The GFCI on the side is not a breaker and it does not have anything to do with the pump.
Pool pump motor humming but not running
- Thread starter New2water
- Start date
That is more likely a GFCI device/outlet that is for the pool lights, not a GFCI breaker.
Oh no. Don’t know how it passed inspections.
What’s the easiest way to fix it - at the main panel or at the control box?
What’s the easiest way to fix it - at the main panel or at the control box?
There may have been one there at a time, maybe it was tripping so it was removed otherwise it could never pass.
Thank you. Do I need to replace the mail panel breakers with GFCI or those in the control box?
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Requirements for GFCI protection on branch circuits supplying pool motors first appeared in the 2008 NEC.
Your pool was installed in about 2003.
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It passed inspection because at the time that pool was built it was not a code requirement.
NEC started requiring that with the 2010 code update, which didn't get published until 2013. There are thousands of pools still without a GFCI breaker on the pump circuit that work well. It is, and always has been, better if one was installed, but there is not likely an immediate concern with your pool. When a new pump/motor/heater is installed a GFCI breaker needs to be at the same time per code. Unless someone pulled a permit, no one would know. BUT, you are replacing the motor, so it needs to be done. The one that works with the least amount of nuisance tripping on a VSP is the Siemans QF220A.
If there is a separate breaker in the main panel for the pump, that one gets replaced. If your control panel has breakers in it, it would be done there. If not, a small sub-panel can be installed specifically for the pump circuit.
Siemens 20 Amp Double Pole Type QPF2 GFCI Circuit Breaker US2:QF220AP - The Home Depot
Siemens GFCI circuit breakers are UL Listed and CSA Certified as Class A devices. These circuit breakers offer the new Self-Test and Lockout feature as required by UL 943, enabling the GFCI to automatically
www.homedepot.com
Which breaker goes to the pump?
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Five Digit Identifier (Short Code) - The five-digit identifier formats have a short and long version, we’ll start with the short style.
In our example, the serial number is 22913CH. The first three digits day of the year, it was made, and the following 2 digits note the year.
22913CH = The 229th of 2013, or August 17, 2013.
www.inyopools.com
In our example, the serial number is 22913CH. The first three digits day of the year, it was made, and the following 2 digits note the year.
22913CH = The 229th of 2013, or August 17, 2013.
How to Read a Century Pool Pump Motor Serial Number - INYOPools.com
In this guide, we’ll explain how to determine the age of your century branded pool pump motor.
www.inyopools.com
My 20 years old pump motor bearings have failed and I have received excellent advice about dealing with it. Current pump is Pentair Whisperflow WFE-4 1HP with 2" plumbing and no automation other than a rotary clock. I am wondering if I was to replace the whole pump, what are my options. I'm in California.
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Nidec Neptune NPTQ165 is the variable-speed 1.65THP Nidec pump motor. The motor you reference will not bolt to the Whisperflo and is not variable-speed.
In California your limitations are either a new VSP or a variable-speed motor. A Nidec Neptune NPTQ165 motor, PS1000 shaft seal, Whisperflo body gasket, would rebuild the existing pump. The motor has its own control for programming speeds and run times.
From the picture of the pump, it has seen much better days, but if the body is still good, that is a good option, no re-plumbing, minor electrical change (existing time-clock no longer used).
After that the options are many. There is nothing as good as new except new, so you may want to replace the entire pump. If it is used just for circulation and you have separate pumps for the spa jets and water feature, many here have found the Black & Decker/Calimar/Blue Torrent VSP's to work for them. Would require re-plumbing.
Thank you for the detailed advice The filtration and recirculation pump body is good and we have two other pumps for the hot tub and the waterfall. The Nidec Neptune NPTQ165 VS motor ($700) alone would be an easy fit however it is $180 more than the CaliMar 3HP Variable Speed Pool Pump CMARVSP3.0 which is available at $519 while the Black and Decker 1.5HP VSP is selling for $849. Someone suggested the B&D pump being less expensive than CaliMar but I can’t find it for less anywhere.
The advantage of brand name equipment is that parts are easily available if and when needed. Not sure if the off-brands have any parts availability.More options make it harder to choose. Not sure where to go from here. Will appreciate some advice
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Many on this site have had good success with the Black & Decker/Calimar/Blue Torrent (same pump different label). If you get it you will have to replumb, but that's not that difficult if you're handy with PVC and take your time.
Replumbing is not a problem as long as intake height matches the Pentair Whisperflow WFE-4 pump otherwise I may have to find suitable base materials.
