Cat 5 Booster Pump Sets for Irrigation
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200L Cat 5 Booster Pump Set
From: £1,800.00 (excl VAT)
From: £2,160.00 (inc VAT)
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500L Cat 5 Booster Pump Set
From: £2,210.00 (excl VAT)
From: £2,652.00 (inc VAT)
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1,250L Cat 5 Booster Pump Set
From: £2,400.00 (excl VAT)
From: £2,880.00 (inc VAT)
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2000l Pressure Booster Set
From: £3,610.00 (excl VAT)
From: £4,332.00 (inc VAT)
Shop pre-assembled Cat 5 booster pump sets with Type AB air gap break tanks from 200 to 2,000 litres. Designed for irrigation systems requiring backflow protection, water storage and increased pressure, each set is assembled and tested before delivery. Contact our irrigation team for help selecting the correct tank capacity, flow and pressure.
Cat 5 booster pump sets perform two important functions. The Type AB air gap provides the required separation between the mains supply and the irrigation system, while the electric pump delivers water from the storage tank at a consistent flow and pressure. This makes the sets suitable for applications such as pop-up sprinklers, landscape irrigation and propagation systems.
| Model | Typical application | Pump option | Tank nominal capacity | Flow at 2 bar | Flow at 3 bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200l | Drip irrigation systems with a minimum flow greater than 120 l/h | DAB 650 | 200l | 3,200 l/h | — |
| 200l | Smaller irrigation systems where outflow is less than the inflow from the mains | DAB 900X | 200l | 4,100 l/h | 3,100 l/h |
| 500l | Medium sized domestic gardens | DAB 900X | 500l | 4,100 l/h | 3,100 l/h |
| 1,250l | Larger domestic gardens, landscape irrigation and smaller sports applications | DAB 900X | 1,250l | 4,100 l/h | 3,100 l/h |
| 1,250l Variable | Higher pressure projects | DAB 55X Variable speed | 1,250l | 5,750 l/h | 5,100 l/h |
| 2,000l | Larger sports projects | DAB 55X Variable speed | 2,000l | 5,750 l/h | 5,100 l/h |
How do Cat 5 booster pump sets work?
The storage tank has a type ‘AB’ air gap to comply with category 5 of the Water Regulations, for more information check out our post Fluid Category 5 Break Tank. A range of pumps are available, depending on the flow and pressure requirements. The ‘AB’ air gap has an overflow weir to provide ‘back flow’ protection, creating an air gap between the maximum water level in the tank and the bottom of the inlet ball valve. When correctly installed, the Type AB air gap provides Fluid Category 5 protection against back-siphonage and back pressure, preventing contaminated irrigation water from flowing back into the wholesome mains supply.
Category 5 backflow protection
Cat 5 pump sets with break tanks are normally specified for water uses where there is a risk of contamination that could be harmful to human health. Typical applications include irrigation systems, abattoirs, farm wash-down areas, dental practices and other commercial or industrial processes where water may come into contact with chemicals, animal waste, fertilisers, pesticides or potentially contaminated equipment. The break tank incorporates a Type AB air gap, creating a physical separation between the mains water supply and the downstream system. This helps prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the wholesome water supply through back-siphonage or back pressure.
Increasing irrigation flow and pressure
Once the water has dropped into the storage tank it is at atmospheric pressure. To boost the pressure an electric pump is added. A range of pumps are available depending on the flows and pressures needed for the particular application.
How to select a tank size
The tank serves two purposes – it ensures compliance with the Water Regulations and it also stores a buffer of water for systems where the outflow of water to the irrigation system is greater than the water flow from the mains. Where this is the case, a calculation is needed using the flow of each irrigation zone and the expected run time – if necessary, if you supply this information, we can help.
Where the site location requires a smaller tank than is ideal, watering can be split up into more frequent but shorter run times to allow the tank to refill between watering cycles. Some irrigation controllers allow a delay between valves to allow tank recharge.
Installation and siting requirements
Water Regs UK states that the path to the Type AB overflow and discharge from the weir must remain unrestricted. In practical terms this means that the units are best situated outside where any excess water can discharge freely. If the units are located inside a building, provision must be made for dealing with any unrestricted discharge. Pump units should be placed on a reinforced concrete base 100mm (4″) thick. With all the assembly work done in our factory, connecting the Cat 5 pump set up is simple – mains water needs to be connected and power connected to the pump unit.
