1.Q.       Why does my motor keep overloading even though there is low demand on the pump?

A.        Many things can cause a motor to trip even though lightly loaded. The windings may be deteriorating. A wire may be loose in the control panel or disconnect switch. A contactor may have damaged contact points or a weak coil. The overload relay may be weak or defective. All of these conditions require the inspection by a qualified electrician or service technician with the proper equipment. Contact your SyncroFlo representative or the factory for the name of a qualified service provider.

2.Q.       My main or pump disconnect trips as soon as it if turned to the “on” position. Why does this happen and what should I do ?

A.        The disconnects are circuit breakers that trip when an excessive load is drawn by the protected equipment. This could be an overload condition but more likely is due to a short circuit, a burned out motor for instance.Do not reset the breaker and keep trying to start the pump. (An inspection by a trained service technician or electrician should reveal the cause.) The circuit breaker may be at fault as they can become weak and break down over time. (Again, a inspection by a trained service technician or electrician should reveal the cause.)

 3.Q.       If my pump keeps tripping, can I increase the overload setting or install fuses of a larger amperage rating?

A.        Never do either as a fire may result possibly causing extreme damage to property and personnel.

4.Q.       My system pressure won’t regulate and goes high under low flows, what should I check ?

A.        Under normal conditions, certain types of systems should be expected to have a pressure rise under low or no flow conditions. Typically such rises should be 5-10psi. If the pressure goes even higher, then the control piloting on the PRV (pressure regulating valve), or the valve itself may be at fault. (First confirm that all air has been bled from the valve cover) Disassembly and cleaning of the piloting may be necessary to accurately determine the cause. Further, the valve cover may need to be removed for inspection of the diaphragm, stem, stem guide bushings, seat and seat seal.

 It is recommended that a valve repair kit for the specific size and brand of valve involved be on hand prior to disassembling the control valve.

A troubleshooting guide is usually found inside your system owners manual or can be faxed or mailed to you upon request..

 5.Q.       My system pressure goes low whenever there is demand on the pump station. What should I look for ?

A.        First, verify that all motors are turning in the proper direction. Close coupled and flex coupled pumps should rotate clockwise when viewed from the top. (Opposite of the drive end), of the motor. Vertical turbine pumps should rotate counter-clockwise when viewed from the top of the motor.

If the pumps in question are relatively new with little expectation of substantial wear, we must consider 3 other situations. 1), the pressure regulating valve(s) may be incapable of opening as fully as required to pass the sufficient volume of water to adequately maintain the design pressure or, 2), the suction pressure may be less than the minimum specified for the system or, 3) the hydraulic demand on the pump is in excess of the designed system capacity.

BEWARE !! Uninformed and random adjustments to the system will most likely make matter worse. It is best to contact your service provider or SyncroFlo Technical Support. A troubleshooting guide can be faxed or mailed to your when requested.

 

6.Q.       My system shuts down on a “low suction” alarm and requires manual resetting. What can I do to rectify this nuisance tripping?

A.        The low suction alarm is provided to protect your pump from damage of running dry. If the alarm is a repeating occurrence, your suction pressure should be monitored closely to determine if it is a supply problem, a backflow preventer issue, a partially closed valve on the suction line or a demand in excess of the suction line’s capacity.

 In may cases, the control panel has a relay installed so that instantaneous dips in suction pressure will latch the alarm. The relay can be exchanged for a timer which allow alarm delays of up to 30 seconds if needed. An 8-10 second delay is SyncroFlo’s normal recommendation. Systems supplied with Programmable Controllers utilize the program to include an 8-10 second delay.

Remember, many systems are “boosters” that require suction pressure. To perform at full duty, the absolute minimum suction pressure must be provided. Some systems will not perform adequately if the suction pressure is too low.