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    lkizer's Avatar
    lkizer Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 19, 2009, 08:40 AM
    Circuit breaker tripping on electric well pump
    I have an electric well pump which trips the circuit breaker. The pump does not seem to work. I can reset the breaker but it trips again after five minutes or so. Do I have a pump problem or an electrical problem?
    rathisaravanan's Avatar
    rathisaravanan Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #2

    Apr 19, 2009, 09:30 AM
    Hi!

    Open the connection at the motor terminals and check if the breaking occurs even after that then there exists some electrical problem.
    Be cautious while with live wires.
    lkizer's Avatar
    lkizer Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Apr 19, 2009, 09:38 AM

    Would the motor terminals be located at the well location?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    Apr 19, 2009, 10:02 AM
    If it is tripping after a few minutes it is likely a pump problem.
    Is there a control box near the pressure tank?

    I have to say, this is likely not something you will be able to troubleshoot yourself.
    lkizer's Avatar
    lkizer Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Apr 19, 2009, 12:45 PM

    Yes, there is a control box near the pressure tank. If I open it up, what am I looking for?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
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    #6

    Apr 19, 2009, 12:52 PM
    A capacitor that is possibly failed.
    You will probably have no way to check it, but if you remove the cover the capacitor is usually mounted to the inside if it. You can take the cover with the capacitor to a motor shop and they can test it or just replace it.
    Make sure the power is off.
    lkizer's Avatar
    lkizer Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Apr 19, 2009, 01:37 PM

    I took off the control box cover and found four wires, three yellow and one white with a ground wire. I could find no capacitor. Maybe this is not the control box. It has a small grey rectangular cover.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
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    #8

    Apr 19, 2009, 02:22 PM
    That's probably the pressure switch. If there is no remote capacitor there is nothing to troubleshoot above ground other than checking the amperage draw of the motor.

    I would start with a plumber or well guy. An electrician can check this but after that he cannot do anything more. A well guy can do it all.
    lkizer's Avatar
    lkizer Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #9

    Apr 21, 2009, 07:46 AM

    Thanks so much for your help, stanfortyman. I called the well guy and he came out immediately. He says the amps aren't sufficient to keep the pump running and is returning today to run a new electrical line to the pump. He'll then know if there are other issues. I'll keep you posted but thanks again.
    Kale_NicciSmith's Avatar
    Kale_NicciSmith Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #10

    Feb 3, 2011, 01:36 PM
    I am having similar problems except the pump kicks on then kicks of then back and forth then kicks the breaker
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