Actuator blew up.

[jlamb5990]

Today I noticed that my bubbler wasn’t working so I went over to the pipes and realized that my return side actuator wasn’t activating when I switched between pool and spa mode. Toggled the switches both ways and nothing happened either. When I touched it, it felt very warm too.

Decided to open it up and it basically fell apart in my hands. Motor was scalding hot and inside smelt like burn plastic. I contacted my pool guy who said he would contact pentair warranty and to put it in service mode in the meantime.

But also in the meantime, any recommendations on how I can keep my pool water circulating and use the actuator manually? I couldn’t even get it all screwed back in because it was so messed up in there and also so hot I couldn’t even touch. What should I do with the actuator and motor itself. Seems really unsafe to leave it like it is(potentially even a fire hazard), but I’m not sure how to put it all back in there.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I'm not sure what service mode is, but first shutdown power the controller and components to avoid shorting out the controller while you work.

Are you able to trace the wires back to your controller and disconnect them from the panel?

You need to remove the actuator from the valve so you can use the valve manually. The actuator is attached to the valve with four screws (the larger ones in the photo) that also hold the valve together. The screws will likely be too long to be reinstalled, but the existing screws should be sufficient to keep the valve water tight. If not, you may need to find spacers to avoid bottoming out the longer screws. Remove the handle from the top of the actuator and install on the spline on top of the valve.

I assume you have Pentair actuators and valves? Here's the manual for the actuators.

https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/residential/manuals/automation/intellicenter/intellicenter-installation-guide.pdf/subassets/page26.pdf

 

[ajw22]

Unplug the actuator from your EasyTouch.

It looks like you removed the actuator from the valve. If so you can put the handle on the valve and adjust it manually.

 

[jlamb5990]

I'm not sure what service mode is, but first shutdown power the controller and components to avoid shorting out the controller while you work.

Are you able to trace the wires back to your controller and disconnect them from the panel?

You need to remove the actuator from the valve so you can use the valve manually. The actuator is attached to the valve with four screws (the larger ones in the photo) that also hold the valve together. The screws will likely be too long to be reinstalled, but the existing screws should be sufficient to keep the valve water tight. If not, you may need to find spacers to avoid bottoming out the longer screws. Remove the handle from the top of the actuator and install on the spline on top of the valve.

I assume you have Pentair actuators and valves? Here's the manual for the actuators.

https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/residential/manuals/automation/intellicenter/intellicenter-installation-guide.pdf/subassets/page26.pdf

Thanks for the info! So I’m reading this right after finally getting all the components back into the house if once it finally cooled off and I dug out all the broken plastic inside . I set the actual toggle to the middle position so it won’t operate and have the easy touch panel in service (manual/no automation) mode. I read somewhere that you could disengage and turn the valve manually so I I tried that and I got it to turn back to pool side returns. Very possible that was not the right way to do it but it seems to work. I have pool side circulation now at least. I’m too afraid to touch anything else now but worried about the power to the actuator still. I can’t trace it back to the panel anywhere.

You think I’m ok leaving it like this for now? Or do I really need to remove the actuator from the valve?

 

[jlamb5990]

Unplug the actuator from your EasyTouch.

It looks like you removed the actuator from the valve. If so you can put the handle on the valve and adjust it manually.

Got it. I was able to trace it back and unplug from the top circuit board at the easy touch. That right? Also it seems to be turning freely even after putting all the housing is back on. Probably because to much plastic broke off before. But it working like a manual valve now. Can I just operate like this with the housing on until the service company comes out? Plan on leaving it in service mode and on the pool side returns, maybe half way between to get some spa circulation too?

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

If you can operate the valve manually you're good.

Sorry this happened. Hopefully Pentair takes care of you.

 

[jlamb5990]

If you can operate the valve manually you're good.

Sorry this happened. Hopefully Pentair takes care of you.

Thanks for the quick reply! Y’all saved my butt as usual. Ya I hope so too. Very disappointed so fair since we just had a warranty claim on 2 intellibrite lights 2 weeks ago that burnt out after 4 months and now this. Very frustrating!