Pentair EQ SERIES important safety instructions Section Initial Operation of Pump

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Section 4

Initial Operation of Pump

This section describes how to prime the EQ pump.

WARNING — Do not operate the pump until you have read and understand clearly all the operating instructions and warning messages for all equipment that is a part of the pool circulating system. The following instructions are intended as a guide for initially operating the pump in a general pool installation, however each installation may have unique conditions where the starting procedure could be different. Failure to follow all operating instructions and warning messages can result in property damage or severe personal injury or death.

1.Relieve any pressure that may be trapped in the circulation system.

2.Open all air relief devices on any equipment in the system.

3.Open the appropriate valves on the suction and discharge plumbing. If the pump is installed below the water level of the pool, water will flow into the pump. If the pump is installed above the water level it will be necessary to fill the strainer pot with water up to the suction pipe connection.

WARNING — The strainer pot may be at a pressure that is higher or lower than the atmospheric pressure. Always open the drain plug on the strainer pot and allow for the pressure to equalize before removing the locking ring. Attempting to remove the locking ring before the pressure is equalized may result in a rapid exchange of pressure. This instantaneous release of energy can cause components to be accelerated to high velocities and to travel distances of 100 feet or more. These components could cause severe personal injury or death if they were to strike a person.

4.Stand clear of all equipment and energize the pump.

5.The pump will experience a temporary unstable condition as water and air flow through the pump. During this unstable condition the pump may be noisy and produce erratic flow. If the pump is below or at water level this temporary unstable condition should last only a few seconds.

6.If the pump is installed above the pool water level then the pump must remove the air from the suction piping. This phase of pump operation is referred to as priming. Pumps that are labeled self-priming have demonstrated in a test laboratory that they can prime when installed 10 feet above the pool water level in a time not exceeding 45 minutes. (Exception: Models EQW300 1PH and EQW300 3 PH may require up to 1 hour and 15 minutes to prime to 10 feet. Disconnect power to the pump if it does not prime within the time indicated. A pump that will not prime usually indicates a system problem such as an air leak on the suction side of the pump.)

WARNING — DO NOT open the strainer pot if pump fails to prime or if pump has been operating without water in the strainer pot. Pumps operated in these circumstances may experience a build up of vapor pressure and may contain scalding hot water. Opening the pump may cause serious personal injury. In order to avoid personal injury make sure the strainer pot temperature has cooled to room temperature. Carefully remove the drain plug on the strainer pot and allow the pressure to equalize before removing the locking ring.

7.It is important that once the pump has primed and is operating in a stable manner that the voltage be measured at the pump when first put into service. If the electrical supply circuit is inadequate a voltage drop may occur when the pump is operating under load. The pump will operate most efficiently when operated at the nameplate voltage. Operating the pump at more than 10% above or below the voltage listed on the nameplate could result in the pump not operating properly and may damage the pump motor.

EQ Series Pump Installation and User’s Guide