Troubleshooting Tips - Kasco J Series Operation & Maintenance Manual

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

The following is provided to help diagnose a probable source of trouble. It is a guideline only and may not show
all causes for all problems. For additional troubleshooting help, contact your local distributor or visit
ine.com
for additional guidance.
"My fountain trips the ground fault interrupter in the C-25, C-85, or C-95."
This is the most common symptom of several possible problems. To correctly diagnose the problem, you will
need to collect more information. A Ground Fault Interrupter (GFCI) breaker that trips can indicate an electrical
service problem, water contamination in the unit and/or cord, bad breaker, control box problems, motor prob-
lems, etc. Try to find out the answers to these questions before you contact Kasco to narrow down the problem:
How long does it take to trip the breaker?
•
Does it always take the same amount of time to trip?
•
How many times has it tripped?
•
Have there been any electrical problems in the area recently?
•
"My fountain seems to run slowly."
This can also be a symptom of several possible problems. There could be an electrical problem where the unit is
not getting the proper voltage. This could also indicate a problem with the motor of the unit, which needs to be
looked at by an Authorized Repair Center. Check that the unit is receiving the proper voltage, and, if so, contact
Kasco for further steps.
"My fountain hums, but will not start. When I spin the prop with a stick, it starts up."
(single phase units only) This indicates a problem with the Starting Capacitor. Each Kasco fountain is equipped
with a Starting Capacitor to get the unit going when it is first plugged in. If it is operating but not spinning and can
be started by spinning the prop with a stick, the Starting Capacitor needs to be replaced by an Authorized Repair
Center.
"My fountain turns itself off and back on without the timer and without tripping the GFCI breaker."
(single phase units only) Each Kasco fountain has a Thermal Overload built in that will turn the unit off when
it overheats. Once the unit has cooled down, it will start back up. If you are noticing these symptoms, the unit
should be unplugged immediately because the Thermal Overload will continue to turn on and off until it burns
out and damages the motor. The unit should be unplugged and taken out of the water to find the cause of the
problem. The problem could be one of many, such as, low water levels, build-up on the unit to prevent heat
dissipation, something inhibiting the free rotation of the shaft, etc. If something is caught in the unit or there is a
build-up of algae, calcium or organic matter on the unit, remove the debris and, if caught early enough, the unit
should be fine. Contact a Kasco representative before restarting the unit.
"My fountain flow seems to fluctuate and/or be less than usual."
This can occur because of a few different reasons. Most of the time, this symptom is caused by the unit being
clogged with debris. A mat of weeds, many leaves, plastic bags, etc. can clog up the unit and cause it to be starved
of water. If the unit does not have the proper amount of water, the flow or pattern will fluctuate up and down
and look sporadic. If you are seeing these symptoms, unplug the unit and clean away the debris that is clogging
up the screen. Another possibility if these symptoms are noticed is a chipped or damaged prop that is causing
the unit to wobble and not pump properly. When the unit is unplugged, check the prop for damages and replace
if damage is found.
"The GFCI breaker trips randomly and sporadically. Sometimes it is a few hours of operation, other times it can be
days or weeks."
This is referred to as a Nuisance Trip. This usually occurs when the unit is installed a great distance from the
initial electric service on the property where the ground stake is placed. It is caused by either induced current in
the ground wire or a base voltage difference due to soil pH levels. To resolve the problem, contact an electrician
and install a local grounding stake. This may eliminate the induced current and any base voltage differences. This
problem can also be caused by a bad breaker or receptacle or having unbalanced incoming voltage lines.
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2HP-5HP J SERIES FOUNTAIN MANUAL
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