Intellicenter: how many relays? and automating a receptacle for Warrior SE...

[MostlyCanuck]

I thought I had figured this out, but now I'm confused again after talking to my PB (who's a bit old school and not really that familiar with automations and definitely not with Intellicenter).

We're installing Intellicenter and Intellichlor IC40, and I asked for the Intellicenter version that has the integrated SWG board/power.

Below is my list of equipment that I would like to control, and what I think (doesnt) need a relay. Could someone pls validate if I'm right?

1. Intelliflo VSF pump (NO relay)
2. Pentair cartridge filter (1 relay)
3. Raypak NG heater (NO relay)
4. Pentair IC40 SWGC (1 relay)
5. 1HP dedicated waterfall pump (1 relay)
6. Pool LED lights (1 relay)
7. Transformer for low-voltage LED landscape lights (1 relay)
8. Transformer for low-voltage LED deck lights (1 relay)

If my understanding is right, based on the above, I would need 6 relays (the Personality Kit with 8). Is this correct?

If I wanted to control #7 and #8 (deck lights and landscape lights) together (on/off in sync), could I wire the two separate transformers into one single relay instead of using two? Can one relay accommodate multiple wires like that?

And finally, I am planning to buy the Pentair Warrior SE. I read here it has an undocumented automation feature that, once set, requires turning the power on/off to trigger it. I read most folks seem to control the power via a smart outlet. However, having the Intellicenter, I wanted to control it through that. So I thought I would have the electrician wire a dedicated receptacle at the pool deck (where I would plug the Warrior) to the Intellicenter (to one of its relays, so that it can be controlled as described, rather than to one of its breakers). The PB said he'd defer to the electrician, but he thinks this is a no-go and that receptacles cannot be wired to relays but need hardwiring direct to breakers (in which case I couldnt control this for the robot as I would like to). Is this correct??

(before you suggest that, i did read the info guide! IntelliCenter Quick Reference/Information Guide which is incredible...but i am trying to validate my understanding of it!)

Thank you!!

 

[ajw22]

I thought I had figured this out, but now I'm confused again after talking to my PB (who's a bit old school and not really that familiar with automations and definitely not with Intellicenter).

We're installing Intellicenter and Intellichlor IC40, and I asked for the Intellicenter version that has the integrated SWG board/power.

Below is my list of equipment that I would like to control, and what I think (doesnt) need a relay. Could someone pls validate if I'm right?

1. Intelliflo VSF pump (NO relay)
2. Pentair cartridge filter (1 relay)
3. Raypak NG heater (NO relay)
4. Pentair IC40 SWGC (1 relay)
5. 1HP dedicated waterfall pump (1 relay)
6. Pool LED lights (1 relay)
7. Transformer for low-voltage LED landscape lights (1 relay)
8. Transformer for low-voltage LED deck lights (1 relay)

If my understanding is right, based on the above, I would need 6 relays (the Personality Kit with 8). Is this correct?

1. Intelliflo VSF pump (NO relay)
2. Pentair cartridge filter (NO relay)
3. Raypak NG heater (NO relay)
4. Pentair IC40 SWGC (1 relay - connects to dedicated filer/pump relay)
5. 1HP dedicated waterfall pump (1 relay)
6. Pool LED lights (1 relay)
7. Transformer for low-voltage LED landscape lights (1 relay)
8. Transformer for low-voltage LED deck lights (1 relay)

A five relay system will work for you.

If I wanted to control #7 and #8 (deck lights and landscape lights) together (on/off in sync), could I wire the two separate transformers into one single relay instead of using two? Can one relay accommodate multiple wires like that?

Yes.

And finally, I am planning to buy the Pentair Warrior SE. I read here it has an undocumented automation feature that, once set, requires turning the power on/off to trigger it. I read most folks seem to control the power via a smart outlet. However, having the Intellicenter, I wanted to control it through that. So I thought I would have the electrician wire a dedicated receptacle at the pool deck (where I would plug the Warrior) to the Intellicenter (to one of its relays, so that it can be controlled as described, rather than to one of its breakers). The PB said he'd defer to the electrician, but he thinks this is a no-go and that receptacles cannot be wired to relays but need hardwiring direct to breakers (in which case I couldnt control this for the robot as I would like to). Is this correct??

You can wire a receptacle to be switched by a relay. Now you are back to needing 6 relays unless you combine the landscape and deck lights..

