Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: Return Pump amps varying - possible benign explanation?

  1. #1
    Frequent Visitor rkpetersen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Near Seattle
    Posts
    940

    Return Pump amps varying - possible benign explanation?

    I recently installed a new Varios 8 DC return pump in one of my tanks. As it was replacing a Varios 6 running at 100%, I set it at a constant (except for maintenance) 80% output under Apex control. By all other parameters, it seems to be running perfectly. However, I've noticed this pattern where the amperage of the pump drops slightly at night, every night. Wattage draw remains stable.

    Clipboard02b.jpg

    Others pumps I've had and currently have don't show this; amperage draw stays very steady.

    I was thinking about what could be going on here. One thing I've noted before is that our line voltage here does increase significantly at night. Superimposing the two plots as below, it seems that they correlate. Is this it? The pump just requires less amps because the line voltage increases? If so, is this 'fine', or any cause for concern?

    Clipboard03b.jpg

  2. #2
    Frequent Contributor zombie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Denver, CO
    Posts
    13,176
    That's normal for switching regulated power supplies. The power supply automatically compensates to provide a steady voltage to the pump, so the wattage remains relatively constant. If wattage remains constant and voltage decreases, current will increase.

    Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Frequent Visitor rkpetersen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Near Seattle
    Posts
    940
    Thanks zombie, it's good to have confirmation from someone who knows electricity better than I.

Similar Threads

  1. Question: Any explanation?
    By jonray in forum Fluid Monitoring Module (FMM), FMK, ATK, LDK, and FMM Accessories
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 06-03-2018, 08:53
  2. Question: Is there a way to program eb8 to notified when amps falls below certain amps?
    By ulicess3 in forum Misc Apex Usage & Programming
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 08-24-2017, 14:34
  3. Help Programming a Vacuum/Lift Pump to Return Pump With Apex
    By Holder1632 in forum Misc Apex Usage & Programming
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-01-2016, 19:48
  4. Best code for simple float switch to return off return pump?
    By ps2cho in forum Apex Programming for Dosing, ATO, and AWC
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 08-28-2014, 12:16
  5. 150w MH reading 0.5 - 0.7 amps should be 1.3 amps
    By Mstefa1 in forum EnergyBars 832 / 632 / 8 / 6 / 4
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 01-15-2013, 12:15

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •