We offer a brief tutorial on how to use a multimeter for your pump motor under How To Guides on our website. Winding Resistance - The red wire to the switch is disconnected during all tests. Also, check the governor to ensure the flipper moves freely, You may want to check the contacts for severely burned or pitted contacts, switching etc. The most common pool timer used for inground pool pumps is the Intermatic time clock. If you are not familiar with electricity, have an electrician help you. If you determine that your Start Switch needs to be replaced then check out our handy Step by Step Guide on How to Replace your Pool Motor Start Switch.  Posted: 7/19/2016, Steve I've done all these electrical tests. They should be the same. In a typical pump system, an electric motor spins an impeller inside the pump housing. Make sure to check out our handy Step by Step Guide on How to Test your Pool Pump Voltage. This basket is the last line of defense, keeping debris from clogging up the … Take the motor leads and install them to the bottom of the ammeter. Hold a wrench on the rear of the motor shaft to keep it from moving, while you unthread the impeller, CCW off of the other end of the motor shaft. The reading: Main winding + start capacitor winding, does it assume the capacitor is good? The resistance between terminals 1 and 2 should be approximately 0. What the problem? Turn the electricity to the pool pump timer off at its circuit breaker. WIRING DIAGRAM - This picture shows the location of the winding circuits that you will be measuring. . In short, an ammeter is just a “flow meter” thats intended to measure current flow to the motor. Is it considered to be bad if, what–the ohmmeter needle doesn’t quickly move to the right and then slowly go to the left? Ensure the motor switch and governor are free of obstructions. . You can access the guide by clicking this link. The pump must be the right size for your pool so that the filtering system operates efficiently. If you open your pump lid to your worst fears, you might want to check the seal of your pump’s inner lining. All readings of less than 10K could indicate a ground. Position one lead (L1 or L2) so that the jaws can encircle one power lead. Then, select the desired voltage scale. so the cap. The switch is normally closed when the motor is not running. It checks for AC or DC voltages, resistance, and continuity of electrical components. How do you check the windings on a U.S motors 1081 pump ? It may be necessary to reset to a lower scale. Troubleshooting Noise from the Motor. The heart of the pool system is the water pump. Read the pressure gauge located on the side of the filter. An ammeter is a measuring instrument used to measure the electric current in a circuit. Attach one probe to the ground screw on the end frame and touch the other probe to all terminals on the terminal board, switch, capacitor, and protector. Testing the Capacitor with a Multimeter Remove the cover at the back of the motor or on top of the motor to expose the capacitor. Make sure there are no obstructions preventing the proper operation of the rotating governor. Pool pump maintenance and troubleshooting are always of high interest to customers. A digital ohmmeter is one whose readout is digital – in the form of numbers as opposed to analog.  Posted: 10/10/2018, InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Unclamp or unbolt the motor half from the pump housing or volute, and slide it out.  Posted: 10/9/2018, Daz Wazlle In our inground pool example, we need a pool pump with a 20.8-43 GPM flow rate range and 50 TDH (also called Feet of Head). If it exceeds 1 ohm, you should replace it. All troubleshooting checks specify the ohmmeter range that should be used. WIRING - This picture shows the physical layout of the wiring circuits. Ensure power is OFF; Set scale based upon the maximum load amps; Position one lead (L1 or L2) so that the jaws can encircle one power lead. have a finite life. If not, you will probably need to replace the motor. The ground fault device is seeing a total leakage of all loads on the circuit.  Posted: 11/15/2020, InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. This guide shows how to measure the motor windings to eliminate them from further consideration. Image Credit: Inyopools.com. *TIP* Motorcycling on overload indicates some other problem, not just a defective overload. PoolSupplyWorld carries a full line of Century/A.O. This guide shows you how to measure the resistance in these coils to determine if this is the cause of a failed motor. A motor’s main purpose is to power the pump’s impeller, which is the device that moves the pool water into and through the pump. How to Choose an Emerson Pool Pump Motor One of the major failure modes for motors is the misapplication of the motor to a particular pump. Set scale based upon the maximum load amps. There you have it! TURN OFF POWER - Make sure to TURN OFF POWER to your pump before opening up the electrical end of the pump. Using the Proper Test Equipment to Troubleshoot Pool Motors, Copyright © 2020 INYOpools All rights reserved. If no voltage is recorded, check the fuses, circuit breakers, timers, and wiring for open connections or broken wires. If your pump basket does not fill with water, you’ll … A pool pump motor is a mechanical device that is used to pump water from a pool through its filter and then circulate the water back into the pool, thereby making the pool clean and debris free. I would agree If the voltage switch and wire colors where the same as in your description. On the US motor they are completely different. The four measurement points identified above are also highlighted on this picture with blue circles. For proper sanitation, a pump should filter the entire volume of the pool every eight to 10 hours. A to YELLOW - To test the upper main windings, place the meter probes on A on the power terminal, and on the end of the yellow wire attached to terminal 3 of the Overload Protector. A pool owner would use an ammeter to measure the flow of currents to ensure correct wiring flow. For these measurements the red lead to the switch must be detached to simulate and open switch. All pool pump models will have charts with horsepower estimates based on flow rate ranges and total dynamic head. You will be comparing the resistance readings of one set of main windings against the other, Then you will be comparing the resistance readings of one set of main windings plus the start-up windings to the other set of main windings with the start-up windings. Checking the Amperage. There are three sets of windings: the main windings are split into two sets, shown in the green box; the auxiliary start capacitor winding is shown in the red box. Higher rated … A voltmeter is used for measuring the electrical potential difference between two points in an electric circuit. COMPARE READINGS - Compare the reading taken above