Hayward ecostar on generator

[orangepower10]

Trying to test run our pump on a generator if needed during a freeze. It’s a Hayward eco star variable speed. The display goes blank when plugged into the generator but the buttons are lit up. Does anyone know a solution to this or why it’s happening,

 

[Donldson]

I don't have any concrete answers, but things failing to run off a generator typically fall in to one of two issues:

1: The power is too inconsistent. A non-inverter style generator can have several spikes and dips in the voltage. A dumb pump might not care, but a VSP would likely be more sensitive to this kind of variance.

2: Lack of ground. Unless you've grounded the generator then the pump might recognize that it's not grounded and refuse to start. This is a common issue with EV charging as the EVSE (charger) checks for a proper ground and will refuse to operate without it.

 

[ajw22]

EcoStar pumps are 230 volts.

Does your generator put out 230 volts and have a 230 volt outlet?

The pump will not run, and you can damage it, if it is plugged into 120 volts.

The short cord you posted has a 120 volt plug.

 

[JamesW]

https://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/63000-63999/63966.pdf

How are you connecting the pump to the generator?

 

[orangepower10]

My understanding is the ecostar pumps can be either 230 or 110. Ours is plugged into a 110 outlet. I will try grounding on the side of the generator and see if that is the issue.

I am hooking the the pump up in the following way.

The pump has a 3 prong locking 110 volt plug. I plug into an adapter with a male 110 volt plug that goes directly into the generator.

Thanks for the help! I’ll make a follow up post after trying the ground.

 

[Mike1162]

Post pictures of the motor & motor label. My understanding is all variable speed motors are 220 volts.

 

[Donldson]

My understanding is all variable speed motors are 220 volts.

My father has a VSP with a 5-15p on it, so I can attest that there are 120v pumps.

 

[JamesW]

My understanding is the ecostar pumps can be either 230 or 110.

Where did you get this information?

Some variable speed pumps can take 115 or 230, but I am pretty sure that the Ecostar only takes 230 volts.

Can you show the motor label?

 

[wireform]

In your media pictures you have a cb box showing a twin 20 amp cb perhaps that's your pump.

 

[JamesW]

The generator manual shows a 230 volt outlet.

That's the one to use if the motor label says 230 volts.

 

[Donldson]

Some variable speed pumps can take 115 or 230, but I am pretty sure that the Ecostar only takes 230 volts.

The adapter OP is showing is a L5-20r. It's 120v so if the pump is using an L5-20p for power then it must either be operating on 120v or the electrician did a very bad thing.

 

[JamesW]

I don't think that there is an electrician involved.

I think that the OP is just trying to connect the pump to the generator with an extension cord.

As far as I know, the EcoStar is 230 volts only.

 

[Donldson]

don't think that there is an electrician involved.

I don't mean in this project. I mean the electrician that wired up the plug the pump is plugged in to. If it is an L5-20r then it should be 120v. It would be improper for the receptacle at the wall to provide 240v.

 

[ajw22]

We have not seen a pic of the Ecostar pump motor. I wonder if the motor could have been replaced.

 

[JamesW]

I suspect that the pump is wired like a normal inground pump.

I don't think that it is on a plug.

I think that the OP is just trying to figure out how to make it run on an extension cord if necessary.

If the OP can show the whole system and the motor label, that would help.

 

[Mike1162]

I am hooking the the pump up in the following way.

The pump has a 3 prong locking 110 volt plug. I plug into an adapter with a male 110 volt plug that goes directly into the generator.

 

[JamesW]

There's no way that the original installation was with a plug.

This isn't some cheapo above ground pool.

It looks like a professionally installed inground pool.

I think that the OP is just describing their Jury-rigged extension cord.

 

[Mike1162]

There's no way that the original installation was with a plug.

This isn't some cheapo above ground pool.

It looks like a professionally installed inground pool.

I think that the OP is just describing their Jury-rigged extension cord.

My pool was professionally installed with a 120 volt 3 prong locking plug. Is it really that unusual to use a plug?

 

[JamesW]

My pool was professionally installed with a 120 volt 3 prong locking plug. Is it really that unusual to use a plug?

Plugs are for above ground pools.

In ground pools should be hard wired and 230 volts.

I suspect that your builder does a lot of above ground pools.

You probably have the cheapest setup possible with a premade equipment pad, a single speed pump and a cheap filter.

 

[JamesW]

EcoStar | Pumps | In Ground Pool Pumps - Hayward Pool Products

Hayward EcoStar^® variable-speed pool pumps provide best in class energy efficiency for most any pool and spa combination, including upgrading the majority of single speed models up to 3 horsepower (hp).

www.hayward-pool.com

https://www.hayward-pool.com/assets/documents/pools/pdf/literature/ecostar-LITECOSB15.pdf

https://www.hayward-pool.com/assets/documents/pools/pdf/manuals/EcoStar-IS3401VSP.pdf

http://www.haywardnet.com/pdfs/EcoStar-Technical-Guide.pdf