Franklin Electric Duplex Grinder Pump System
The Franklin Electric Duplex Grinder Pump System is a complete, factory-assembled sewage pump station designed for residential and light commercial low-pressure sewer applications that require dual-pump redundancy for continuous wastewater management under high head conditions. Featuring two 2 HP grinder pumps with non-clogging brass impellers capable of 414,000 cuts per minute, a fiberglass basin in multiple depth options, a complete control panel with float switches, and all system components pre-engineered for straightforward installation, the duplex system provides the operational reliability that critical sewage applications demand. At Ken’s Distributing Company, we stock the Franklin Electric duplex grinder pump system in three basin depth configurations and can help you select the right setup for your site conditions and discharge requirements.
What Is a Duplex Grinder Pump System?
A duplex grinder pump system contains two grinder pumps installed in a single wet well basin. One pump runs as the primary unit while the other remains on standby, ready to activate if the primary pump fails or if demand exceeds what a single pump can handle. This redundancy is the defining characteristic of a duplex system and the primary reason it is specified over a simplex single-pump system for commercial properties, higher-use residential applications, homeowner association pump stations, and any installation where pump failure cannot be tolerated without backup.
A grinder pump works by grinding solid sewage waste into a fine slurry and then pumping that slurry under pressure through a small-diameter force main to the municipal sewer system or septic field. This grinding and pressurized discharge capability allows sewage to be pumped uphill, over long distances, and through pipes far smaller than gravity sewer requires, making it the solution for properties where gravity connection to the municipal sewer is impossible or prohibitively expensive.
The Franklin Electric duplex system packages both grinder pumps, the wet well basin, control panel, float switches, check valves, discharge components, and all associated hardware into a single coordinated system. Kendisco is an authorized Franklin Electric distributor and can help you work through system sizing and site requirements before you order.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Pumps | Two (duplex configuration) |
| Motor HP per Pump | 2 HP |
| Voltage | 230 VAC |
| Motor Phase | Single-phase |
| Motor Speed | 3450 RPM |
| Motor Start Type | Capacitor start/run |
| Motor Overload Protection | Built-in |
| Full Load Amps per Pump | 13.9 A |
| Discharge Size | 1.25 inches |
| Lead Length | 15 feet |
| Cutting Rate | 414,000 cuts per minute |
| Impeller Material | Seven-vane angled face non-clogging brass |
| Basin Material | Heavy-duty fiberglass |
| Basin Diameter | 36 inches |
| Inlet Connection | 4-inch Adapt-A-Flex inlet grommet |
| Pump Finish | Epoxy-coated cast iron |
Performance Curve
| Head (feet) | Flow Rate GPM | Flow Rate LPM |
|---|---|---|
| 20 feet | 32 GPM | 121.1 LPM |
| 40 feet | 31 GPM | 117.3 LPM |
| 60 feet | 30 GPM | 113.6 LPM |
| 80 feet | 25 GPM | 94.6 LPM |
| 100 feet | 20 GPM | 75.7 LPM |
| 120 feet | 10 GPM | 37.9 LPM |
Order Information
Fiberglass Grinder Packages
| Item | Model | HP | Volts | Discharge | Amps – Full Load | Lead Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 515207 | IGP-DPLX3648 | 2 hp | 230 VAC | 1.25 “ | 13.9 A | 15 ft |
| 515208 | IGP-DPLX3660 | 2 hp | 230 VAC | 1.25 “ | 13.9 A | 15 ft |
| 515209 | IGP-DPLX3672 | 2 hp | 230 VAC | 1.25 “ | 13.9 A | 15 ft |
Note: An 84-inch depth basin is also available. Contact Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 for availability and lead time on the 84-inch configuration.
Understanding the Model Designation
The IGP-DPLX model code tells you the key system specifications. IGP identifies the pump series used in this system. DPLX indicates the duplex two-pump configuration. The next four digits identify the basin dimensions: 36 indicates the 36-inch diameter and the final two digits indicate the basin depth in inches. IGP-DPLX3648 is a 36-inch diameter basin at 48 inches deep. IGP-DPLX3660 is 60 inches deep. IGP-DPLX3672 is 72 inches deep.
Selecting the correct basin depth depends on the invert elevation of your incoming sewer line, the minimum pump submergence required for proper operation, the required wet well storage volume, and the local code requirements for minimum wet well depth. Contact Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 to confirm the right basin depth for your specific site conditions before ordering.