for the upper main widnings plus start windings, and the lower main windings plus start windings. If it is a single speed motor, you could rewire the motor for 115v and then use an outlet with a lamp cord. USE ONLY HAYWARD GENUINE REPLACEMENT PARTS Page 5 of 36 EcoStar Variable Speed Pump IS3401VSP Rev-2 WARNING – Pool and spa components (seals, gaskets, etc.) It would be the same process for checking most 1081 single speed pool pump motors. We receive a wide range of emails and calls about various test equipment to troubleshoot pool motors. Residential Pool Pump Motors. A pump motor will draw the maximum amperage on the right side of the head curve with low head loss and highest flow rate. Readings for the ground may vary from day to day depending on the humidity levels. Record the reading. At the moment I’m writing this, Spring is blooming around me. SET MULTIMETER - One of your first steps is to obtain a multimeter and to set it on its lowest resistance (R) setting. Determine motor voltage (the motor label will indicate) and set meter accordingly. The voltage reading should be within 10% of the motor nameplate voltage i.e, between 207 and 253 volts for a 230 V motor. New motors typically read over one megaohm, while old motors with dust, dirt, and moisture could show a resistance to the ground below 10K and still run satisfactorily. isnt in the circuit. When selecting the correct motor, it’s important to note some information about the motor. But if you haven't, I suggest reviewing this guide: Kerim - The most common electrical problem is a bad capacitor. For your protection wear eye protection and place a cloth over the capacitor before shorting it out. If you could post with pictures the solution , It would be greatly appreciated . A pump pressure gauge is the first place to look to diagnose pump problems.  Posted: 10/29/2016, InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Thanks, Charlie. L2 to RED - YELLOW TO RED - To test the lower main windings including the start capacitors windings, place the meter probes on the end of the red lead, and on L2  on the power terminal. The ohmmeter will have various ranges from R x 1, where the meter reads directly in Ohms, to R x 100, where the meter reading must be multiplied by 100 for the actual ohm value. You want to reach out to US motors or one of their retailers for guidance on this specific troubleshoot. What is the problem? Pool Pumps are essentially the heart of every pool filtration system. A pump motor will draw less power with lower flow rates and higher restriction/pressure loss. This measuress the pressure in the water flowing through the pump system, and generally it should read between 12 and 17 psi (pounds per square inch). You can access the guide by clicking this link. Set the meter on maximum amp scale and encircle jaws around one lead and take a reading. 0. A motor has several electrical components that might fail: start capacitor; overload protector; power terminal; loose wires; and motor windings. Follow the steps in this guide, and you should be successful. The capacitor will store an electrical charge. You will probably be working with 240V so be careful. Take your reading.  Posted: 11/6/2016, Abdul If the voltage is not within the 10%, contact the proper utility company. Check that first is you haven't. If ground is in the stator, the motor must be replaced. You can check for shaft rotation by removing the rear cover plate, and turning the end of the shaft with a large flathead or straight pliers, or on most pumps, you can remove the basket and feel the impeller with your fingers (pump off first!). All components should be inspected frequently and replaced at least every ten years, or if found to be damaged, broken, cracked, missing, or Digital ohmmeters are available and are heavily used in today’s field. So having more restriction is actually less load on the motor.  Posted: 11/16/2020, InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. The measurement points are identified by blue circles. One thing…you wrote “Replace capacitor if found to be bad” but could you connect the dots for me. Bonding and grounding are two of the most essential electrical safety tasks pool owners must perform. Replace the switch if there is any doubt. Broken pump pot basket. In general, you will be taking 4 readings. Remove the diffuser or impeller shroud to expose the impeller. (Electric currents are measured in amperes, hence the name). How to Replace your Pool Motor Start Switch, How to Replace a Pool Motor Thermal Overload Protector. Before removing the capacitor, discharge this energy by placing an insulated screwdriver across the leads of the capacitor. How to Guide: How to Troubleshoot a Noisy Pool Motor. SHORT OUT CAPACITOR - Pool Pump Capacitors store an electrical charge that can shock you even when the power is off. MAKE SURE THE POWER IS OFF before you take these measurements.Click Here to View Motor Parts (Including Capacitors, Bearings, Switches & More)Click Here to Find Your Replacement Pool Pump Motor & Gasket Kits, Max What is the issue? *TIP* The replacement capacitor must be the same MFD as the original. Smith and U.S. Motors/Emerson motors for a wide assortment of above ground and in-ground pool pumps as well as spa pumps.  Posted: 11/16/2020, Anonymous Hello Raul - presumably you would have checked the capacitor before getting to this point of breaking down the motor to check the windings. Pool Pump Troubleshooting Guide. Attach one probe to each terminal (The ohmmeter needle should move rapidly to right then slowly drift to left). LOWER MAIN WINDINGS & START WINDINGS - This picture shows the part of the electrical circuit that is included in the above measurement - between L2 and Red.  Posted: 7/22/2019, InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. If the same exact voltage is not available, you can use the higher voltage. Remove the leads to the pool pump capacitor. Follow the wires from the pool … UPPER MAIN WINDINGS & START WINDING - This picture shows the part of the electrical circuit that is included in the above measurement - between Red and Yellow. This thread describes how to replace the EcoStar motor with a single or dual speed motor to make it equivalent to a TriStar pump. UPPER MAIN WINDINGS - This picture shows the part of the electrical circuit that is included in the above measurement - between A and Yellow. All are fine, but still my pump doesn't start! Cat.EUSQ1102. That being said, pool pumps need some troubleshooting and maintenance from time to time. So the noise coming from your pool pump sounds a little less like a pile of rocks, and a little more like a screech. It’s usually necessary to install a test loop to have room for the meter jaws. The ohmmeter will display the value up to the maximum capability of the ohmmeter. REMOVE RED LEAD TO SWITCH - With a pair of needle nose pliers, take the red wire off of the switch.