Franklin Electric Inline Controls Pressure Boosting System
What Is an Inline Pressure Boosting Control System?
An inline pressure boosting control system is an automated electronic control unit that manages a water pump to maintain consistent water pressure in a residential or commercial plumbing system. It replaces the traditional pressure switch and bladder tank combination that standard pump pressure systems use, offering a more compact installation and more sophisticated pressure management.
In a traditional setup, a pressure switch monitors system pressure and turns the pump on when pressure drops below a set point, then off when pressure rises above another set point. A bladder tank stores pressurized water between pump cycles to reduce the frequency of pump starts. This system works but has drawbacks: the bladder tank takes up space, the pressure swings between the on and off set points can be significant, and the pump cycles on and off rather than running smoothly at varying speeds to match demand.
The Franklin Electric Inline Controls system uses flow detection to activate the pump when water movement is detected in the system, rather than waiting for pressure to drop to a fixed threshold. When you open a tap, the flow sensor detects movement and starts the pump immediately. When flow stops, the pump shuts down. On select models, the system also eliminates the need for a bladder tank entirely by maintaining pressure through active pump control rather than stored pressure volume. The result is more consistent pressure delivery, a smaller installation footprint, and fewer mechanical components to maintain.
Kendisco is an authorized Franklin Electric distributor. Ken’s Distributing Company stocks the full Inline Controls lineup and can help you select the right model for your pump and system. Call our team at 303.699.7845 for selection assistance and fast shipping.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible HP Range | 1/2 HP to 3 HP |
| Max Current | 15 A to 20 A depending on model |
| Max Liquid Temperature | 150 degrees F (66 degrees C) |
| Inlet Connection | 1 inch or 1-1/4 inch MNPT |
| Voltage Options | 115 V or 230 V |
| Pump Activation Method | Flow-based (all models) |
| Run Dry Protection | Yes, all models |
| Daily Motor Rotation | Yes, CTL model |
| Automatic Restart | Yes, CTL model |
| Bladder Tank Required | Often eliminated |
| Compatible Pump Types | Submersible pumps, surface pumps, shallow well and convertible jet pumps |
Model Specifications and Order Information
Franklin Electric Inline Controls Model Comparison
The Inline Controls lineup includes six model variants: InlineFLW, InlineSWC, InlineSWP, InlineADJ 115V, InlineADJ 230V, and InlineCTL. All models share flow-based pump activation and run-dry protection. The differences between them are in voltage compatibility, HP rating, pressure adjustment capability, and the advanced CTL features available on the InlineCTL model.
| Feature | InlineFLW | InlineSWC | InlineSWP | InlineADJ 115V | InlineADJ 230V | InlineCTL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flow-Based Pump Activation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Run Dry Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Daily Motor Rotation | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Automatic Restart After Fault | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Pressure Gauge Included | . | . | . | . | . | . |
| Compatible with Jet Pumps | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Contact Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 for help selecting the right model variant for your specific pump, voltage, and application requirements.
Advanced CTL Features: InlineCTL and FIL-CTL20
The InlineCTL model, represented by the FIL-CTL20 in the order list, is the most capable model in the Franklin Electric Inline Controls lineup. It handles pumps up to 3 HP and 20 amps, and it includes two additional operational features beyond what the other Inline Controls models provide.
Daily Motor Rotation Start
The daily motor rotation start feature activates the pump motor briefly every 24 hours even if no water demand has occurred during that period. This prevents the pump motor and impeller from seizing due to extended inactivity, which is a real concern in seasonal applications, vacation homes, and systems that may go days or weeks without normal water use. A pump that sits stationary for extended periods can develop mechanical binding at the shaft seal and impeller bearings that makes it difficult or impossible to restart. The daily rotation eliminates this risk automatically without any manual intervention.
Automatic Restart After Fault
The automatic restart functionality restores pump operation after an unexpected trip or fault condition without requiring manual intervention. When the CTL system detects that the fault condition has cleared, it automatically attempts to restart the pump and resume normal operation. This is a valuable feature in applications where the pump operates unattended, including vacation properties, remote water supply systems, and commercial buildings where overnight or weekend fault conditions would otherwise leave the system without water until someone manually resets it.
