SPI controls and alarms
The short version: SPI, a maker of septic alarms, floats and control panels since 2003, has 220 listings at Pump Professionals, mainly Observer high-water alarms from $68.27 and Caddy Box junction boxes.[1][2]
The manufacturer
SPI (Septic Products Inc.) makes pump control panels, high-water alarms and float switches for on-site wastewater systems. It says it has supplied installers, distributors, on-site manufacturers and wholesalers since 2003 and describes itself as a family business.[1] Its published warranty covers mechanical and mercury float switches for three years from the consumer’s purchase and other products for two years.[1]
What Pump Professionals lists
SPI has 220 listings, most of them within the septic equipment category.[2][3] The first page is made up of the Observer series of alarms and Caddy Box plug-in junction boxes.[2]
| Listing | Price |
|---|---|
| Observer 200 indoor high-water alarm, no float (10A202) | $68.27 |
| Observer 200 with 15 ft mercury float (10A204) | $84.45 |
| Observer 300 indoor, no float (10A302) | $86.60 |
| Observer 400 indoor/outdoor (10A403) | $162.65 |
| Observer 500 indoor/outdoor, 20 ft float (10A502) | $127.54 |
| Observer 100 pedestal alarm, 30 ft float (10A106) | $226.83 |
| Caddy Box 120 V, no alarm (10A600) | $139.61 |
| Caddy Box 120 V with indoor alarm and 15 ft float (10A625) | $248.51 |
Prices as listed.[2]
The Observer alarms
The listings describe Observer alarms as 120 V units with audible and visual alarms, sold with or without a float. Indoor models (200 and 300 series) mount near the pump or panel; the 400 and 500 series are rated for indoor or outdoor use and add a large light and horn; the 100 series is a pedestal alarm with a pump receptacle. Some include battery backup, auxiliary dry contacts and quick-snap terminals, and float cords run 15, 20 or 30 feet.[2] A high-water alarm warns that the level in a sump, pump tank or grinder basin has risen above the normal “pump on” point, usually because the pump has failed or cannot keep up.[4][5]
Mercury and mechanical floats
Several listings specify a mercury float, in which a tilting capsule of mercury closes the circuit, and others a mechanical float, which uses a mechanical switch instead.[2] Both switch on when the float tips at a set level. Mercury is a toxic metal, so a mercury float needs careful disposal at the end of its life; the mechanical versions avoid that.
Caddy Boxes
The Caddy Box is described as a plug-in junction box, in 120 V and 240 V versions, with or without an indoor alarm and float.[2] Junction boxes of this kind let a pump and float be plugged in and serviced without rewiring.
Choosing an alarm
- Indoor or outdoor: outdoor alarms need a weather-rated enclosure.
- Separate circuit: an alarm on a different circuit from the pump still sounds if the pump breaker trips.
- Battery backup, if the alarm should sound during a power cut.[2]
- Float type and cord length to reach the alarm level in the basin.
Responding to an alarm is covered on alarms and controls.
Common questions
What is SPI?
Septic Products Inc., a maker of pump control panels, high-water alarms and float switches, in business since 2003.
What does an SPI Observer alarm cost at Pump Professionals?
From $68.27 for an Observer 200 without float to $226.83 for an Observer 100 pedestal alarm, as listed on 9 November 2026.
What is SPI’s float switch warranty?
Three years from consumer purchase for mechanical and mercury floats; two years for other products.
Related entries
Endnotes
- ^ a b c Why SPI (manufacturer site). SPI. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g h SPI (brand listing). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ Septic equipment (category listing). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ Grinder pump. Wikipedia. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ How to troubleshoot common wastewater pump alarms (2026). Pump Professionals (pumpprofessionals.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.