System Components: What Is Included
The Franklin Electric duplex grinder pump system is a complete, packaged installation that includes all major components needed to complete the installation. Here is what comes with each system.
Grinder Pumps (Two Units)
Two Franklin Electric IGP Series 2 HP grinder pumps form the heart of the duplex system. Each pump uses a capacitor start and run single-phase motor at 3450 RPM with built-in overload protection. The high-speed motor drives the grinding mechanism at 414,000 cuts per minute, processing solid domestic sewage waste into a fine slurry that can be pumped through the small-diameter 1.25-inch discharge pipe. The pump body is epoxy-coated cast iron for superior corrosion resistance in the wet well environment. Each pump has a 15-foot lead length for connection to the control panel junction box.
Seven-Vane Brass Impeller
The non-clogging seven-vane angled face brass impeller provides balanced hydraulic performance while maintaining the tight cutting clearances needed for effective solids grinding. The angled face geometry directs solids into the cutting zone consistently, and the seven-vane configuration distributes the hydraulic load across more impeller surface area than a fewer-vane design, reducing the stress per vane and extending impeller service life. Brass provides good corrosion resistance in the sewage environment while maintaining the dimensional accuracy needed for the tight cutting clearances that determine grinding efficiency.
Fiberglass Basin
The heavy-duty fiberglass basin is 36 inches in diameter and available in 48, 60, 72, and 84-inch depths. Fiberglass is the correct material for a buried wet well basin because it is inherently corrosion-resistant, does not require the protective coating maintenance that concrete basins need, and maintains its structural integrity in the buried wet environment throughout a long service life. The 36-inch diameter accommodates both IGP Series grinder pumps in the duplex configuration with appropriate clearance for service access to both units.
Basin Cover and Access
The solid fiberglass cover provides a watertight seal at the basin top. A stainless steel rail system guides the pump discharge assembly for proper alignment during installation and removal. A sealing flange ensures the cover-to-basin interface is sealed against surface water infiltration and odor escape at ground level.
Control Panel
The integrated control panel includes all pump starting components for seamless dual-pump operation. The panel manages the alternating operation between the two pumps, ensuring both units accumulate equal run hours over time. Four control float switches manage the On, Off, and High Water level detection functions. A stainless steel float bracket and junction box provide the electrical safety and environmental protection needed in the wet well environment.
Float Switches
Four float switches provide the level sensing functions for the duplex system. The float configuration manages the pump-on level that activates the primary pump, the pump-off level that deactivates it after the wet well reaches the desired low water level, and the high-water alarm level that alerts the property owner or monitoring system when both pumps cannot keep up with incoming flow or if a pump failure has occurred.
Check Valves and Discharge Components
Two cast iron ball check valves, one per pump, prevent backflow from the force main into the wet well when the pumps are not running. A discharge pipe disconnect, stainless steel lifting chain for pump removal, ball check valve on the common discharge, and shut-off valve complete the discharge assembly. These components are pre-engineered to work together as a coordinated system, eliminating the need to source and size these components individually.
Inlet Connection
A 4-inch Adapt-A-Flex inlet grommet provides a flexible, watertight connection point for the incoming sewer pipe from the property. The flexible grommet accommodates minor misalignment between the incoming pipe and the basin wall penetration, simplifying field installation and providing a seal that maintains its integrity through ground settlement and thermal movement over time.
Applications
The duplex grinder pump system serves applications where sewage must be pumped under pressure to the municipal sewer or septic system and where single-pump reliability is insufficient for the consequences of pump failure.
- Commercial Properties: Restaurants, retail buildings, offices, and light commercial facilities that generate sewage loads too high for a single simplex grinder pump system and where pump failure would cause immediate business interruption use the duplex system for its redundancy and higher combined flow capacity.
- Homeowner Association Pump Stations: HOA-managed pump stations serving multiple homes or a residential community require the reliability of duplex operation because failure affects multiple properties simultaneously. The duplex system provides backup pump capability that keeps the system operational while service is arranged for the primary pump.
- Multi-Family Residential: Apartment buildings, condominiums, and townhome developments that exceed the flow capacity of a simplex system or require operational redundancy for the number of units served use the duplex configuration.
- High-Use Residential: Large homes with high fixture counts, frequent occupancy, or specific use patterns that generate peak flows beyond what a single grinder pump handles reliably benefit from the dual-pump capacity of the duplex system.
- Properties with Long Force Main Runs: When the force main from the property to the sewer connection point is long, head losses are high, and reliable pumping is critical. The performance curve showing 20 GPM at 100 feet of head confirms the system handles meaningful head requirements, and the backup pump ensures continuous operation if the primary unit requires service.
