A complete 7-step guide to dewatering a construction site excavation safely and legally, covering spill prevention, hydrocarbon testing, pump selection, discharge routing, sediment filtration, and residual drainage to 1mm. All products available from CMT Group with next-day delivery.
230V submersible puddle pump that clears residual water down to 1mm depth, for final-stage dewatering on UK construction and industrial sites where the primary pump has reached its lower operating limit.
- Drains water down to 1mm depth, specialist flat-base puddle pump design
- 230V AC mains supply, no site transformer required
- 170 L/min max flow rate
- 11m max head height
- 25mm (1") outlet
- No float switch, manual operation
- Swing check valve prevents backflow on shutdown
- Priming water required before first start
- IP68 rated
- fully submersible to 5m depth
- 10m power cable
- Thermal overload protection
- CE marked
230V submersible puddle pump that clears residual water down to 1mm depth, for final-stage dewatering on UK construction and industrial sites where the primary pump has reached its lower operating limit.
- Drains water down to 1mm depth, specialist flat-base puddle pump design
- 230V AC mains supply, no site transformer required
- 170 L/min max flow rate
- 11m max head height
- 25mm (1") outlet
- No float switch, manual operation
- Swing check valve prevents backflow on shutdown
- Priming water required before first start
- IP68 rated
- fully submersible to 5m depth
- 10m power cable
- Thermal overload protection
- CE marked
- Buy 3 for £418.80 £349.00 each and save 13%
- Buy 6 for £358.80 £299.00 each and save 25%
| BULK DISCOUNT | 3 | 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £349.00 £418.80 | £299.00 £358.80 |
Order 1x to earn 399 FASTPoints
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Log in to access trade discountsMAX 230V 530W Puddle Pump Drains to 1mm 1" Outlet
230V submersible puddle pump designed to clear residual water down to a depth of 1mm, picking up where a standard submersible pump stops. Once a primary 110V pump has reduced the water level to its lower operating threshold, a small volume of water typically remains on the floor of the excavation, sump, or chamber. This pump is built to remove that residual water completely, draining the space to within 1mm of the surface. It runs on standard 230V mains without a site transformer, is manually controlled without a float switch, and includes a swing check valve to prevent drained water running back through the pump on shutdown.
How the flat base design clears water down to 1mm
A standard submersible pump draws water in from the base and requires a minimum depth of water to maintain suction and keep the motor cool. Once the water level drops below that minimum, the pump runs dry and the motor overheats. The SPA530 uses a specially designed flat base plate that positions the inlet ports as close to the floor surface as physically possible, allowing the pump to maintain suction at water depths as low as 1mm. This is not a theoretical specification; the manufacturer's own documentation headlines it as the primary feature of this pump: "Pump water down to 1mm!!" In practical dewatering, it means the space can be left genuinely dry rather than with a residual layer of standing water on the floor.
Key Features
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Drains to 1mm water depth: The flat base design positions inlet ports at the minimum possible height above the floor surface, enabling complete residual drainage to 1mm depth. The defining feature of this pump and the reason it is specified as a companion to the standard submersible range.
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230V AC mains supply: Runs directly on a standard 230V mains outlet. No 110V site transformer required. Suited to situations where only mains power is available, or where the 110V transformer is committed to the primary pump.
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Swing check valve: Prevents water from flowing back down through the pump outlet when the pump stops. On residual drainage work where any backflow would re-wet an area just cleared, this is a functionally important component.
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No float switch: This pump is manually operated. Connect to power to start, disconnect to stop. The absence of a float switch is intentional for a puddle pump used in controlled final-stage drainage where the operator determines start and stop.
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170 L/min max flow rate at 11m head: Sufficient for residual drainage and moderate volume pumping tasks. Lower than the 110V models at equivalent power because the pump architecture is optimised for low-head residual drainage rather than high-volume primary dewatering.
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Priming required before first start: Fill the pump with clean water before connecting to power for the first time. This primes the impeller and ensures the mechanical seal is lubricated before operation begins.
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Steel plate stretch motor housing: Compact construction at 195mm wide and 335mm tall, sharing the same housing approach as the SPA530AF.
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6mm particle handling: Passes particles up to 6mm without impeller blockage.
