1,250L Cat 5 Booster Pump Set
Pre-assembled 1,250L Cat 5 booster pump set with a Type AB air gap break tank and a choice of standard or variable-speed DAB pump. Designed to provide backflow protection and increased flow and pressure for larger garden and landscape irrigation systems. On back order – call for lead time
From: £2,400.00 (excl VAT)
From: £2,880.00 (inc VAT)
Free Economy delivery on orders over £150 + vat
Product details
The 1,250L Cat 5 booster pump set is designed for larger garden, landscape and commercial irrigation systems that require increased water storage, flow and pressure. The unit combines a break tank incorporating a Type AB air gap with an automatic submersible pump, providing Fluid Category 5 backflow protection and a pressurised supply to the irrigation system. It is ideal for lawns that require watering with pop-up sprinklers.
The submersible pump is built into the 1250l tank allowing easy installation and also quiet running. Two pump options are available for maximum flexibility. The tank incorporates a Type AB air gap, creating physical separation between the mains water inlet and the stored water. This provides Fluid Category 5 backflow protection when the unit is correctly installed. The overflow weir must remain completely unrestricted and should be considered when choosing the installation location. By holding a 1250l buffer of water the irrigation system can operate for a period of time with flows that are higher than the water flow from the main tap – ideal for larger lawn sprinklers which are quite thirsty. Depending on the selected pump, the set can provide the flow and pressure required by larger lawn sprinkler systems. See the pump comparison table for working flow rates at pressures from 2 to 5 bar.
- Large domestic gardens
- Pop-up lawn sprinklers
- Commercial landscape irrigation
- Systems where peak demand exceeds mains flow
- Installations requiring Fluid Category 5 protection
How the pump and break tank work
The pump is designed to automatically operate when it detects a drop in pressure. To protect the pump, in the event of the tank running out of water, the pump will stop running, periodically checking to see if the tank has refilled. The break tank has a mains water inlet and an unrestricted overflow weir to comply with the Water Regulations regarding backflow protection. The 1,250L booster pump set is straightforward to install, although suitable water, electrical and irrigation connections must be provided. The tank requires a firm, level site and needs power and water. The unit is designed to be delivered on a pallet direct to the customer.
Fluid Category 5 Backflow Protection
Fluid Category 5 backflow protection is provided using an approved Type AB air gap. As part of the specification for type AB air gaps, any overflow water must flow freely through the weirs in the tank. This must be taken into consideration when siting the unit.
Technical Specification
Tank capacity will be reduced due to the air gap.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Nominal tank capacity | 1,250L |
| Dimensions | 1,200mm diameter × 1,200mm high |
| Mains inlet | ¾″ BSP male |
| Irrigation outlet | 1″ BSP female |
| Maximum inlet flow | 1,400L/h, subject to available supply |
| Backflow protection | Type AB air gap |
| Pump operation | Automatic pressure start |
| Pump protection | Dry-running protection |
| Installation | Level concrete base with power and water |
| Delivery | Pallet delivery |
| Feature | DAB 900X pump | DAB 55X variable speed pump |
|---|---|---|
| Flow at 2 bar | 4,200 l/h | 5,750 l/h |
| Flow at 3 bar | 3,000 l/h | 5,100 l/h |
| Flow at 4 bar | 1,400 l/h | 4,500 l/h |
| Flow at 5 bar | — | 3,750 l/h |
| Applications | Larger gardens and smaller sports projects | Larger sports irrigation sytsems and higher flow projects |
| Pump control | Automatic pressure control | Variable-speed pressure control |
Installation and delivery
The unit will be delivered on a pallet. The unit should be placed on a 100mm (4″) thick reinforced concrete base. The Water Regulations require an unrestricted flow from the overflow weirs, so the unit must be placed in a suitable location.
Please note: Bulky items with tanks attract an additional carriage charge outside central England and into central London.
Need help specifying this pump set?
