SunCentric Troubleshooting
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Pump does not run (no shaft rotation)
– IF voltage at pump motor = 0 while voltage at power source is OK
Power circuit failure
Check the fuse or circuit breaker, see “Overload Protection”
Check the wires and connections
Check or bypass the float switch circuit, if there is one
– IF voltage at motor is normal
Motor brushes worn
Replace motor brushes
– IF voltage is very low or fuse blows or circuit breaker trips
Pump is jammed
See “Pump is jammed”, below
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Pump turns but flow is less than normal
– IF system is solar-direct (no battery) and voltage at motor is below normal
PV (solar) array is undersized
See Minimum Array Size on the performance chart
PV array is wired wrong
Inspect, measure the voltage with pump disconnected (open circuit)
Open circuit voltage should be about 20V per “12V” increment
Array is positioned wrong
Partial shade or dirt on the PV array
Pump is partly jammed
See “Pump is jammed”, below
Undersized wire (see next line)
– IF system is battery OR solar-direct, and voltage at motor is below normal
Wire from power source to pump is undersized
With pump running, measure voltage at power source AND at motor
If difference (voltage drop) is greater than 3%, the wire is too small
(See “Wire Sizing”)
– IF voltage at motor is normal
Piping is undersized (See “Water Pipe Sizing Chart”)
Intake is restricted by debris
Outlet is restricted
Vertical lift is excessive
Pump is spinning in reverse
R and – wires
Impeller is clogged with debris
Air is trapped in a high spot in the pipe
Air is trapped in the pump
Rotate pump to one of the approved positions
Impeller is worn from abrasive silt
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Pump does not stay primed
– IF it loses prime while the power is off
Foot valve is damaged
Replace foot valve
