Franklin Electric Grinder Pump Retrofit Kit

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The Franklin Electric Grinder Pump Retrofit Kit is a direct replacement solution for existing positive displacement grinder pump systems, designed to restore reliable sewage ejection performance with minimal downtime and installation effort. At Ken’s Distributing Company, we supply this retrofit kit for homeowners, contractors, and municipalities looking to upgrade or replace a failed grinder pump without replacing the entire wet well or station. The Kendisco team is available to help you confirm compatibility with your existing system and get the right kit shipped fast.

This kit includes a 2 HP automatic grinder pump, a 1-1/4 inch cast iron anti-siphon check valve, a factory-preset adjustable alarm float switch, and pre-wired electrical connections housed in a dry top enclosure, all assembled on a rigid, epoxy-coated steel cover for straightforward drop-in installation.

What Is a Grinder Pump Retrofit Kit?

A grinder pump retrofit kit is a pre-assembled replacement package that allows you to swap out the mechanical components of an existing grinder pump system without excavating or replacing the basin, wet well, or force main piping. Instead of purchasing a complete new system, the retrofit kit provides everything needed to restore pump function quickly and cost-effectively.

The Franklin Electric Grinder Pump Retrofit Kit is specifically engineered as a direct simplex replacement for positive displacement grinder systems. It uses the proven Franklin Electric IGP Series grinder pump, which grinds solid sewage waste into fine slurry and pumps it under pressure through a small-diameter force main to the municipal sewer or treatment system. This makes the retrofit kit ideal for aging pump stations that need a performance upgrade without the cost and disruption of a full system replacement.

Ken’s Distributing Company stocks both the standard IGP-A-RFKS model and the high-head IGPHR-A-RFK model, covering a wide range of residential and light commercial replacement applications. Contact Kendisco to confirm which model matches your existing installation.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

Specification	IGP-A-RFKS (Standard)	IGPHR-A-RFK (High Head)
Horsepower	2 HP	2 HP
Motor Speed	3450 RPM	3450 RPM
Max Flow Rate	31 GPM at 40 ft	30 GPM at 100 ft
Shutoff Head	130 ft (39.6 m)	200 ft (61 m)
Max Liquid Temperature	140 F (60 C)	140 F (60 C)
Discharge Connection	1-1/4 inch vertical FNPT	1-1/4 inch vertical FNPT
Impeller Material	Brass	Brass
Electrical Supply	208-230V, 60 Hz, 13.9 A, Single Phase	208-230V, 60 Hz, 16 A, Single Phase
Operation Mode	Automatic	Automatic

IGP-A-RFKS Performance Curve

Head (Feet)	Flow Rate (GPM)	Flow Rate (LPM)
40 ft	31	117.3
60 ft	30	113.6
80 ft	25	94.6
100 ft	20	75.7
120 ft	10	37.9
150 ft	N/A	N/A
175 ft	N/A	N/A

Order Information

Retrofit Kit

Item	Model	Description
515805	IGP-A-RFKS	Direct simplex replacement grinder for positive displacement grinder systems.
515806	IGP-A-RFKS	Direct simplex replacement grinder for positive displacement grinder systems

Applications and Industries

The Franklin Electric Grinder Pump Retrofit Kit is used wherever an existing positive displacement grinder pump system needs to be replaced or upgraded without a full station rebuild. Common applications include:

Residential homes with failing or failed positive displacement grinder pump systems
HOA and community low-pressure sewer systems requiring standardized pump replacement
Municipal utility district pump station upgrades to Franklin Electric IGP Series components
Aging grinder pump stations where the pump has reached end of service life
Below-grade residential plumbing fixtures in basements or additions
Remote or rural properties on low-pressure sewer force main systems
Light commercial properties with existing simplex grinder pump wet wells

Features and Benefits

Direct Drop-In Replacement: Engineered specifically for positive displacement grinder system wet wells, the retrofit kit installs without modifying the existing basin, piping, or electrical conduit runs
2 HP Automatic Grinder Pump: The Franklin Electric IGP Series grinder pump delivers reliable solids-grinding performance at 3450 RPM, handling standard residential sewage waste consistently
Epoxy-Coated Steel Cover: The cover plate resists corrosion in wet well environments, providing a durable, long-lasting seal at the basin top
Pre-Wired Electrical Connections: All electrical terminations are made in a dry top housing above the wet well, keeping connections out of the sewage environment and simplifying inspection and service
1-1/4 Inch Cast Iron Anti-Siphon Check Valve: Prevents backflow from the force main into the wet well, protecting the pump from reverse flow damage and maintaining system pressure
Factory-Preset Adjustable Alarm Float Switch: Arrives calibrated for immediate operation, with field adjustment available for site-specific level requirements
Quick Disconnect Plug: Allows the grinder pump to be disconnected and removed for service or replacement without cutting wires or disturbing the cover assembly
Standard 1-1/4 Inch NPT Discharge Connection: Compatible with standard schedule 40 PVC and other common force main piping materials used in residential low-pressure sewer systems
Rigid Construction: The assembled kit is rigid enough for single-person handling during installation, reducing labor requirements on the job site

Installation and Compatibility

The Franklin Electric Grinder Pump Retrofit Kit is designed for installation by licensed plumbers, wastewater contractors, or pump service technicians. The kit is a direct simplex replacement for existing positive displacement grinder systems, meaning the basin, force main piping, and electrical service can remain in place in most installations.