Call 01788 823811 or send us the required irrigation flow and operating pressure. Our team can help you select the correct pump option and confirm the likely tank capacity required.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1,250L booster set suitable for my irrigation system?
The 1,250L Cat 5 booster pump set is designed for larger garden, landscape and commercial irrigation systems where the available mains water supply cannot provide the required flow or pressure directly. It is particularly suitable for systems operating multiple pop-up sprinklers, larger irrigation zones or high-flow watering equipment. The correct unit should be selected by comparing the irrigation system’s required flow and pressure with the available incoming mains flow.
Which pump option should I choose?
The standard pump is suitable for irrigation systems with moderate flow and pressure requirements. The variable-speed pump provides a higher flow across a wider pressure range and is generally better suited to larger sprinkler systems, higher-pressure applications or installations where the water demand varies.
The correct choice depends on the combined flow requirement of the sprinklers or emitters operating within the largest irrigation zone. Contact us with your required flow and operating pressure if you need help selecting the most suitable pump.
How long will the stored water last?
The operating time depends on the usable volume of water in the tank, the incoming mains refill rate and the flow required by the irrigation system. For example, an irrigation zone using 4,000L/h will consume water more quickly than the mains supply can normally replace it, so the water level in the tank will gradually fall during operation.
The tank does not necessarily need to hold enough water for the entire irrigation cycle because it continues to refill while the system is running. Many irrigation timers are also able to introduce a delay between valves to allow the water in the tank to refill. We can help calculate the likely operating time if you provide the irrigation flow, watering duration and available mains flow.
Does the tank provide Fluid Category 5 protection?
Yes. The tank incorporates a Type AB air gap, which creates physical separation between the incoming mains water supply and the stored water. When correctly installed, this arrangement provides Fluid Category 5 backflow protection against both back-siphonage and back pressure.
The overflow weir forms an essential part of the air-gap arrangement and must remain completely unrestricted.
Does the pump start automatically?
Yes. The pump starts automatically when an irrigation valve opens and the pressure in the outlet pipe falls. It switches off again when the irrigation cycle finishes and the required pressure has been restored.
The pump also incorporates dry-running protection to help prevent damage if the tank temporarily runs out of water.
What electrical supply is required?
The booster set requires a suitable mains electrical supply located close to the installation position. The exact electrical requirements depend on the pump option selected and should be checked against the pump specification before installation.
Electrical connections should be completed by a suitably competent person, and any outdoor electrical equipment must be appropriate for the installation environment.
Can the booster set be installed outdoors?
Yes. The unit is designed to be installed outdoors on a suitable firm and level base. The pump, electrical connections and associated pipework must be installed correctly for outdoor use and protected against freezing conditions.
The tank overflow must be able to discharge freely, so sufficient clearance must be left around the Type AB overflow weir. The installation position should also allow access for inspection, servicing and maintenance.
What base does the tank require?
The tank should be installed upright on a flat, level and load-bearing base. A reinforced concrete base approximately 100mm thick is normally recommended, although the exact construction will depend on the ground conditions.
The base must support the combined weight of the tank, pump and stored water without movement or settlement. A full 1,250L tank will weigh well over one tonne.
How is the unit delivered and unloaded?
The pump set is supplied assembled and delivered on a pallet. The customer is responsible for ensuring that there is suitable vehicle access and a safe method of unloading the unit at the delivery address.
The tank dimensions, access routes, gates and final installation position should be checked before ordering. Please contact us if access is restricted or if you require confirmation of the delivery arrangements.
What is the usable capacity of the 1,250L tank?
The tank has a nominal capacity of 1,250 litres. Its usable water capacity is slightly lower because the Type AB air gap and overflow weir must remain above the maximum stored water level.
The exact usable volume depends on the internal configuration of the tank. When sizing the system, allowance should also be made for the incoming refill rate and the required irrigation flow rather than relying solely on the nominal tank capacity.
