1/2HP-1HP AERATOR & CIRCULATOR MANUAL
15
“My aerator or circulator hums, but will not start. When I spin the prop with a stick, it starts up.”
(for single phase units only) This indicates a problem with the starting capacitor. Each Kasco aerator/circu-
lator 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 aerator or circulator turns itself off and back on without the timer and without tripping the GFI breaker.”
(for single phase units only) Each Kasco unit 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 if there is buildup on the unit, remove the debris. If caught early enough, the unit should be fine.
Contact a Kasco representative before restarting the unit.
“My aerator or circulator 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 by the 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 fluc
-
tuate up and down and look sporadic. If you are seeing these symptoms, first try turning off the unit and/
or unplugging it for 10 seconds, allowing debris to fall away. If the problem persists, unplug the unit and
clean away any debris that is clogging up the guard. Another possibility 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 and replace
it if it is damaged.
“The GFI breaker trips randomly and sporadically. Sometimes it is after a few hours of operation; other times
it can be days or weeks.”
This is referred to as a nuisance trip. This usually occurs where the unit is installed a great distance from the
initial electric service on the property where the ground stake is placed. It is caused by either induced cur-
rent in the ground wire or a base voltage difference due to soil pH levels. Contact an electrician and install a
local grounding stake. This may eliminate the induced current and any base voltage differences.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS (CONT.)
Back to Contents
