Hot Springs Sovereign Trips Gfci

[bistro]

Have a 2000 Sovereign that is maintaining heat at 104 degrees, BUT soon as I turn jets on, it trips the 20amp (110v) GFCI breaker. Took pump motor out and plugged into outlet (without GFCI) and motor ran fine. I then ordered an new Watkins GFCI 20 amp plug on Ebay. When I replaced my GFCI plug with the new one, the LED would not ever light. Pushed test, reset several times and nada. Then unwired tub from plug, still no LED. Installed old GFCI plug and LED lights, tub panel comes on, have red and green lights on stating water is at temp selected on panel, BUT soon as I hit either jets or clean button, , ,GFCI kicks off. Any suggestions please??????

[Sailing_Faith]

Have you tried running the jets without the filters in place?

If there is a restriction it may be causing the breaker to blow. (seems strange that it would be the GFI though).

[bistro]

Have you tried running the jets without the filters in place?

If there is a restriction it may be causing the breaker to blow. (seems strange that it would be the GFI though).

Yes, removed all three filters and had same issue. I then removed motor and pump looking for any restrictions. No such luck, , had hoped the filters or something in the impeller was blocking pump rotation.

[Peteyboy]

Your new GFI is definitely bad.

If the pump trips the GFI then the pump is shorting current to ground and the GFI trips so you don't get shocked.

I think your going to need a new pump - you could take it to your local pump repair shop and see what they can find.

[bistro]

Your new GFI is definitely bad.

If the pump trips the GFI then the pump is shorting current to ground and the GFI trips so you don't get shocked.

I think your going to need a new pump - you could take it to your local pump repair shop and see what they can find.

Thanks for input, , ,at this point I had removed my pump , took it to my local pool and spa supply shop. He plugged the pump into his test outlet and motor ran fine, , ,no noise or hesitation. However the pump was on his test bench and case was not monitored for a short. If all else fails, will pull it out again and test for case short/ground etc. Currently, I am attempting to replace the damn Watkins 20amp GFCI plug. I ordered a 'new' one off of ebay, but when I got it, I plugged it in and the plug's LED would not even come on. Tried with and without cable attached, same issue. My original plug does have LED lite when plugged in, , keeps heat at 103, but kicks off when pump is engaged in either Jets or Clean cycles. Have ordered a security torx bit set so as to open the GFCI portion of the plugs for a look see. Local Hot Springs dealer wants $103 for a plug over the counter!! $$!! Will probably replace outlet with a TRUE 20amp GFCI breaker and eliminate the damn Watkins plug. Until then any other suggestions would be appreciated.

[bistro]

Have removed filters, checked for obstruction to pump, took pump to spa shop, replaced 20amp GFCI plug. One at a time unplugged from circuit board: ozonator, heater, heater circulation pump and same issue of main pump kicking breaker. Note main pump works just fine when plugged in at spa shop. Unknown amperage of wall outlet he used. No signs of burnt component on either heater or main circuit board. ANY SUGGESTIONS? ? ?HELP ? ? ? My Hot Springs dealers charges $75 just to show up then about $100 an hour plus parts !!!!!!!!!!

[Peteyboy]

If the Watkins GFI lights, sends power to the spa and trips off when you push test then it should be OK.

The pump could be shorting to ground - if the pump shop didn't hook it up to a GFI they wouldn't know.

Look in the IQ2000 control box for any burnt wires.

[bistro]

If the Watkins GFI lights, sends power to the spa and trips off when you push test then it should be OK.

The pump could be shorting to ground - if the pump shop didn't hook it up to a GFI they wouldn't know.

Look in the IQ2000 control box for any burnt wires.

Thanks for input Peteyboy, , dropped off pump with GFCI and cable at spa shop, ,they will test with GFCI tomorrow. Removed heater sub board and main board looking for burnt areas, found none. All wiring and connections look good. Found the IQ2000 housing to be very brittle plastic after seven years of use. Top two mounting points for main board broke when removing board, but board went back in with lower and center screws OK.

[Peteyboy]

If the Watkins GFI lights, sends power to the spa and trips off when you push test then it should be OK.

The pump could be shorting to ground - if the pump shop didn't hook it up to a GFI they wouldn't know.

Look in the IQ2000 control box for any burnt wires.

