I guess I had it with AquaRite. Recommendation for a different cell.

[jeanft]

Between the replacements of the Thermistor, the new boards, now it's the burn of the Molex 10 pin part with the same issue on the connector on the cell.
I will not be able to solder this thing myself even if I ordered both parts. What would be the best option for a 27000 gallon pool?

 

[proavia]

Do you have automation?
If so, we recommend using the same SWG as your automation.
If not, have a look at the Circupool RJ60+
We recommend a SWG that is at least 2 times your pool volume.

 

[Newdude]

If you have something fry, it happens. If you've had multiple things fry on different occasions, I'd look into the root cause before replacing anything that will likely also fry.

 

[jeanft]

Thank you for the answers. I was told the issues were certainly created by bad rectifiers under the transformer. No automation.

 

[JamesW]

I was told the issues were certainly created by bad rectifiers under the transformer.

It is doubtful that the rectifiers caused the problems.

In any case, Hayward is a good quality brand.

Sometimes parts overheat and burn due to a poor connection causing excessive resistance.

The amperage is in the 6 to 8 range and this can cause issues with poor connections.

The thermistor issue has mostly been solved with a relay that bypasses the thermistor after the initial startup period.

 

[mas985]

What salt level do you typically target? Higher salt levels leads to higher current which can shorten component life.

 

[generessler]

A typical failure mode for Molex and similar connectors is some slight imperfection in the connection: bit of grit, corrosion, or sometimes a pin or socket isn't fully locked in the plug block. When pushed together, the pin/socket then shifts backward, so it doesn't fully engage.

Whatever the imperfection, it causes resistive heating or (worse) arcing or both, especially when the pin is carrying a heavy-ish load (amps like the SWG). The result is a death spiral. Arcing makes carbon. Heat causes further corrosion. More heating/arcing follow. Rinse and repeat until everything melts and arcs into black goo.

The defenses are 1) use a good contact cleaner spray before plugging things together, particularly when RE-plugging an old connection and 2) after plugging, verify no pin backed out by inspecting all the stake-on connections at the connector's back. They should all be at the same level.

 

[jeanft]

What salt level do you typically target? Higher salt levels leads to higher current which can shorten component life.

3000-3200