Know Your Service Factor

Full Rated Motors vs. Uprated Motors
Service factor rating on electric motors play a large part in determining the total horsepower of a motor. Service factor is a multiplier that can help you figure if your motor is a “full rated” or “uprated” motor. For example a 1½ horsepower motor with a 1.1 service factor will perform as 1½ hp uprated motor whereas a 1 ½ full rated motor with a 1.3 service factor will perform as a 2 hp uprated motor. Some pump models use these full rated motors in application to give better performance and longer life. Most full rated motors have a start capacitor as well as a run capacitor and heavier or more windings in the motor itself. For example a Goulds GT15 has a full rated motor. This means the horsepower of the motor is 1½ but combined with the service factor of 1.3 it will perform as a 2 hp uprated motor.

We take all this into consideration when we recommend a new replacement motor for your pool or sprinkler pump. Pump impellers are matched to the horsepower of the motor. Motor horsepower can be raised but not lowered. For example a pump that came with a 1½ hp motor can be replaced with a 2 hp motor without any complication but a 1 hp motor cannot be used to replace the 1½ hp motor. THE BOTTOM LINE . . . the actual horsepower rating of a pump or motor does not really tell you much. When it comes time to replace a motor . . .  you MUST consider both the horsepower and service factor. This is the only way to insure that you are getting the motor that you need. Consider also the frame size and type of the motor as well. Don’t forget to get a shaft seal and appropriate gaskets as well.

   When you are replacing pump parts such as an impeller or diffuser . . . make sure you match up the exact part number or you may end up with a mismatched impeller or diffuser. As always when in doubt call us or come by.

Know Your Voltage

All too often customers will purchase pool or sprinkler pumps and motors over the counter from us and re-install them with the wrong voltage selected. The majority of the motors we sell are switchable from 115v to 230v. Installing the motor with the wrong voltage selected can damage the motor and will at the least cause the motor to run hot and shut off by the internal thermal protector. Some customers assume that the voltage is either 115 or 230 and make the wrong determination. Checking the voltage can be done in one of several ways. The easiest way to tell the voltage is to inspect the motor that is being replaced. A wiring diagram is usually imprinted on a sticker on the casing. Determine the voltage from this wiring diagram. We do inspect this when we replace existing motors and set new equipment accordingly. On some newer motor models a switch is located behind the end bell that will show you. If by chance the diagram is faded or damaged another way is to look at the time clock or controller. Again, most of these devices have a rating tag or plate that will tell you how many volts the internal clock runs on. If the rating is 110/115v then the motor should be set to run on the same voltage. Conversely, if the clock motor runs on 220/230v set the motor accordingly. One can also check the circuit breaker that controls the motor/pump. A 115v breaker is usually a single breaker and a 220v breaker is normally a double breaker. I have seen however that wiring to breakers is somewhat dependant on who installed the breaker and the wiring and this method should only be relied on if you are sure of the wiring to that particular breaker. One final method is to make use of a voltage meter. Only persons with a working knowledge of this device should attempt to use this method. Set your meter accordingly to the voltage you which to check and set the motor voltage. A final note; permanent damage can be caused to the motor if you run it on the wrong voltage for an extended period of time and thus void any warranty that may have come with the motor. We are always happy to assist you in any way we can to make sure you re-install your equipment properly.

Penny wise dollar foolish advice!

I see brown sections in people’s yards as I am driving around, and can only wonder why people do not care about letting their grass die. Sod is expensive stuff compared to having you index valve looked at. If one of your lawns zones are not getting watered chances are pretty high it is a index valve going bad. Good news if they are not a “dinosaur” they can be rebuilt. In Florida we have not been getting to much rain so every time your zone does not get watered is important! Our county which is Brevard county is even under water restrictions of watering only two times a week only. Penny wise dollar foolish advice!