The average number of starts per day over a period of months or years influences the life of a submersible pumping system. Excessive cycling affects the life of control components such as pressure switches, starters, relays and capacitors. Rapid cycling can also cause motor spline damage, bearing damage, and motor overheating. All these conditions can lead to reduced motor life. The pump size, tank size and other controls should be selected to keep the starts per day as low as practical for longest life. The maximum number of starts per 24-hour period is shown in Table 3. Motors should run a minimum of one minute to dissipate heat build up from starting current.

This chart, courtesy of Franklin Electric, is useful when evaluating how a submersible pump should be operated. Remember, fewer starts (longer pump cycles) is better. For most well owners, this is a function of the size & condition of the well tank as well as pressure settings.