Century Electric Motors New sletter

September 2013

Using the Proper Test Equipmentto Troubleshoot Pool MotorsOver the course of the past several months the discussion has centered on pump motor

maintenance and troubleshooting ideas For service technicians and installers having

the proper test equipment and understanding how to use these tools to diagnose motor

problems is essential

Conventional Multimeter or Ohmmeter

An ohmmeter can be used to measure the resistance of the various motor windings as

well as to test the insulation The ohmmeter will have numerous ranges from R x 1 where

the meter reads directly in ohms to R x 100K where the actual meter reading must be

multiplied by 100000 for the actual ohm value

Before using an Ohmmeter

Make sure the power is off

Read the instruction manual for the meter

All troubleshooting checks specify the ohmmeter range to be used If your meter

does not have the exact range use the next higher range

Digital OhmmeterMultimeter

Direct reading digital ohmmeters are readily available in the field To use this type

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Make sure the power is off

Read the instruction manual for the meter

You do not have to set the ohmmeter to a particular scale as the meter displays the

ohm value up to maximum capability of the meter

Install probes and take resistance readings in the normal manner

Ammeter

Install leads in the bottom of the ammeter

Select the desired voltage scale

Take readings by touching one probe to each of the lead line terminals

Voltmeter

Arrange leads so the jaws of the ammeter will encircle one lead

Set meter on maximum amp scale and encircle jaws around one lead and take a

reading It may be necessary to reset to a lower scale

Voltage Check

Make sure power is off

Determine motor voltage and set meter

Reconnect power

Start the motor

Caution All wires are live (hot) so use extensive care

Touch one probe to L1 and the other to L2 The voltage reading should be within 10

percent of the motor nameplate voltage ie between 207 and 253 volts for a 230 volt

motor

If no voltage is recorded check fuses circuit breakers timers wiring etc for open

connection or broken wires If voltage is outside the acceptable limits check for

adequate wire size Look for loose terminals and connections or pitted contacts Check

the pump disconnect switch Also check the voltage at the service entrance If voltage is

not within plus or minus 10 percent contact the proper utility company

Amperage Check

Make sure the power is off

Set ammeter scale based on the maximum load amps

Position one line lead (L1 or L2) so that the jaws of the ammeter can encircle one

power lead It will usually be necessary to install a test loop to have room for the

meter jaws

Make sure the motor switch and governor are free of obstructions (if applicable)

Reconnect power and then start the motor All wires are live (hot) so use caution

Take a reading The value should not exceed maximum load amps (service factor

amps) listed on the motor nameplate

Excessive amps could mean an overloaded condition or incorrect voltage applied The

problem could also be a short in the motor

Perform the following checks to confirm that each component is functioning properly

Ground Check

Make sure the power is off

Set ohmmeter to R x 1K

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 A reading of

less than 10K could indicate a ground New motors typically read over one

megaohm Old motors with dust dirt and moisture could show resistance to

ground below 10K and still run satisfactorily A cleaning may be in order

Readings may vary from day to day depending on the humidity levels

Approximately 25K at 115 volts will trip the ground fault device Keep in mind the

ground fault device is seeing a total leakage of all loads on the circuit GFIs

normally trip on readings from four to six milliamps

If grounded check all external leads for cuts breaks frayed wires etc Replace

damaged leads and recheck for grounds and proper lead routings Make sure

replaced leads are not pinched between the canopy or cover and the end frame If

ground is in the stator the motor must be replaced

Start Switch Check (if applicable)

Make sure the power is off

Remove the canopy

Discharge the capacitor by touching the two terminals simultaneously with the

blade of an insulated handle screwdriver

Make sure there are no obstructions preventing the proper operation of the

rotating governor Check the wiring and make sure none of the leads are in the

area of the governor where they can be cut or interfere with the governor Check

the governor for proper operation and make sure the flipper moves freely

Check switch contacts for severely burned or pitted contacts sticking etc Some

blackening or pitting is normal after the motor has been used Replace the switch if

there is any doubt DO NOT try to repair the switch by bending the contact blades

The switch contacts in motors are plated and should never be sanded which would

remove the plating and cause early failure They may be cleaned by wiping the

contacts with a piece of cardboard or paper bag

Attach one lead to each terminal of the switch The ohmmeter reading should be 0

With one lead on each terminal flip the governor weight to the run position The

reading should be infinity

Reconnect the power and start the motor Visually check the action of the switch

and governor The switch contacts must be closed when the motor is at rest and

should open when the motor reaches about two-thirds of full load speed Tip -

Replace the capacitor and the switch at the same time as a defective switch usually

stresses the start capacitor

Winding Continuity

For typical two compartment single phase dual voltage only capacitor start single

speed motors connected for 230 volts Set the meter to R x 1

Disconnect one of the red leads to the switch

Discharge the capacitor by shorting across the terminals with the blade of an

insulated screwdriver

Take ohm readings between L2 and A and then A and Yellow The resistance

between L2 and A must be the same as the resistance between A and Yellow

Yellow to Red (winding side of the switch) must be the same as L2 to the same Red

terminal

Protector (Thermal Overload) Check

Set ohmmeter to R x 1

Resistance between terminals 1 and 2 should be approximately 0 (Disc)

