Franklin Electric Simplex Grinder Pump System
The Franklin Electric Simplex Grinder Pump System is a complete, factory-configured sewage pump station designed for residential and light commercial low-pressure sewer applications where gravity connection to the municipal sewer is not possible and sewage must be ground and pumped under pressure through a force main to the collection system. Available in hard-piped and standard fiberglass configurations across multiple basin depths, the Franklin Electric simplex system includes a 2 HP automatic grinder pump, a NEMA 4X waterproof control panel with alarm, three float switches, all discharge components, and a 24-inch diameter fiberglass basin, delivering a complete, coordinated installation in a single package. At Ken’s Distributing Company, we stock both configurations and can help you select the right basin depth and package type for your site conditions.
What Is a Simplex Grinder Pump System?
A simplex grinder pump system contains a single grinder pump in a wet well basin used for residential or light commercial properties where gravity flow to the sewer is not possible. It grinds sewage waste into a fine slurry and forces that slurry under pressure uphill or over long distances through a small-diameter force main to the municipal sewer or septic system.
Properties below the street sewer elevation, properties located far from the main sewer line, and properties in low-pressure sewer districts all use grinder pump systems to make sewer connection practical where it would otherwise be impossible or prohibitively expensive using gravity pipe. The grinder pump eliminates the need for deep gravity trenching, large diameter pipe, and the elevation corrections that gravity sewer requires.
The simplex designation means the system contains one pump. This is appropriate for single-family residential properties and light commercial applications where the sewage load is within the capacity of a single 2 HP grinder pump and where the consequence of pump failure allows time for scheduled service. For applications requiring redundancy or higher flow capacity, the Franklin Electric duplex grinder pump system with two pumps is the appropriate choice.
Kendisco is an authorized Franklin Electric distributor. Ken’s Distributing Company stocks both the hard-piped and fiberglass simplex configurations and can help you work through system sizing and site requirements before you order. Call our team at 303.699.7845 for selection assistance.
Two System Configurations: Hard-Piped vs. Standard Fiberglass
The Franklin Electric simplex system is available in two distinct configurations that serve different installation requirements and preferences.
| Feature | Hard-Piped Grinder Package | Standard Fiberglass Grinder Package |
|---|---|---|
| Discharge Piping | SCH 80 PVC hard pipe, factory-installed | Flexible connection |
| Check Valve | 1-1/4 inch SCH 80 PVC check valve included | Ball check valve included |
| Ball Valve | Included, SCH 80 PVC | Shut-off valve included |
| Union Disconnect | SCH 80 PVC union for service access | Discharge pipe disconnect included |
| Cover Type | Ribbed structural foam | Solid fiberglass with stainless steel rail |
| Basin Diameter | 24 inches | 24 inches |
| Available Depths | 48, 60, and 72 inches | 60, 72, and 84 inches |
| Lead Length | 20 feet | 15 feet |
| Control Panel | NEMA 4X with alarm and silence switch | NEMA 4X with alarm and silence switch |
| Best For | Installations preferring rigid PVC discharge plumbing | Standard residential installations |
The hard-piped configuration comes with the discharge plumbing pre-configured in rigid SCH 80 PVC inside the basin, which many installers prefer for its permanence and the clean appearance of rigid piping in the wet well. The union disconnect makes future pump service straightforward by allowing the discharge connection to be broken without cutting pipe. The standard fiberglass configuration uses the same complete system components but with flexible discharge connection arrangements that accommodate a wider range of site conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Pumps | One (simplex configuration) |
| Motor HP | 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 | 13.9 A |
| Discharge Size | 1.25 inches |
| Cutting Rate | 414,000 cuts per minute |
| Impeller Material | Seven-vane angled face non-clogging brass |
