Non-Operable Valve Actuators

[DBB]

I'm running on a Pentair Compool to Easytouch 8 upgrade controller. Last winter the valve actuators would only operate when I opened the control panel door. The installer left a lot of cable wadded up in there - I looked everywhere for a short but didn't find anything obvious.

Now, it seems that none of the three actuators are functioning, regardless of whether the panel is open or not. None of the switches on the actuators have any effect, nor are any of the breakers tripped. I do feel a very slight click on the actuator when I flip it's switch.

From what I understand, the actuators are driven by 24V from the transformer. I haven't yet found any schematics, but what would be the best method to begin troubleshooting without cracking open the transformer section? I'm hoping it's not the controller board itself...

 

[ajw22]

To determine if the transformer failed you test voltages on the transformer input, that should be 120V or 240V AC, and the transformer output using a multimeter.

The transformer provides three low voltage AC inputs to the card:

• Between Blue/White and Blue for 12 volts AC
• Between Org/White and Org for 18 volts AC
• Between Red/White and Red for 24 volts AC

Each pair of wires (blue and blue/white, orange and orange/white, red and red/white) has a circuit breaker in one leg. If the board is not getting voltage test around the circuit breaker.

To test the voltage before the breaker put one test lead on the board power connector after you disconnect it from the PCB - to whichever wire is not interrupted by the breaker - and the other lead on the side of the breaker that connects to the transformer secondary (rather than the side that goes to the board power connector). If you don't get 12-15 volts but you know the primary is getting 120v, then your transformer is bad. If you do get a good voltage output then something's up with the breaker.

Pentair Automation Systems - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[DBB]

Thanks, ajw2. Very informative.

I pulled the transformer connector from the board and measured. Couldn’t get a read from the 18 and 24 pins.

Pulled the transformer and proceeded to measure across the breakers. Had all three voltages at that point so I reassembled. The actuators began working at that point.

I don’t know if I had some dirty spade lug connections at the breakers, or if just reseating the PCB connector did the trick. Or if the leads to the transformer windings are flaky.

I’m sure I’ll find out when it’s freezing cold out and the spa doesn’t kick in during freeze mode….

Is there any documentation as to what the secondary transformer voltages actually drive? That would be handy info to have.

Thanks for the assist!

 

[ajw22]

Is there any documentation as to what the secondary transformer voltages actually drive? That would be handy info to have.

It is in Pentair Automation Systems - Further Reading