Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: jerzeb04 on July 26, 2015, 01:17:28 pm

Title: House Breaker trips - when both pump and heat contactors engage
Post by: jerzeb04 on July 26, 2015, 01:17:28 pm

I have an OLD hot tub (pre circuit board models) ... I've been able to maintain it for years.
However, I'm stumped. The house breaker (not the tub GFI) trips when the heater thermostat is turned up and turns on (while the pump is running).
I've disconnected all .. even the pump. When I manually depress the pump contactor/relay with the thermostat up ... "trip".

I've looked over all the wires and connections and I don't see corrosion or strange stuff. Just not sure what component could cause this.
Flow sensor is new and adjusted (seems to work fine) ... internal fuses are good.
I even turned the thermostat up, engaged the flow sensor (without the pump running) .. it DIDN'T trip the breaker.

I still need to check the heating element .. but, I'm doubting that's the issue.

Just looking for some thoughts ......

Title: Re: House Breaker trips - when both pump and heat contactors engage
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on July 26, 2015, 02:13:36 pm

A bad heating element, AND a bad GFI.

Title: Re: House Breaker trips - when both pump and heat contactors engage
Post by: jerzeb04 on July 26, 2015, 02:16:29 pm

I'll check out the GFCI ... the heating element measured out at 10 ohms ....

Title: Re: House Breaker trips - when both pump and heat contactors engage
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on July 26, 2015, 08:00:12 pm

Quote from: jerzeb04 on July 26, 2015, 02:16:29 pm

the heating element measured out at 10 ohms ....

That doesn't mean it's not shorting out.

Title: Re: House Breaker trips - when both pump and heat contactors engage
Post by: jerzeb04 on August 01, 2015, 05:11:44 pm

Yep, the GFCI is fine. I guess I'll get an element. Is it a possibly relay ? What are the odds ?
Only reason I'm asking .... I'll get both at the same time if it's a decent possibility.