My Hayward Power Flo Matrix, model SP1580X15FP, above ground, 1.5 hp pump keeps burning up power switches

[Acedeno]

I just bought a used pool. Everyone was set up however when I tried connecting the pool pump to an extension cord. (for the time being) The connection started to spark the plug and the extension end burn up. So I switch extension cords and a different area and this time it switch the breaker in my house. When I plug it in slowly I can use like a slight buzz before the breaker switches. Any ideas what the problem could be.

 

[mas985]

Sounds like the bearings might be frozen and causing overload on the motor. Can you spin the shaft by hand freely?

 

[Tom18202]

Dumb question what what kind of extension cord are you using? Is your outlet 20Amp? If you are using a 15Amp or lower extension cord when the pump tried to pull at max 20Amps it will lead to heat and in turn melt the cord. same thing if it is plugged into a 15Amp outlet.

pool pumps when they run for long periods of time at ramp and other times can pull at 20Amps and if your extension cord or outlet are not able to provide that you will get heat and in turn melted cords.

 

[Mdragger88]

 

[Acedeno]

Sounds like the bearings might be frozen and causing overload on the motor. Can you spin the shaft by hand freely?

Yes I can spin it freely

 

[ajw22]

A 12 amp motor is marginal to be running on a 15 amp circuit. No circuit should be loaded at more then 80% of capacity. 15 amp circuit max load is 12 amps.

Using an extension cord with a pool pump is never approved under the NEC.

Your 15 amp extension cord is being overloaded by the 12 amp motor. Cheap extension cords are not designed to handle near maximum loads.

How long is that extension cord?

If you choose not to follow electrical codes then use a 20 amp extension cord that has 12 gauge wire. And it should be plugged into a 20 amp GFCI outlet.

 

[Acedeno]

Dumb question what what kind of extension cord are you using? Is your outlet 20Amp? If you are using a 15Amp or lower extension cord when the pump tried to pull at max 20Amps it will lead to heat and in turn melt the cord. same thing if it is plugged into a 15Amp outlet.

pool pumps when they run for long periods of time at ramp and other times can pull at 20Amps and if your extension cord or outlet are not able to provide that you will get heat and in turn melted cords.

An even dumber answer is I don't know but I'll check out the outlets and cord and hopefully that's the issue.

 

[Acedeno]

A 12 amp motor is marginal to be running on a 15 amp circuit. No circuit should be loaded at more then 80% of capacity. 15 amp circuit max load is 12 amps.

Using an extension cord with a pool pump is never approved under the NEC.

Your 15 amp extension cord is being overloaded by the 12 amp motor. Cheap extension cords are not designed to handle near maximum loads.

How long is that extension cord?

If you choose not to follow electrical codes then use a 20 amp extension cord that has 12 gauge wire. And it should be plugged into a 20 amp outlet.

The extension cord is just for the time being. I'm definitely planning on having someone install outlets to code. The extension cord is about 100ft plus . Are you thinking I should get a shorter one? I'll get a 20amp extension cord with a 12 gauge wire see if they helps.

 

[wireform]

Guys it sounds like the motor is toast for now and no matter where you're going to plug it in it aint happy. Maybe the capacitor is shot and that'll do stuff like that.

 

[JamesW]

What is the current and voltage while the motor is on?

 

[Acedeno]

Guys it sounds like the motor is toast for now and no matter where you're going to plug it in it aint happy. Maybe the capacitor is shot and that'll do stuff like that.

This one doesn't have a capacitor. The pics that I uploaded is all it has inside.

 

[Acedeno]

What is the current and voltage while the motor is on?

I can't even put the plug in the the extension cord. It immediately starts to spark.

 

[JamesW]

Sounds like a bad connection.

Replace the cord.

Turn off the breaker, plug the connector together and then turn the breaker back on.

Check the voltage and current.

Don't allow anyone to get in the water until the power is fully code compliant with all local codes.

 

[ajw22]

Are you thinking I should get a shorter one? I'll get a 20amp extension cord with a 12 gauge wire see if they helps.

The shorter the cord the better.

And the extension cord MUST be plugged into a 20 Amp GFCI outlet for safety.

 

[Acedeno]

Guys it sounds like the motor is toast for now and no matter where you're going to plug it in it aint happy. Maybe the capacitor is shot and that'll do stuff like that.

Yeah I think you're right. I got a heavy duty cord like someone suggested and still same issue.

 

[JamesW]

You can't plug in a plug like that while the power is on without sparking.

You have to have the power off before plugging in an extension cord if you don't want it to spark.

The male end of the plug is probably defective.

I would probably try splicing the cords together and then plugging the extension cord into the socket while the circuit breaker is off.

Then, turn on the circuit breaker and measure the voltage and current to see if the pump has a problem.

Don't leave it in a non code compliant state.

Only do this as a test.

Do at your own risk.

Only do what you know that you can do safely.