3P Technik UK has officially launched the new RainForce TCA7000 Home Top-Up Controller – a modern, feature-rich replacement for the long-serving TCA5000950. Built and developed entirely in the UK, the TCA7000 offers an enhanced, more versatile approach to mains water top-up for rainwater harvesting systems, ensuring efficiency, safety and compliance for both domestic and light commercial applications.
Built for Performance and Peace of Mind
The TCA7000 has been designed to work seamlessly with automatic pressure-controlled pumps, delivering mains water to your tank when rainfall is low, without risking overflow or wastage. Using a solid-state conductivity sensor, it detects when water levels fall below a set threshold and automatically opens a solenoid valve to add a measured amount of mains water. This ensures a steady supply for non-potable uses such as garden irrigation, toilet flushing, or laundry, while still leaving room in the tank for the next downpour.
A standout feature is its integrated leak detection and timed overrun alarm. If the tank does not refill as expected the system halts operation and alerts the user, to protect both water resources and utility bills. The controller also includes optional pump isolation to prevent dry-running, helping to extend the lifespan of your equipment.
From TCA5000950 to TCA7000 – What’s New?
For many years, the TCA5000950 was a trusted choice for homeowners and installers. The TCA7000 builds on this legacy but adds significant improvements in durability, control and adaptability. The control panel now benefits from IP65 ingress protection, allowing for outdoor installation, and the probe cable can extend up to 100 metres without modification. Whereas the earlier model offered just two operating modes, the new controller supports fifteen, enabling it to handle everything from small domestic header tanks to much larger rainwater harvesting systems.
Instead of connecting pumps via a front-mounted socket, the TCA7000 houses connections internally for a cleaner, more secure setup. Overfill and alarm timeout settings are more flexible, with the option to extend or even disable them entirely where needed. Solenoid valve options have also expanded, with sizes up to 2” BSP and the availability of IP67-rated variants for more demanding environments. A built-in pump restart delay helps to manage motor temperatures, a crucial consideration for submerged pumps.
For commissioning and troubleshooting, an installer mode has been introduced to make setup and diagnostics faster and more straightforward. Despite these advanced capabilities, the default operation remains familiar to those who have used the TCA5000950: topping up begins when the water level drops below the probe and stops once it is submerged, plus a short overfill period to prevent rapid cycling.
Reliable, Compliant and Ready to Install
Every TCA7000 unit is supplied as a complete kit, including the conductivity probe, solenoid valve, compliant tundish and stainless steel braided hose. The included BS EN 13076-compliant tundish ensures safe mains water integration, and power consumption is a modest 5.5VA. The anti-blocking system keeps the solenoid valve free from scale build-up, activating briefly every 72 hours.
As with its predecessor, professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure compliance with electrical and water regulations. Once in place, the TCA7000 offers a dependable, low-maintenance solution for keeping rainwater harvesting systems topped up all year round without compromising sustainability.
Now Available from Tanks-UK
The TCA7000 is now available through Tanks-UK, offering installers and end-users an upgraded alternative to the TCA5000950. Whether replacing an existing unit or specifying for a new installation, the TCA7000 delivers intelligent control, improved reliability and the flexibility to meet a wide range of rainwater management needs.