How To Use a Multimeter to Test a Pool Pump Motor - Winding Resistance

Step 1

THE ISSUE - Your pool pump motor won't rotate under power but the shaft turns freely. What is the problem? A motor has several electrical components that might fail: start capacitor; overload protector; power terminal; loose wires; and motor windings. . This guide shows how to measure the motor windings to eliminate them from further consideration.

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Step 2

SET MULTIMETER - One of your first steps is to obtain a multimeter and to set it on its lowest resistance (R) setting.

Step 3

TURN OFF POWER - Make sure to TURN OFF POWER to your pump before opening up the electrical end of the pump. You will probably be working with 240V so be careful. If you are not familiar with electricity, have an electrician help you. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker to the pump for maximum protection.

Step 4

REMOVE ELECTRICAL COVER - Unscrew the two screws that hold the cover over the back end of the motor. Remove the cover to expose the electrical connectors.

Step 5

SHORT OUT CAPACITOR - Pool Pump Capacitors store an electrical charge that can shock you even when the power is off. Before removing the capacitor, discharge this energy by placing an insulated screwdriver across the leads of the capacitor. CAUTION: Capacitors have been know to explode when shorted out. For your protection wear eye protection and place a cloth over the capacitor before shorting it out.

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Step 6

WIRING DIAGRAM - This picture shows the location of the winding circuits that you will be measuring. There are three sets of windings: the main windings are split into two sets, shown in the green box; the auxiliary start capacitor winding is shown in the red box. The start capacitor winding provides extra torque during the initial startup of the motor to help prime the pool system. In general, you will be taking 4 readings. You will be comparing the resistance readings of one set of main windings against the other, Then you will be comparing the resistance readings of one set of main windings plus the start-up windings to the other set of main windings with the start-up windings. The measurement points are identified by blue circles. They include: the "L2" power terminal; the "A" power terminal; the yellow wire attached to terminal 3 on the Overload Protector, and the end of the red lead going to the switch. For these measurements the red lead to the switch must be detached to simulate and open switch.

Step 7

WIRING - This picture shows the physical layout of the wiring circuits. Some of the components have been moved to better show the wires. The four measurement points identified above are also highlighted on this picture with blue circles.

Step 8

REMOVE RED LEAD TO SWITCH - With a pair of needle nose pliers, take the red wire off of the switch. The switch is normally closed when the motor is not running. You want to simulate an open switch when you take these measurements.

Step 9

L2 to A - To test the lower main windings, place the meter probes on L2 and A on the power terminal. Record the reading.

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Step 10

LOWER MAIN WINDINGS - This picture shows the part of the electrical circuit that is included in this measurement - between L2 and A.

Step 11

A to YELLOW - To test the upper main windings, place the meter probes on A on the power terminal, and on the end of the yellow wire attached to terminal 3 of the Overload Protector. Record the reading.

Step 12

UPPER MAIN WINDINGS - This picture shows the part of the electrical circuit that is included in the above measurement - between A and Yellow.

Step 13

COMPARE READINGS - Compare the reading taken above for the upper main windings and the lower main windings. They should be the same. If no, you will probably need to replace the motor.

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Step 14

YELLOW TO RED - To test the upper main windings including the start capacitors windings, place the meter probes on the end of the red lead, and on the end of the yellow wire attached to terminal 3 of the Overload Protector. Record the reading.

Step 15

UPPER MAIN WINDINGS & START WINDING - This picture shows the part of the electrical circuit that is included in the above measurement - between Red and Yellow.

Step 16

L2 to RED - YELLOW TO RED - To test the lower main windings including the start capacitors windings, place the meter probes on the end of the red lead, and on L2  on the power terminal

Step 17

LOWER MAIN WINDINGS & START WINDINGS - This picture shows the part of the electrical circuit that is included in the above measurement - between L2 and Red.

Step 18

COMPARE READINGS - Compare the reading taken above for the upper main widnings plus start windings, and the lower main windings plus start windings. They should be the same. If not, you will probably need to replace the motor.

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