TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Below are some helpful troubleshooting tips. If a problem occurs, please double check the assembly and installa-
tion instructions as well as the instructions for the proper control panel. More troubleshooting tips can be found
at www.de-icer.com/general_info_troubleshooting.htm . Contact Kasco Marine at 715-262-4488 for further diag-
nosis if these fail.
“ My De-Icer trips the ground fault interrupter on the circuit.”
This is the most common symptom of several possible problems. To correctly diagnose the problem,
you will need to collect more information. A Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) breaker that trips can in-
dicate an electrical service problem, water contamination in the unit and/or cord, bad breaker, control
box problems, motor problems, etc. Try to find out the answers to these questions before you contact
Kasco to narrow down the problem.
* How long does it take to trip the breaker?
* Does it always take the same amount of time to trip?
* How many times has it tripped?
* Has there been any electrical problems in the area recently?
“My De-Icer seems to run slowly.”
This can also be a symptom of several possible problems. There could be an electrical problem where
the unit is not getting the proper voltage. This could also indicate a problem with the motor of the unit,
which needs to be looked at by an Authorized Repair Center. Check that the unit is receiving the
proper voltage, and, if so, contact Kasco for further steps.
“My De-Icer hums, but will not start. When I spin the prop with a stick, it starts up.”
This indicated a problem with the Starting Capacitor. Each Kasco De-Icer is equipped with a Starting
Capacitor to get the unit going when it is first plugged in. If it is operating, but not spinning and can be
started by spinning the prop with a stick, the Starting capacitor needs to be replaced by an Authorized
Repair
Center.
“My De-Icer turns itself off and back on without the thermostat and without tripping the GFI breaker.”
Each Kasco De-Icer has a Thermal Overload built in that will turn the unit off when it overheats.
Once the unit has cooled down, it will start back up. If you are noticing these symptoms, the unit
should be unplugged immediately because the Thermal Overload will continue to turn on and off until it
burns out and damages the motor. The unit should be unplugged and taken out of the water to find the
cause of the problem. The problem could be one of many, such as, low water levels, build-up on the unit
to prevent heat dissipation, something inhibiting the free rotation of the shaft, etc. If something is caught
in the unit or there is a build-up on the unit, remove the debris and, if caught early enough, the unit should
be fine. Contact a Kasco representative before restarting the unit.
“My De-Icer flow seems to fluctuate and/or be less than usual.”
This can occur because of a few different reasons. Most of the time, this symptom is caused from unit
being clogged with debris. A mat of weeds, many leaves, plastic bags, etc. can clog up the unit and
cause it to be starved of water. If the unit does not have the proper amount of water, the flow or pattern
will fluctuate up and down and look sporadic. If you are seeing these symptoms, unplug the unit and
clean away the debris that is clogging the cage. Another possibility if these symptoms are noticed,
is a chipped or damaged prop that is causing the unit to wobble and not pump properly. When the unit
is unplugged, check the prop for damages and replace if damage is found.
“My C-20 does not seem to be working properly.”
Most of the time, a C-20 that is not working properly is from a setup error. The C-20 Time and Tem-
perature Control must have BOTH the Timer AND Thermostat activated. (The timer must be in an ON
position and the outside air temperature must be lower than the setting on the thermostat.) Keep in
mind, the thermostat may take a few hours to adjust to the outside temperature. Make sure the C-20 is
not in direct sunlight which would heat up the thermostat. If both are activated, the small light in the
upper left hand corner of the control box will be lit up. A test that can be done is to put the C-20 in the
freezer for a couple hours and then test it. If your outdoor temperature is cold enough, you can set up
the C-20 and plug a light into it. Watch it throughout the evening to see if and when the light comes
on. If all else fails, please contact Kasco for assistance.
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