How to Troubleshoot a Well Pump Start that Overloads & Trips
Typical city dwellers depend upon municipal water supplies for running water throughout a home. However, rural populations commonly do not have municipal supplies. Some rural homeowners rely on wells for running water. A well usually requires a well pump for moving water upward into a pressure tank for household consumption. But well pumps can develop electrical overloading issues that trip circuit breakers if certain parameters are not correctly installed. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Verify that the well pump is connected to an exclusive circuit breaker on the electrical panel. The pump cannot share a circuit. The circuit breaker will trip from overloading if the well pump and another appliance simultaneously activate.
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Confirm that the well pump's voltage needs match the voltage output from the electrical panel. Look at the well pump's voltage tag, commonly attached to its outside assembly. Match this voltage value with the electrical panel's output. Use a voltmeter across the well pump's incoming voltage wires to verify the incoming electrical value.
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Make sure the circuit breaker can handle the voltage supply to the well pump. Replace, if necessary. An improperly sized circuit breaker will trip, requiring a reset on a consistent basis.
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Verify that the correct electrical wire size is connected between the well pump and the electrical panel. A thin wire gauge will overheat the well pump's motor from excessive voltage. Check the individual well pump's instructions for the wire size.
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Confirm that the well pump has adequate ventilation surrounding its assembly. The well pump can run extremely hot if portions of its assembly are covered or hindered from air flow. In addition, move the well pump away from any heat sources that may contribute to overheating.
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Tips & Warnings
Use extreme caution while working with direct electricity. Shut the circuit breaker off or cut all power to the electrical panel for preventing accidental electrocution during servicing. Contact an electrical contractor if the homeowner is not familiar with basic electrical troubleshooting.
