Molly Ayala
Testing electricity on a pool pump is a potentially dangerous task that should be carried out by a professional. However, there are some ways to test the electrical current in a pool, such as using a multimeter or ohmmeter to check the electrical system. This can be done by setting the multimeter to the lowest resistance setting and measuring the resistance of the motor windings. It is important to ensure that the power is turned off before beginning any electrical work. There are also voltage testing devices that can be placed in the water to detect any electrical currents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Testing device | Multimeter, ohmmeter, voltage testing devices |
| Multimeter settings | Set on its lowest resistance (R) setting, set to 300 or 200 volts |
| Power | Turn off power to the pump |
| Breaker | On |
| Motor | Off |
| Electrical leads, wires, terminals, and contacts | Check for any burned, cut, pinched, frayed or disconnected leads or wires |
| Capacitor | Test with a capacitor meter |
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What You'll Learn
Using a multimeter to test voltage
Firstly, you will need to set your digital multimeter to 300 VAC. This is sufficient for measuring the two supply voltages used for pool pump motors; 120V or 230V. You will then place the meter probes on the OUTPUT terminals, 2 and 4. It does not matter which probe is placed on which terminal.
Exercise extreme caution as these wires carry 240V. Be careful not to let the probes short out between two adjacent terminals. The meter should read within 10% of the nameplate voltage. For example, if the nameplate voltage is 230V, the voltage should read between 207V and 253V.
If you are testing the motor windings, you will need to remove the electrical cover by unscrewing the two screws that hold the cover over the back end of the motor. This will expose the electrical connectors. Before removing the capacitor, discharge any stored energy with an insulated screwdriver. Capacitors can store an electrical charge that can shock you, even when the power is off, and have been known to explode when shorted out. Therefore, it is important to wear eye protection and place a cloth over the capacitor before shorting it out.
To test the lower main windings, place the meter probes on L2 and A on the power terminal. To test the upper main windings, place the meter probes on A on the power terminal and on the end of the yellow wire attached to terminal 3 of the Overload Protector. Compare the reading taken for the upper main windings and the lower main windings—they should be the same.
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Using an ohmmeter to check electrical systems
An ohmmeter is a device that measures resistance in an electronic component or circuit. It works by using two probes to send a current through the circuit and measuring how much resistance, in ohms (Ω), the current encounters. Multimeters are similar to ohmmeters but have more functions and can also check for continuity and measure voltage and current.
When checking an electrical system with an ohmmeter, you can test all grounds, measure the resistance of the motor windings and overload protector, test the capacitor and insulation, and troubleshoot the starting switch.
Before using an ohmmeter, ensure it has a battery installed or is plugged in. Touch the ends of the leads together to zero out the meter. When the probes are touching, the needle on an analog ohmmeter should point to the right, indicating no resistance. If it doesn't, turn the adjustment knob until the needle reads 0 ohms when the probes touch.
To check the electrical system, set the analog ohmmeter on R x 1. Attach one lead to each switch terminal; the ohmmeter reading should be 0. Flip the rotating switch into the running position; the reading should now be infinity, indicating high resistance. Visually check the stationary and rotating switches when the motor is running. The switch contacts must be closed when the motor is at rest and open when it reaches about two-thirds of full speed.
You can also perform a visual check of the electrical leads, wires, terminals, and contacts, looking for any signs of damage. Set the ohmmeter to the highest range and attach one probe to the ground screw. Touch the other probe to all electric terminals on the terminal board, switch, capacitor, and overload protector. If the ohmmeter reading is less than infinity, it indicates a ground. Check and repair all external electrical leads. If the ground is in the stator, replace the motor and retest until no readings register.
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Testing for electrical current in water
Testing for electrical currents in water is a highly important safety measure, especially in pools, docks, and marinas. Small AC leakage currents in water can be deadly, and often go undetected.
Using a Multimeter to Test a Pool Pump Motor
To test a pool pump motor, you can use a multimeter to test the voltage. First, ensure the breaker is on, but the pump is not running. Set the multimeter to 300 or 200V, depending on your supply voltage. If you have a 130V supply voltage, for example, set the meter to 200V. Set the dial to AC Voltage, which is usually indicated by a wavy line (~).
