On 10 Aug, 15:08, "Reel McKoi" wrote:
"Gary Woods" wrote in message

...

"Reel McKoi" wrote:

Another Beckett pump started shorting out and flipping the breaker.

I'm guessing this is on a GFI, and that's what's tripping?

It's tripping the GFI.

Could be a flaw in the insulation going to the pump.
I trust whatever it's plugged into is properly moisture protected?

Yes, the outlets have covers that keep the rain out but allow air in from
the space under the outlets.

Is the GFI in the outlet the pump is plugged into, or back at the main
box?

It's the first outlet in that circuit and is located in my husband's office.
The outside outlet is on the same circuit as the office. There are 4 pumps
on that circuit. We plugged them in one at a time until we hit pump #4, the
Beckett. Once we replaced the Beckett the thing didn't trip again. All 4
have been running for several hours now.

If you can borrow one from the local electronics geek, an isolation
transformer would help.

A transformer?
--

RM....
Frugal ponding since 1995.
rec.ponder since late 1996.
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:http://tinyurl.com/9do58
Zone 6. Middle TN USA
~~~~ }((((* ~~~ }{{{{(ö

No need to go the "transformer" route. Check yur power cord very
carefully. Pull the pump out of the pond, and clean and wipe the cord
dry. Under good lighting and maybe even with a good magnifying glass
(depending on how good yur vision is) inspect the cord for any nicks
or cuts or cracks. Even a new pump can have a nicked or cut power
cord. This cut or nick can let in moisture which will wick through the
cords fiberous separators and insulation. Eventually it can get into
the area were the wires terminate to attach to plug or windings of
motor and then it changes resistence values which can play hell with a
GFIC device or if its bad enough it can kick off a regular breaker.
Given enough time, it can eventually wick in enough water even through
a very small minute cut to fill any air spaces in a encapsulated
motor, or even fill an oil filled motor up with water and displace the
oil. Also check where cord enters pump housing itself. I would also
give the housing of the pump a good visual inspection for cracks
etc.......Its not at all uncommon for rodents like field mice etc to
gnaw on a power cord, and eventhe portion that is not in the water can
eventually start wicking in moisture. Put a good load on yuor circuit
that you have the pump plugged into. If its a 15 amp circuit load it
up at 15 amps..using other devices (lamps, electric weed eater,
blower, TV etc etc etc) and see if circuit remains ok. If it trips
without the load rating on it,I would replace the GFCI device or check
for loose or corroded connections.

Have fun, remember live circuits and water do not mix so be carefull!