Century Electric Motors New sletter

July 2013

Pump Motor Troubleshooting

Review and Replacement
Checklist
Properly maintaining leisure water pump systems requires a firm foundation in electric
motor knowledge. A good bit of knowledge develops over time and comes from
experience earned through hands on replacement and troubleshooting in the field.
Regardless of the level of knowledge or experience, the following overview of steps to
consider when troubleshooting a pool pump problem or selecting the proper replacement
motor can be valuable.

When replacing a motor that has failed, if possible it is best to determine the cause. By
understanding why the original motor failed, it may be possible to correct issues thereby
improving the installation. A little investigative work early on can help ensure the
replacement motor performs as expected while avoiding problems that may arise due to
unresolved conditions in the pump system. Added scrutiny of external conditions in and
around the pump for issues such as moisture, low voltage, or dirt and debris that could
have contributed to the original motor failure is always justified. Things to consider when
installing or troubleshooting a pump motor.

Heat
The number one enemy of an electric motor is heat. Overheating always results
whenever there is a lack of clean, continually circulating air through the motor. Heat can
damage a motors windings, insulation, bearing lubricant and capacitors. In short, heat
can quickly decrease the service life of a motor. Remember that proper ventilation is
always crucial when installing a pump motor. If at all possible, install a motor in a location
that is free of dirt, dust, or airborne debris, such as leaves. Try to choose a shady spot if
being installed outdoors but preferably protected from leaves and grass clippings. If a
cover is used to protect from possible debris, there needs to be enough room between
the motor and the cover to allow for continual and unrestricted airflow through the motor.

When troubleshooting, remember that Century single-phase pool and spa motors feature
a thermal overload protector that will shut down the motor if it overheats. As the windings
cool down, the overload protector will automatically restart the motor. Blocked ventilation
or an overload condition can cause the motor to shut down repeatedly.

Altitude can result in hotter running motors also. For installations more than 3,300 feet
above sea level it is advisable to use a motor with the next larger horsepower rating than
one recommended for the application at sea level. This will result in a cooler running
motor but will not overpower the smaller impeller - the motor will deliver only the power
load of the smaller impeller.

Moisture
Water damage from leaking seals is an all-to-common cause of pump motor failure. A
leaking pump seal may cause a motor to fail very quickly. Always install a new Viton or
equivalent seal when reassembling a pump or installing a replacement motor. It is
important that a new pump seal be installed correctly. After disassembling the pump
cavity to expose the old or defective seal, careful remove the old seal. Note how the old
seal is assembled and be sure to the new seal is installed in identical manner. Clean the
shaft and counterbore surfaces to remove rust and burrs. Use extra caution when
cleaning internal components and especially when handling the new seal as its lapped or
polished faces are easily scratched and damaged. Protect from damage, dirt and
fingerprints. After properly lubricating the shaft, seat counterbore, and rubber members
of the seal, reassemble the pump (always use water soluble lubricant recommended by
seal manufacturers). If the pump system has been run dry long enough for the plastic
pump to overheat, consider replacing the entire pump also as warping may have
occurred that will make it impossible for the seal to prevent leaking. For added
protection, do not remove the water slinger (washer) from the shaft. It helps deflect water
away from the motor bearing.

Not all moisture problems originate from within the pump system. Pool motors should also
be installed where they will not be splashed with water. Avoid placing the motor in low
spots that may be prone to flooding or under roof overhangs where gutters could
overflow during heavy rains. It is best to elevate the motor at least two inches from the
ground.

Power Source & Grounding

Before turning the motor on, check to see that the line voltage, phase, and frequency
match the specifications shown on the motor nameplate. Current capacity must be
adequate enough to maintain rated voltage at the motor terminals under all conditions. If
it is too low, contact the local utility. If too high, check for overloaded circuits, loose
connections, or wire of the wrong gauge. When servicing or replacing a pump motor
make sure all the connections are tight to prevent failure or overheating.

Checking the electrical supply wires to confirm sufficiency to carry the required voltage is
often an overlooked step when troubleshooting and replacing pump motors. Larger wire
sizes reduce the voltage drop to the motor in both the start and run modes. A lower
voltage drop means the motor will run more efficiently cooler and have increased
service life.

