Use Automatic Water Level Controller with Mini Water Pump

PaulsProjects said:

Hi Folks,
I'm a real newbie with electronics and need some advice/guidance.
I'm looking to create a water feature for my new lizard terrarium that will fill a small tray with water using an AC 110V 3W mini water pump.
The pump will be attached to an electronic timer but I also want to prevent overflow by using the following automatic water level controller from Amazon.

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Here is the mini water pump:
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My question is how do I take my water pump's power cord and make it work with the water level controller?
Would I basically cut the power cord in half and splice the ends from the power source and attach to the controller where it says INPUT and attach the other end that leads to the pump to where it says output? I've never done this before and would appreciate any guidance.
Thanks so much!

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rjenkinsgb said:

Yes, that's the simplest method. Or you could use a short extension lead & cut that to connect to the controller, rather than cutting the pump wire.
If that is a three core cable, link the ground through, or just take a few inches of outer jacket off the cable carefully & only cut live & neutral to go to the terminals.

Try and keep the live (hot) wire on the outer terminals - whoever made the diagram got L & N swapped the coloured wires at the 110V input!

It should really go in an enclosure of some sort such as a plastic project box or plastic junction box, so there is no possibility of anything (or anyone / children / pets) touching the terminals.

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ZipZapOuch said:

You can either cut the pump's cord as you described, or, you can locate a small extension cord and cut the plug end off of it (leaving the outlet end attached to the longer cord). Then connect the section of extension cord to your box and then plug your pump into the section of extension cord.

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