Ever wonder who the Franklin Field Service Engineer is for your region? We make them easy to look up on our website, and by visiting our Field Service Engineer page, you can learn more about the engineer serving your area. This week’s featured Engineer is Michael Keen, serving the Alabama, Georgia, and Florida region.
by: Mark Reeder
Franklin Electric’s Certified Contractor Program recognizes those water systems contractors that have made a commitment to understanding the proper application and installation of Franklin products. Attendance at an all-day Franklin Tech session, either at the factory, or ”on the road” automatically certifies a contractor.
However, water systems contractors with 5 or more years experience with Franklin products can “test-out” of BASIC Certification with an exam.
Many of you have taken the Franklin Electric Certified Contractor exam on our Key Dealer website at www.keydealer.franklin-electric.com. Looking back at the results so far, there is one question that is most frequently missed on the test:
True or False? Amp draw is a reliable indication of electrical power consumption.
The correct answer is False, but it’s an easy one to get wrong. Here’s why: Continue reading
What information do I have to input when using Franklin’s SubMonitor protection system?
The SubMonitor is designed to work on motors that operate between 5 and 350 amps with worldwide standard voltages. The only information the SubMonitor needs is:
Everything else is factory set in the SubMonitor to provide optimum motor protection.
Do you know your Field Service Engineer? The list is growing! Today’s featured region is the Kentucky/Virginia/Maryland/Tennessee/North Carolina/South Carolina territory. Learn more about the Field Service Engineer in that area, Dave Bumbalough, by visiting the Field Service Engineer page.
Franklin’s motor literature talks about a Subtrol Sensor; what is that?
The Subtrol Sensor is a thermostat and transmitting device buried inside certain Franklin Electric 3-phase, 6- and 8-inch submersible motors. The Subtrol Sensor is used in combination with Franklin’s SubMonitor protection device. If the internal temperature of the motor becomes too high, the thermostat turns on the transmitter. The transmitter then sends a signal up the motor wires, which is picked up by the SubMonitor in the pump panel. By using a Subtrol equipped motor and the SubMonitor, you get high temperature protection without running extra wires down hole.
Lightning is one of the primary causes of failure in submersible motors. Without any protection a submersible motor has approximately a 30% chance of damage by lightning-induced surges within a year. Each year lightning strikes 16 times for every square mile, starts 75,000 forest fires and, according to the National Weather Service, kills 40 Americans every year. Lightning is also one of the primary factors in the failure of submersible motors. A direct hit during a storm can knock a motor out immediately; however, it is usually a power surge that causes damage. When a motor is hit with a voltage surge a carbon track is left in the motor, and with each following surge the carbon track builds. Continue reading
Readers, it was brought to our attention that some information appearing in the original version of “What You Don’t Know About Lightning Can Hurt You” was incorrect. We sincerely apologize for this inaccuracy, an amended version of this AID will arrive to your inbox soon. Thank you.
Do you know your Field Service Engineer? The list is growing; this week features Fred Stebbins in the Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Eastern North Dakota, Northern Missouri and the UP, and Michigan region. Learn more about the Field Service Engineer in that area, and around the country, by visiting the Field Service Engineer page.
Will a submersible pump run without a ground wire?
A submersible pump will run without a ground wire, the primary function of the ground wire is operator safety. Running a pump without a ground wire puts people and property at risk. Not only is it not a good idea, it is also dangerous and often in violation of regulations, and you could be held responsible for damages. The US National Electrical Code and Canadian Standards Association recognized that submersible motors are not always in steel cased water wells. With the on-set of non-metallic materials in pumps, drop pipes and well casing, code standards require running a ground wire from the motor to the electrical power source ground, IE breaker panel, connecting to all metal parts along the way.
Will a submersible pump run without a ground wire? Yes. But for safety DON’T DO IT. Bring it up to code.
Ever wonder who the Franklin Field Service Engineer is for your region? We make them easy to find on our website, and by visiting our Field Service Engineer page you can learn more about the engineer serving your area. This week we feature Randy Woodland, serving Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Western North Dakota, and Western Nebraska.
