Breaker issue/Intermatic timer identification
- Thread starter yonkel21
- Start date
I hear you. Likely heading that way. I am comfortable doing light electrical work but this may be out of my realm. My hope was that someone would say “just replace the timer and you’ll be all set!” but alas…
The 15 amp breaker is ok, but it needs to be GFCI.
There is writing on the wires to identify the wire gauge, what does that show?
The motor is about 8 years old, so maybe the motor is beginning to have some issues.
Can you remove the back cover on the motor and show the wiring compartment?
If you have a meter and know how to safely test, you can check for continuity to ground from the power wires.
The power has to be off to test for continuity to ground.
Note: Do not do anything unless you are 100% sure that you can do it safely and correctly.
There is writing on the wires to identify the wire gauge, what does that show?
The motor is about 8 years old, so maybe the motor is beginning to have some issues.
Can you remove the back cover on the motor and show the wiring compartment?
If you have a meter and know how to safely test, you can check for continuity to ground from the power wires.
The power has to be off to test for continuity to ground.
Note: Do not do anything unless you are 100% sure that you can do it safely and correctly.
Check the capacitor to see if it looks ok.
It is under the cover on top of the motor.
It is under the cover on top of the motor.
I didn’t see writing on the wiring but it appears to be 12 gauge.
I can’t get into the wiring compartment without unhooking the entire pump, as it’s installed right up against the house.
Here is the capacitor:
The capacitor looks like it is leaking.
Can you see a hole in the capacitor anywhere?
I would replace that.
If you install a GFCI breaker, that should detect any ground faults.
Also, that pump uses about 2,200 watts, which is way too much power for normal circulation.
Is there any reason that you need high flow?
Probably time to consider going to a variable speed pump.
Is there any reason that you need high flow?
Probably time to consider going to a variable speed pump.
Motor type UAK is a Capacitor Start/Capacitor Run motor.
So, there should be a start capacitor in the back under the cover.
I would check the start capacitor if you can.
So, there should be a start capacitor in the back under the cover.
I would check the start capacitor if you can.
Ok, the writing on that wire says it’s 14 gauge.
This is the only spot that looks like it’s leaking to me:
I have no idea why the pump is that powerful. The pool was already here when we moved in.
This is the only spot that looks like it’s leaking to me:
I have no idea why the pump is that powerful. The pool was already here when we moved in.
I think that’s gonna be an issue. The pump is installed flush against the house. I would have to unhook all the plumbing to move the pump to be able to access the compartment with the wiring and start capacitor... unless there’s a way to get in there that I’m unaware of.
I would replace the run capacitor and install a GFCI breaker.
The capacitor should have a label that shows the capacitance in uF which is microfarads.
Hopefully, that will fix the issues.
If not, then we can go from there.
I would start researching replacement pumps.
With a variable speed pump, you can operate at about 1/5th to 1/10 of the power, which will save a lot of money in the long run and it will be much quieter.
Your utility might even offer a rebate if you replace your single speed pump with a variable speed pump.
The capacitor should have a label that shows the capacitance in uF which is microfarads.
Hopefully, that will fix the issues.
If not, then we can go from there.
I would start researching replacement pumps.
With a variable speed pump, you can operate at about 1/5th to 1/10 of the power, which will save a lot of money in the long run and it will be much quieter.
Your utility might even offer a rebate if you replace your single speed pump with a variable speed pump.
Earn a rebate up to $350 when you install an ENERGY STAR certified pool pump for a residential in-ground pool or spa.
Ok! I am checking on Amazon… based on the pump I have, it looks to be a 25mfd… I can’t see a label on the capacitor. I will check back in when that is installed in a few days.
After just putting a new roof on the house because of Hurricane Ian, I don’t know that I’m in the market for a new pump right now, but it’s definitely a consideration. Thank you for your assistance!
Well, two days since I installed the new run capacitor and everything appears to be running smoothly. Hope I didn’t jinx it. Thank you for your help!