Set scale based upon the maximum load amps. Remove the leads to the pool pump capacitor. For your protection wear eye protection and place a cloth over the capacitor before shorting it out. When selecting the correct motor, it’s important to note some information about the motor. The resistance between terminals 1 and 2 should be approximately 0. so the cap. Follow the wires from the pool … Read the instruction manual for the meter before operating. This basket is the last line of defense, keeping debris from clogging up the … Copyright © 2021 INYOpools All rights reserved. An ohmmeter is an electrical instrument used to measure the electrical resistance of motor windings. If no, you will probably need to replace the motor. A common Capacitor Start Pool Motor has three sets of windings: two sets of main windings which are engaged while the motor is running and a third Capacitor winding that provides extra torque in the motor during its initial startup. THE ISSUE - Your pool pump motor won't rotate under power but the shaft turns freely.  Posted: 7/21/2016, Anonymous If it exceeds 1 ohm, you should replace it. PoolSupplyWorld carries a full line of Century/A.O. The impeller can be replaceable, but the pump body might be more difficult. That being said, pool pumps need some troubleshooting and maintenance from time to time. All troubleshooting checks specify the ohmmeter range that should be used. It just looks like it is connected because it is near the switch terminal. The heart of the pool system is the water pump. An ammeter is a measuring instrument used to measure the electric current in a circuit. If ground is in the stator, the motor must be replaced. 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. If not, you will probably need to replace the motor. In short, an ammeter is just a “flow meter” thats intended to measure current flow to the motor. L2 to A - To test the lower main windings, place the meter probes on L2 and A on the power terminal. Click here to shop our store. Record the reading. We receive a wide range of emails and calls about various test equipment to troubleshoot pool motors. 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. Watch as I replace my pool motor which has gone bad.  Posted: 10/9/2018, Daz Wazlle  Posted: 11/18/2020, raulc Thank you for the simple guide and it make work so interesting and confident when facing such matters. One thing…you wrote “Replace capacitor if found to be bad” but could you connect the dots for me. If your pump basket isn’t filling up with water, the problem is … You want to reach out to US motors or one of their retailers for guidance on this specific troubleshoot. Looking for pool parts? How to Replace your Pool Motor Start Switch, How to Replace a Pool Motor Thermal Overload Protector. UPPER MAIN WINDINGS - This picture shows the part of the electrical circuit that is included in the above measurement - between A and Yellow. The switch is normally closed when the motor is not running. Set the meter on maximum amp scale and encircle jaws around one lead and take a reading. Smith and U.S. Motors/Emerson motors for a wide assortment of above ground and in-ground pool pumps as well as spa pumps. It allows you to check to see if there is a voltage present on a circuit. The ohmmeter will display the value up to the maximum capability of the ohmmeter. Pool pump maintenance and troubleshooting are always of high interest to customers. If it doesn’t follow that pattern of movement it would be considered a faulty capacitor. Record the reading. In a typical pump system, an electric motor spins an impeller inside the pump housing. SET MULTIMETER - One of your first steps is to obtain a multimeter and to set it on its lowest resistance (R) setting. 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.) A properly sized and well-maintained motor … Which tests should have this disconnected? If grounded, check all external lead for cuts, breaks, frayed wires, etc. If no voltage is recorded, check the fuses, circuit breakers, timers, and wiring for open connections or broken wires. To operate the voltmeter, arrange the leads so that the “jaws” will encircle one of the leads. But you might just try removing the motor from the wet end and starting it to make sure there is nothing binding in the wet end. At the moment I’m writing this, Spring is blooming around me. Remove the diffuser or impeller shroud to expose the impeller. Attach one probe to each terminal (The ohmmeter needle should move rapidly to right then slowly drift to left). You will probably be working with 240V so be careful. If you could post with pictures the solution , It would be greatly appreciated . It’s usually necessary to install a test loop to have room for the meter jaws. For service technicians and installers, having the proper test equipment and understanding how to use these tools is essential.Last September, Century Pool Motors released an e-newsletter discussing the various tools needed to properly test pool pump motors. Pool Pumps are essentially the heart of every pool filtration system. 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!). If you determine that your Thermal Overload Protector needs to be replaced then check out our handy Step by Step Guide on How to Replace a Pool Motor Thermal Overload Protector. Readings for the ground may vary from day to day depending on the humidity levels. 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. If the same exact voltage is not available, you can use the higher voltage. 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. Make sure to check out our handy Step by Step Guide on How to Test your Pool Pump Voltage. Test the capacitor with an analog multimeter if it is rated at 150 microfarads or less. Unfortunately, we have never carried US Motors, so a library of their how-tos and schematics is not something I have on hand. If it is a single speed motor, you could rewire the motor for 115v and then use an outlet with a lamp cord. This equation, derived from Ohm’s law, measures the value of the resistance ( R) R = Voltage/ Constant Current. Digital ohmmeters are available and are heavily used in today’s field. The resistance between 2 and 3 should be approx.  Posted: 11/16/2020, InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Make sure to check out our handy Step by Step Guide on How to Test your Pool Pump Voltage. They include: the "L2" power terminal; the "A" power terminal; the yellow wire attached to terminal 3 on the Overload Protector, and the end of the red lead going to the switch. In general, you will be taking 4 readings. If the voltage is not within the 10%, contact the proper utility company. The measurement points are identified by blue circles. You can access the guide by clicking this link. Record the reading. Impeller Wear Wear in the pump impeller often shows up as low readings on the filter pressure gauge. Bonding and grounding are two of the most essential electrical safety tasks pool owners must perform. I've done all these electrical tests. Pool pumps circulate water through the pool filtering system, mixing chemicals and sanitizing the water to help keep it clean.  Posted: 11/16/2020, Anonymous It may be necessary to reset to a lower scale. