IntelliCenter Filter Pump Relay Clarification with IntelliFlo

[justinrowan]

Hey guys! Construction is nearing completion and electrical will be done this week. I was thumbing through the IntelliCenter manual and found this bit:
"The IntelliCenter Control System filter pump output is rated at 120VAC, 15AMP maximum."

I'm using an IntelliFlo VSF which is rated at 240V. I'm assuming the rating of the filter pump output quoted at 120/15 is also rated for 240/7.5 (ish), so there's no issue wiring the 240V pump to the filter pump relay, right? Common sense tells me yeah, no big deal... but I just want to make sure since that wasn't clearly spelled out in the manual.

Thanks!

 

[mknauss]

You do not wire the Intelliflo pump through the relay. The Intelliflo is wired directly from a Pentair circuit breaker. The data cable from the Intelliflo to the Intellicenter controls the pump.

 

[justinrowan]

You do not wire the Intelliflo pump through the relay. The Intelliflo is wired directly from a Pentair circuit breaker. The data cable from the Intelliflo to the Intellicenter controls the pump.

Thanks for the reply, I do recall reading that previously now that you mention it! While it's not operated by the relay, the channel that the relay occupies is consumed (and my IC40 will be wired to the LOAD side of the relay). My question still stands, however. What's the intention of explicitly calling out that the filter pump output is rated at 120/15 in IntelliFlo part of the manual? The IC40 transformer is pre-wired at 240, does that mean it needs to be re-wired to 120 prior to connecting it to the LOAD side of the relay on the filter pump output?

 

[mknauss]

You are getting in to details I would prefer @Jimrahbe help you with.
My Easytouch (predecessor to the Intellicenter) is 240V. The IC is 240V.

 

[MyAZPool]

justinrowan
Not to steal Jim's thunder but per your PM request, this is my suggestion.

1. Connect your 240v (double pole) breaker to the LINE side of the Filter Pump Power Relay (Terminal Compression Screws #1 and #3).
NOTE: It is recommended that when using any Pentair IntelliFlo Pumps in conjunction with an IntelliCenter installation, the Pentair PA220GF GFCI double-pole circuit breaker(s) should be utilized instead of the similar Siemens QF220 GFCI breaker. The Pentair PFG (PA220GF) breakers are noted to possess a higher quality control and are designed to help prevent the GFCI circuit breakers from falsely tripping due to IntelliFlo pump harmonics (courtesy: @Jimrahbe). See this TFP post for additional information.

2. Connect your Filter pump ALSO to the LINE side of the Filter Pump Power Relay (Terminal Compression Screws #1 and #3). Doing so, has the same effect of wiring the pump directly to the breaker).

3. Connect your IC-40 to the LOAD side of the Filter Pump Power Relay (Terminal Compression Screws #2 and #4) .

See the following for further detailed information regarding these topics....

IntelliCenter Quick Reference/Information Guide

Preface - As the new Pentair IntelliCenter Automation Control System moves further into the mainstream of pool automation, there appears to be an increase in the amount of just basic questions recently regarding IntelliCenter installation, configurations and standard operation. Most of these...

www.troublefreepool.com

r.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Justin,

I have no idea what most Pentair manuals say or why they say it...

The IntelliFlo pump is wired to get constant 240 volt AC power.. Do not power the IntelliFlo from the load side of any relay.

The IntelliChlor Transformer MUST be wired to the load side of the Pump/Filter relay. You can wire the transformer for 120 VAC or 240 VAC, it is your choice. If the line side of pump/filter relay has 240 VAC power from the IntelliFlo GFCI breaker, then it makes sense to wire the SWCG transformer for 240 VAC..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[justinrowan]

@Jimrahbe @MyAZPool Thank you both for the clarification, and that makes perfect sense. I suppose the manual is just poorly worded or perhaps incomplete? The exact quote is:

"The IntelliCenter Control System filter pump output is rated at 120 VAC, 15 AMP maximum. NOTE: Check the electrical rating marked on the pump motor before connecting it to the system."

Either way, I feel better now having the experts chime in. Thanks folks!

 

[MyAZPool]

@Jimrahbe @MyAZPool Thank you both for the clarification, and that makes perfect sense. I suppose the manual is just poorly worded or perhaps incomplete? The exact quote is:

"The IntelliCenter Control System filter pump output is rated at 120 VAC, 15 AMP maximum. NOTE: Check the electrical rating marked on the pump motor before connecting it to the system."

Either way, I feel better now having the experts chime in. Thanks folks!

J,
The only two things that I'm an "expert" at is:
1. How I like my steak cooked and
2. Complaining about how incompetent the technical writers are at Pentair. LOL....

Having had to use technical manuals nearly my whole adult life and having worked as a technical writer in two different job assignments, the lack of competency on the part of Pentair Technical Writers is in my opinion, one of the largest failures of that company. Their inability to properly document the theory, specifications, installation, operation and preventative maintenance procedures of their equipment causes more headaches for user/owners than anything else that I can think of.
Okay, off my rant now.
Take care and stay safe....
r.