- Low-Pressure Sewer Systems: Municipal low-pressure sewer (LPS) districts that use individual property pump stations as part of the collection system specify duplex systems for the higher-load or critical connection points where system reliability requirements exceed what a simplex system provides.
Features and Benefits
- Dual Pump Redundancy: The defining advantage of the duplex system. If the primary pump fails, the standby pump activates automatically. Service can be scheduled during normal business hours rather than as an emergency, and the property continues normal sewage flow during the service interval.
- 414,000 Cuts Per Minute: The high-speed grinding mechanism processes domestic sewage solids including paper products, food waste, and other typical household waste into a fine slurry at a cutting rate that prevents clogging of the small-diameter discharge pipe even in continuous use applications.
- Seven-Vane Non-Clogging Brass Impeller: The angled face geometry and seven-vane configuration provide balanced, reliable grinding performance with extended impeller service life. Brass construction resists the corrosive environment of sewage service better than many alternative impeller materials.
- Tight Cutting Clearances: Precision grinding clearances ensure effective solids reduction at the cutting zone. Tight clearances produce finer slurry that flows through the 1.25-inch discharge pipe reliably without partial-solid blockages in the force main.
- Epoxy-Coated Cast Iron Pump Bodies: The epoxy coating over cast iron provides superior corrosion resistance in the continuously wet and chemically aggressive sewage environment inside the wet well, extending pump service life significantly compared to uncoated cast iron.
- Capacitor Start/Run Motor with Built-In Overload: Capacitor start provides high starting torque to overcome the resistance of starting against a loaded grinding mechanism and against the static head of the force main. Capacitor run maintains efficient operation throughout the pump cycle. Built-in overload protection shuts the motor down if current draw exceeds safe levels, preventing motor burnout from operational overloads.
- Four Float Switch Level Control: Four-float control provides granular wet well level management. Separate float positions for pump on, pump off, and high water alarm give the system appropriate control resolution for both normal operation and alarm conditions.
- Complete Package Installation: All major components for a complete installation are included in the system package. This reduces the specification, sourcing, and compatibility verification burden that comes with assembling a grinder pump station from individual components.
- Multiple Basin Depth Options: Four basin depth options from 48 to 84 inches accommodate different site conditions, incoming pipe invert elevations, and local code requirements without requiring a custom basin fabrication.
- Stainless Steel Hardware: Stainless steel float bracket, junction box, rail system, lifting chain, and sealing flange throughout the system provide corrosion resistance at all hardware points exposed to the wet well environment.
Duplex vs. Simplex Grinder Pump System: Which Do You Need?
The choice between a duplex and simplex grinder pump system comes down to the consequences of pump failure and the required flow capacity of the installation.
| Factor | Simplex System | Duplex System |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Pumps | One | Two |
| Backup Pump | No | Yes, automatic failover |
| Flow Capacity | Single pump capacity | Higher combined capacity, redundant |
| Best For | Single family residential, lower risk | Commercial, multi-family, HOA, high consequence |
| Basin Size | Smaller | 36-inch diameter, larger |
| Control Panel | Simplex panel | Duplex panel with alternating operation |
| Cost | Lower initial cost | Higher initial cost, lower risk cost |
| Pump Alternation | N/A, single pump | Yes, equal run hours on both pumps |
If the property served is a single-family home with a single occupancy and pump failure would be an inconvenience rather than a critical operational issue, the simplex grinder pump system is the appropriate and more cost-effective choice. If the property is commercial, serves multiple units, or if pump failure would cause immediate operational or health consequences, the duplex system is the right specification. Call Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 to discuss your specific application and we will help you determine the right system.
Installation Requirements
- Electrical Service: The duplex system requires a 230 VAC single-phase electrical service at the control panel location. Each pump draws 13.9 amps at full load. The electrical service must be sized for both pumps potentially running simultaneously, even though normal operation alternates between them. Consult a licensed electrician for service sizing and panel connection.
- Basin Excavation: The 36-inch diameter fiberglass basin requires an excavation sized to accept the basin with appropriate bedding and backfill. Follow the installation instructions included with the system for bedding material specifications and compaction requirements around the fiberglass basin walls.
- Incoming Sewer Line Connection: Connect the property sewer line to the 4-inch Adapt-A-Flex inlet grommet on the basin wall. The flexible grommet accommodates pipe alignment tolerances. Ensure the incoming pipe has adequate slope toward the basin per local code requirements.
