Franklin Water Pump Operational Checkup, Troubleshooting, Floatless Liquid Level Control

FLOATLESS LIQUID LEVEL CONTROL

The sensing elements of a floatless liquid level control consists of 2 electrodes suspended in the well by insulated wires. These wires connect to a relay which serves as a pilot switch to the starting equipment. The lower electode is set just above the pump, and the upper at some distance below the static water level. The device cuts off power to the pump automatically when the water level drops below the lower electrode, and does not restore power until the water level recovers to reach the upper electrode. The Liquid Level Control can also be used as a pilot switch in connection with elevated tanks.

I. OPERATIONAL CHECKUP

The most reliable indication of the condition of a submersible pump are:

(a)The current drawn by the motor

(b)The insulation resistance of the installation below ground.

As the pump wears, the motor current increases, until eventually the overloads trip to protect the motor. While this automatic protection looks after an emergency situation, proper care of a submersible installation should include perioodic check-ups to avoid interruptions in the water supply. Use a megger to check the insulation resistance every six months.

Record the insulation resistance and the running current for future reference. When the insulation resistance

fall below 10 Megohms, check it frequently for further deterioration and pull the pump when the resistance falls to 1/2 megohm.

When pulling the pump, either coil the cable on a reel or raise it from the ground to dry. Check the insulation again when the cable and splices are dry. If the insulation value is between the line and motor casing increases

to 50 megohms or more, isolate the fault in the cable or the splice and make the necessary repairs. However, if the insulation reading remains low, disconnect the motor from the cable and check the motor separately. Should the motor be defective, check the pump end for wear and obtain a replacement for either the motor alone, or the pump unit, as necessary.

WARNING

HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE- CAN SHOCK, BURN,

OR EVEN KILL.

J. TROUBLESHOOTING

1.Disconnect power unless required for testing.

2.Have electrical testing done by a qualified electrician.

3.Most problems occur above ground. Remove pump only as a last resort.

When troubleshooting or servicing the pump, use all precautions for the voltages involved.

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSE		REMEDY
	1.	Electrical trouble	Check Power source:
			starter & reset
Unit fails			Check resistance:
			cable and motor
to start
			Call Dealer or Electrician
	2.	Pump Sandlocked	Call Dealer: pull pump
			and clean
	1.	Insufficient well yield:	Reset pump lower into well
		water level has dropped.
			Restrict flow to yield
Pump fails	2.	Clogged intake screen	Pull pump
to deliver	3. Air Lock in pump		Start and stop pump
water			several times and allow 1
			min. between
	4.	Leak in discharge	Raise pipe until leak is found.
	1.	Screen or pump partly	Pull pump and clean
		plugged
	2.	Insufficient well yield	Check water level: lower
Reduced			pump if permissible.
pump	3. Worn pump - excessive		Replace worn parts
output		wear due to abrasives.
	4.	Low voltage	Call Electrician
	5. Three Phase unit		Reverse rotation
		running backward
Overload	1.	Worn pump or pump	Pull pump and clean or
		bound by sand	replace worn parts.
trips
	2.	Electrical trouble	Call Dealer or Electrician
	1.	Pressure switch out of	Readjust to correct setting
		adjustment	or replace
Unit cycles	2. Leaks in service line		Locate and correct
too	3. Check valve leaking		Replace
frequently
	4.	Water logged tank	Check tank for leaks be
			sure fittings are functioning
			properly.

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