SHT 218 Pump Controller with Fork Sensor

The ready-to-plug pump control with fork sensor and optical indicator: water detected, pump on, completely without alarm tone

The Schabus pump control SHT 218 is a 230 V intermediate plug that automatically switches on a connected 230 V pump as soon as the fork sensor detects water. The integrated socket switches the pump, a red status indicator signals the presence of water. The alarm tone has been deliberately omitted, as the alarm is perceived as disruptive in some areas of application.

The fork sensor has two metal contacts. As soon as conductive water bridges both contacts, the pump control switches the pump on. Once the contacts are dry again after pumping, the pump continues to run for a continuously adjustable run-on time of 0 to 100 seconds and is then switched off. The run-on time helps to pump out remaining water and protects the pump and motor.

The technology corresponds to that of the SHT 217, only without sound. The SHT 218 is therefore the quiet basement guardian for peaceful nights: it keeps the basement, cistern or technical room automatically dry without a beep disturbing residents, neighbours or sleeping people.

Pump on – worries off!

The SHT 218 combines water detection, automatic pump activation, optical indicator and adjustable run-on time in one ready-to-plug, silent device.

What’s in the box

The pump control is supplied complete with permanently mounted fork sensor and mounting material.

• Pump control SHT 218 (230 V intermediate plug) with fork sensor SHT 5006
• Fork sensor with permanently mounted 2.8 m sensor cable
• Mounting material: 1 screw 2.9 × 32 and 1 wall plug 5 mm × 31
• Operating instructions

How the SHT 218 is constructed

The SHT 218 consists of the intermediate plug with Schuko plug, appliance socket, status indicator and rotary control for the run-on time, as well as the fork sensor on the permanently connected sensor cable. It has no acoustic signal generator.

How the pump control works

The sequence consists of four phases and runs fully automatically and without an alarm tone.

Mounting, commissioning and function test

Read the operating instructions carefully before mounting and commissioning. Mounting and settings are always carried out with the device unplugged.

Mounting the fork sensor

1. Select the desired switch-on height. The area must become dry again after pumping.
2. Align the sensor with the metal contacts facing downwards. The water must be able to reach both contacts; the contacts must not be covered.
3. Fix the sensor at the mounting hole and lay the cable without tension.

Commissioning the pump control

1. Set up the pump in accordance with its pump instructions.
2. With the device unplugged, set the run-on time on the rotary control, avoiding dry running of the pump.
3. Insert the pump plug into the appliance socket and secure it with the plug lock.
4. Plug the device into a dry 230 V socket. The status indicator lights green; then carry out the function test.

Carrying out the function test

1. Before the test, ensure safe pumping conditions and prevent dry running of the pump.
2. Hold a wet cloth against both contacts of the fork sensor. The indicator lights red and the pump starts. No warning tone sounds on the SHT 218.
3. Remove the cloth and dry the contacts. The set run-on time begins, the indicator flashes red.
4. Wait for the full run-on time. The pump switches off and the indicator lights green again.

Manufacturer’s notes

• Read the operating instructions carefully before installation and commissioning, keep them and only pass the device on to third parties together with them
• Use the device only in a technically perfect condition
• Do not open or modify the device; it contains no parts that need to be serviced by the user
• Do not use if the enclosure, mains plug, socket, sensor or connection cables are damaged
• Do not operate the intermediate plug outdoors; protect it from moisture, splash water and direct sunlight
• Do not exceed the permissible electrical connection values and observe the requirements of the connected pump
• Disconnect the pump control from the mains before mounting, cleaning and care work
• Packaging material is not a toy and must be kept away from children
• Children and persons with reduced capabilities may only use the device under supervision or after instruction
• If necessary, clean the enclosure with a slightly damp, soft cloth; do not use aggressive cleaning agents or solvents (e.g. alcohol, petrol)
• Do not immerse the device in water or other liquids; allow all parts to dry completely after cleaning
• Keep the fork sensor clean: free the metal contacts of deposits, remove dirt with a damp cloth, wipe with clean water and dry
• Intended for residential, commercial and industrial areas as well as small businesses connected to the public low-voltage network
• The manufacturer is not liable for damage resulting from improper use, modifications to the device or non-observance of the operating instructions
• The declaration of conformity is available for download on the manufacturer’s website and can be requested from the manufacturer

Warranty, guarantee, service and disposal

The device is covered by the statutory warranty of at least 2 years in the EU. The manufacturer Elektrotechnik Schabus additionally offers a 5-year guarantee that can be registered online. Repair and spare parts are available directly from the manufacturer, also beyond the statutory warranty. The device must have been used in accordance with the operating instructions; damage caused by improper use, modifications to the device, external influences or unauthorised repairs is excluded.

In the event of a service case, please first contact the manufacturer and describe the fault as precisely as possible: What happened, when does it occur and what does the device indicate? Many questions can already be resolved by telephone or email. After consultation, please pack securely and enclose a fault description, contact details and a copy of the proof of purchase. Unpaid shipments cannot be accepted. Repairs and maintenance may only be carried out by the manufacturer or authorised specialist personnel.

The device does not belong in household waste. In accordance with EU Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE), it must be collected separately at the end of its service life, e.g. at a municipal collection point for electrical appliances. Please also dispose of packaging materials in an environmentally friendly manner (WEEE Reg. No. DE91394868).

Why the SHT 218 is suitable

Areas of application

• Pumping out in the event of water ingress in the basement
• Basement with living rooms above
• Bedrooms and children’s rooms nearby
• Holiday home and weekend house
• Cisterns and rainwater utilisation
• Apartment with underground garage
• Technical rooms near living areas, e.g. under air conditioning or heating systems
• Lifting systems
• Drainage shafts
• Pump sumps that become dry again between pumping operations

The SHT 218 is intended for areas that become dry again between pumping operations. For permanently wet pump sumps and cyclic continuous operation, the manufacturer recommends the SHT 227/228 variants with mini float switch; for non-conductive liquids such as heating oil or diesel, the SHT 227. For applications with an acoustic alarm, the SHT 217 is available.

Frequently asked questions