need help with water(tank, pump,switch) problem

[Bob NH]

Measuring the current will tell you if it is shutting down because the pump is overloaded by drag, or if it is "sucking air".

A pump that is overloaded will draw MORE current than when it is pumping normally.

A pump that is "sucking air" will draw LESS current than when it is pumping normally.

It can sometimes be a little confusing because the Amps are usually given as Full Load Amps, sometimes abbreviated FLA; while many of the smaller motors have Service Factors as high as 1.6. The Service Factor Amps (Sometimes given as SFA) are higher than the FLA but not necessarily by Service Factor to Full Load ratio.

If you measure the current (Amps) when the pump is pumping normally, and then when it is running but has stoped pumping water, you should be able to determine the problem.

If the current when the pressure stops rising is less than when it is pumping effectively, then it has probably run out of water at the pump.

If the current when the pressure stops rising is HIGHER than when it is pumping effectively, then either the pump or motor are dragging causing it to slow down and draw more current; or there is a leak that is causing it to pump more water.

 

[Masterpumpman]

Limited water or electrical problem?

The lever on the side of the pressure switch tells me you have a low pressure cut off switch. This means any time the water pressure drops below 20 pound the low pressure will open the points in the pressure switch. This is great in that anytime the pressure drops below 20 pounds (like when a major water line breaks) the pressure switch will shut the pump off. This type pressure switch is usually installed on Jet Pumps (above ground pumps). It saves the pump seal and melted PVC lines when the pump loses it's prime.

First you need to determine if the pump is shutting its self off on the overload or is sucking air. If the pump is shutting itself off on the overload there is something wrong with the pump.

Another possible problem is the pressure switch being 2 feet from the pressure tank. It should be as close to the tank as possible (like on a tank Tee). Being to far from the tank could cause friction loss and the switch senses 52 pounds and cuts off when you only have 40 pounds at the tank.

However by your description, I can't understand why you have to keep resetting the lever on the pressure switch. That in itself indicates the problem is elsewhere.

Sometimes it's cheaper to call a TRUSTED/QUALIFIED pump installer or well driller.