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker to the pump for maximum protection. Position one lead (L1 or L2) so that the jaws can encircle one power lead. 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. For these measurements the red lead to the switch must be detached to simulate and open switch. The impeller drives the water from the various drains through the filter and back out to the water inlets. Did your pool pump stop working or just need replacing? The capacitor will store an electrical charge. On the US motor they are completely different. A pool owner would use an ammeter to measure the flow of currents to ensure correct wiring flow.  Posted: 10/29/2016, InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Check that first is you haven't. Looks like the red wire was reconnected to its terminal, but I don't see where this happened. All readings of less than 10K could indicate a ground. Residential Pool Pump Motors. have a finite life. Determine motor voltage (the motor label will indicate) and set meter accordingly. In the article, they discuss these tools and also provide basic instructions on how to properly use them. You could just replace the capacitor, to see if that’s the problem. Broken pump pot basket. 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. I would agree If the voltage switch and wire colors where the same as in your description. The most common pool timer used for inground pool pumps is the Intermatic time clock. Checking the Amperage. isnt in the circuit. instructions for how to enable JavaScript in your web browser, Click Here to View Motor Parts (Including Capacitors, Bearings, Switches & More), Click Here to Find Your Replacement Pool Pump Motor & Gasket Kits, How To Replace AO Smith Motor Parts - Overview, How To Use a Multimeter to Test a Pool Pump Motor - Winding Resistance. A motor has several electrical components that might fail: start capacitor; overload protector; power terminal; loose wires; and motor windings. For the benefit of those reading in the future, the 2 yellow wires are on the same post of the cap. This piece of equipment creates the suction to power water through the entire system. What is the issue? Usually it appears the pump seal failed and got water on the motor bearing which eventually corrodes and makes a racket or it even freezes. Follow the steps in this guide, and you should be successful. The pump must be the right size for your pool so that the filtering system operates efficiently. Ensure the motor switch and governor are free of obstructions. The reading: Main winding + start capacitor winding, does it assume the capacitor is good? Above are some of the most popular issues that arise with a pool pump motor but there are many other problems that can arise. Higher rated … CAUTION: Capacitors have been know to explode when shorted out. L2 to A - To test the lower main windings, place the meter probes on L2 and A on the …  Posted: 10/10/2018, InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. A digital ohmmeter is one whose readout is digital – in the form of numbers as opposed to analog. But if you haven't, I suggest reviewing this guide: Kerim - The most common electrical problem is a bad capacitor. The workhorse of the equipment pad, these timer clocks can outlast some of the equipment that they power – but eventually, the workhorse will tire, and need to be retired to pasture – or maybe you can fix it! Then look at our guide on ". . Read the pressure gauge located on the side of the filter. Take your reading.  Posted: 7/19/2016, Steve The value should not exceed the maximum load amps (service factor amps) listed on the motor label. But, as you can imagine, electrical safety is very important whenever water is involved. Your email address will not be published. It’s usually necessary to install a test loop to have room for the meter jaws. So the noise coming from your pool pump sounds a little less like a pile of rocks, and a little more like a screech. The capacitor tests good , the motor shaft turns easily and the motor hums and than turns off the breaker? Hello Raul - presumably you would have checked the capacitor before getting to this point of breaking down the motor to check the windings. A pump pressure gauge is the first place to look to diagnose pump problems. Then, select the desired voltage scale. REMOVE ELECTRICAL COVER - Unscrew the two screws that hold the cover over the back end of the motor. *TIP* The replacement capacitor must be the same MFD as the original. Take the motor leads and install them to the bottom of the ammeter. Using the Proper Test Equipment to Troubleshoot Pool Motors, Copyright © 2020 INYOpools All rights reserved. The pump basket isn't filling with water. 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. You can take the readings by touching one probe to each of the lead line terminals. Remove the cover to expose the electrical connectors. Backed by a stringent testing process, Emerson pool pump motors perform consistently in a variety of pool & spa applications. If your meter does not have this exact range, use the next higher range. Replace the switch if there is any doubt. The start capacitor winding provides extra torque during the initial startup of the motor to help prime the pool system. 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. (Electric currents are measured in amperes, hence the name). A pump motor will draw the maximum amperage on the right side of the head curve with low head loss and highest flow rate. REMOVE RED LEAD TO SWITCH - With a pair of needle nose pliers, take the red wire off of the switch. Pumps, lights, automatic pool covers, some cleaning equipment plus more will require power. Winding Resistance - The red wire to the switch is disconnected during all tests. The Pool Pump Basket Does Not Fill with Water. SP3400VSP Failed, need replacement recommendations So the original pump was a single speed 1hp Hayward Super II Pump (per original pool order paperwork) that must have failed. Residential pool pump motors with a pool pump motor capacity of 1 HP or greater which are manufactured on or after January 1, 2010, shall have the capability of operating at two or more speeds with a low speed having a rotation rate that is no more than one-half of the motor's maximum rotation rate. 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. If you open your pump lid to your worst fears, you might want to check the seal of your pump’s inner lining. COMPARE READINGS - Compare the reading taken above for the upper main windings and the lower main windings. Some of the components have been moved to better show the wires. They should be the same. 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.  Posted: 11/7/2016, Karim Before removing the capacitor, discharge this energy by placing an insulated screwdriver across the leads of the capacitor. WIRING - This picture shows the physical layout of the wiring circuits. Make sure there are no obstructions preventing the proper operation of the rotating governor. All pool pump models will have charts with horsepower estimates based on flow rate ranges and total dynamic head. WIRING DIAGRAM - This picture shows the location of the winding circuits that you will be measuring.