U.S. Motors pool pump emits a burning smell or visible smoke from the motor housing.

Safety first: Immediately turn off power at the breaker. Do not attempt to restart the pump until it has been inspected.

• Allow to cool: Let the motor cool completely before touching or opening any covers.
• Inspect exterior: Look for melted wiring, burned paint, or soot around the motor vents.
• Check shaft movement: With power off, attempt to rotate the shaft by hand. A locked shaft indicates mechanical failure contributing to overheating.
• Electrical testing: Use an ohmmeter to check winding resistance and a megohmmeter to test insulation to ground. Shorted or grounded windings require motor replacement.
• Replace motor: In most cases of smoke or burning odor from the windings, the U.S. Motors pool pump motor must be replaced. Also inspect and replace the shaft seal to prevent recurrence.