Brand new Hayward super pump 2 1hp, shuts off after 3-5minutes, breaker trips

[Toofan18]

Hi everyone,

I got a brand new Hayward pump that keeps tripping breaker every 3minutes. I have an in ground pool with sand filter (225)
It ran fine the first two days. It drained the pool well and circulate for couple of nights with no issue but on the 3rd day started tripping breaker every 3-5 minutes.
Its on 15amp breaker.
This is replacement for my previous Carvin 1hp pump.
I have checked the connection multiple times. I have ran backwash multiple times, pressure is at 20psi.
Any ideas what it could be?

Thanks

 

[Texas Splash]

Its on 15amp breaker.

I wonder if that's not part of the issue? Typically we run equipment on a 20 amp circuit. Do you have an amp meter? It would be interesting to see if you're approaching the max limit on that 15 amp circuit. I'm sure others will have tons of ideas as well.

Welcome to TFP!

 

[Texas Splash]

You should post a pic of the actual motor label for us to look at.

 

[Bperry]

Hi everyone,

I got a brand new Hayward pump that keeps tripping breaker every 3minutes. I have an in ground pool with sand filter (225)
It ran fine the first two days. It drained the pool well and circulate for couple of nights with no issue but on the 3rd day started tripping breaker every 3-5 minutes.
Its on 15amp breaker.
This is replacement for my previous Carvin 1hp pump.
I have checked the connection multiple times. I have ran backwash multiple times, pressure is at 20psi.
Any ideas what it could be?

Thanks

15A breaker

Hi everyone,

I got a brand new Hayward pump that keeps tripping breaker every 3minutes. I have an in ground pool with sand filter (225)
It ran fine the first two days. It drained the pool well and circulate for couple of nights with no issue but on the 3rd day started tripping breaker every 3-5 minutes.
Its on 15amp breaker.
This is replacement for my previous Carvin 1hp pump.
I have checked the connection multiple times. I have ran backwash multiple times, pressure is at 20psi.
Any ideas what it could be?

Thanks

yea, check the power rating in the label. 15A is a small breaker for a pump.

 

[Toofan18]

Hi Bperry, Nice to meet you and thanks for prompt reply.

the old pump ran on 15amp breaker with no issues. I replaced the breaker last year.
Attached the power rating for new and old motor.

power cables are all new (replaced last year). Do I need to upgrade cables if I switch to 20amp breaker?

Thanks
Toofan

 

[Texas Splash]

I think you have two issues:
1 - You should be operating on a 20 amp circuit/breaker.
2 - That appears to be a simple extension cord (18 ga) power cable. Correction - it's confirmed as 14 ga. Not ideal. You need standard 12 ga conductors (wires) to support that motor. Two hots (if 240V) and a ground wired properly.

 

[Texas Splash]

I would also consider placing that pump on a more stable/suitable surface. If it tops-over, you could break a connection and really have some issues.

 

[Bperry]

Hi Bperry, Nice to meet you and thanks for prompt reply.

the old pump ran on 15amp breaker with no issues. I replaced the breaker last year.
Attached the power rating for new and old motor.

power cables are all new (replaced last year). Do I need to upgrade cables if I switch to 20amp breaker?

Thanks
Toofan

Like mentioned above. The 120V rating is 14A and if you are using a 120V/15A breaker that’s almost guaranteed your issue.

Electrical equipment has to stay below 80% of the breaker rating (which is also derated below the current capacity of the wires). So you shouldn’t be running more than 12A motor max. In addition, motors can have big current spikes when they start which make the problem worse.

So yea you need a larger breaker and larger wires to support it. At least 12g, bigger would be better. (Is the current white wiring the 14g Romex? It should be shielded as romex isn’t rated for exterior use.

And yea, find something more stable to place the motor on.

 

[Toofan18]

Hi Splash,

Checked the cables boths are 14awg cables I think. the one runs from panel to the outlet out side and the one that runs from outlet switch to the motor. Total length is less than 15ft.
attached more photo of wire. Will upgrading to 20amp be fine with 14 gauge cable?

I agree regarding the pump setting. Its pretty awkward setup where original owner put it.

 

[wireform]

A 20amp circuit needs no less then #12 wire and of course the outlet needs to be 20 amp rated.

 

[Toofan18]

Hi Guys, thank you for your responses, noted and looking to get electrification to change the whole thing.

The previous pump with 14amp raitings ran on same wires for a few seasons. So I understand right, the new pump is slightly spiking over 15amp threshold. It does run for 4-5minutes then I guess its has more load. Its odd that it ran fine for couple of days.
Pardon me for asking this noob questions, I heard that setting pump on 230v will use less amp. when is it recommended to use 230v option instated of 115?

Thanks

 

[wireform]

Pardon me for asking this noob questions, I heard that setting pump on 230v will use less amp. when is it recommended to use 230v option instated of 115?

Correct you are, if you were to use 220 setup you would have to use a 220 circuit breaker it would take the amperage down to half per side per hotside but you still need an electrician to do the work. You would then be balancing your box a little bit better than putting all the amperage on one hot leg it would be a good idea to do.

 

[JamesW]

Did you change the voltage selector to the correct voltages?

 

[JamesW]

 

[Bperry]

View attachment 492262

This is a very good question. I assumed it wouldn’t run at all if this wasn’t correct but open to being wrong.

 

[Toofan18]

First time I connected it was set to 230 by default. It made a click sound and shut off. Then I set it to 130. It ran fine for two days. Day 3 it started tripping breaker.
Do you think the initial starting it at 230 would have damaged capacitor?

Here is the motor wiring.

Called the store that I bought a few days ago. They asked to bring it back to have a look at it and run a test.

 

[JamesW]

This switch looks like it might be bent; check it to make sure it is working correctly.

It should be closed while the pump is off and it should open as soon as the motor is spinning.

Check the voltage while running.

Check the amperage.

 

[Toofan18]

Good point James, not sure what that switch do. I haven't touched it. Ill have a look
How do I check voltage or amperage while running? Is there a video on how to do it safely. My neighbour will be over later to test it as he has voltmeeter

 

[JamesW]

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+use+a+multimeter