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Old 04-13-2020, 08:09 PM   #1
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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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Old 04-14-2020, 08:49 AM   #2
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Give youtube a check there lots of videos on how to test a capacitor with a multi meter with that said I use an inexpensive capacitor checker bought at harbor freight. Good luck
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Old 04-14-2020, 09:31 AM   #3
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You're on the right path. Disconnect the capacitor and check the motor winding to the metal frame you should have infinite ohms. If you have continuity the windings are toast.
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Old 04-14-2020, 10:39 AM   #4
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Mike is right, you should read open (infinite ohms) between the windings and frame (ground). If you read a short with the capacitor connected, disconnect it and see if it reads shorted or open.

If you need more help there are a lot of smart spa and pool folks at TroubleFreePool that are happy to help.
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Old 04-14-2020, 12:51 PM   #5
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I appreciate the responses. It's now clear i have some continuity between input and frame.

New motor time.[emoji51][emoji51]
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