- Force Main Connection: The 1.25-inch discharge from the system connects to the force main that runs to the municipal sewer connection or other discharge point. The force main must be sized, routed, and connected per the design requirements for your specific site and local code specifications.
- High Water Alarm: Connect the high water alarm output from the control panel to an audible alarm, visual indicator, or remote monitoring system as required by local codes for grinder pump installations. Many municipalities require monitored alarm systems on grinder pump stations.
- Pump Alternation Setup: The control panel includes pump alternating functionality to distribute run hours equally between both pumps over time. Confirm the alternation is set up correctly during commissioning to ensure both pumps receive equal service exposure.
- Local Code Compliance: Grinder pump installation requirements vary by municipality and jurisdiction. Confirm local requirements for permits, inspections, electrical connections, force main sizing, and monitoring system requirements before installation.
Replacement Parts and Service
The IGP Series grinder pumps used in this duplex system are serviceable components. Individual pump replacement within the duplex basin is straightforward using the stainless steel lifting chain and discharge pipe disconnect included with the system. When one pump requires service, the other continues operation while service is arranged, which is the core operational advantage of the duplex configuration.
Ken’s Distributing Company carries the Franklin Electric grinder pump retrofit kit and IGP Series replacement components for the pumps used in this system. When a pump needs replacement or service, call us at 303.699.7845 and we will identify the correct replacement components and get them shipped promptly.
Browse our Franklin Electric replacement parts and repair kits for the IGP Series and all other Franklin Electric pump system components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a duplex grinder pump system?
A duplex grinder pump system contains two grinder pumps in a single wet well basin. One pump runs as the primary unit while the other remains on standby. If the primary pump fails, the standby activates automatically. The control panel alternates run hours between both pumps over time to ensure equal wear. This redundancy makes the duplex system appropriate for commercial properties, multi-family housing, and HOA pump stations where pump failure has significant consequences.
How is a duplex grinder pump system different from a simplex system?
A simplex system has one grinder pump. A duplex system has two. The duplex provides automatic backup pump operation if the primary fails, higher combined flow capacity, and pump alternation to distribute wear equally. The duplex system costs more upfront but significantly reduces the risk and consequence of pump failure in applications where continuous operation is critical.
What does the grinder pump actually grind?
The grinder pump grinds domestic sewage waste including toilet paper, food waste, and other typical household solid waste into a fine slurry. The Franklin Electric IGP Series impeller operates at 414,000 cuts per minute to process these solids effectively. The resulting slurry is pumped through the 1.25-inch discharge pipe under pressure to the force main. The grinder pump is not designed for non-biodegradable items, rags, wipes, or objects that should not enter a sewer system.
What basin depth do I need for my installation?
The correct basin depth depends on the invert elevation of your incoming sewer line, the minimum submergence required for the IGP Series pump, required wet well storage volume, and local code requirements for minimum wet well depth. The system is available in 48, 60, 72, and 84-inch depths. Contact Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 to work through the site-specific depth selection for your installation.
Does the duplex system include a high water alarm?
Yes. The four float switch configuration includes a high water alarm float that triggers when wet well level rises above the normal operating range, indicating that both pumps cannot keep pace with incoming flow or that a pump failure has occurred. The high water alarm output connects to an audible alarm, visual indicator, or remote monitoring system. Local code requirements for alarm monitoring vary by municipality.
What electrical service does the duplex grinder pump system require?
The duplex system requires 230 VAC single-phase service at the control panel. Each pump draws 13.9 amps at full load. The service must be sized for both pumps potentially running simultaneously even though normal operation alternates between them. Consult a licensed electrician for proper service sizing and connection to the duplex control panel.
Can I get replacement pumps and parts for the duplex system from Kendisco?
Yes. Ken’s Distributing Company carries Franklin Electric IGP Series replacement pumps, grinder pump retrofit kits, and service components for the duplex system. The stainless steel lifting chain and discharge pipe disconnect included with the system make individual pump replacement practical without draining the entire basin. Call 303.699.7845 for parts availability and fast shipping.
Related Products
- Compare with the simplex grinder pump system for single-pump residential applications
- View compatible duplex grinder pump control panels
- View the IGP Series grinder pump used in this system
- See the High-Head IGP Series grinder pump for long-distance force main applications
- Shop the grinder pump retrofit kit for pump replacement in existing systems
- Browse Franklin Electric replacement parts and repair kits for all series
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