| Pump Finish | Epoxy-coated cast iron |
| Basin Material | Heavy-duty fiberglass |
| Basin Diameter | 24 inches |
| Inlet Connection | 4-inch Adapt-A-Flex inlet grommet |
| Control Panel Rating | NEMA 4X waterproof |
| Float Switches | Three: On, Off, and High Water Alarm |
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
Hard Piped Grinder Packages
| Item | Model | HP | Volts | Discharge | Amps – Full Load | Lead Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 515201 | IGP-SMPXFG-HP2448 | 2 hp | 230 VAC | 1.25 “ | 13.9 A | 20 ft |
| 515202 | IGP-SMPXFG-HP2460 | 2 hp | 230 VAC | 1.25 “ | 13.9 A | 20 ft |
| 515203 | IGP-SMPXFG-HP2472 | 2 hp | 230 VAC | 1.25 “ | 13.9 A | 20 ft |
Fiberglass Grinder Packages
| Item | Model | HP | Volts | Discharge | Amps – Full Load | Lead Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 515204 | IGP-SMPX2460 | 2 hp | 230 VAC | 1.25 “ | 13.9 A | 15 ft |
| 515205 | IGP-SMPX2472 | 2 hp | 230 VAC | 1.25 “ | 13.9 A | 15 ft |
| 515206 | IGP-SMPX2484 | 2 hp | 230 VAC | 1.25 “ | 13.9 A | 15 ft |
Understanding the Model Designation
The model code tells you the system configuration and basin dimensions at a glance. Using IGP-SMPXFG-HP2460 as an example:
| Code Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IGP | IGP Series grinder pump |
| SMPX | Simplex configuration, single pump |
| FG | Fiberglass basin |
| HP | Hard-piped discharge configuration |
| 24 | 24-inch basin diameter |
| 60 | 60-inch basin depth |
Selecting the correct basin depth requires knowing the invert elevation of your incoming sewer pipe, the minimum submergence needed for reliable pump operation, required wet well storage volume for your site, and local code requirements. Contact Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 to confirm the right depth for your installation before ordering.
System Components: What Is Included
2 HP Automatic Grinder Pump
The Franklin Electric GP Series 2 HP automatic grinder pump is the heart of the simplex system. The automatic designation means the pump includes its own integrated control that eliminates the need for a separate external control panel in some configurations, though the packaged system includes a NEMA 4X panel for complete alarm and monitoring capability. The 3450 RPM capacitor start and run single-phase motor provides high starting torque to overcome the initial resistance of starting against a loaded grinding mechanism and the static head of the force main. Built-in overload protection shuts the motor down if current draw exceeds safe operating limits, preventing motor burnout from temporary overloads.
Seven-Vane Brass Grinder Impeller
The seven-vane angled face non-clogging brass impeller is the grinding mechanism that processes solid sewage waste. The angled face geometry directs solids consistently into the cutting zone between the impeller and the cutter ring. The tight cutting clearance between the impeller and cutter ring produces 414,000 cuts per minute, reducing solid waste to a fine slurry suitable for pumping through the 1.25-inch discharge line. The seven-vane configuration distributes hydraulic load across more surface area than fewer-vane designs, reducing per-vane stress and extending service life. Brass resists the corrosive chemistry of the sewage environment while maintaining the dimensional precision needed for effective tight-clearance cutting.
Epoxy-Coated Cast Iron Pump Body
The cast iron pump body with epoxy coating provides the corrosion resistance needed for a pump operating continuously in a submerged sewage environment. The epoxy coating protects the cast iron from the hydrogen sulfide and other corrosive compounds present in sewage wet wells, extending service life well beyond what uncoated cast iron would provide in this application.
NEMA 4X Waterproof Control Panel
The NEMA 4X rating is the appropriate enclosure standard for a control panel installed in the outdoor or semi-outdoor location typical of residential grinder pump stations. NEMA 4X provides protection against corrosion, windblown dust and rain, splashing water, and hose-directed water from any direction. The panel includes an alarm circuit for high water condition notification, a silence switch to acknowledge the alarm without resetting the condition, and visual alert indicators. This level of alarm and monitoring capability meets the requirements of most residential grinder pump installation codes.
