Hayward Short Circuit or Ground Fault in Pump Motor

Pump trips the breaker immediately when turned on.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Shorted motor windings, Water inside motor or junction box, Pinched or damaged power cable, Incorrect wiring causing a short

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Do not repeatedly reset a tripping breaker. Turn off power and lock out if possible.

  • Inspect wiring: Remove the motor wiring cover and check for loose strands, burned insulation, or wires touching the motor frame.
  • Check for water: Look for moisture inside the motor terminal box or conduit. Dry thoroughly and correct any leaks.
  • Insulation test: Have a qualified technician perform a megohm test between motor leads and ground to detect insulation breakdown.
  • Correct wiring: Verify that the motor is wired according to the Hayward wiring diagram for the correct voltage.
  • Replace motor: If a short is confirmed in the windings, replace the motor assembly.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Motor Assembly
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