How Flow-Based Pump Activation Works
Traditional pressure switch systems activate the pump when system pressure drops below a set threshold and deactivate it when pressure rises above another threshold. This creates a pressure swing between on and off set points that manifests as pressure fluctuations at the fixtures.
The Franklin Electric Inline Controls flow-based activation works differently. A flow sensor in the inline control unit detects water movement in the system the moment a fixture is opened. The control activates the pump immediately in response to detected flow, before significant pressure drop occurs. When flow stops, the control detects the absence of movement and shuts the pump down.
The result is pump activation that tracks actual water use rather than responding to pressure drop after the fact. This delivers more consistent pressure at the fixture because the pump is running from the moment flow starts rather than catching up after pressure has already dropped. It also means the pump does not cycle on and off repeatedly in response to small pressure fluctuations that are not actual water use events, which reduces pump starts and extends motor service life.
Run Dry Protection: Why It Matters
Run dry protection is a safety feature that shuts down the pump when the water supply is interrupted and the system runs dry. Running a pump without water flowing through it causes the mechanical seal to overheat and fail rapidly because the seal faces rely on the pumped liquid for lubrication and cooling. Even a few seconds of dry running can damage a mechanical seal that would otherwise last years in normal operation.
On all Franklin Electric Inline Controls models, run dry protection monitors the pump operating condition and shuts the system down if dry running is detected. This prevents seal damage from supply interruptions, low well conditions, suction line air leaks, and any other situation where the pump loses its water supply. The pump remains shut down until the fault condition is resolved and the system is reset, either manually or automatically on the CTL model.
Eliminating the Bladder Tank: How It Works
Traditional pump pressure systems use a bladder tank to store pressurized water between pump cycles. The tank allows the pump to shut off between small water uses by providing stored pressurized volume that supplies fixtures without requiring the pump to start. Without a bladder tank, even a momentary fixture use would cycle the pump on and off repeatedly, which would rapidly wear out the pump motor through excessive starts.
The Franklin Electric Inline Controls system eliminates or significantly reduces the need for a bladder tank by using flow-based activation and electronic pump control to manage starts and stops more intelligently. The flow sensor and electronic control prevent the rapid cycling that makes a bladder tank necessary in traditional systems. In many installations, the Inline Controls system can be used without a bladder tank entirely, which reduces the space required for the installation and eliminates the maintenance associated with maintaining the correct bladder pre-charge pressure over time.
In some applications, a small expansion tank may still be beneficial to protect against pressure spikes and water hammer. Consult Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 for specific guidance on whether a tank is recommended for your application and pump combination.
Compatible Pump Types and Applications
The Franklin Electric Inline Controls system is compatible with a range of pump types covering most residential and light commercial water pressure applications.
- Submersible Well Pumps: The most common application for the Inline Controls system. Residential well systems using Franklin Electric submersible pumps pair with the Inline Controls for on-demand pressure delivery without a large pressure tank in the mechanical room.
- Shallow Well Jet Pumps: Compatible with Franklin Electric shallow well jet pumps including the VersaJet Series. The Inline Controls system provides automated start-stop management for jet pump systems that would otherwise require a separate pressure switch and tank setup.
- Convertible Jet Pumps: Compatible with convertible jet pumps including the C-Series and Convertible Pro RM2 Series available at Kendisco. Both shallow well and deep well configurations are supported.
- Surface Booster Pumps: Surface pump installations for pressure boosting in low-pressure supply situations use the Inline Controls to automate the boost function without requiring a bladder tank and separate pressure switch.
- Residential Pressure Boosting: Homes with low incoming pressure from municipal supply or private wells use the Inline Controls system to activate a booster pump on demand and maintain consistent pressure throughout the home.