Three Float Switches
Three float switches manage the wet well level control. The pump-on float activates the grinder pump when wet well level rises to the operating turn-on point. The pump-off float deactivates the pump when the wet well is pumped down to the operating turn-off level. The high water alarm float triggers the control panel alarm if the wet well rises above normal operating range, indicating that the pump cannot keep pace with incoming flow or that the pump has failed and service is needed. The stainless steel float bracket positions all three floats at the correct elevations within the basin for accurate level control.
Fiberglass Basin
The 24-inch diameter heavy-duty fiberglass basin is the wet well container for the grinder pump system. Fiberglass resists the corrosive compounds in sewage without the protective coating maintenance that concrete basins require. The 24-inch diameter is appropriately sized for the single IGP Series pump in the simplex configuration with access space for service. The Adapt-A-Flex 4-inch inlet grommet provides a flexible, watertight connection for the incoming sewer pipe from the property.
Discharge Components
On hard-piped models, the discharge assembly includes 1-1/4-inch SCH 80 PVC check valve, ball valve, and discharge piping with union disconnect. On standard fiberglass models, a ball check valve, discharge pipe disconnect, shut-off valve, and stainless steel lifting chain are included. Both configurations include all hardware needed for a complete discharge assembly without additional sourcing.
Basin Cover
Hard-piped models use a ribbed structural foam cover for strength and weather resistance. Standard fiberglass models use a solid fiberglass cover with a stainless steel rail system and sealing flange that provides a watertight seal at the basin top while guiding the pump assembly for proper alignment during installation and service.
Applications
The simplex grinder pump system is the standard solution for single-family residential and light commercial sewer connection where gravity flow is not achievable.
- Below-Grade Properties: Homes and buildings where the finished floor or the property elevation is below the street sewer invert elevation cannot gravity-flow sewage to the main. The grinder pump grinds waste and forces it up to the sewer elevation through the force main. This is the most common residential application for the simplex grinder pump system.
- Remote Properties: Properties located far from the nearest municipal sewer connection use grinder pump systems to pump through a long force main over distances that gravity pipe would make impractical due to the depth of pipe needed to maintain slope over long runs.
- Low-Pressure Sewer Districts: Many municipalities have adopted low-pressure sewer (LPS) systems where individual property grinder pump stations replace large-diameter gravity mains. Each property has a grinder pump station that pumps into the municipal LPS collection main. The Franklin Electric simplex system is a standard specification for residential LPS connections.
- New Development: Residential developments in areas where extending gravity sewer mains is cost-prohibitive use individual grinder pump stations at each lot as a more economical alternative to deep gravity sewer construction.
- Light Commercial: Small commercial buildings, offices, and retail spaces with sewage loads within the 2 HP pump capacity and where single-pump operation is acceptable use the simplex system for low-pressure sewer connection.
- Seasonal and Vacation Properties: Seasonal homes and vacation properties that generate intermittent sewage loads within single-pump capacity use the simplex system for sewer connection where the consequence of pump failure during an unoccupied period is manageable.
Features and Benefits
- Complete Factory-Configured Package: All major components for a complete installation are included and pre-engineered to work together. This eliminates component sourcing, compatibility verification, and assembly work that comes with building a grinder pump station from individual parts.
- 414,000 Cuts Per Minute: The tight-clearance brass impeller grinds domestic sewage solids into a fine slurry at a rate that prevents clogging of the 1.25-inch discharge line even under continuous residential use conditions.
- Automatic GP Series Pump: The automatic 2 HP grinder pump includes integrated control that simplifies the overall system design and reduces the number of external control components needed for reliable operation.
- NEMA 4X Control Panel with Alarm: Waterproof, corrosion-resistant control panel with high water alarm, silence switch, and visual indicators provides the monitoring capability required for residential grinder pump installations in most code jurisdictions.
- Hard-Piped Configuration Option: The SCH 80 PVC hard-piped discharge assembly with union disconnect provides a permanent, durable discharge plumbing configuration inside the basin that many installers and property owners prefer for its rigidity and service accessibility.
