If pump motor amps are measured at 18, what does this indicate?

Measuring pump motor amps at 18 typically indicates abnormal operation, which can suggest a range of potential issues. In standard practice, pumps have a specified full-load current based on their design, motor size, and system requirements. When the current draw deviates significantly from the expected full-load current, it often signals a problem such as a mechanical fault, a blockage in the pump system, or an issue within the motor itself.

A reading of 18 amps, if it's above the normal operating range, could indicate that the motor is working harder than it should, potentially leading to overheating and eventual failure. Conversely, if 18 amps is significantly below the expected value, it may point towards an underloaded condition, where the pump is not operating efficiently, or there could be a sensing issue. Therefore, it’s critical for operators to compare the measured current to the manufacturer’s specifications to assess whether the pump is functioning correctly, confirming that a reading of 18 amps suggests something is amiss in the system's operation, thus supporting the notion of abnormal operation.