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IP68 rating: Fully sealed for continuous submersion to 5m depth under normal operating conditions.
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Thermal overload protection: Cuts the motor automatically if the pump overheats. Resets after cooling.
Who is this for
Trades and roles:
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Site managers completing final-stage dewatering after primary pump operations
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Groundworkers clearing residual water from completed excavations before inspection or backfill
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Civil engineers draining chambers, inspection pits, and underground structures completely
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Maintenance engineers clearing standing water from basements, plant rooms, and tank floors
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Facilities management teams managing flood response on mains-powered premises
Industries:
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Construction and civil engineering
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Utilities and infrastructure
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Industrial maintenance and facilities management
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Highways and transport
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Agricultural drainage
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
| Product Name | MAX 230V 530W Puddle Pump - Drains to 1mm 1" Outlet |
| SKU | PL080004 |
| Brand | MAX |
| Pump Type | Puddle pump, residual drainage |
| Voltage | 230V AC 50Hz |
| Rated Input Power | 530W (0.53kW) |
| Max Flow Rate | 170 L/min |
| Max Head Height | 11m |
| Outlet Size | 25mm (1") |
| Min Water Level | 1mm |
| Float Switch | None, manual operation only |
| Swing Check Valve | Yes, prevents backflow on shutdown |
| Priming Required | Yes, fill with clean water before first start |
| Suction Type | Submersible |
| Max Operating Depth | 5m |
| Max Water Temperature | 0 to 40°C |
| Max Particle Size | 6mm |
| Power Cable Length | 10m |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Motor Housing | Steel plate stretch (Fe360A) |
| Thermal Overload Protection | Yes |
| Compliance | CE marked |
| Pump Body Width (B) | 195mm |
| Pump Body Height (H) | 335mm |
| Package Size (W x D x H) | 28.5 x 27.5 x 39.5 cm |
| Weight | 13.8kg |
Exploded View

Model Comparison
| Specification | PL080001 | PL080002 | PL080003 | PL080004 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power and Electrical | ||||
| Voltage | 110V AC | 110V AC | 110V AC | 230V AC |
| Rated Input Power | 500W (0.5kW) | 750W (0.75kW) | 530W (0.53kW) | 530W (0.53kW) |
| Motor Housing | Aluminium alloy die cast | Aluminium alloy die cast | Steel plate stretch | Steel plate stretch |
| Performance | ||||
| Max Flow Rate | 210 L/min | 250 L/min | 250 L/min | 170 L/min |
| Max Head Height | 12m | 18m | 11m | 11m |
| Max Particle Size | 7mm | 7mm | 6mm | 6mm |
| Connections | ||||
| Outlet Size | 50mm (2") | 80mm (3") | 50mm (2") | 25mm (1") |
| Max Operating Depth | 5m | 5m | 5m | 5m |
| Min Water Level | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | 1mmFlat base drains to 1mm |
| Power Cable Length | 10m | 10m | 10m | 10m |
| Features and Safety | ||||
| Float Switch | Yes — integrated | Yes — integrated | Yes — integrated | No float switch |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| Thermal Overload Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Swing Check Valve | No | No | No | YesPrevents backflow on shutdown |
| Priming Required | No | No | No | Yes — before first start |
| Max Water Temperature | 0 to 40°C | 0 to 40°C | 0 to 40°C | 0 to 40°C |
| Compliance | CE marked | CE marked | CE marked | CE marked |
| Physical | ||||
| Dimensions (B x H) | 239 x 356mm | 312 x 389mm | 185 x 305mm | 195 x 335mm |
| Pump Body Width (B) | 239mm | 312mm | 185mm | 195mm |
| Pump Body Height (H) | 356mm | 389mm | 305mm | 335mm |
| Package Size (W x D x H) | 24.5 x 22 x 40.5 cm | 32 x 22.5 x 44 cm | 28.5 x 27.3 x 36.5 cm | 28.5 x 27.5 x 39.5 cm |
| Weight | 12.6kg | 19.0kg | 13.0kg | 13.8kg |
| Best Suited To | ||||
| Primary Application | General site dewatering, 110V supply, moderate volumes | High-volume dewatering, long discharge runs, large excavations | Compact site dewatering, high flow at lower head, 110V supply | Final-stage residual puddle clearing to 1mm, 230V mains supply |
Compatibility
| Application or condition | Status |
| Final-stage residual drainage to 1mm depth | ✓ Compatible |
| 230V mains supply, no transformer required | ✓ Compatible |
| Clearing standing water from flat surfaces | ✓ Compatible |
| Draining tanks, chambers, and sumps completely | ✓ Compatible |
| Low-volume dewatering tasks on mains power | ✓ Compatible |
| Water containing particles up to 6mm | ✓ Compatible |