- Light Commercial Applications: Small commercial properties, offices, and light commercial buildings with pump-dependent water supply systems use the Inline Controls for reliable automated pressure management up to the 3 HP and 20 amp limit of the FIL-CTL20.
Features and Benefits
- Flow-Based Pump Activation on All Models: The pump starts the moment water flow is detected, before pressure drop occurs. This delivers more consistent pressure at fixtures compared to pressure switch systems that respond after pressure has already dropped.
- Eliminates Bladder Tank in Many Installations: Removes the need for a large pressure tank in most residential applications. Reduces installation space requirements and eliminates ongoing bladder pre-charge maintenance.
- Run Dry Protection on All Models: Automatically shuts down the pump when dry running is detected, protecting the mechanical seal from heat damage and failure that would result from even brief dry operation.
- Daily Motor Rotation (CTL Model): Automatically activates the motor briefly every 24 hours to prevent mechanical seizure during extended periods of inactivity. Critical for seasonal and vacation property applications.
- Automatic Restart After Fault (CTL Model): Restores pump operation automatically after a resolved fault without requiring manual reset. Important for unattended and remote applications where manual intervention is not practical.
- Broad HP and Voltage Compatibility: Models cover 1/2 HP to 3 HP and both 115 V and 230 V electrical supply, accommodating the full range of residential and light commercial pump installations.
- Pressure Gauge on Select Models: Integrated pressure gauge allows visual monitoring of system pressure at the control unit location without a separate gauge installation.
- Compatible with Multiple Pump Types: Works with submersible well pumps, shallow well jet pumps, convertible jet pumps, and surface booster pumps, making it a versatile control solution for different installation configurations.
- 150 Degree F Maximum Temperature: Handles the temperature range of standard cold and warm water supply systems, confirming safe operation within the temperature limits of residential water supply.
- 1-Inch and 1-1/4-Inch MNPT Inlet Options: Two inlet connection sizes accommodate the pipe sizing used in different residential and light commercial pump installations without requiring adapters in most cases.
Selecting the Right Inline Controls Model for Your Application
Choosing the right Inline Controls model involves matching four key specifications to your pump and installation: HP rating, voltage, maximum current, and whether you need the advanced CTL features.
| Your Pump | Recommended Model | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 0.75 HP, 115 V | FIL-ADJ16-1G | Rated for 115 V, up to 0.75 HP, 16 A max |
| Up to 2 HP, 230 V | FIL-ADJ16-2G | Rated for 230 V, up to 2 HP, 16 A max |
| Up to 2 HP, 115 or 230 V | FIL-SWC16 | Dual voltage, up to 2 HP, 16 A max |
| Up to 3 HP, any voltage, advanced features needed | FIL-CTL20 | Highest HP rating, CTL features, 20 A max |
If your pump is rated above 3 HP or above 20 amps, the Inline Controls system is not rated for your application. Contact Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 for alternative control solutions for larger pump systems.
Installation and Compatibility
- Inline Installation: The Inline Controls unit installs in the water supply line between the pump discharge and the distribution system. The flow sensor in the unit detects water movement through the pipe and activates the pump control accordingly.
- Electrical Connection: The control unit connects between your electrical supply and the pump motor. Ensure the supply voltage matches the model voltage specification before wiring. Single-phase models accept 115 V or 230 V depending on model. Confirm the motor nameplate current does not exceed the model’s maximum amp rating.
- Inlet Connection: Connect the 1-inch or 1-1/4-inch MNPT inlet to the pump discharge line. Match the connection size to your existing pipe sizing. Use appropriate reducers or adapters if your pipe size differs from the control unit inlet size.
- Pressure Gauge: On models that include a pressure gauge, the gauge is pre-installed on the control unit and provides immediate visual pressure monitoring after installation. No separate gauge installation is needed.
- Bladder Tank Removal: In most residential applications where a bladder tank is being replaced by the Inline Controls system, the tank can be removed entirely from the installation. Consult Ken’s Distributing if you are unsure whether a small expansion tank is still advisable for your specific application.