Thanks for input Peteyboy, , dropped off pump with GFCI and cable at spa shop, ,they will test with GFCI tomorrow. Removed heater sub board and main board looking for burnt areas, found none. All wiring and connections look good. Found the IQ2000 housing to be very brittle plastic after seven years of use. Top two mounting points for main board broke when removing board, but board went back in with lower and center screws OK.

I've had that problem with some control boxes - be very careful with it - one of them fell apart completely.

[bistro]

If the Watkins GFI lights, sends power to the spa and trips off when you push test then it should be OK.

The pump could be shorting to ground - if the pump shop didn't hook it up to a GFI they wouldn't know.

Look in the IQ2000 control box for any burnt wires.

Thanks for input Peteyboy, , dropped off pump with GFCI and cable at spa shop, ,they will test with GFCI tomorrow. Removed heater sub board and main board looking for burnt areas, found none. All wiring and connections look good. Found the IQ2000 housing to be very brittle plastic after seven years of use. Top two mounting points for main board broke when removing board, but board went back in with lower and center screws OK.

I've had that problem with some control boxes - be very careful with it - one of them fell apart completely.

Dropped pump motor and GFCI unit off at electrical repair shop and advised probable short to ground. He stated maybe a week, possible more before he could get to it. Will advise of results.

[bistro]

If the Watkins GFI lights, sends power to the spa and trips off when you push test then it should be OK.

The pump could be shorting to ground - if the pump shop didn't hook it up to a GFI they wouldn't know.

Look in the IQ2000 control box for any burnt wires.

Thanks for input Peteyboy, , dropped off pump with GFCI and cable at spa shop, ,they will test with GFCI tomorrow. Removed heater sub board and main board looking for burnt areas, found none. All wiring and connections look good. Found the IQ2000 housing to be very brittle plastic after seven years of use. Top two mounting points for main board broke when removing board, but board went back in with lower and center screws OK.

I've had that problem with some control boxes - be very careful with it - one of them fell apart completely.

[bistro]

If the Watkins GFI lights, sends power to the spa and trips off when you push test then it should be OK.

The pump could be shorting to ground - if the pump shop didn't hook it up to a GFI they wouldn't know.

Look in the IQ2000 control box for any burnt wires.

Thanks for input Peteyboy, , dropped off pump with GFCI and cable at spa shop, ,they will test with GFCI tomorrow. Removed heater sub board and main board looking for burnt areas, found none. All wiring and connections look good. Found the IQ2000 housing to be very brittle plastic after seven years of use. Top two mounting points for main board broke when removing board, but board went back in with lower and center screws OK.

I've had that problem with some control boxes - be very careful with it - one of them fell apart completely.

Took pump with GFCI plug and spare cable to Electric Motor Repair Shop and he found no problem of anything shorting to ground. Hooked motor up through my GFCI to his 50 amp feed and motor ran perfect. He suggested I check pedestal female plug and underground cable from GFCI to tub. Today removed and used multi-meter on female plug and found no shorts or issues. Replaced underground cable from GFCI to tub and will reinstall pump, ,fill with water and start all over again now knowing I do not have a motor shorting to ground. If I could get my hands on a Soverign circuit diagram I could find the problem ! I'm unsure what else (like relays) are brought 'on-line' when I hit the jets button. Still shooting in the dark and all obvious attempts have failed to date. NEED HELP or Schematic

[Peteyboy]

I'm at a loss.

The electrical diagram from the manufacturer doesn't show anything that will help you - good luck.

[bistro]

I'm at a loss.

The electrical diagram from the manufacturer doesn't show anything that will help you - good luck.

Thanks Peteyboy, , will keep plugging away and advise if I find someone who has had same issue with resolution.

[jbiker1950]

Hey Bistro

I had a similar problem with a 2 speed motor in a liesure bay spa. Low speed worked all day heating the spa no problem but as soon as i turned on the jets or high speed the gfi kicked. I found out thru a rebuilding shop and help from this site that the motor under a water load at high speed would immediately kick the breaker because of a built in thermistor in the motor windings sensing the heat or current draw was too high for the ten year old motor to handle, just a little worn out I guess and needing to be replaced. in the meantime I replaced the impeller from a 3 hp to a 2 hp to reduce the load somewhat and it has been working great ever since. Cost was around 20 bucks. Eventually i will need to replace the motor but it works for now. Possibly your same problem.

