Hi all.
We have run an in depth evaluation on the Varistream MK2 this week.
The set up was with the 100PSI Shurflo 8000-441-138 pump. 18ft pole with 50 metres of microbore 6mm hose.
We found that at a "normal" flow rate of just above 1 ltr per minute that the amp drain was only 1.9. At full flow the rate went up to just over 4 amps.
This has some quite important consequences.
1: The pump will only ever work at the lowest operating speed needed depending on the flow rate selected therefore ensuring maximum life from it. The analogy you could use is that if you rev the *** out of your car engine all the time it's life is minimal.
2: Not only will you get the max working time from your battery. Also your battery lifetime will be as long as possible and its peak operating performance will be as good as possible. With the usual deep cycle batteries we use on our WFP equipment the following applies: A battery regularly drained of 80% of its charge will last only a third of the time of one that is regularly discharged to 50% of its charge. This is measured in cycles.. that is one discharge from max and one recharge charge to max = one cycle.
So there IS more to the Varistream than meets the eye. BTW these tests were carried out by a fully qualified electrician.
Cheers
Andrew