Electric motor question for Electricians
I have a Hot Tub that's been in "mothballs" for a couple years. Recently decided to reactivate and ran into a problem with the Jet Pump Motor.
When I power up the 'tub' alll is well until I push a control button to start the pump. The circuit breaker instantly trips. No hum, no sign of pump trying to start, just "push button and pop".
First I checked to see if pump motor's rotor was frozen but it turns freely when I access the pump and turn the impeller.
Motor is a 230V 2.5 HP. With one "hot" wire removed from control circuit board breaker still trips. With both "hot" wires removed from circuit board, no trip.
To me it looks like my problem is between connection on control board to motor itself.
It has a single capacitor on it and I'm wondering if faulty/failed capacitors will cause this kind of problem. It "appears" to me that the issue is a ground fault issue based on how the circuit breaker trips rather than a short or overload.
Motor itself is rather difficult to remove but capacitor is more accessible. Would like to eliminate the easy items first before I have to resort to "Open Heart Surgery"
I know there are a few Electricians here so I'm sending up a flag requesting some help. Am open to any other suggestions as to what I might need to do to further diagnose this although with motor connected, breaker trips. With it disconnected, no trip. Makes me think I'm in the right neighborhood.
Thanks in advance.
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