Main filter pump breaker tripped

Jump to latest Follow Reply
Red and black pump wires disconnected from relay, but white and yellow wires are connected to the relay = breaker does not trip.
White and yellow disconnected; and red and black pump wires connected = immediate trip.

Seems that pump is the problem.
I am going to make sure all connections at the pump are sound and dry.
I am going to buy another relay, because they are cheap.

Anything else you can offer is appreciated.

Thanks for your help.
 
So, just to confirm everything before I started fooling with the pump itself, I swapped the wires to the adjacent relay and the breaker did the same thing- tripped immediately. I disconnected the red and black pump wires from the relay, no tripping. I disconnected the SWG white and yellow wires from the relay (but left the red and black pump wires connected to the relay) and breaker immediately tripped. Seems that the pump is the issue.
What do you do to trouble shoot a pump? Does the capacitor go bad on these? The capacitor is not bulging. I can't check if the capacitor is humming because the breaker will not allow the motor to run. I also can't get that plastic rear cap off to look in there for water or something (it is loose, but won't come off). Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
Get a pentair vsp. Intelliflo3 is a great pump. And will save you $$ in electrical cost vs single speed. You could also get a vsp motor for the whisper Flo.

What happened that you need to replace it?
 
James L. said:
So, just to confirm everything before I started fooling with the pump itself, I swapped the wires to the adjacent relay and the breaker did the same thing- tripped immediately. I disconnected the red and black pump wires from the relay, no tripping. I disconnected the SWG white and yellow wires from the relay (but left the red and black pump wires connected to the relay) and breaker immediately tripped. Seems that the pump is the issue.
What do you do to trouble shoot a pump? Does the capacitor go bad on these? The capacitor is not bulging. I can't check if the capacitor is humming because the breaker will not allow the motor to run. I also can't get that plastic rear cap off to look in there for water or something (it is loose, but won't come off). Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
You most likely need a new motor if the breaker trips immediately on powering the motor. But, you can try one more thing.
Open the wiring compartment and look for a loose/burned wire. Disconnect the wires at the pump, be sure they are separated and not able to short to the motor case (tape is good), and reconnect to the relay.
Turn the relay on. Does the breaker trip? If so you have a short in the wires inside the conduit. New wires would be the repair.
If not, the windings in the motor are likely shorted/burned. A lightning strike can do that as well. Its time to get rid of that 2hp energy hog anyway.
 
Thanks for responding. I have another thread going to see if anyone could help me trouble shoot my inoperative pump. We had a thunderstorm (much lightning/thunder) the other night, and the 5 yr old main pump that had been working fine now trips its breaker immediately, so it won't run. Everything else is operating normally (two other pumps, lights, blower). With the help of somebody on here I tested the electronics, and they seem ok. Eliminated the SWG as well. Narrowed it down to the pump. Removed rear cap and motor shaft turns snugly/with some drag with fingers. That pump is not sold anymore.
 
Check for continuity and/or resistance between ground and the line terminals with the pump disconnected. If there is continuity you have a short. If you measure any resistance it's also a short between the windings and the housing/ground. You could also check the windings by themselves with the cap, start switch and any other do-dads that are under the rear covers disconnected. It could be an cap or start switch, which would be cheap fix.
 
James L. said:
Thanks for responding. I have another thread going to see if anyone could help me trouble shoot my inoperative pump. We had a thunderstorm (much lightning/thunder) the other night, and the 5 yr old main pump that had been working fine now trips its breaker immediately, so it won't run. Everything else is operating normally (two other pumps, lights, blower). With the help of somebody on here I tested the electronics, and they seem ok. Eliminated the SWG as well. Narrowed it down to the pump. Removed rear cap and motor shaft turns snugly/with some drag with fingers. That pump is not sold anymore.
Click to expand...
Century EVQ225 motor will bolt on. The relay can just power it on and off and its internal programming, which you can change somewhat, will take over. You can also wire it to the 485 terminals and get complete control over speeds and times with your EasyTouch.
Did you ever just test the wires by removing them from the pump, leaving them attached to the relay and turning that relay "on?" If it doesn't trip the breaker you definitely know you need a new pump or motor. If it does, have a short inside the conduit and just need new wires, as was mentioned in your other post.
 
PoolStored said:
Get a pentair vsp. Intelliflo3 is a great pump. And will save you $$ in electrical cost vs single speed. You could also get a vsp motor for the whisper Flo.

What happened that you need to replace it?
Click to expand...
Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF Variable Speed & Flow Pool Pump | 3HP 208-230V 2590W | 011075
Is this what you're referring to? Do you know if it is a drop in replacement for my present pump (Whisperflo WF-28 2hp pump standard uprated single speed, model #011774). Easytouch system
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply