z fgd pumps

Zoeller Drain Pump trips GFI

Zoeller 105 - Model 53 Drain Pump Problem

The drain pump, which is used for pumping washing machine water via a laundry tub, has stopped working and has tripped the GFI outlet. Every time I plug it back in the GFI outlet it trips. In addition, I ran an electrical cord from another GFI outlet and it tripped as well.

Possible Causes and Solutions

If the gfi pops out as soon as it is plugged in I would say you have a dead short in the motor or wiring. You might try removing the pump and checking the cord and or float mechanism.

Someplace, there is a ground fault and most likely it is in the motor windings.

I had it apart and checked both the float and wiring and saw no obvious problems with either.

Does or did the impeller move freely? Did it work after it was dry?

Just checked impeller and it moves freely. I am unable to get it going again as it continues to trip GFI outlet.

Is there a model number on the pump it's self? looks like you have the float attached model. their could be a replacement part for the switch. Good luck. thinking it is new pump time.

It is NOT a short circuit, or the circuit breaker would have tripped. You have a "leakage" to ground, probably in the motor. It would probably run if not connected to a GFCI, but there could be a shock hazard doing so.

It is time to replace the motor/pump unit. The GFI is doing its job.

Plug it into another gfi outlet and if it trips replace the pump why spend hours researching and repairing a $100 pump...just replace it

Time to replace the pump.

GFCI Outlet Usage

I do not recommend hooking a sump pump to a GFCI outlet. Probability of interruption of operation is far too high.

I don't like ANY motor into a GFCI.

I'd really like to know what others think about not using a GFI outlet. The Zoeller manual clearly states that a GFI outlet should be used. Furthermore, the original pump lasted beyond 5 years before becoming inoperable and never tripped the GFI during it's lifetime.

I have had refrigerators, electric water coolers, freezers, (my own and customers),and even my own electric snake, trip GFCI's when there was no indication that they were defective. Transient current pulses can fool them into thinking there is a problem.

"I do not recommend hooking a sump pump to a GFCI outlet." Although I understand your feelings, it is national code. If you choose to not use a GFI receptacle, definitely use a single receptacle and not a duplex.