Why Is My Well Pump Overload Protector Tripping?

If your well water pump overload protector is tripping in your control panel, it’s usually caused by one of five issues: voltage problems, overheating, a failing control panel, bad splice connections, or a defective pump or motor. Work through the steps below to find the cause.

Caution! Electricity can be very dangerous, especially if you are inexperienced. Always use caution working with electricity and turn off power supply breakers when testing components within the electrical system. If you are not 100% confident you can perform any of these tests safely, call a professional.

Step-by-Step: Troubleshooting Overloads Tripping

Step 1: Check the Voltage

Voltage needs to be at +/- 10% of motor ratings. Check that sufficient power is getting through the system by reading voltage at the pressure switch, control panel, and at any other components that power is running through. If your power is too high or low at the power panel, you may need to contact the power company.

Step 2: Check for Overheating

Other heat sources or direct sunlight can cause the overloads to overheat and prevent the pump from operating. Shade the control panel, provide ventilation, or move the box away from the heat source.

Step 3: Check the Control Panel

Give the control panel a visual exam for obvious signs of defects and wear. Look for loose connections, burnt or melted components. Individual components inside the panel may be replaced, however, they are expensive. If the panel is over 10 years old, replacement is recommended.

Shop Replacement Control Panels

We carry the full Franklin Electric control box lineup for 3-wire submersible motors:

• Franklin Electric QD Control Boxes — quick-disconnect design for easy service
• Franklin Electric Standard Control Boxes — reliable for 1–15 HP 3-wire motors
• Franklin Electric CRC Control Boxes — corrosion-resistant for demanding environments
• Franklin Electric Deluxe Control Box 230V 1PH — built-in line contactor, no external contactor needed

Step 4: Check Splice Connections

Check all electrical splice connections for corrosion and other obvious signs of problems. Normally, there will be a splice connection at the top of the well between the submersible cable and the UF or THHN wire, where the wire enters the home, and between the pump motor and the submersible cable. The connection at the pump motor can’t be checked unless the pump is pulled from the well.

Shop Submersible Pump Cable

Corroded or damaged cable is a common cause of overload trips. We carry quality submersible pump cable:

• #10 AWG 4-Wire THW Twisted Submersible Pump Cable
• #12 AWG 4-Wire THW Twisted Submersible Pump Cable
• #4 AWG 4-Wire THW Deep Well Submersible Pump Cable

Step 5: Check the Pump and Motor

If the troubleshooting in the 4 steps above does not resolve your problem, it may be time to replace the pump and motor. Upon pulling the pump and motor you can check the splice connection at the motor. The Franklin Electric AIM (Application – Installation – Maintenance) Manual is what we recommend to help you or your pump technician determine the cause of the problem. Click here for a link to the manual.

Related Guides

• 📖 How to Troubleshoot Franklin Electric Control Boxes (1.5–15 HP)
• 📖 Troubleshooting Submersible Well Pumps 101 — Pump Does Not Start
• 📖 Troubleshooting 4" Submersible Motor: Insulation & Windings Resistance
• 📖 30/50 or 40/60 PSI: What Pressure to Set Your System To

Need Expert Help?

Check out our video “Troubleshoot: Water Well Pump Overloads Tripping” on the RC Worst YouTube Channel, or get direct help from our experts.

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Call 855.329.4519 or visit www.rcworst.com.