What’s the Problem?
There are various reasons that a vacuum pump can cause the overload to trip. It could be an electrical fault; the pump could be seized or there may be back pressure on the exhaust filters for example.
How to Fix
Before checking any electrics, we would strongly advise that only skilled and competent people work on electrical equipment – Risk of serious injury or death can occur.
There are various reasons that a vacuum pump can cause the overload to trip. It could be an electrical fault; the pump could be seized or there may be back pressure on the exhaust filters for example.
If there is an electrical fault, a competent person needs to check that the pumps electrical supply is good. Check also that the cables and terminal block are not damaged or have loose wires. The motor or the contactor may be at fault so a competent electrician needs to check these faults. If the motor bearings fail this can lead to motor failure which in turn can cause the overload to trip. Contact us if you need a rental pump to help keep you running whilst we repair your failed unit.
If it is not possible to turn the pump and the motor by hand, the chances are that it is seized. The vanes maybe smashed, and the rotor jammed. This will mean dismantling the pump to check/replace vanes. Contact us for spares or estimated price for overhaul. If you are looking for suitable replacement vanes for your vacuum pump you can also contact us for the correct spare part.
The pump can also seize if filters have failed, or product has carried over from the process. In this case the pump will need to be stripped and rebuilt. We can supply a rental pump whilst yours is out of service. Lack of oil and poor servicing can lead to oil becoming carbonised, this leads to pump seizure. This will require the pump to be stripped and rebuilt. If a bearing has collapsed the clearances are compromised within the pump, this leads to the pump being very difficult to turn and eventually seizing. When this occurs, the pump will require the clearances resetting and a full overhaul will be needed, we can help you with that.
Some vacuum pumps have an exhaust filter, if the exhaust filter becomes blocked then the air flow is restricted. The pump motor will then be put under extra load. This can cause the overload to trip. To check the back pressure on the filters of an oil flooded vane pump, requires a pressure gauge fitting. The pump can then be run for a short period of time to check this. Higher back pressure than the manufacturers recommendation usually mean the filters need replacing. Contact us for competitive prices on spares or service.
Still Not Sure?
If you are not sure about conducting this kind of diagnostic or repairs work on your vacuum pump yourself. Don’t worry, we can help with our range of experts on hand, just contact us today.
If you have done all of the above and are still not sure what the problem is, it might be best to get one of our experts to take a look at it.
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