Using an Ohmmeter
An ohmmeter can be used to check all grounds, measure the resistance of the motor windings, test the capacitor and insulation, and troubleshoot the starting switch. Set the ohmmeter on R x 1, and attach one lead to each switch terminal. The reading should be 0. Then, flip the rotating switch into the running position, and the reading should be infinity, indicating high resistance.
Testing for Electrical Currents in Water
To test for electrical currents in water, you can use a clamp meter, such as the Fluke model 360 AC Leakage Clamp Meter, which can measure up to 60 amps AC. In a properly wired circuit, the reading should be zero for positions #2 and #3. Any leakage current will show as a non-zero reading. You can also use a digital voltmeter with at least 0.000,1 resolution, such as a Fluke 27 or 87.
Safety Precautions
It is important to be extremely cautious when testing for electrical currents in water, as small leakage currents can be deadly. Always ensure you follow safety protocols and use the appropriate tools and personal protective equipment.
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Checking the capacitor and insulation
If your pool pump is not starting, it may be due to a capacitor problem. A faulty capacitor can cause the pump circuit breaker to trip, and the motor won't start. The capacitor is like a battery that helps the pump motor to begin turning.
To check the capacitor, first turn off the power to your pump at the breaker. Then, locate the capacitor. The capacitor will be underneath a hump on either the top or side of your pool pump, underneath a plastic housing.
Before testing, check the capacitor for any signs of damage. If it is bulged, cracked, or looks damaged, you can assume that it has failed. Also, check for loose, crimped, or broken wires, rusty terminals, or burn marks on the capacitor.
Now, carefully remove the housing and use an insulated screwdriver to discharge the capacitor. Wear gloves and eye protection, and stand back as the capacitor may spark. Once the capacitor has been discharged, you can test it with an ohmmeter.
Set the ohmmeter on R x 1. Attach one lead to each capacitor terminal. The ohmmeter needle should move rapidly to the right, then slowly drift to the left. If the ohmmeter reading remains at a high value, it indicates an open circuit within the capacitor.
You can also test the capacitor with a multimeter. Set the meter to AC volts and connect it to both capacitor leads. Turn the pump on, and if the capacitor is running properly, the voltage will be higher than the supply voltage.
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Troubleshooting the starting switch
First, check the breakers. Breakers might have tripped during the night or during your previous cleaning schedule. If the breaker has tripped, switch it off and then on again. If the pump still doesn't start, you may have a wiring issue.
Next, check the wiring. Turn off the breaker and check all of the electrical connections going to and from your pool pump. Make sure that the wiring connections are secure and that there is no damaged wiring. Rodents are known to chew on wires, so be sure to check for any signs of damage.
If the breakers and wiring are intact, the problem may be with the capacitor. The capacitor gives the pump the jolt of electricity it needs to power on. Inspect the capacitor for signs of malfunction. If the motor emits a humming sound without starting, it could be a flawed capacitor. Capacitors can be replaced, but this can be tricky, so proceed with caution.
If the pump is still not starting, the problem may be with the motor itself. Be careful when checking the motor, as it may be hot. If the motor is hot, this indicates that it is overheating. Try running the pump at night to avoid overheating and check the bottom vents of the motor to ensure nothing is inhibiting the fan.
If the motor is not overheating, the pump may be jammed. Open up the pump and check the motor shaft for debris. If the motor shaft is blocked, remove the debris and reassemble the pump.
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Frequently asked questions
You can test the electricity on your pool pump using a multimeter or ohmmeter. First, ensure that the power to your pump is turned off. Then, set the multimeter to its lowest resistance setting. Finally, follow the instructions in your multimeter's user guide to test the electrical current.
If your pool pump motor won't rotate under power, several electrical components might have failed, including the start capacitor, overload protector, power terminal, loose wires, or motor windings. You can use a multimeter to test the motor windings and eliminate them from further consideration.
Any electrical current over 0.5 volts in a pool can be felt by people and animals, and the voltage can quickly climb to dangerous or even fatal levels. It is always best to consult an expert, as they are best suited for the job.
