thats me. For low pressure systems its whats your taste.

[Henry]

Gate valves are a little more expensive but best for regulating flow, especially on skimmers. IME ballvalves tend to stick and break handles.