Key installation considerations include:

Electrical Supply: A dedicated 208-230 VAC single-phase circuit is required. The standard IGP-A-RFKS draws 13.9 amps at full load. The high-head IGPHR-A-RFK draws 16 amps at full load. Verify your existing circuit breaker and wire gauge are rated for the replacement pump before installation
Discharge Piping: The kit connects to existing 1-1/4 inch NPT discharge piping. Inspect the existing force main for condition before installation and replace any deteriorated sections
Force Main Head Pressure: Select the standard IGP-A-RFKS for systems with total dynamic head up to 130 feet. Select the high-head IGPHR-A-RFK for systems with force main head requirements up to 200 feet
Float Switch Adjustment: The alarm float arrives factory preset but can be adjusted in the field to match the specific wet well depth and operating level requirements of your installation
Control Panel Compatibility: Verify that the existing simplex grinder pump control panel is compatible with the replacement pump motor before installation. Ken’s Distributing Company can help confirm compatibility

Kendisco recommends following Franklin Electric’s published installation and service documentation for all retrofit kit installations. Contact Ken’s Distributing Company for pre-installation technical support or to confirm the correct kit model for your existing system.

Replacement Parts and Service

Genuine Franklin Electric replacement parts for the IGP Series grinder pump used in this retrofit kit are available through Ken’s Distributing Company. Kendisco maintains inventory of Franklin Electric grinder pump components to support fast turnaround on service and emergency replacement needs.

For parts support, visit our Franklin Electric replacement parts and repair kits page or contact the Kendisco team with your model number for immediate assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a grinder pump retrofit kit?

A grinder pump retrofit kit is a pre-assembled replacement package that includes the grinder pump, check valve, float switches, and cover assembly needed to replace the mechanical components of an existing grinder pump wet well. It allows you to restore pump station performance without replacing the entire basin or force main system. The Franklin Electric Grinder Pump Retrofit Kit is specifically designed as a direct simplex replacement for positive displacement grinder systems.

What systems is the Franklin Electric Grinder Pump Retrofit Kit compatible with?

The Franklin Electric Grinder Pump Retrofit Kit is designed as a direct replacement for positive displacement grinder pump systems in simplex wet well configurations. It is compatible with existing 1-1/4 inch NPT discharge piping and standard residential wet well basins. Contact Ken’s Distributing Company with your existing system details to confirm compatibility before ordering.

What is the difference between the IGP-A-RFKS and the IGPHR-A-RFK models?

The IGP-A-RFKS is the standard model, offering up to 31 GPM at 40 feet of head and a shutoff head of 130 feet. It is suited for typical residential installations with shorter force main runs. The IGPHR-A-RFK is the high-head model, rated for up to 30 GPM at 100 feet of head and a shutoff head of 200 feet. It is the correct choice for installations with longer horizontal force main distances or greater elevation changes between the pump station and the sewer connection point.

Does the retrofit kit require a new control panel?

In most cases, the existing simplex grinder pump control panel can remain in service if it is in good working condition and is rated for the replacement pump amperage. The standard IGP-A-RFKS draws 13.9 amps and the IGPHR-A-RFK draws 16 amps. If your existing panel is not rated for the replacement pump, Kendisco supplies compatible simplex grinder pump control panels to complete the upgrade.

Can a homeowner install the Franklin Electric Grinder Pump Retrofit Kit?

Installation of a grinder pump retrofit kit involves working with electrical connections and confined space wet well access. Most jurisdictions require a licensed plumber or electrical contractor to perform this work. Ken’s Distributing Company recommends consulting your local authority having jurisdiction before beginning installation to confirm permit and licensing requirements in your area.

How long does a Franklin Electric grinder pump last?

With proper maintenance and normal residential use, Franklin Electric IGP Series grinder pumps typically provide many years of reliable service. Pump life depends on usage volume, sewage content, and whether the pump is protected from dry running and overheating by a properly functioning control panel and float switch system. Regular inspection of float switches and check valves helps extend overall system life.

What should I do if my grinder pump is alarming?

A high-water alarm on a grinder pump system typically indicates the pump is not running, running but not keeping up with inflow, or has lost prime. First, check that the control panel is powered and the circuit breaker has not tripped. If the pump is running but the level is rising, the pump may need service or replacement. Contact Ken’s Distributing Company for technical assistance or to order a replacement kit for fast restoration of service.