Goulds Pumps VS - IOM - Manual (Page 16)

PLATE AND THE WELL CASING. If a gasket or
other seating device is used, be sure that it is
aligned properly and that it is not damaged. Install
the mounting bolts.
5-11 Before connecting the power cable to the
control panel:
Take a resistance reading between the power
cable conductors and ground to assure that the
insulation on the cable or splice was not damaged
during installation. (See Appendix C)
Measure the resistance of the power cable and
motor circuit. (See Appendix C) Compare these
readings with those taken in Section 4 to assure
that the splice is still intact. Make the electrical
connection between the power cable and the con-
trol panel. It may be desirable to use a terminal
box at the well head to simplify the electrical work
required when the pump is pulled. Be sure that
the unit is grounded properly.
WARNING
FAILURE TO GROUND THE UNIT PROPERLY CAN
RESULT IN SERIOUS OR FATAL SHOCK. REFER
TO ELECTRICAL CODE REQUIREMENTS.
Be sure to connect the leads as they were marked
previously in the procedure.
SECTION 6 – STARTING THE PUMP
CAUTION
INITIAL START-UP AND TESTING MAY REQUIRE
STARTING AND STOPPING THE PUMP SEVERAL
TIMES. BE SURE TO ALLOW ADEQUATE COOL-
ING OFF PERIOD BETWEEN STARTS. CONSULT
THE MOTOR MANUAL. IF NO INFORMATION IS
GIVEN, A GOOD RULE-OF-THUMB IS TO ALLOW
A MINIMUM OF 15 MINUTES BETWEEN STARTS.
For initial start-up allow the water to be pumped
out onto the ground. A throttle valve in the dis-
charge line is recommended. Position the throttle
valve approximately one-forth open for start-up of
the pump. This will prevent surging the well or the
pump during start-up.
If the pump has been in the well for several days
before the start-up, check the resistance between
the cable conductor and ground to assure that
water has not penetrated the splice or the cable
insulation. (See Section 4)
Clamp the tongs of a clamp-on type ammeter
around one power lead to the pump. Set the
ammeter on the maximum scale. After the motor
starts, it can be reset to a lower scale as desired.
Refer to the motor manual and determine the nor-
mal operating amps for the installed motor.
Start the pump and observe and record the cur-
rent readings on each conductor of the power
lead. If the current exceeds the normal value
determined in the motor manual, stop the pump
immediately. A high current reading indicates that
something is wrong. Among the potential prob-
lems are:
• Incorrect pump rotation (3 phase only)
• Improper voltage
• Sand locked pump
• Improper cable size or leak in cable
• Mechanical damage
In any case, the problem must be corrected before
the pump can be operated.
On three phase units if water does not appear
within one minute (deeper settings may require
approximately one half minute per 100 ft setting)
the motor may be running backwards. Stop the
pump and interchange any two of the three cable
connections. If there is any doubt about the prop-
er rotation, run the motor in one direction and then
the other. The rotation that gives the highest pres-
sure and flow is always the correct one.
Check the voltage. The voltage when the pump is
running should be within 5% of the pump motor
nameplate voltage.
Open the throttle valve. If a flow meter is avail-
able, open the throttle valve to rated flow of the
pump. If sand appears in the water, throttle the
pump at approximately 80% of full flow until the
sand clears. If excessive noise develops, pres-
sure fluctuates, or water appears foamy white, the
pump is probably cavitating and the flow should
be throttled until the noise diminishes, the pres-
sure remains steady, and the water is clear.
On three phase units check for current unbalance.
Details of the current unbalance test are given in
the Appendix C. THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE
CURRENT UNBALANCE IS 5%. If the current
unbalance exceeds 5% after rolling the leads and
connecting them for the lowest unbalance, the
pump should be stopped and corrective action
taken. Current unbalance in excess of 5% can be
expected to cause excessive heating in the motor
and premature failure. Operation with a current
unbalance in excess of 5% will void the warranty.
8