Need help choosing a Cat 5 booster pump set? Call our irrigation team on 01788 823811 or send us the required flow, pressure and irrigation-zone run times. We can help calculate the most suitable tank and pump combination. Please note: Bulky items with tanks attract an additional carriage charge
Frequently asked questions
What is a Cat 5 booster pump set?
A Cat 5 booster pump set combines a water storage tank, a Type AB air gap and an electric pump. The air gap physically separates the mains water supply from the irrigation system, while the pump takes water from the tank and supplies it to the irrigation system at the required flow and pressure. This makes the unit particularly useful for pop-up sprinklers, propagation systems and other irrigation applications with a relatively high water demand.
Why does an irrigation system need backflow protection?
Changes in water pressure can potentially cause water from an irrigation system to travel backwards towards the mains drinking-water supply. This is known as backflow and may occur through either back-siphonage or back pressure. Correct backflow protection prevents potentially contaminated irrigation water from entering the wholesome mains supply. A correctly installed Type AB air gap is suitable for providing Fluid Category 5 protection against both back-siphonage and back pressure.
What is a Type AB air gap?
A Type AB air gap is a non-mechanical form of backflow protection. The mains inlet discharges water into a storage tank above the maximum water level, creating a physical air gap between the inlet and the stored water. The tank also incorporates a rectangular weir or slot overflow. For the air gap to provide the required protection, the route to the overflow and the discharge from the weir must remain completely unrestricted.
What size Cat 5 break tank do I need?
The correct tank size depends on the water demand of the irrigation system, the available incoming mains flow and the length of each watering cycle. The tank acts as a buffer, allowing the irrigation system to operate temporarily at a higher flow than the mains supply can provide.
A 200-litre or 500-litre unit may be suitable for smaller or medium-sized garden irrigation systems, while 1,250-litre and 2,000-litre tanks are intended for larger systems and higher-flow applications. The required pump pressure and flow should also be considered, so we recommend checking the complete irrigation design before selecting a unit.
Can a Cat 5 pump set increase irrigation pressure?
Yes. Once the mains water enters the storage tank, it is no longer under mains pressure. The electric pump takes water from the tank and supplies it to the irrigation system at a higher and more consistent pressure. This can help operate pop-up sprinklers, propagation nozzles and other irrigation equipment where the existing mains pressure or flow is insufficient. Different pump options are available according to the required operating pressure and flow.
Does the pump start automatically?
Yes. The pump is designed to start automatically when it detects a drop in pressure, such as when an irrigation valve opens. It switches off again when the watering cycle has finished and pressure has been restored. The pumps also incorporate protection that stops them from running if the tank runs out of water, periodically checking whether the tank has refilled.
What water and electrical connections are required?
The pump set requires a mains water connection to fill the storage tank, a pressurised outlet connection to the irrigation system and a suitable electrical supply for the pump. Provision must also be made for water discharged through the overflow weir. The overflow must be able to discharge freely and must not be obstructed by walls, pipework or other nearby surfaces. Electrical work should be completed by a suitably competent person and in accordance with the instructions supplied with the selected unit.
Where should a Cat 5 pump set be installed?
The tank should be placed upright on a firm, level base with convenient access to water, electricity and the irrigation supply pipe. There must be sufficient clearance around the overflow weir to allow unrestricted discharge if the inlet valve fails or the tank overfills. Space should also be allowed for servicing and maintenance. The dimensions of the selected tank, delivery access and any necessary protection for the equipment should be considered before choosing the location.
Can a Cat 5 pump set be installed outdoors?
A Cat 5 pump set is designed to be positioned outdoors, provided it is installed on a suitable firm and level base and the electrical supply and connections are appropriate for the location. The tank overflow must remain unobstructed and discharge safely. The pump, pipework and fittings should also be protected from freezing conditions. Exact installation and winter-protection requirements should be confirmed for the selected model and site.
Are the pump sets supplied assembled?
Yes. The pump is fitted inside the storage tank and the main assembly work is completed before delivery, helping to simplify installation on site. The customer or installer will still need to position the tank and connect the mains water inlet, irrigation outlet and electrical supply. The units are delivered by pallet, so suitable vehicle access and unloading arrangements should be considered.
