Well Pump Issues
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: United States
Posts: 3
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
Well Pump Issues
I have a well pump that started to randomly trip a breaker (as soon as the pump engages [20A single pole 120V]). So I did what any rational person would do... ignore the issue and keep restarting the breaker. Now the pump will not turn on i.e. it constantly trips the breaker. I first tried a new breaker, no dice. The relay was corroded and humming, so I replaced it with the following: (see pdf link).

The issue is still present and now I am on to tackling the pump as my infinite wisdom says that's next. This is where I am coming to the guru forum gods! Below is the pump I have. It again is wired 120V.
Thanks in advance,

Jonathan

The issue is still present and now I am on to tackling the pump as my infinite wisdom says that's next. This is where I am coming to the guru forum gods! Below is the pump I have. It again is wired 120V.
Thanks in advance,

Jonathan
Last edited by PJmax; 08-09-17 at 09:38 PM. Reason: added diagram from link
#2
That relay box is just a two pole relay with a 24vac coil. Good for 120v or 240v use.
That motor draws 19.8A @ 120v or 9.95A @ 240v.
If you must run the pump on 120v then it needs to be on at least a 25A circuit.
It should really be on a 240v circuit.
At this point since it's tripping instantly.... one of the windings may be burned/shorted.
You could also have a problem with the centrifugal start switch that's inside the motor.
That motor draws 19.8A @ 120v or 9.95A @ 240v.
If you must run the pump on 120v then it needs to be on at least a 25A circuit.
It should really be on a 240v circuit.
At this point since it's tripping instantly.... one of the windings may be burned/shorted.
You could also have a problem with the centrifugal start switch that's inside the motor.
#3
I would examine the brushes on that pump . . . . it looks old enough to have worn through the carbon, and continually restarting it after the breaker has tripped is allowing metal to metal contact and damaging the armature's commutator.
A full service hardware store probably has the brushes if it isn't too late to salvage the armature.
A full service hardware store probably has the brushes if it isn't too late to salvage the armature.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: United States
Posts: 3
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for your help. I will I see if a 25A CB will work, and if not I will pull the motor today to see if the pump moves freely. I will get a closer look to see if there is anything I can do to repair the pump (advice greatly appreciated). If not I will drop $200 for a new motor. Thanks again for your help, more to come!
#6
I doubt the 25A breaker will cure your problem now. I'd look at the motor first before connecting it at 25A.
That will require disconnecting the motor leads and checking them with an ohmmeter.
That will require disconnecting the motor leads and checking them with an ohmmeter.