Resistance between 2 and 3 should be approximately 0 (heater)

Replace if either value exceeds 1 ohm Tip - Motor cycling on overload indicates

some other problem not just a defective overload

Capacitor Check (Start or Run)

Set ohmmeter to R x 1K

Slip a heavy piece of paper between points on the switch

Discharge the capacitor by touching the two terminals simultaneously with the

blade of an insulated handle screwdriver

Attach one probe to each terminal The ohmmeter needle should move rapidly to

right then slowly drift to the left (Low ohm reading to high ohm reading)

If digital meter is used readings should start low and rapidly increase to maximum

value

Replace the capacitor if found to be bad Tip - The replacement capacitor must be

the same MFD as the original However if the same voltage rating is not available

it is acceptable to use the next higher voltage For example if a 370 volt unit is not

available use the next rating which is a 440 volt

How would you rate the value of this article

lowest 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 highest

Sorry voting is closed

Next IssueIn October the discussion shifts from troubleshooting pool pump motors to the benefits of

upgrading to multi-speed replacement motors Excerpts from a recent customer letter

documenting very real and quite substantial energy cost saving directly related to the use

of variable speed replacement motors will be showcased

Questions or SuggestionsDo you have pool and spa motor questions or suggestions for future pump motor

articles E-mail them today to infocenturyelectricmotorcom

The Century Online Cross Reference Tool

Find suitable Century pool and spa replacement motor options quickly and easily

Perform the following checks to confirm that each component is functioning properly

Ground Check

Make sure the power is off

Set ohmmeter to R x 1K

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 A reading of

less than 10K could indicate a ground New motors typically read over one

megaohm Old motors with dust dirt and moisture could show resistance to

ground below 10K and still run satisfactorily A cleaning may be in order

Readings may vary from day to day depending on the humidity levels

Approximately 25K at 115 volts will trip the ground fault device Keep in mind the

ground fault device is seeing a total leakage of all loads on the circuit GFIs

normally trip on readings from four to six milliamps

If grounded check all external leads for cuts breaks frayed wires etc Replace

damaged leads and recheck for grounds and proper lead routings Make sure

replaced leads are not pinched between the canopy or cover and the end frame If

ground is in the stator the motor must be replaced

Start Switch Check (if applicable)

Make sure the power is off

Remove the canopy

Discharge the capacitor by touching the two terminals simultaneously with the

blade of an insulated handle screwdriver

Make sure there are no obstructions preventing the proper operation of the

rotating governor Check the wiring and make sure none of the leads are in the

area of the governor where they can be cut or interfere with the governor Check

the governor for proper operation and make sure the flipper moves freely

Check switch contacts for severely burned or pitted contacts sticking etc Some

blackening or pitting is normal after the motor has been used Replace the switch if

there is any doubt DO NOT try to repair the switch by bending the contact blades

The switch contacts in motors are plated and should never be sanded which would

remove the plating and cause early failure They may be cleaned by wiping the

contacts with a piece of cardboard or paper bag

Attach one lead to each terminal of the switch The ohmmeter reading should be 0

With one lead on each terminal flip the governor weight to the run position The

reading should be infinity

Reconnect the power and start the motor Visually check the action of the switch

and governor The switch contacts must be closed when the motor is at rest and

should open when the motor reaches about two-thirds of full load speed Tip -

Replace the capacitor and the switch at the same time as a defective switch usually

stresses the start capacitor

Winding Continuity

For typical two compartment single phase dual voltage only capacitor start single

speed motors connected for 230 volts Set the meter to R x 1

Disconnect one of the red leads to the switch

Discharge the capacitor by shorting across the terminals with the blade of an

insulated screwdriver

Take ohm readings between L2 and A and then A and Yellow The resistance

between L2 and A must be the same as the resistance between A and Yellow

Yellow to Red (winding side of the switch) must be the same as L2 to the same Red

terminal

Protector (Thermal Overload) Check

Set ohmmeter to R x 1

Resistance between terminals 1 and 2 should be approximately 0 (Disc)

Resistance between 2 and 3 should be approximately 0 (heater)

Replace if either value exceeds 1 ohm Tip - Motor cycling on overload indicates

some other problem not just a defective overload

Capacitor Check (Start or Run)

Set ohmmeter to R x 1K

Slip a heavy piece of paper between points on the switch

Discharge the capacitor by touching the two terminals simultaneously with the

blade of an insulated handle screwdriver

Attach one probe to each terminal The ohmmeter needle should move rapidly to

right then slowly drift to the left (Low ohm reading to high ohm reading)

