Third Intelliflo drive unit in two seasons

[Bvinson2002]

I’ve had my pool now for two seasons.
20x40
Intelliflo
EasyTouch 8
Intellichlor
ScreenLogic
During the two seasons I have had two frequency drive units replaced under warranty but the third just went out last night. I’m concerned because I do not have warranty for much longer and do not want to have to purchase the drive unit annually. I installed an intermatic surge protector but it hasn’t helped due to the issue being small transients in power that the surge protector can’t stop. Thinking of just swapping to a whisperflo and loosing my speed control ability. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Jimrahbe]

B,

Very odd... Tell us what your symptoms are when it fails???

Did the Pentair people come out to fix it, or did they just send you the parts for you previous failures??

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Bvinson2002]

B,

Very odd... Tell us what your symptoms are when it fails???

Did the Pentair people come out to fix it, or did they just send you the parts for you previous failures??

Thanks,

Jim R.

When it fails, the screen goes completely blank and the breaker is still in the “on” position and not tripped. Pentair has sent local pool company out to determine the issue and they have just replaced the drive unit each time. I’ve been told heat and lightning could be an issue but the unit is outdoors with no covering and although lightning could be an issue, nothing else in the panel has been affected. Motherboard, lights, relays or intellichlor. Of course the drive is potted so I can go in and replace circuitry components so I’m just thinking after spending all the money and time to get full automation I may just have to go with a single or two speed pump setup and move on.

 

[Jimrahbe]

B,

I assume the pump has its own breaker?? Is it a GFCI breaker?

Even though it appears the breaker is "on" I assume that you have turned it off and back on just to make sure??

Have you actually measured the input AC power while in the fault mode?

I just find it odd that you would have three failed drives.. They do go bad, but not often, and generally right after a lightning strike nearby.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Are they replacing just the drive unit or the entire pump? If it’s the VFD unit then it sounds to me line there’s something wrong with the motor that might be causing the problem. Ask them to replace the entire pump next time, not just the VFD.

Any property rates SPD will protect against “fast surges” so I don’t buy that theory. If it were a surge, your other components would get zapped too, especially your logic board.

 

[Bvinson2002]

Are they replacing just the drive unit or the entire pump? If it’s the VFD unit then it sounds to me line there’s something wrong with the motor that might be causing the problem. Ask them to replace the entire pump next time, not just the VFD.

Any property rates SPD will protect against “fast surges” so I don’t buy that theory. If it were a surge, your other components would get zapped too, especially your logic board.

Are they replacing just the drive unit or the entire pump? If it’s the VFD unit then it sounds to me line there’s something wrong with the motor that might be causing the problem. Ask them to replace the entire pump next time, not just the VFD.

Any property rates SPD will protect against “fast surges” so I don’t buy that theory. If it were a surge, your other components would get zapped too, especially your logic board.

Correct. The pump has its own breaker and it is a gfci. I did check for the voltage at the drive unit itself and it was there just like last time but still no screen activity.
I do agree with you on the lightning strike theory that the other low voltage components would get hit as well if it was only a lighting issue. I’ve lived here 13 years and only had one lighting issue where it took a tv and modem but that was years back. I like the idea of changing the motor as well because it could be causing some high inrush current issue if something is wrong with it. I’ll be calling tech line in the morning and will discuss these possibilities with them and see where it goes.

 

[cowboycasey]

Could it be getting any kind of water or vapor into the top? I have mine covered with a small pump cover so no water can get to the pump at all...

 

[Bvinson2002]

Could it be getting any kind of water or vapor into the top? I have mine covered with a small pump cover so no water can get to the pump at all...

There are no signs of moisture intrusion. They did a good job of potting the circuit board as well using the seals and gaskets to make sure no moisture gets in.