- Epoxy-Coated Cast Iron Pump: Corrosion-resistant finish extends pump service life in the continuously wet and chemically aggressive sewage environment of the wet well.
- Fiberglass Basin: Inherently corrosion-resistant without ongoing coating maintenance. Maintains structural integrity in the buried wet environment throughout the system service life.
- Multiple Basin Depth Options: Available in 48, 60, 72, and 84-inch depths across the two configurations, accommodating different incoming pipe invert elevations and site conditions without custom fabrication.
- 4-Inch Adapt-A-Flex Inlet: Flexible inlet grommet accommodates minor pipe alignment variations during installation and maintains a watertight seal through ground settlement and thermal movement over the system service life.
- Stainless Steel Hardware Throughout: Float bracket, junction box, lifting chain, rail system, and sealing flange in stainless steel provide corrosion resistance at all hardware points exposed to the wet well environment.
- Three Float Switch Level Control: Separate float positions for pump on, pump off, and high water alarm provide appropriate level control resolution for both normal operation and alarm condition detection.
Simplex vs. Duplex: Which Grinder Pump System Is Right for Your Application?
The choice between simplex and duplex is the first specification decision for any grinder pump station project. Here is a clear comparison to help you make the right call.
| Factor | Simplex System | Duplex System |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Pumps | One | Two |
| Backup Pump | No | Yes, automatic failover |
| Basin Diameter | 24 inches | 36 inches |
| Available Depths | 48 to 84 inches | 48 to 84 inches |
| Control Panel | NEMA 4X with 3 floats | Duplex panel with 4 floats, pump alternation |
| Hard-Piped Option | Yes | No |
| Best For | Single-family residential, light commercial | Commercial, multi-family, HOA stations |
| Pump Failure Consequence | Service required, no backup | Backup activates, scheduled service |
| Initial Cost | Lower | Higher |
For a single-family residence where the sewage load is within single-pump capacity and pump failure during normal property occupancy allows for timely scheduled service, the simplex system is the appropriate and more cost-effective choice. For commercial properties, multi-family housing, HOA community pump stations, or any installation where pump failure has immediate significant consequences, the duplex system with backup pump capability is the right specification. Call Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 to discuss your specific application.
Installation Requirements
- Electrical Service: The system requires 230 VAC single-phase service at the control panel. The pump draws 13.9 amps at full load. Size the electrical circuit and breaker appropriately for the full load current draw. Consult a licensed electrician for service sizing and connection to the control panel.
- Basin Excavation: The 24-inch diameter fiberglass basin requires excavation sized to accept the basin with appropriate bedding material and backfill compaction. Follow the installation instructions included with the system for bedding specifications. Improper backfill compaction around a fiberglass basin can cause structural deformation that affects the system performance and service access.
- Incoming Sewer Connection: Connect the property sewer pipe to the 4-inch Adapt-A-Flex inlet grommet on the basin wall. Ensure adequate slope on the incoming gravity pipe from all fixtures to the basin per local plumbing code requirements.
- Force Main Connection: The 1.25-inch discharge from the system connects to the force main running to the sewer collection point. Size, route, and connect the force main per the hydraulic design requirements for your site and local code specifications. The performance curve data provided confirms system capacity at various head pressures to validate force main sizing.
- Control Panel Mounting: Mount the NEMA 4X control panel at the appropriate location per local code requirements. The panel must be accessible for alarm response and routine inspection while being protected from direct vehicle traffic and physical damage.
- High Water Alarm Connection: Connect the high water alarm output to an audible alarm or monitoring system as required by your local code for grinder pump stations. Many municipalities require monitored alarms on residential grinder pump stations.
- Local Code Compliance: Grinder pump installation requirements vary significantly by municipality. Obtain required permits, schedule required inspections, and confirm local specifications for force main sizing, electrical connections, alarm monitoring, and cover access requirements before installation.