| Full submersion to 5m depth | ✓ Compatible |
| High-volume primary site dewatering | ✗ Not recommended, use 110V submersible models PL080001-003 |
| Unattended automatic operation | ✗ Not suitable, no float switch, manual operation only |
| Slurry or silt-laden water | ✗ Not suitable |
| Sewage or foul water | ✗ Not suitable |
| Flammable or corrosive liquids | ✗ Not suitable |
| Water above 40°C | ✗ Not suitable |
| Particles larger than 6mm | ✗ Not suitable, risk of impeller damage |
Who is this for
Site managers and groundworkers completing the final stage of excavation dewatering after the primary submersible pump has reached its lower operating threshold and a residual layer of water remains. Civil engineers and maintenance engineers draining chambers, inspection pits, underground structures, and tank floors completely before inspection, backfill, or handover. Facilities management teams and plant room maintenance operatives managing standing water on 230V mains-powered premises where a 110V site transformer is not available. The 230V supply requirement and manual operation without a float switch make this pump better suited to supervised, controlled drainage tasks than to unattended automatic operation.
Typical applications
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Final-stage dewatering of excavations and sumps after the primary 110V submersible pump has removed the bulk of the water and reached its minimum operating level.
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Draining inspection chambers, manholes, and underground service ducts completely before entry or inspection.
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Clearing residual standing water from basement and plant room floors after flood response, leaving the surface genuinely dry rather than wet with a thin layer of water.
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Emptying tanks, water storage vessels, and settlement pools completely where a standard pump cannot clear the last volume of water near the base.
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Clearing standing water from flat hard-standing surfaces such as car parks, warehouse floors, and loading bays after rainfall or wash-down.
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Low-volume dewatering tasks on domestic or commercial premises where only 230V mains power is available and a 110V site transformer has not been specified.
How to use
Step 1: Before first use, fill the pump with clean priming water through the outlet. This primes the impeller and lubricates the mechanical seal before operation begins. Failure to prime before the first start may cause dry running and premature seal wear.
Step 2: Ensure the pump is positioned correctly on the lowest point of the surface to be drained before connecting to power. The flat base must sit flush against the floor surface to achieve the 1mm drainage capability.
Step 3: Connect a 25mm (1") discharge hose to the outlet. Secure with a hose clip. Confirm the discharge route is clear and free-draining.
Step 4: Connect to a 230V AC mains supply. This pump runs directly on standard mains without a transformer. Connect via an RCD.
Step 5: This pump has no float switch. It will run continuously once connected to power. Monitor the drainage progress and disconnect from power when the required level has been reached or when pumping has ceased due to insufficient water.
Step 6: The swing check valve prevents water from flowing back down through the pump when it stops. Do not disconnect the discharge hose until pumping has stopped completely and the valve has closed.
Step 7: If the pump stops due to overheating, the thermal overload protection has activated. Disconnect from power, allow the pump to cool for approximately 20 minutes, identify the cause, and reconnect once resolved.
Step 8: Note that maximum horizontal distance and flow rate are affected by head height. Head height is the vertical distance between the water surface and the highest point the water is pumped to, regardless of hose length. As head height increases, both flow rate and pumping distance decrease.
Common mistakes
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Not priming before first start: the pump requires clean water to be added before the first operation. Running dry from the very first start can damage the mechanical seal. Prime once and the pump is ready for normal use thereafter.
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Using this pump for primary high-volume dewatering: this is a residual drainage pump rated at 170 L/min with a 1" outlet. For primary excavation dewatering of any significant volume, use the 110V submersible models. Use this pump for the final stage.
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Leaving the pump running unattended: there is no float switch on this pump. It will continue to run once connected whether or not water remains. Do not leave it unattended for extended periods.