- Jet Pump Compatibility: When installing with a shallow well or convertible jet pump, ensure the jet pump is properly primed before first startup. The Inline Controls system does not change the priming requirements of the pump it controls.
- Temperature Limit: Do not use the Inline Controls system with fluid temperatures exceeding 150 degrees F. For hot water applications above this temperature, the control unit is not suitable.
- Run Dry Reset: After a run dry shutdown on standard models, the system requires manual reset. On the FIL-CTL20 with automatic restart, the system will attempt to restart after a set delay period. Ensure the supply source issue is resolved before manual reset to prevent repeated dry running events that could indicate a system problem requiring investigation.
Replacement Parts and Service
The Franklin Electric Inline Controls system is an electronic control unit. Unlike mechanical components, the control module itself is typically replaced as a complete unit rather than serviced at the component level. Ensuring you have the correct model number on hand simplifies replacement if the control unit needs to be exchanged.
Ken’s Distributing Company stocks the full Franklin Electric Inline Controls lineup. When you need a replacement control unit or have questions about compatibility with your existing pump system, call us at 303.699.7845 and we will identify the correct model and get it shipped promptly.
Browse our Franklin Electric replacement parts and repair kits for inline controls and all other Franklin Electric pump system components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an inline pressure boosting control system?
An inline pressure boosting control system is an automated electronic control unit that regulates a water pump to maintain consistent on-demand water pressure. The Franklin Electric Inline Controls system uses flow detection to activate the pump when water use is detected and deactivate it when flow stops, delivering consistent pressure without the pressure swings of traditional pressure switch systems. In many installations it also eliminates the need for a bladder tank.
Is the inline controls system compatible with my BT4 or MH booster pump?
The Inline Controls system is compatible with surface pumps up to 3 HP and 20 amps. If your BT4 or MH Series booster pump falls within this HP and current range, the Inline Controls system can automate its operation. For BT4 and MH models above 3 HP or 20 amps, contact Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 for alternative control solutions.
Does the inline controls system include a variable frequency drive?
The Inline Controls system uses flow-based activation and electronic pump control rather than a traditional variable frequency drive (VFD). It is not a full VFD controller but it provides automated start-stop management that improves on simple pressure switch control. For full variable speed VFD control on larger systems, consult Ken’s Distributing for appropriate drive and control options.
What pressure range does the inline controls system maintain?
The maintained pressure range depends on the pump’s pressure delivery capability at the system flow rate, not the control unit itself. The Inline Controls system activates and deactivates the pump; the pressure delivered is determined by the pump performance curve at the operating flow rate. For specific pressure performance data, refer to the performance specifications of your pump model.
Can I eliminate my bladder tank with the inline controls system?
In most residential applications, yes. The flow-based activation of the Inline Controls system eliminates the rapid pump cycling that makes a bladder tank necessary in traditional pressure switch installations. Many installations can remove the bladder tank entirely when switching to the Inline Controls system. In some applications a small expansion tank may still be beneficial for water hammer protection. Contact Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 for guidance specific to your installation.
What happens when the pump runs dry with the inline controls system?
All Inline Controls models include run dry protection that shuts the pump down when dry running is detected. On standard models, the system requires manual reset after a dry run shutdown. On the FIL-CTL20 with automatic restart, the system will attempt an automatic restart after a set delay once the fault condition clears. Investigate the cause of the dry run condition before resetting to prevent repeated events.
Can I get inline controls replacement units from Kendisco?
Yes. Ken’s Distributing Company stocks the full Franklin Electric Inline Controls lineup. Call 303.699.7845 with your current model number and we will confirm availability and get your replacement unit shipped promptly.
Related Products
- Compatible with the BT4 Series multi-stage booster pump for high-pressure applications
- Compatible with the MH Series horizontal multi-stage booster pump for residential and commercial use
- Compatible with the VersaJet shallow well jet pump for residential well systems
- Compatible with the C-Series convertible jet pump for shallow and deep well installations
- Shop Franklin Electric replacement parts and repair kits for all series
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