Risk of Electrical Shock or Electrocution! Always disconnect power at the circuit breaker before servicing this device or any other equipment that is part of the system. Failure to comply could result in severe injury or death.
This article will help you better understand the “Not Up To Speed Error” and how to resolve this issue with your system. An example of the error message you might see on your app is included to the right. Please note that the error message may vary depending on the brand of your equipment.
To better understand the error, click the “More” button at the bottom of the alert. After clicking “More,” a pop-up should appear at the bottom of your screen, similar to the image to the right. This image will provide detailed information about the pump’s actual speed, its set speed, and when the error started.
TROUBLESHOOTING
START/STOP
Some pumps are equipped with a “STOP” button. If someone has pressed this button, the pump may have stopped running but could still be communicating with the automation system. To resume operation, press the “START” or “RUN” button on the pump.
DEFAULT SPEEDS
The pump might not be set to its default speeds. The minimum or maximum speed settings may have been altered, either directly on the pump or through its dedicated app. To resolve this, reset the speeds to the factory defaults. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions on how to reset these speed settings.
VOLTAGE
There are many Variable Speed Pumps on the market that operate at either 115Vac or 230Vac. When running these pumps at 115Vac, they often don’t reach their desired speed, even though the pump may claim to be operating at a certain RPM or percentage. There are two solutions to this problem. The first is to lower the maximum speed in The Attendant device programming menu, typically around 2700 RPM (78%) but possibly lower. The second solution is to have a licensed electrician rewire the pump to 230Vac, which should allow the pump to reach its maximum speed of 100%.
Ensure that your pump is receiving sufficient voltage. Occasionally, issues such as incorrect voltage output from the power company’s transformer or electrical box shorts can affect operation. For instance, if the pump is supposed to receive 230Vac but is only receiving 205Vac, it may not achieve its intended speed. Verify the voltage levels match the motor data plate and make corrections as needed.
CONFIGURATION ISSUE
The pump might be configured incorrectly in devices. When programming the pump, ensure you select the correct pump model number to send the appropriate commands. Selecting the wrong model number can result in improper commands and malfunction. Once the correct model is chosen, ensure you also select either RPM or GPM, depending on your pump type. Verify and correct these settings if necessary.
INTERNAL SAFETY ERROR
The pump may have an internal error related to a safety feature, such as a pressure, priming, or cavitation alarm. Diagnosing these alarms can be challenging due to the variety of possible causes. Below, we’ll explore a few common reasons for these issues.
PLUMBING/BACK PRESSURE
The pump might be too large for the plumbing system it’s connected to. It could be a high-head pump that requires 2″ or larger plumbing, but it’s only supplied with 1.5″. To resolve this issue, lower the pump speed using the device menu until the alarm clears. For example, reduce the pump speed to 90% and then test it at full speed. If the alarm persists, decrease the pump speed further and retest. For more information on hydraulics and its impact on your filtration system, read Hydraulics 101 here.
The filter could be dirty, resulting in excessive back pressure that prevents the pump from reaching its full speed. This issue may also arise from an incorrectly positioned return valve or an excessively dirty salt chlorine generator cell. Address the back pressure problem and then attempt to run the pump at full speed again.
SUCTION BLOCKAGE
This issue could also result from a clogged suction component. Debris-filled baskets or blockages in the suction line can prevent the pump from achieving full speed. Clear the suction blockage and test the pump again.
PRIMING
Priming may be enabled on the pump or in the pump’s app. Disable priming and attempt operation again. Consult your pump’s manufacturer instructions to disable priming. If you need to adjust priming settings, you can do so within The Attendant’s device menu.
DRIVE ERRORS
Drive Errors: If your pump is experiencing a drive error, consult the manufacturer to identify the cause. In cases of catastrophic drive errors, The Attendant may be unable to read the specific error.