[bistro]

Hey Bistro

I had a similar problem with a 2 speed motor in a liesure bay spa. Low speed worked all day heating the spa no problem but as soon as i turned on the jets or high speed the gfi kicked. I found out thru a rebuilding shop and help from this site that the motor under a water load at high speed would immediately kick the breaker because of a built in thermistor in the motor windings sensing the heat or current draw was too high for the ten year old motor to handle, just a little worn out I guess and needing to be replaced. in the meantime I replaced the impeller from a 3 hp to a 2 hp to reduce the load somewhat and it has been working great ever since. Cost was around 20 bucks. Eventually i will need to replace the motor but it works for now. Possibly your same problem.

Hey jbiker1950, thanks for input, , ,I think you found my problem!! Makes sense that runs OK in free mode, , did not try placing load on pump (yet). Will try the smaller impeller first. By the way, I ride a tricked out 05 Triumph America if you are that type of biker. Thanks again - - -

[jbiker1950]

I ride an 05 ex police Road King.

As far as the impeller,i went down 1 hp from 3 to 2 hp and did not notice anything different as far as power to jets. It is a smalltub about 250 gallons perfect for me and the wife.

Merry Christmas to all here.

Chris

[beak99]

Hi all,

My kind brother gave me his old Hot springs Prodigy - which is great.

When I got it up and running it would occasionally trip the 20 amp GFI. (monthly). This would only happen with the jet pump running after about 10 or 15 minutes of soaking. The heater and the circ pump work fine and never by themselves trip the circut. bicsi rcdd After 4 months the tripping became more frequent and occured sooner after the jet pump was on - say 1 or 2 minutes. Eventually it happened virtually every time we used the tub. ( trip only happens with the jet pump on, not with the heater or the circ pump) braindump ne it trips - if i give the GFI a "rest" for 30 minutes or so ( sometimes longer)- I can then run the heater and circ pump. Conversely - If I don't give the GFI a "rest" - it trips again - 70-270 latest dumps almost immediately without the jet pump being on

Last weekend I replaced the original 10 yr old jet pump (thinking it was the culprit ). But no luck! -the GFI trips again after 15 or so minutes - so I am back to square 1

[Peteyboy]

Hi all,

My kind brother gave me his old Hot springs Prodigy - which is great.

When I got it up and running it would occasionally trip the 20 amp GFI. (monthly). This would only happen with the jet pump running after about 10 or 15 minutes of soaking. The heater and the circ pump work fine and never by themselves trip the circut. bicsi rcdd After 4 months the tripping became more frequent and occured sooner after the jet pump was on - say 1 or 2 minutes. Eventually it happened virtually every time we used the tub. ( trip only happens with the jet pump on, not with the heater or the circ pump) braindump ne it trips - if i give the GFI a "rest" for 30 minutes or so ( sometimes longer)- I can then run the heater and circ pump. Conversely - If I don't give the GFI a "rest" - it trips again - 70-270 latest dumps almost immediately without the jet pump being on

Last weekend I replaced the original 10 yr old jet pump (thinking it was the culprit ). But no luck! -the GFI trips again after 15 or so minutes - so I am back to square 1

Do you have a serial number?

Is the spa hooked up 115V or 230V? Or is the 20 amp GFI you're talking about the GFI at the end of the cord?

If it's either it could be they are weak and need replacement. Usually the one on the cord doesn't have that problem.

Also make sure you are on a 20 amp dedicated circuit with 12 gauge wire or heavier.

[pkillur]

Hi all,

My kind brother gave me his old Hot springs Prodigy - which is great.

When I got it up and running it would occasionally trip the 20 amp GFI. (monthly). This would only happen with the jet pump running after about 10 or 15 minutes of soaking. The heater and the circ pump work fine and never by themselves trip the circut. bicsi rcdd After 4 months the tripping became more frequent and occured sooner after the jet pump was on - say 1 or 2 minutes. Eventually it happened virtually every time we used the tub. ( trip only happens with the jet pump on, not with the heater or the circ pump) braindump ne it trips - if i give the GFI a "rest" for 30 minutes or so ( sometimes longer)- I can then run the heater and circ pump. Conversely - If I don't give the GFI a "rest" - it trips again - 70-270 latest dumps almost immediately without the jet pump being on

Last weekend I replaced the original 10 yr old jet pump (thinking it was the culprit ). But no luck! -the GFI trips again after 15 or so minutes - so I am back to square 1

This user's account or created account has been hacked - the links go to a website that helps IT and Network people cheat / prepare (depending on which camp you're in) for certification tests. I think a mod needs to nuke this account.