IntelliCenter and Pump issue

[GCyr]

In the last several days we have noticed that our pump turns off, while running the schedule via IntelliCenter. It stays off for about 5 minutes and then turns back on. Today it turned off and then back on, multiple times within an hour period, without the 5 minute delay.
We have checked that we did not have a power or wifi outage.

We have rebooted the IntelliCenter panel, checked that there is not a scheduling conflict within IntelliCenter and no schedule is set on our pump. We also confirmed that there are no "Egg Timers" set for the pump in the IntelliCenter.

We can see no issues on our end. It happens at random times during the day, and doesn't seem to follow a set time of day at all, but does only seem to happen during the scheduled time set in IntelliCenter, (doesn't randomly come on when outside of the schedule).

Anyone have clues or suggestions?

--G

 

[ajw22]

Are you on Version 1.047?

If not I would update your firmware and see if your problem resolves.

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[GCyr]

Are you on Version 1.047?

If not I would update your firmware and see if your problem resolves.

Pentair Pool and Spa Software Downloads

Stay up to date with the newest software. Download the latest versions of our software's here.

www.pentair.com

Yes. We've been on 1.047 prior to the release in 2020 (beta and then full version). We are anxiously waiting for 1.05x, hoping that it might solve the problem. Strange how our issue just started about a week ago. Maybe it has something to do with Pentair making changes with the new firmware update?

 

[ajw22]

I would check the RS-485 cable at both ends. If you are having an intermittent connection the pump could be stopping and starting.

 

[GCyr]

I would check the RS-485 cable at both ends. If you are having an intermittent connection the pump could be stopping and starting.

Thanks, good thought!! Will check that out in the morning.

 

[GCyr]

I would check the RS-485 cable at both ends. If you are having an intermittent connection the pump could be stopping and starting.

ajw22, We checked the RS-485 cable for any visible damage, cleaned the "pin end" and made sure the connections were secure on the IntelliCenter panel. No luck! We are still having the same issue. In fact, the pump cycled on and off 3 times within a 2 minute period today. It's very random times.

We also are getting a 0021 error on the pump, which appears to be a communication error. We don't get any error on the IntelliCenter and, in fact, the app shows that the pump is running, even when it is cycled off during those times.

Any suggestions?

Thanks! GCyr

 

[Jimrahbe]

G,

Failure code 021 is for a communications failure inside the pump itself, not between the RS-485 between the pump and the automation.

I'd contact your pool builder or Pentair for a warranty claim.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[GCyr]

G,

Failure code 021 is for a communications failure inside the pump itself, not between the RS-485 between the pump and the automation.

I'd contact your pool builder or Pentair for a warranty claim.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Jim R,

Thanks. Looks as though you might be right. We've eliminated all other possibilities that we can think of, including detaching the cable and disabling the external control on the pump, basically eliminating communication with the IntelliCenter, and it still stops and starts, sometimes as often as 5 times in a 5 minute period.

Unfortunately, our pump is over 4 years old, so out of warranty. We are looking at possibly replacing the SuperFlo VS with the IntelliFlo VS, unless there is a cheaper fix to the issue that you can recommend.

Do you know if it would benefit or cause problems if we change it out from our SuperFlo VS 1.5HP to the IntelliFlo VS 3HP? The pool has 2" pipe and a 4 cartridge filter. We also have Heliocol solar, and a waterfall feature, if that makes a difference.

Thanks again for your input,
--GC

 

[Jimrahbe]

GC,

I would always recommend the IntelliFlo VS over the SuperFlo VS... There is no such thing as too big when talking about VS pumps.

The larger the pump, the more water it can move at a lower RPM..

I have three pools and they all have 3 HP IntelliFlo pumps. The two rent house pools only have 1.5" plumbing and it makes no difference at all.. The whole point is to run a VS pump at a low RPM, so pipe size is not an issue. I personally like to run them 24/7, most of the time at 1200 RPM.. In total, the three pumps have been running for about 25 years.. They run today like they did when they were new. At 1200 RPM, the IntelliFlo is so quiet, you almost have to touch the pump to make sure it is still running.. And.. the cost for running one of them 24/7 is less than $20 bucks a month...

I am confused though... If your SuperFlo VS is over 4 years old, it could not have been controlled by an RS-485 cable.. Only in the last year or so has the SuperFlo VS been able to be controlled by the RS-485 signals..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[GCyr]

GC,

I would always recommend the IntelliFlo VS over the SuperFlo VS... There is no such thing as too big when talking about VS pumps.

The larger the pump, the more water it can move at a lower RPM..

I have three pools and they all have 3 HP IntelliFlo pumps. The two rent house pools only have 1.5" plumbing and it makes no difference at all.. The whole point is to run a VS pump at a low RPM, so pipe size is not an issue. I personally like to run them 24/7, most of the time at 1200 RPM.. In total, the three pumps have been running for about 25 years.. They run today like they did when they were new. At 1200 RPM, the IntelliFlo is so quiet, you almost have to touch the pump to make sure it is still running.. And.. the cost for running one of them 24/7 is less than $20 bucks a month...

I am confused though... If your SuperFlo VS is over 4 years old, it could not have been controlled by an RS-485 cable.. Only in the last year or so has the SuperFlo VS been able to be controlled by the RS-485 signals..

Thanks,

Jim R.

Jim,

The IntelliCenter only controls the power to the pump since it's a SuperFlo VS. We have to set the speed at the pump itself, since IntelliCenter doesn't accommodate the ability to speeds with the SuperFlo VS.

Maybe we aren't using a RS-485 cable. Our communication cable is an 8 pin plug, but only has 5 wires attached to the IntelliCenter (the cable was attached to the pump when we installed the IntelliCenter). It has worked fine, since installing the IntelliCenter (about 2 years ago), until a few weeks ago, then the pump started shutting off/on randomly, and the pump displays an 0021 error during the time when it "shuts down".

We disconnected the cable and disabled the "external control" on the pump, but the issue continued. A question: would doing a factory reset on the pump make any difference?

Any thoughts?

GC

 

[Jimrahbe]

would doing a factory reset on the pump make any difference?

GC,

I doubt it, but it can't make it any worse... try it..

That said, a new IntelliFlo will be like adding a light to a dark room.. The IntelliCenter can turn it on and off and adjust the speed based on what you want to pump to do and when you want to do it... The IntelliFlo was made to be controlled by a Pentair automation system.

Thanks,

Jim R.