The Thermal Overload Protector on a motor monitors both motor temperature and current. When either exceeds the motor's limit, the Protector will shut the motor off until it cools. Overheating or high current are generally caused by other factors that overload the motor, like substituting the wrong motor or lack of proper ventilation around the motor. Occassionally, however, the Thermal Overload Protector goes bad and must be replaced. This guide shows you where the Thermal Overload Protector is located on a typical AO Smith motor, and how to replace it. This guide is specific to an AO Smith motor but many of the steps are applicable to other makes.
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Anonymous Posted: 10/27/2020
everything looks good but pump only runs less than minute then calmly shuts off? not enough time to function?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 11/3/2020
You should check the voltage reaching the motor and for any obstructions in the impeller. you can see instructions on how to do this in the following guides: How To Determine Why a Motor Won't Start or Shuts Off & Using the Proper Test Equipment to Troubleshoot Pool MotorsReply
J cartrt Posted: 4/6/2020
My capacitor wires sparked against the housing of the motor ..I have replace the capacitor and still no running motor I have power could it be the overload protector? ThanksReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 4/7/2020
If the capacitor was able to spark on the motor or pump housing, I presume you were already working on it? Was there an issue with the motor before the sparking incident?A guide that contains most of our motor troubleshooting help: Pool Motor TroubleshootingReply
Inyopools Posted: 12/27/2017
AF Mustang - Make sure your have the right replacement capacitor. Call us if you aren't sure. Then check that you are running on the correct voltage and that your governor and switch are not stuck. If that is all good, you may have a damaged motor. Check for continuity in your motor windings.Reply
AFMustang Posted: 12/23/2017
I installed a new capacitor and discharged it before installation. No other wiring was disturbed. After reinstalling the cover, I turned on the circuit breaker and heard a loud POP. I took off the cover and the thermal overload protector plastic casing was in pieces laying in the bottom of the cover. The surge had also tripped the upstream breaker feeding this panel and one more. I don't want to replace the TOP without finding the source of the problem. Any idea what might cause the TOP to explode that way?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 1/9/2017
Tom - Unfortunately, we do not sell thermal overload protectors. See if a motor shop or pool shop will give/sell you one off a broken motor or they may know where to find new ones.Reply
Tom Posted: 1/8/2017
i am needing to replace my thermal overload protector (cet40abm listed on part) and can not locate a part anywhere. HELP!!!! thank you in advanceReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/11/2016
Mike - Unfortunately, the thermal overload protector only protects the motor against overheating. If you configure a motor for 115V and connect it to 220V the motor windings will fail.Reply
Mike Posted: 7/10/2016
Hi, I just plugged 115v Hayward Super Pump to 230 :-(. The pump stopped after 1 sec but there is no smell, no burning. Is there any possibility that the thermal overload protector trips and the pump still good? It can protect the pump from overvoltage?Reply
Confused Posted: 5/16/2016
Hey I purchased a superpump, and I couldn't get the jumper to fit. So in trying to do so the wires on it got disconnected. All this being said I have it wired without jumper. And with help I have got it this far, question is when I turn it on it makes a clicking sound. Any and all help needed!!!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 4/13/2015
TOP - Have someone do a continuity check on the Thermal Overload Protector.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 4/10/2015
How do you determine if the TOP is bad?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 1/6/2015
Where to buy TOP - You are right. These Thermal Overload Protectors are hard to find. Found a blind contact on the internet that claims to have them at 888-794-2365. If that doesn't work, see if a motor shop or pool shop will give/sell you one off a broken motor or they may know where to find new ones.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 1/5/2015
This is a great article, but I have just one small problem. Where in the world can I find a replacement Thermal Overload Protector for my AO Smith Pool Pump. I cannot find one anywhere. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.Reply