 

[MostlyCanuck]

1. Intelliflo VSF pump (NO relay)
2. Pentair cartridge filter (NO relay)
3. Raypak NG heater (NO relay)
4. Pentair IC40 SWGC (1 relay - connects to dedicated filer/pump relay)
5. 1HP dedicated waterfall pump (1 relay)
6. Pool LED lights (1 relay)
7. Transformer for low-voltage LED landscape lights (1 relay)
8. Transformer for low-voltage LED deck lights (1 relay)

A five relay system will work for you.



Yes.



You can wire a receptacle to be switched by a relay. Now you are back to needing 6 relays unless you combine the landscape and deck lights..

thank you. I can combine the deck and lanscape lights, for sure, so 5 relays would work.

You can wire a receptacle to be switched by a relay. Now you are back to needing 6 relays unless you combine the landscape and deck lights..

I'm sure the electrician will know, but just so I understand, are you suggesting wiring the receptacle to the relay directly, or wiring it to one of the breakers in the Intellicenter and then wiring that into a relay? I won't do this myself, I just want to understand what to tell the electrician exactly...

 

[ajw22]

.I'm sure the electrician will know, but just so I understand, are you suggesting wiring the receptacle to the relay directly, or wiring it to one of the breakers in the Intellicenter and then wiring that into a relay? I won't do this myself, I just want to understand what to tell the electrician exactly...

Every circuit needs to go through a Circuit Breaker.

The CB provides the voltage to the LINE side of the relay. The wire to the receptacle connects to the LOAD side of the relay. Either the CB or the receptacle should be GFCI.

 

[Jimrahbe]

M,

Why would you think that the Cartridge filter needs a relay?? Is that just a typo or were you thinking about something else???

Even if you could get away with 5 relays, I would got with 8 or 10.. Things happen and later you are going to find something else you will want to control with the IntelliCenter.

Most Pentair automation systems get a GFCI outlet installed in the side panel knockout.. It gets its power from one of the circuit breaker in the IntelliCenter's load center. This outlet let's you plug in equipment you might want to use right next to the panel.. I use this outlet for my robot and my hot tub salt cell.. I also use it to run a shop vac when I am doing maintenance. I would suggest that you have a separate outlet, controlled by a relay, if you want to automate your robot..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[MostlyCanuck]

Why would you think that the Cartridge filter needs a relay?? Is that just a typo or were you thinking about something else???

i have honestly no clue! i thought it needed one to turn on/off.... i realize it does not!

Even if you could get away with 5 relays, I would got with 8 or 10.. Things happen and later you are going to find something else you will want to control with the IntelliCenter.

agreed. but i was under the impression that the Intellicenter can be upgraded/expanded easily. I thought I could buy a slot with x additional relays in the future and connect it in, can i not? or is that buying upfront is much cheaper than expanding ex-post?

Most Pentair automation systems get a GFCI outlet installed in the side panel knockout.. It gets its power from one of the circuit breaker in the IntelliCenter's load center. This outlet let's you plug in equipment you might want to use right next to the panel.. I use this outlet for my robot and my hot tub salt cell.. I also use it to run a shop vac when I am doing maintenance. I would suggest that you have a separate outlet, controlled by a relay, if you want to automate your robot..

for sure. i was actually planning to install a separate receptacle closer to the pool deck to automate the robot. i wasn't thinking of using the side receptacle that is attached to the Intellicenter. Thx for the suggestion though.

 

[rstrouse]

agreed. but i was under the impression that the Intellicenter can be upgraded/expanded easily. I thought I could buy a slot with x additional relays in the future and connect it in, can i not? or is that buying upfront is much cheaper than expanding ex-post?

It does not work like that. If you think you may need more relays get the i8. You cannot stack personality cards. You get 1 personality card in slot 0 and only 1. You can however add valve expansions. If you want more you will need to buy an i8 personality card later. However, this is not true if you do not have a spa. If you have a spa then you will need to buy and i8PS and replace the i5PS. If you do not there is no additional personality card to install for an i5P.

 

[MostlyCanuck]

It does not work like that. If you think you may need more relays get the i8. You cannot stack personality cards. You get 1 personality card in slot 0 and only 1. You can however add valve expansions. If you want more you will need to buy an i8 personality card later. However, this is not true if you do not have a spa. If you have a spa then you will need to buy and i8PS and replace the i5PS. If you do not there is no additional personality card to install for an i5P.

thx for sharing that. i wasnt aware at all. most helpful