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Connecting to 110V supply: this pump requires 230V AC. Connecting to a 110V supply will not deliver sufficient voltage to start or run the motor correctly.
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Not positioning flat on the lowest point: the 1mm drainage capability depends on the pump base sitting flat and flush on the floor. If the pump is tilted or positioned on uneven ground, the effective minimum drainage level increases.
Safety
Always ensure the pump has completely stopped and is disconnected from mains power before attempting any cleaning, inspection, or product care. Technical maintenance and servicing may only be performed by qualified personnel. Connect via an RCD-protected 230V supply only. Do not handle the pump while standing in water. Do not use for flammable liquids, corrosive fluids, or sewage. This pump has no float switch and will run continuously once powered. Disconnect when drainage is complete.
Maintenance
Periodically flush the pump with clean water, particularly after long periods of inactivity or extended use. If used in debris-heavy water, rinse thoroughly after each use. Check and clean the impeller housing regularly to remove debris. Wipe the exterior with a dry or damp cloth only. Do not use solvents or harsh chemicals. Ensure the pump is completely dry before storing. Store away from direct sunlight and frost. For permanent installations, run the pump weekly to prevent motor issues. Never allow water inside the pump to freeze, as this can cause permanent damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a puddle pump and how is it different from a standard submersible pump?
A: A standard submersible pump requires a minimum depth of water around it to maintain suction and keep the motor cool. When the water level drops below that minimum, it stops pumping and runs dry. A puddle pump uses a specially designed flat base that positions the inlet ports as close to the floor surface as possible, enabling it to continue pumping at water depths as low as 1mm. It is designed for the final stage of drainage after a standard pump has removed the bulk of the water, clearing the residual layer that a standard pump cannot reach.
Q: How does this pump actually drain water down to 1mm?
A: The flat base plate of the PL080004 positions the inlet ports at the minimum possible height above the floor surface. Standard submersible pumps have a base that raises the inlet ports several centimetres above the ground, leaving that depth of water behind when the pump can no longer draw suction. The puddle pump's flat base reduces that height to 1mm, the physical minimum achievable given the inlet port dimensions and the need to maintain suction. The manufacturer confirms this as the headline specification: "Pump water down to 1mm."
Q: Why does this pump require priming before the first start?
A: Priming fills the impeller housing and seals with water before the motor runs. The mechanical seal in the pump requires water lubrication from the moment it starts turning. Without priming, the seal runs dry from the first rotation, generating heat that can cause premature wear or damage. Fill the pump with clean water through the outlet before the very first use. After priming once, normal subsequent use does not require repeated priming provided the pump has not been stored empty for an extended period.
Q: Why is there no float switch on this pump?
A: Float switches automate pump operation by starting and stopping in response to water level. On a residual puddle pump, the pump is intentionally used in the final stages of drainage where the operator is present to monitor and complete the task. A float switch would have little practical benefit when there is only a thin layer of water to clear, and the flat-base inlet design means the pump will naturally stop drawing water when the level drops below the effective minimum. Manual operation gives the operator direct control over when to stop.
Q: What does the swing check valve do?
A: The swing check valve prevents water from flowing back down through the pump outlet when the pump stops. On a puddle pump used for residual drainage, any backflow would re-wet the surface just cleared. The swing check valve closes automatically when flow stops, holding the water in the discharge hose and preventing it returning to the drained area.
Q: Can I use this pump instead of the 110V models for primary site dewatering?
A: It is not recommended as the primary pump for substantial dewatering tasks. At 170 L/min through a 1" outlet, the flow rate is the lowest in the MAX range, and the 230V mains requirement may not align with site safety specifications. For dewatering excavations, foundations, and sumps, use the 110V submersible models (PL080001, PL080002, or PL080003). Use this pump for the final residual drainage stage once the primary pump has done its work.
Q: When should I specify 230V over 110V for site dewatering?
A: Most UK construction sites specify 110V for electrical equipment used outdoors and in wet environments under HSE guidance, as the centre-tapped earth supply reduces the maximum voltage to earth to 55V. However, there are situations where 230V is the only available supply: domestic premises, commercial buildings, facilities management environments, and sites where a 110V transformer has not been specified. Where 230V is the only option and a puddle pump is needed, this model is the correct specification.





