Breaker trips

[JamesW]

The hump on the top of the motor is usually a run capacitor. Those are used on capacitor start-capacitor run motors and permanent split capacitor motors. Permanent split capacitor motors don't use a start switch.

Capacitor start- induction run and capacitor start-capacitor run motors use a centrifugal switch to disconnect the start capacitor when the motor rpm gets high enough.

Start capacitors are usually not on top of the motor. They are usually mounted on the back under a removable cover.

Split phase motors don't use a capacitor and have a start switch. However, they are usually only used on above ground pool pump motors.

The most likely motor is a permanent split capacitor motor or a capacitor start-induction run motor.

Note: California, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, New York and Washington state do not allow split phase or capacitor start-induction run motors on main pool pumps. Also, for any motor of 1 HP or more, the motor must be two-speed or variable speed.

Can you post the make and model of your pump?

 

[TKD]

It is a WhisperFlo. WF-26 One and a half hp.

 

[JamesW]

That's a 1.65 total H.P motor. If it's wired 115 volts, it is rated at 14.8 amps. If it's wired 230 volts, it is rated at 7.4 amps. It's a permanent split capacitor type motor. That type of motor has less starting torque than a capacitor start motor. I would suspect that the impeller or rotor is being impeded by something. If you remove the small shaft cover at the back of the pump, you should be able to see if the shaft spins freely with no resistance.

You could also check to see if the voltage and current are correct if you are comfortable doing that.