DE-ICER MANUAL
9
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Below are some helpful troubleshooting tips. If a problem occurs, please double check the assembly and
installation instructions as well as the instructions for the control panel. More troubleshooting tips can be
“My de-icer trips a ground fault interrupter.”
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) that trips can indicate 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:
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How long does it take to trip the breaker?
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Does it always take the same amount of time to trip?
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How many times has it tripped?
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Have 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. Note: If the de-icer has been stored or exposed to cold for an
extended period without running, it may take some time for the prop to get to full speed once power is
supplied.
“My de-icer hums but will not start. When I spin the prop with a stick, it starts up.”
This indicates a problem with the starting capacitor. Each Kasco De-icer is equipped with a starting capac-
itor 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 timer and without tripping the GFI breaker.”
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 there is a build-
up on the unit, remove the debris. If caught early enough, the unit should be fine. Contact a Kasco represen
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tative 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 by the unit be
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ing 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
and appear sporadic. If you are seeing these symptoms, unplug the unit and clean away the debris. Another
possibility if you notice these symptoms 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 due to a setup error. The C-20 Time and Tempera-
ture Control must have BOTH the timer AND thermostat activated. (The timer must be in an ON position,
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