Pump will not stay running....

[agb]

I have a 1 1/2 hp pump, that pumps water into a holding tank, controlled by a float. Living in Texas with the prolong power outage. With a new control box pump will run for a few seconds, then relay will chatter and overload will trip. I have 118 volts on both legs coming from contactor and breaker. My ohm readings for the pump are: Yellow/Black 2.6 ohms (spec is 1.7-2.1), Yellow/Red 8.8 ohms (7.1-9.2), Red/Black 11.4 ohms. Well is 16 yrs old, pump set at 175 feet. We do not have a pressure switch in the system. Any help would be greatly appreciated, about ready to pull my hair out.

 

[Reach4]

Your readings are consistent with a 6.6 ohm start winding, a 2.2 ohm run wiring, and 0.2 ohms for each of the 3 wires. Most ohmmeters have trouble reading low resistances.

I don't know why your relay is chattering. Is the voltage across the relay coil solid or weak?

When measuring voltage into the control box, you want to measure hot to hot rather than hot to ground.

I don't have a diagnosis for you.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Valveman]

Check the amps with a clip around amp meter. 1 1.5HP should draw 11.8 amps. If it is drawing higher than that there is something wrong with the pump or motor.

 

[agb]

Looks like we are pulling and replacing the pump. The line amperage for the black run wire goes to 19.5 amps and when relay chatters goes to OL. So looks like we have a fun day or two ahead of us. Thanks for all you help.

 

[Reach4]

I have a 1 1/2 hp pump, that pumps water into a holding tank,

Is it pumping water at its normal rate with the new box before the chattering starts?

Any chance you mis-wired the output of the box?

 

[Valveman]

Yeah always make sure the control box is good before pulling the pump.