What's triggering my circuit breaker over and over again?

[mshan]

I just noticed that the pump for my small waterfall pond outside wasn't working.

I checked the fuse box and found the circuit breaker to the outside electrical outlet powering that pump had been triggered.

I reset it, the pump turned on momentarily, then circuit breaker triggered again.

Repeated and same thing happens.

Took pump out of water and same thing happens.

Unplugged the pump, reset circuit breaker, and it didn't trigger.

Plug it back in and it is triggered (pump is connected to outlet via by two heavy duty long extension cords that look like they were designed for outdoor use and have been there for a couple years without problem).

Obviously, it sounds like I've got some sort of short circuit in the pump itself, but could it be something else?

edit: plugged a lamp into same electrical outlet and that did not trigger circuit breaker.

 

[Nohr]

Is it possible to plug the pump directly in to the outlet without extension cords? Or try a new extension cord temporarily.

 

[IronWing]

Pump clogged, seized, dead? Put pump in kitchen sink and see if it works.

 

[mshan]

Just tried another extension cord and now it doesn't trigger the circuit breaker.

Cheaper and easier to replace than pump I think.

Thanks!

 

[mshan]

Tried reconnecting to original cord and it worked now (previously had unplugged and replugged).

Started spraying water on it, and it triggered circuit breaker.

Looks like it is the pump itself.

 

[Rike]

You could also try another high draw piece of equipment. If it trips again, I could be an aged breaker. Breakers last a long time (decades typically), but they will eventually fail and trip at less that the rate load.

 

[DrPizza]

I've had several pumps fail, and that's the exact symptom I had, except first they would trip the GFI outlet. On one occasion, I let it dry out, then resubmerged it & let it run again. Success... momentarily (half hour or so.) Half an hour later, it literally exploded, spraying out oil. After that, the first time one acted up, I just replaced it. FWIW, I used 1/2HP submersible pumps, (like a sump pump), not the special "made for ponds" crap that costs 3 times as much.

 

[CPA]

you probably have a small seperation between the pump and the cord entering into the pump that is allowing water in. I've had the same problem a couple of times. Only fix is a new pump.

 

[mshan]

Thanks for the input everyone; Looks like I am going to have to buy a new one.

This is the one currently in there: Link

 

[Rubycon]

GFCI or CB?

Submersible pumps are epoxy potted. It may be leaking enough current (6-10mA) to trigger the GFCI.

You can try by putting the pump into a large pan of water. Plug it into a non GFCI outlet and take a reading between the pot and ground. Do NOT stick your hand into the water while plugged in especially if you are grounded!

 

[mshan]

Someone wrote GFI on label for that patio outlet inside circuit breaker door.

 

[OdiN]

T-R-I-P-P-E-D

Say it with me. TRIPPED!

 

[Raduque]

Originally posted by: Rubycon
GFCI or CB?

Submersible pumps are epoxy potted. It may be leaking enough current (6-10mA) to trigger the GFCI.

You can try by putting the pump into a large pan of water. Plug it into a non GFCI outlet and take a reading between the pot and ground. Do NOT stick your hand into the water while plugged in especially if you are grounded!

I did this once with a leaky (electrically) pump from the pond at our old house.

My left arm was tingly and numb for two hours. =X