Pentair VS not starting

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Bigtymetexan

Bigtymetexan

Well-known member
Jan 9, 2021
60
The Woodlands, TX
Pool Size
16000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Hello and good day!!

I have a Pentair VS that is fairly new (6 mos) and is not starting.

The panel control shows power and the pump itself shows power. When I mean power, when I hit the panel control button to turn it on, the indicator light is red and active. Second, the panel on the pump has power, the LCD works fine (proper display) and the stop/start is on (using the panel).

None of the breakers are popped and our second VS pump works fine. This pump is strictly for our water features and is clear (not a skimmer or filter pump).

What troubleshooting steps would you recommend?

Thanks in advance.
 
Assuming you have an Easytouch automation (please add that to your signature), put the system in Service Mode and then see if you can operate the pump from its onboard panel.
 
It runs
mknauss said:
Assuming you have an Easytouch automation (please add that to your signature), put the system in Service Mode and then see if you can operate the pump from its onboard panel.
Click to expand...
It runs in Service mode!

So what is the deal with that vs. auto and panel controls? Some issue with wiring between the two?

I did update my signature as well :)
 
Bigtymetexan said:
So what is the deal with that vs. auto and panel controls? Some issue with wiring between the two?
Click to expand...
Typically. Check the RS485 cable running from the pump to the ET. Be sure to power down the ET panel completely if you mess with the RS485.
 
Its just how the pump is programed. Any external input is treated as the priority input. Making the pump controls useless while it's being controlled by automation. The stop button is a safety concern so it takes priority over all inputs.
 
Be sure to take it off the pump and check for corrosion. Your climate is very corrosive.
Next is to get inside the ET panel, behind the control panel, and check the RS485 connection there.
 
mknauss said:
Be sure to take it off the pump and check for corrosion. Your climate is very corrosive.
Next is to get inside the ET panel, behind the control panel, and check the RS485 connection there.
Click to expand...
I checked and it's nice and clean. In fact, looks quite good. Moreover, I removed the panel, traced the wires behind the control panel and they look great. Snug and clean (no corrosion anywhere behind the panel).
 
CJadamec said:
Its just how the pump is programed. Any external input is treated as the priority input. Making the pump controls useless while it's being controlled by automation. The stop button is a safety concern so it takes priority over all inputs.
Click to expand...
External input? As in a failure of some sort via the panel? Panel looks good (wires behind as well) and RS485 looks nice and clean.
 

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OK - so be sure you are no longer in Service Mode, should be in Auto. What does the display on the pump say? Should say Display Not Active.
 
Then the pump is being controlled by ET.
Check your schedules, etc. If you have pressed the Filter button on the ET, that can mess up the schedules and how they run.
 
mknauss said:
Again, check your schedules. It must be told to run by the ET.
Click to expand...
I have no schedule and never have for this pump.

Odd thing... it came on randomly (I did not turn it on or use the panel) but was able to turn it off by Screenlogic. I tried to turn it back on via SL and it did not work.

I am at a loss.
 
I read your first post that the issue you were having was with the Filter pump, and that the water feature pump was OK>

Jim has you on the right track.
 
Big,

In theory, as long at the Pump #2's display says "Display Not Active", and the "Water Feature" circuit is on, and the System is in "Auto" then the pump should run.

If it does not run, then an RS-485 communications issue is most likely the problem..

It could be the cable
It could be the RS-485 chips in the Pump
It could be the RS-485 connection between the cable and the pump.

What I suggest is that you ensure the connections between the RS-485 cable from pump 2 is making good contact. RS-485 has different send and receive chips.. It is possible that only one side has gone bad, (or come loose) and that is why the pump says "Display not active"..

Since pump number 1 is working fine, as a test, I could disconnect the RS-485 cable from pump 1 and connect it to pump 2.. (Just right at the pump, not inside the ET..) If pump 2 then runs you would know it is the cable or some connection issue. If pump 2 still does not run, you will know the pump is the problem..

Note that you should never connect or disconnect any RS-485 connection with power on as it can damage the chips.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 

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