Why does my borehole pump keep tripping?

Why does my borehole pump keep tripping?

When your farm or home’s water supply depends on a borehole pump, it can be frustrating when the system comes to a stop because the circuit breaker or overload keeps tripping. In addition to the inconvenience, the downtime can be expensive. That’s why we know you’ll want to resolve the issue as quickly as possible! If your borehole pump is frequently tripping, there are several common causes, which we’ll outline below.

1. Borehole Pump Motor Failure

Motor failure is likely the most common reason that a borehole pump might cause the RCD or overload to trip. There are several indicators to look out for when diagnosing a failing borehole motor. One key issue is water ingress, so inspect the borehole motors cable. Are there any damaged cable joints or tears in the cable?

Another cause of motor failure is overheating, which can lead to the borehole pump tripping earth leakage, due to an internal short circuit. This can also cause the overload to trip, due to the motor using too much current. Overheating may occur when the motor is under excessive strain, often due to improper pump sizing or an imbalance in water demand – either too much or too little!

If motor failure is identified as the cause of your borehole pump tripping, you will typically need to replace the motor, as most failures are beyond repair. The good news is that, in most cases, only the borehole motor itself needs replacement, not the entire borehole pump cartridge. Make sure to address the underlying issue that caused the fault to prevent it from reoccurring with your new motor though!

2. Capacitor Failure

Most borehole pumps are equipped with start capacitors, and capacitor failure is another common reason for borehole pumps tripping. Over time, the capacitance of these capacitors can deteriorate, leading to erratic pump starts, overheating or the overload tripping. Fortunately, replacing a capacitor is generally straight forward and inexpensive.

3. Voltage Drops

A voltage drop occurs when the voltage at the borehole pump is lower than the voltage supplied by the power source. Common causes of voltage drop failure include excessive cable length or insufficient cable thickness, which increase resistance and lead to a drop in voltage. As the voltage decreases, current increases, causing increased heat levels within the motor and cable.

To prevent or address voltage drops that cause your borehole pumps to trip, where possible try to minimise the distance between the power source and the load. Ensure you use the appropriate cable size for your borehole depth and regularly inspect the wiring to ensure it is in good condition and free from corrosion.

4. Borehole Pump Blockages

Depending on the condition of your borehole, pumps can easily become clogged with debris, sand or iron deposits, leading to blockages that can cause your system to trip. Such blockages can result in the motor overheating as the pump works harder than usual!

Preventing clogs in your borehole pump is essential for maintaining a reliable water supply. Conducting routine inspections of your system to identify potential issues early, and performing regular water quality tests to monitor the condition of the water, will help prolong the life of the system.

If you’re still uncertain about what might be causing your borehole pump to trip, reach out to the team at Whisper Pumps. Our expert staff can assist you in diagnosing the problem and guide you toward the best solutions to get your system back up and running as quickly as possible.