What a Fixed Electric Grease Pump Does
A fixed electric grease pump is a reservoir and pump unit mounted on or near a machine, pushing grease through a centralized lubrication system on a timed schedule. The family splits three ways: this page covers fixed installation pumps as a group, the portable bucket pump line is a separate category, and each fixed model keeps its own page with its own numbers.
Spec sheets and catalogs alternate between electric grease pump and electrical grease pump – both names refer to the same motor-driven pump family on this page, from 12 V DC mobile units to 380 V three-phase fixed installations.
Power Supply Classes
Three supply classes cover most machines, and the right choice follows the supply available at the installation point rather than machine size alone.
| Supply | Typical reservoir | Typical pressure class |
|---|---|---|
| 12/24V DC | 2-8 L | 8-25 MPa |
| 110/220V AC | 4-20 L | 10-35 MPa |
| 380V three-phase | 20-90 L | Up to 40 MPa |
DC builds suit mobile equipment and machines far from an AC drop. Single-phase AC covers most fixed plant machines, and three-phase drives long pipe runs with many points at the top pressure class.
Reservoirs and Sizing Logic
Size the reservoir from daily grease draw: multiply the point count by the dose per point by the cycles per day. A reservoir that covers a sensible refill interval keeps maintenance rounds short. This is why DC builds pair with small reservoirs and three-phase builds with the largest ones.
Grease Grades It Moves
The pumps handle grease from NLGI 000 up to NLGI 2. Worked penetration sets the grade and is recorded in tenths of a millimeter, so a high penetration value means a soft grease. In this range 000 is the softest grade and 2 is the stiffest.
| NLGI grade | Worked penetration (tenths of a millimeter) |
|---|---|
| 000 | 445-475 |
| 00 | 400-430 |
| 0 | 355-385 |
| 1 | 310-340 |
| 2 | 265-295 |
In cold rooms pick a softer grade or keep lines short, because stiff grease moves slowly and raises the pressure the pump must hold.
How It Feeds the System
A progressive divider block sequences small pistons, each displacing a fixed dose to one point in turn. A dual-line system alternately pressurizes two main lines and swaps direction at a changeover valve. The pump cycles either on its own on-pump timer or on a signal from the machine controller.
Choosing Within the Family
Pick DC where no AC supply reaches the machine, single-phase AC as the default for fixed plant, and three-phase for the largest systems. Model specifics live on the family pages: the DRB-P electric grease pump for standard builds, the ZPU series for mid-size reservoirs, and the DDB for direct multi-point duty. Voltage matching between motor and supply belongs to model selection and is covered in the questions below. To confirm supply class, reservoir, and control for your machine, contact our team for a quote before shortlisting a model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a fixed pump and a portable bucket pump?
A fixed pump mounts to the machine and feeds a permanent pipe network on a timer. A portable bucket pump moves grease from an open pail for field and service work.
When does an electric pump beat pneumatic or manual options?
Electric wins where lubrication points are fixed and must run on a schedule without shop air or daily hand effort. Manual pumps suit occasional service, and pneumatic suits sites already plumbed for air.
Which voltage do I need?
The right voltage depends on the supply at the machine: 12V or 24V DC, 110V or 220V AC, or 380V three-phase. Matching the motor to your supply is covered on the electric-operated grease pump page.
Which grease grades can these pumps move?
They handle NLGI 000, the softest, through NLGI 2, the stiffest in this range. Softer grades flow easier through long lines and in cold rooms.
How big a reservoir do I need?
Multiply point count by dose per point by cycles per day to get daily grease draw. Size the reservoir so the refill interval fits your maintenance rounds.
Can one pump feed progressive dividers?
Yes. It feeds progressive divider blocks or a dual-line layout for long runs; see the progressive system overview for full layout logic.
Which model families exist?
Three families lead the range: DRB-P for standard builds, ZPU for mid-size reservoirs, and DDB for direct multi-point duty. Each family page lists its own reservoirs, pressures, and controls.
Does the timer come with the pump?
Most fixed pumps run either an on-pump timer or a signal from the machine controller. Confirm which control fits your machine when ordering.
How do I specify a fixed pump?
List your point count, dose per point, cycle time, and available supply, then ask our team to match a model. Send the list through contact us for a quote and we reply with a matched configuration.
Who builds these electric grease pumps?
IsoHiTech Lubrication Systems, founded in 2023, engineering since 2006, builds and supports every unit. Email inquiry@isohitech.com for specifications and a quotation.
