Submersible Pump Problem.

[PSDStu]

I am having a problem with my submersible well pump that I am looking for some help with.

On Friday the pump started tripping the 20amp main breaker. The breaker would re-set but after the pump would start the breaker would trip again. All readings for the pump indicate normal amps/voltage.

I went ahead yesterday afternoon and replaced the pump controller because I wasn't sure if one of the capacitors or relay may be bad.

After I replaced the controller I hooked up a hose and cycled the pump 5 times and everything seemed to work fine.

This morning once again the 20amp breaker had tripped. I reset the breaker, hooked up my hose and cycled the pump 5 more times without a problem.

Not sure where to go next.......I don't believe the pump is shorted because it would have tripped the breaker right away if the pump were bad.

Not sure if the pressure switch might be acting up, or if the 20amp breaker might be weak and need to be replaced?

Just looking for some additional help on what else I might need to look at.

Thanks!

 

[techman]

Take an amp reading when the pump runs. If it looks okay try replacing your breaker. They have been known to go bad, and after repeated tripping there is a good chance that you need a new one.

paul

 

[ToddW]

Take an amp reading when the pump runs. If it looks okay try replacing your breaker. They have been known to go bad, and after repeated tripping there is a good chance that you need a new one.

paul

Ditto.

Had mine turned off for a couple days during an extended power outage. When I turned it back on it tripped repeatedly and I was thinking $$$$.

Was just a tired breaker.

/Todd

 

[PSDStu]

Ditto.

Had mine turned off for a couple days during an extended power outage. When I turned it back on it tripped repeatedly and I was thinking $$$$.

Was just a tired breaker.

/Todd

All the amp readings appear normal, @8amps each leg while running.

Looks like I will go to Lowes and get a Double Pole 20amp breaker and give it a try.

Stu

 

[randy41]

the good thing about Lowes is if thats not the problem you can just return the breaker and they give you your money back with no questions asked.
but if you have another one on a different circuit i would trade the 'bad' one for it and then see what happens...save a trip to Lowes.

 

[tommu56]

PSDStu

I had the same problem a few years back and found the wires were rubbed through and hitting on casing shorting out some times.

the only way to check that is to pull it.

tom