Inspector Pumphead’s Quick Tips: Understanding Pump Model Numbers

-Inspector Pumphead has the answer

It’s time for everyone’s favorite semi-recurring content feature: Inspector Pumphead’s Quick Tips!

In this space, Inspector Pumphead from PumpProducts.com will be answering common questions, sending out friendly reminders and dispensing basic tips for pump handling and maintenance. Small stuff that might not fall into another category. The Inspector is in!

What do all the digits in a model number mean?

Have you ever been shopping for pumps online and thought: ‘what am I looking at?’ Pump part numbers can be notoriously hard to decipher, with the long string of numbers and letters doing little to distinguish one model from the other. Even worse, pumps in a series often have part numbers that look pretty much identical on first glance, with only a single digit in that number string string being different. Sometimes the wrong pump gets purchased.

Mistakes happen of course, but getting a pump with the wrong horsepower or voltage because you read the part number wrong is a particularly costly one. It is important to choose the right pump your application.

Despite what some customers think, part numbers are not just random or computer generated numbers. The digits in a part number represent something about the pump’s construction, function or application. Each pump manufacturer uses their own specific nomenclature, so the meaning for different numbers will vary across brand. To help customers understand the purpose of nomenclature, I will break down the number for a specific manufacturer.

For today’s example, we’ll use a pump part number from Goulds, specifically, the 1SC51E1HA submersible dewatering pump.

This diagram lays out the basic Goulds nomenclature:

-Nomenclature Breakdown

As you can see, the number starts with the model series, then proceeds to designate the most important characteristics of the pump, including seal material, motor speed, horsepower, phase and voltage, impeller stage and size and cord length. The Goulds 1SC51E1HA matches up with the example listed here, with the exception of the penultimate digit. In Goulds’ notation, ‘H’ in that spot denotes a 5-stage Noryl impeller.

As mentioned above, each manufacturer uses its own nomenclature, so this example is more to give you a basic picture of how the numbers work and what the purpose of the nomenclature is. For instance, Liberty will often end a part number with an ‘M’ or “A’ to denote whether a manual is automatic. A dashed number appended to the end will also tell you the cord length (e.g. “-2” means the model comes with a 20 ft. cord).

Of course, the easiest way to ensure that you pick the pump with the right performance and construction for your application is to read each product listing thoroughly. And if you’re still confused about a part number, our trained and dedicated application engineers are just a phone call away!

Pump Products application engineers are standing by to provide technical assistance, price quotes or to answer any questions you may have regarding pumps. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800.