Replacement Parts and Service
The Franklin Electric IGP Series grinder pump used in this system is a serviceable unit. The stainless steel lifting chain and discharge pipe disconnect or union disconnect in the hard-piped configuration allow the pump to be raised from the basin for inspection and service without draining the wet well. The grinder pump retrofit kit available at Kendisco provides the replacement grinding mechanism components when the impeller or cutter ring requires replacement after extended service.
Ken’s Distributing Company carries the Franklin Electric grinder pump retrofit kit, IGP Series replacement components, and service parts for the simplex system. When your system needs service components, call us at 303.699.7845 and we will identify the correct parts and get them shipped promptly to minimize the disruption to your sewer service.
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 simplex grinder pump system?
A simplex grinder pump system contains a single grinder pump in a wet well basin used for residential properties where gravity flow to the sewer is not possible. It grinds sewage waste into a fine slurry and forces it under pressure through a small-diameter force main to the municipal sewer or septic system. The simplex designation means a single pump with no backup unit, making it appropriate for single-family residential and light commercial applications where the single-pump capacity is sufficient and the consequence of pump failure allows scheduled service response.
How does a grinder pump work?
A grinder pump works in two stages. First, the grinding mechanism, consisting of the brass impeller spinning at 3450 RPM against a cutter ring at tight clearance, shreds solid sewage waste into a fine slurry at 414,000 cuts per minute. Second, the centrifugal pump action forces this slurry under pressure through the 1.25-inch discharge pipe into the force main and onward to the sewer collection system. The grinding step is what allows a small-diameter force main to carry sewage that would otherwise require much larger gravity sewer pipe.
Does a simplex grinder pump need a control panel?
Yes. The Franklin Electric simplex grinder pump system includes a NEMA 4X waterproof control panel with high water alarm, silence switch, visual alert indicators, and three float switches for pump on, pump off, and high water alarm level control. The control panel manages pump activation based on wet well level and provides the alarm monitoring capability required by most local codes for residential grinder pump stations.
How long do grinder pumps last?
With proper installation, appropriate use, and periodic maintenance, Franklin Electric IGP Series grinder pumps are designed for long residential service life measured in years of operation. Service life depends significantly on what goes into the system. Grinder pumps handle domestic sewage including toilet paper and biodegradable waste. Non-biodegradable items, rags, wipes marketed as flushable, grease, and non-sewage liquids can damage the grinding mechanism and reduce service life significantly. Following the manufacturer’s usage guidelines is the single most important factor in maximizing grinder pump service life.
What basin depth do I need for my installation?
The correct basin depth depends on the invert elevation of your incoming sewer line at the basin connection point, the minimum pump submergence depth required for reliable operation, the wet well storage volume required for your site, and local code requirements for minimum wet well depth. Hard-piped models are available in 48, 60, and 72-inch depths. Standard fiberglass models are available in 60, 72, and 84-inch depths. Contact Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 to work through the site-specific depth selection before ordering.
What is the difference between the hard-piped and standard fiberglass configurations?
The hard-piped configuration comes with the discharge assembly pre-installed in rigid 1-1/4-inch SCH 80 PVC pipe with a PVC check valve, ball valve, and union disconnect inside the basin. The structural foam cover provides strength and weather resistance. The standard fiberglass configuration uses a solid fiberglass cover with stainless steel rail and sealing flange, with discharge components that include a ball check valve and discharge pipe disconnect. Both include all hardware for a complete installation. Choose hard-piped if you prefer the permanence and service accessibility of rigid PVC discharge plumbing in the wet well.
Can I get simplex grinder pump system parts from Kendisco?
Yes. Ken’s Distributing Company carries Franklin Electric grinder pump retrofit kits, IGP Series replacement pumps, and service components for the simplex system. Call 303.699.7845 for parts availability and fast shipping to minimize disruption to your sewer service during repairs.
Related Products
- Need redundancy? Compare the duplex grinder pump system for two-pump backup capability
- View compatible simplex 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 replacement grinding mechanism components
- See the PowerSewer grinder pump system for an alternative complete packaged solution
- Browse Franklin Electric replacement parts and repair kits for all series
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