Single Phase Openwell Submersible Starter Panel Comparison

VUKAR makes eight single phase starter panel models for openwell submersible pumps. They split into two families: the OPM series (no water level controller) and the OPA series (fully automatic, with water level controller). Every model includes VUKAR motor safety, an auto off / stop timer and a cyclic timer, and covers 0.5 HP to 3 HP single phase motors. The table below shows only what actually differs between models.

Quick answer: which openwell panel do you need?

  • You have an overhead tank and want the pump to start and stop by itself — choose OPA-B, OPA-H or OPA-T. These include a water level controller, and every model with a controller also shows the level.
  • You want the simplest panel — choose OPM-C, or OPM-H if you want an MCB in the panel.
  • You want to see the tank level without automatic control — choose OPM-V or OPM-W. These add a water level indicator only.
  • You want the pump to run at fixed times of day — choose OPM-T or OPA-T. These add a clock timer.
  • You want an MCB built into the panel — choose OPM-H, OPM-W or OPA-H.

Comparison table: all single phase openwell starter panel models

Model Water Level Controller Water Level Indicator Clock Timer MCB HP range
OPM-C No No No No 0.5–3 HP
OPM-H No No No Yes 0.5–3 HP
OPM-T No No Yes No 0.5–3 HP
OPM-V No Yes No No 0.5–3 HP
OPM-W No Yes No Yes 0.5–3 HP
OPA-B Yes Yes No No 0.5–3 HP
OPA-H Yes Yes No Yes 0.5–3 HP
OPA-T Yes Yes Yes No 0.5–3 HP

Motor safety, the auto off / stop timer and the cyclic timer are standard on all eight models, so they are not shown as columns. For current prices, open the product page for that model.

How the model codes work

OP = openwell. M = no water level controller. A = automatic, with water level controller. The final letter marks the added feature: H adds an MCB, T adds a clock timer, V adds a water level indicator, W adds both a water level indicator and an MCB. C and B are the base models of each family.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the VUKAR OPM series and the OPA series?

The OPA series includes a water level controller, so the panel starts and stops the pump based on the water level in your tank. The OPM series has no water level controller. OPM models are OPM-C, OPM-H, OPM-T, OPM-V and OPM-W. OPA models are OPA-B, OPA-H and OPA-T.

Do the automatic OPA models also show the water level?

Yes. Every VUKAR model with a water level controller includes a water level indicator as well, so OPA-B, OPA-H and OPA-T both display the tank level and act on it. OPM-V and OPM-W display the level but do not control the pump from it.

What is the difference between a water level controller and a water level indicator?

A water level controller switches the pump based on the tank level. A water level indicator only displays the level. Any model with a controller also has an indicator, but not the other way round.

Which VUKAR openwell panel should I choose if I have an overhead tank?

Choose OPA-B, OPA-H or OPA-T. All three include a water level controller. OPA-H adds an MCB and OPA-T adds a clock timer.

Which VUKAR single phase openwell panels include an MCB?

Three models include an MCB: OPM-H, OPM-W and OPA-H.

Which VUKAR openwell panels have a clock timer?

Two models include a clock timer: OPM-T and OPA-T. OPA-T also has a water level controller; OPM-T does not.

Do all VUKAR openwell panels have a cyclic timer and an auto off / stop timer?

Yes. Motor safety, the cyclic timer and the auto off / stop timer are standard on all eight models, so they are not a reason to pick one model over another.

What HP range do VUKAR single phase openwell starter panels cover?

All eight models cover 0.5 HP to 3 HP single phase motors.

Related comparisons

VUKAR single phase openwell starter panel comparison chart, part 1

VUKAR single phase openwell starter panel comparison chart, part 2