Flowline LC1X Compact Controller - Manual (Page 3)

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS INTRODUCTION
About This Manual:
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL PRIOR TO
INSTALLING OR USING THIS PRODUCT. This manual
includes information on three different models of Compact Relay
Controllers from Flowline: LC10-10_1, LC10-10_2 and LC11-
10_1. The LC10 is a single-input controller with an optional Strobe
Alert™ on the -10_2 model, and the LC11 is a dual-input con-
troller. Many aspects of installation and use are similar between the
three models.
User’s Responsibility for Safety:
FLOWLINE manufactures several models of controller, with dif-
ferent mounting and switching configurations. It is the user’s
responsibility to select a controller model that is appropriate for the
application, install it properly, perform tests of the installed system,
and maintain all components.
Electrical Shock Hazard:
It is possible to contact components on the controller that carry
high voltage, causing serious injury or death. All power to the con-
troller and the relay circuit(s) it controls should be turned OFF prior
to working on the controller. If it is necessary to make adjustments
during powered operation, use extreme caution and use only insu-
lated tools. Making adjustments to powered controllers is not rec-
ommended. Wiring should be preformed by qualified personnel in
accordance with all applicable national, state and local electrical
codes.
Flammable or Explosive Applications:
Sensor mount controllers should not be used with explosive or
flammable liquids, which require an intrinsically safe rating such
as the Flowline LC90 series. If you are unsure of the suitability of
a controller for your installation, consult your Flowline representa-
tive for further information.
Install In a Dry Location:
The LC10 and LC11 series controller housing is liquid-resistant
and made of Polypropylene (PP). When installed properly, the con-
troller is not designed to be immersed. It should be mounted in such
a way that it does not normally come into contact with fluid. Refer
to an industry reference to ensure that compounds that may splash
onto the controller housing will not damage it. Such damage is not
covered by the warranty.
Relay Contact Rating:
The relay is rated for a 10 amp resistive load. Many loads (such as
a motor during start-up or incandescent lights) are reactive and may
have an inrush current characteristic that may be 10 to 20 times
their steady-state load rating. The use of a contact protection circuit
may be necessary for your installation if the 10 amp rating does not
provide an ample margin for such inrush currents.
Make a Fail-Safe System:
Design a fail-safe system that accommodates the possibility of relay
or power failure. If power is cut off to the controller, it will de-ener-
gize the relay. Make sure that the de-energized state of the relay is the
safe state in your process. For example, if controller power is lost, a
pump filling a tank will turn off if it is connected to the Normally
Open side of the relay.
While the internal relay is reliable, over the course of time relay fail-
ure is possible in two modes: under a heavy load the contacts may be
“welded” or stuck into the energized position, or corrosion may build
up on a contact so that it will not complete the circuit when it should.
In critical applications, redundant backup systems and alarms must be
used in addition to the primary system. Such backup systems should
use different sensor technologies where possible.
While this manual offers some examples and suggestions to help
explain the operation of FLOWLINE products, such examples are for
information only and are not intended as a complete guide to
installing any specific system.
Sensor-mount controllers:
The LC10/LC11 is a cost-effective, modular liquid level controller
whose body incorporates a female 3/4" NPT (3/4" BSP) fitting, allow-
ing it to be mounted directly onto any Flowline sensor or Switch
Pak™ or any 3/4" connection. Simply provide its required AC power
and a controlled device such as a valve, pump, or alarm that can be
switched by the controller’s relay in response to the sensor input.
Sensor-mount controllers are particularly appropriate for simple
processes such as high or low alarms. They can also be a useful part
of more complicated systems, providing a fail-safe backup in case a
centralized system fails.
Features of the LC10 Single Input Controller:
The LC10 Controller is designed to receive a signal from a single liq-
uid sensor. It turns its internal relay On or Off (as set by the invert
switch) in response to the presence of liquid, and changes the relay
status back again when the sensor is dry. The LC10 may be used with
almost any kind of sensor signal: current sensing, contact closure, or
FET switch. The relay is a single pole, double throw type; the con-
trolled device can be connected to either the normally open or nor-
mally closed side of the relay. A time delay from 0 to 60 seconds can
be set before the relay responds to the sensor input.
Typical applications for the LC10 are high level or low level
switch/alarm operations (opening a drain valve whenever liquid level
rises to a sensor point) and leak detection (sounding an alarm when a
leak is detected, etc.).
Features of the LC11 Single Input Controller:
The LC11 Controller is designed to receive signals from two liquid
sensors. It turns its internal relay On or Off (as set by the invert
switch) in response to the presence of liquid on both sensors, and
changes the relay status back again when both sensors are dry. The
LC11 may be used with almost any kind of sensor signal: current
sensing, contact closure, or FET switch. The relay is a single pole,
double throw type; the controlled device can be connected to either
the normally open or normally closed side of the relay. A time delay
from 0 to 60 seconds can be set before the relay responds to the sen-
sor input.
Typical applications for the LC11 are automatic filling (starting fill
pump at a low level and stopping pump at a high level) or automatic
emptying operations (opening a drain valve at a high level and clos-
ing valve at low level).