What's new
By:
Car Wash Forum

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

High pressure pump tripping breaker

C

CaptnBuck

Member
The breaker for the high pressure pump for one of the pump stands keeps tripping periodically. It will go several days without any problems and has been a week+ since it happened last, but it tripped again this afternoon. I will look at it in the morning, but what should I focus on? I could see some water slowly dripping from the underside of the lower pump platform near the back wear the motor sits, but did not see obvious signs of where the water is coming from.

I intend to hire an electrician to look at the wiring itself since I only know just enough to be dangerous.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_5952.jpeg
    IMG_5952.jpeg
    4.9 MB · Views: 19
  • IMG_6017.png
    IMG_6017.png
    1.1 MB · Views: 18
  • IMG_5956.mov
    IMG_5956.mov
    8.2 MB
If you have a motor starter that is setup properly instead of a contactor, it should in theory trip before the breaker. A bad breaker or connections would be my first place to look.

You definitely need to keep water off any motors or electrical. That's just asking for trouble. Based on those pictures, that isn't a new leak.
 
Motors are constantly exposed to water 24/7 in IBA's, Dryers, and Tunnel Equipment. Water is not going to be your problem although to keep it looking good cosmetically and make it last longer since its in back room then you should get that little leak fixed.

Your issue is going to be in the contactor, overload, motor, or wiring.

If you know how to safely swap the three wires from that bay motor to another contactor for another bay and then swap the coil voltage also. If problem persists with that bay then it's the motor or wiring. If it moves to another bay then it's the contactor/overload. Keep in mind its three phase power most likely so you have to check rotation of the motor after you swap the wires.
 
I had the same issue a few months ago. Here is my thread on it:
T

Post in thread 'Overload continues to trip?'

Today I replaced the contactor and the overload. So far, we are up and running - and has been running all day with customers using the bay. Will keep you posted if things change, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that the contactor was bad.
  • Like

I ended up replacing the motor starter/contactor and the issue was solved. I purchased those on eBay, shut the power off the bay, and simply replaced those myself. Probably a 20 minutes job, once you know where to go.
 
Blanco said:
Motors are constantly exposed to water 24/7 in IBA's, Dryers, and Tunnel Equipment. Water is not going to be your problem although to keep it looking good cosmetically and make it last longer since its in back room then you should get that little leak fixed.

Your issue is going to be in the contactor, overload, motor, or wiring.

If you know how to safely swap the three wires from that bay motor to another contactor for another bay and then swap the coil voltage also. If problem persists with that bay then it's the motor or wiring. If it moves to another bay then it's the contactor/overload. Keep in mind its three phase power most likely so you have to check rotation of the motor after you swap the wires.
Click to expand...
This motor appears to be single phase.
 
I would start by shutting off the main breaker and tightning down all connections, contactor,overload, and even the motor connections. But if your not comfortable and/or Knowledgeable doing that yourself call an electrician, Could even be a ground wire touching a hot wire while running.
 
Keno said:
I would hope they are using motors rated for wet/washdown locations and not general purpose motors like I have seen in most SS pump stands if the motors are constantly getting wet.
Click to expand...
Yes they do use fully sealed motors in wet environments TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled). On self serve bays they are either TEFC or ODP (Open Drip Proof) depending on the manufacture. The OP has a ODP motor. These are more efficient as they cool easily and still protect against any water dripping on to it as long as it's not spraying up at it from below it hence the name.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top