A grounding check is a critical step before applying power to the motor. In addition to the
green grounding screw inside the motor which grounds the motor to the service ground,
every pool and spa motor should have a bonding lug on the outside of the motor to be
used to bond the motor and all other conductive surfaces together to prevent a potential
difference between surfaces. Grounding should be done in compliance with all local and
national electrical codes.

Mounting & Connections

Fastening the pump and motor system securely to a foundation or base will prevent
vibration, potential loosening, and future misalignment. Ensure the motor and pump
assemblies rotate freely before starting the motor.

Seasonal
Whenever a motor must be shut down for extended periods, be sure all surfaces, vents,
and interior are dry to prevent rust. If the motor is kept outdoors, cover it to prevent
debris such as blowing leaves, dirt, and other clogging elements from collecting in the
inlets. Do not seal the motor in a plastic or other airtight wrapping as condensation may
form on the inside damaging bearings and insulation. When restarting a pump and motor
after an extended down time, make sure the suction is flooded so the pump seal is wet.
Starting the motor with a dry pump seal can cause seal damage.

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Choosing the Right Replacement Pool Pump Motor

Know the End Erame. Square and C-Face are the most popular flange
types found in in-ground pool pump applications. Many above ground pool
applications utilize a thru bolt end frame.
Know the Total Horsepower. First determine the total horsepower of the
motor being replaced. Multiply nameplate horsepower by nameplate service
factor to get the total horsepower or true horsepower (the equation is HP x
 SF = THP). Then select a replacement motor with an equivalent or slightly
higher total horsepower rating.
Know the Hertz, Phase, and Voltage. Unless the power supply is being
changed, the replacement motor will need to be the same as the original
motor in Hertz, phase, and voltage. Determine whether you need a single or
three phase motor. In the United States, the power supply is based on 60
Hertz or 60-cycle. As a general rule, 50-cycle motors should not be
substituted for 60-cycle motors and vice versa. The operating voltage of the
replacement motor must be capable of operating on the same voltage as the
original motor. If the original motor was a dual voltage design 230/115 volt
the replacement can likewise be a dual voltage motor. If a dual voltage
motor is not readily available, a single voltage motor in the correct voltage
can be substituted.

Next Issue
In August specific pool motor issues along with some basic troubleshooting procedures
will be covered in more detail.

Questions or Suggestions?
Do you have pool and spa motor questions or suggestions for future pump motor
articles? E-mail them today to info@centuryelectricmotor.com.

V-Green 270 - the

Versatile Energy
Efficient Pump Motor
The Century V-Green 270 variable speed
motor delivers superior energy savings of
40 - 80 percent versus a standard single
speed. Visit V-Green to learn more and
to watch an introductory video.

For additional Century pump motor product information or to place an order,

contact customer service at 866.887.5216 or visit www.pool-motors.com
2Green Premium Two Speed
Pool Motors from Century
With energy efficient high and low speed
windings paired with an onboard timer interface,
the Century 2Green motor design is compliant
with California, Florida, and Arizona energy
efficiency statutes for replacement pump motor
filtration system applications. The latest To learn more about the Century 2Green
addition to Centurys Green Choice family of replacement motor, visit online and watch
replacement pump motors, the 2Green motor the introductory video.
design incorporates a programmable timer
interface which eliminates the need for a 2Green Motor Premium Features
separate timer. This design integration can
make an installation of a compliant replacement Integrated Timer Interface
solution faster and easier for service contractors Timer Mode
as no additional wiring is required,. Adjustable Contrast
Manual Mode
Pool owners stand to benefit the most, however, Battery Backup - Program Saver
as the 2Green motors premium efficiency LCD Display with Backlight
two-speed design augmented by the integrated High Effeciency High and Low
timer can reduce energy consumption by as Speed
much as 58 percent over a standard single
speed pump motor. Currently the lineup of
2Green motors includes both square flange
and C-Face configurations.

With no external parts or connections to the

existing plumbing or electrical system required,
the installation of a 2Green motor is basically
the same as that of a standard replacement
motor. Once the motor is powered on, the
installer or pool owner can enter start and stop
times for both high and low speeds thanks to
the step-by-step on-screen instructions.

To learn more go to 2Green premium

efficiency two-speed replacement motor with
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Click to review or download the 2Green

product bulletin # 2850.

Copyright 2013 Regal Beloit America, Inc., All rights reserved.

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