In pump installation, which factor must be considered to avoid overheating?

In pump installation, considering the pump cycle timing is crucial to avoid overheating because it directly impacts the duration of the pump's operation and the time it spends in a non-functioning state. If the pump cycles too frequently or remains on for extended periods without sufficient breaks, it can lead to overheating due to continuous operation without allowing for proper cooling.

When pumps operate continuously, they generate heat from friction and internal components. If there isn't adequate downtime between cycles, the heat generated can accumulate to levels that are damaging, potentially leading to pump failure. Optimal cycle timing ensures that the pump works efficiently while allowing for necessary cooling periods, thereby extending the lifespan of the pump and maintaining its performance.

The other considerations, while important in their contexts, are less directly related to overheating. The type of fluid affects viscosity and therefore the heat dynamics but does not directly regulate pump cycle timing. The distance from the pump to the discharge influences the pressure and maybe the efficiency, but it doesn't control the operational timing of the pump. The air gap size pertains to safety and operational efficiency but does not specifically address thermal management during pump cycles.