If digital meter is used readings should start low and rapidly increase to maximum

value

Replace the capacitor if found to be bad Tip - The replacement capacitor must be

the same MFD as the original However if the same voltage rating is not available

it is acceptable to use the next higher voltage For example if a 370 volt unit is not

available use the next rating which is a 440 volt

How would you rate the value of this article

lowest 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 highest

Sorry voting is closed

Next IssueIn October the discussion shifts from troubleshooting pool pump motors to the benefits of

upgrading to multi-speed replacement motors Excerpts from a recent customer letter

documenting very real and quite substantial energy cost saving directly related to the use

of variable speed replacement motors will be showcased

Questions or SuggestionsDo you have pool and spa motor questions or suggestions for future pump motor

articles E-mail them today to infocenturyelectricmotorcom

The Century Online Cross Reference Tool

Find suitable Century pool and spa replacement motor options quickly and easily

speed motors connected for 230 volts Set the meter to R x 1

Disconnect one of the red leads to the switch

Discharge the capacitor by shorting across the terminals with the blade of an

insulated screwdriver

Take ohm readings between L2 and A and then A and Yellow The resistance

between L2 and A must be the same as the resistance between A and Yellow

Yellow to Red (winding side of the switch) must be the same as L2 to the same Red

terminal

Protector (Thermal Overload) Check

Set ohmmeter to R x 1

Resistance between terminals 1 and 2 should be approximately 0 (Disc)

Resistance between 2 and 3 should be approximately 0 (heater)

Replace if either value exceeds 1 ohm Tip - Motor cycling on overload indicates

some other problem not just a defective overload

Capacitor Check (Start or Run)

Set ohmmeter to R x 1K

Slip a heavy piece of paper between points on the switch

Discharge the capacitor by touching the two terminals simultaneously with the

blade of an insulated handle screwdriver

Attach one probe to each terminal The ohmmeter needle should move rapidly to

right then slowly drift to the left (Low ohm reading to high ohm reading)

If digital meter is used readings should start low and rapidly increase to maximum

value

Replace the capacitor if found to be bad Tip - The replacement capacitor must be

the same MFD as the original However if the same voltage rating is not available

it is acceptable to use the next higher voltage For example if a 370 volt unit is not

available use the next rating which is a 440 volt

How would you rate the value of this article

lowest 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 highest

Sorry voting is closed

Next IssueIn October the discussion shifts from troubleshooting pool pump motors to the benefits of

upgrading to multi-speed replacement motors Excerpts from a recent customer letter

documenting very real and quite substantial energy cost saving directly related to the use

of variable speed replacement motors will be showcased

Questions or SuggestionsDo you have pool and spa motor questions or suggestions for future pump motor

articles E-mail them today to infocenturyelectricmotorcom

The Century Online Cross Reference Tool

Find suitable Century pool and spa replacement motor options quickly and easily

documenting very real and quite substantial energy cost saving directly related to the use

of variable speed replacement motors will be showcased

Questions or SuggestionsDo you have pool and spa motor questions or suggestions for future pump motor

articles E-mail them today to infocenturyelectricmotorcom

The Century Online Cross Reference Tool

Find suitable Century pool and spa replacement motor options quickly and easily

Quickly access product technical specifications with a few simple clicks

Get detailed motor drawings and useful information with each search

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

contact customer service at 8668875216 or visit wwwpool-motorscom

Upgrading to V-Green Variable Speed Motor Makes Dollars and Sense

New V-Green 165 variable speed product videos now online Watch a brief product

introduction video or opt for a product overview including content on how to program and

take advantage of the many product features

V-Green Motor Reduces EnergyConsumption Between 40-80

A Century V-Green variable speed motor

can be utilized to replace or installed as a

feature packed upgrade for a standard

induction pump motor While the initial

cost may be higher when opting to go with

the variable speed V-Green the payback

each month during the pool season will

quickly make up the difference and then

some

A modest monthly energy saving could

easily translate into an annual saving of

between $400 - $1200 in certain

applications In addition the V-Greens

variable speeds allows the pool owner to

set a 24-hour schedule that can take into

account peak hour utility rates sound

preferences - eg opting to run at a

Visit V-Green 165 to learn more

Features

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

contact customer service at 8668875216 or visit wwwpool-motorscom

Upgrading to V-Green Variable Speed Motor Makes Dollars and Sense

New V-Green 165 variable speed product videos now online Watch a brief product

introduction video or opt for a product overview including content on how to program and

take advantage of the many product features

V-Green Motor Reduces EnergyConsumption Between 40-80

A Century V-Green variable speed motor

can be utilized to replace or installed as a

feature packed upgrade for a standard

induction pump motor While the initial

cost may be higher when opting to go with

the variable speed V-Green the payback

each month during the pool season will

quickly make up the difference and then

some

A modest monthly energy saving could

easily translate into an annual saving of

between $400 - $1200 in certain

applications In addition the V-Greens

variable speeds allows the pool owner to

set a 24-hour schedule that can take into

account peak hour utility rates sound

preferences - eg opting to run at a

Visit V-Green 165 to learn more

Features

lower speed during afternoon and nights

thereby lowering the noise levels when

family and neighbors are home and the

versatility to dial in the right speeds and

duration for the unique characteristics of

the pool

Imagine a Pool Ownersreaction to saving up to$400 - $1200 annually

Integrated User Interface

Three Variable Speeds (600-

3450 RPM)

Timer Mode

Manual Override Mode

Freeze Protection

Factory Default Schedule amp

Reset

Schedule Advance

Keypad Lockout Feature

Digital Inputs for Integration

with Existing Third Party

Automation

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