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Pump rotation tester.
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Previously:
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...775#post209932
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...605#post201367
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...434#post158456
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...428#post181720
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...895#post171450
I installed geo-thermal heating/cooling in my home when I built it in the late 80's. There 6 pumps involved. The testers are cute, but I have always wondered about them. I know I should get one but I just use my hand to know if the pump is running.
What I am wondering is, does the tester spin when the armature in the motor spins, OR will it spin even if motor it energized as the magnetic fields would be moving even though the armature could be stuck. Most of those type pumps are impedance protected, and will not burn up even if the armature is stalled.
Has anyone used one?
I used to maintain a hydronic boiler system in a local Restaurant/Lodge. I had to replace many of those pumps. I never knew about that tool and since all the pumps were three phase I had to physically see which direction the pump was turning...
Would a cheap plastic compass work in this application ? e.g....
https://www.amazon.com/Compass-Survi...%2C181&sr=8-27
I can't see any reason why it wouldn'tQuote:
Originally Posted by mklotz
I just tried it. When I was walking to the pumps, I realized that my trusty orienteering compass will not work. All of this type of pump, the ones I know of anyway, have to be mounted so the shaft is horizontal. All of the compasses I know of need to be held so the needle, or plate is level. When you try to hold it against a pump base, the needle tilts and cannot move.Quote:
Originally Posted by mklotz
Could, aside from not being horizontal, it be from the excess diameter of a orienteering compass? (Lol, maybe only 15 guys here know that term). It may not wish/ be able to sync with motor poles, like the little one shown. Also, the Grundfos model spins a card, not a needle, possibly larger bit of iron too, hence better balance, easier turning.Quote:
Originally Posted by hemmjo
Now, anyone have a keychain or zipper tab compass and a vertically positioned motor about the premises,......?
A quick web check found them at low cost, starting about $6.00 USD. Pretty cheap insurance, being applicable to vertical motors in general. And a lot of motors have very short tolerance to running counter to whatever their design rotation.
Anything to avoid purchase of full fledged rotation meter, ie Biddle, Fluke, Amprobe, Ideal, and many others. $125 and up; WAY up.