Inspect the solar array
Is it facing the sun? See solar array orientation, sec-1.
tions 4.4 and 4.5
Is there a partial shadow on the array? If only 10 % 2.
of the array is shadowed, it can stop the pump!
Inspect all wires and connections
Look carefully for improper wiring (especially in a 1.
new installation).
Make a visual inspection of the condition of the wires 2.
and connections. Wires are often chewed by animals
if they are not enclosed in conduit (pipe).
Pull wires with your hands to check for failed con-3.
nections.
Inspect the controller and junction box
Remove the screws from the bottom plate of the 1.
controller. Move the plate downward (or the control-
ler upward) to reveal the terminal block where the
wires connect. See section 5.5
First, check for a burnt smell. This will indicate a 2.
failure of the electronics. Look for burnt wires, bits
of black debris, and any other signs of lightning
damage.
Open the junction box. Is the Power IN switch turned 3.
ON? Pull on the wires to see if any of them have
come loose.
Inspect the grounding wires and connections! Most 4.
controller failures are caused by an induced surge
from nearby lightning where the system is NOT
effectively grounded. Ground connections must be
properly made and free of corrosion. See section 5.2
Check the low-water probe system See section 5.9.
If the controller indicates “SOURCE LOW” when the pump
is in the water, inspect the low-water probe system. The
probe is mounted on, or near the pump. If inspection is not
feasible, you can bypass the probe or test it electrically. See
Section 9.3, Electrical Testing
If the probe is NOT being used, there must be a wire 1.
between terminals 1 and 2.
The probe is a cylindrical plastic device mounted 2.
on or near the pump. It contains a small float on a
vertical shaft. The float must be able to move up to
indicate that it is submerged, and down to indicate
that it is dry.
The probe must be positioned vertically (within about 3.
10°).
The probe or a probe wire may be broken. Inspect 4.
the wires for damage.
Does the pump run when the probe is OUT of the 5.
water? This can happen if the float in the probe is
stuck. In surface water, this can happen from algae, a
snail, or other debris (see section 5.9).
If the pump was purchased before August 2003, it 6.
may have a wet-electrode probe. In case of trouble, it
can be replaced with a new (mechanical float) probe,
with no changes to wiring or controller.
Check the full-tank float switch See section 5.10. If
the controller indicates “TANK FULL” when the storage
tank is not full, inspect the float switch system. If your
system has a float switch, it will be mounted in the tank. If
inspection is not feasible, you can bypass the switch or test
it electrically. See section 9.3
If a float switch is NOT being used, there must be a 1.
wire between terminals 4 and 5.
Inspect the float switch. Is it stuck in the UP posi-2.
tion?
There are two types of float switch, normally-open 3.
and normally-closed. Check to see that the wiring is
correct for the type that is used. See section 5.10
Force a quick start If you restore a connection or bypass
the probe or float switch, there is no need to wait for the
normal time delay. Switch the on/off switch (or the power
source) off then on again. The pump should start immedi-
ately if sufficient power is present.
Inspect The System8.2
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