Chiller keeps blowing fuses

TitansFan · Nov 20, 2014

I have a JBJ 1/3 HP chiller. The fuses keep blowing. I have tried air blowing out the coils but still replacing a fuse every other day. I bought it used... hope I didn't get a lemon. Could it be my house wiring? Is there something else I can check for on the unit?

NeveSSL · Nov 20, 2014

That doesn't sound good. If you're using the correctly rated fuses, its pulling too much juice for some reason. I'd say you have a lemon, most likely. Check with JBJ and see if they have any recommendations.

Also, a chiller right now!?

Brandon

bknapp · Nov 20, 2014

How much amperage are you pulling from that individual breaker? Could just be overloading that breaker.

NeveSSL · Nov 20, 2014

Wouldn't the breaker trip if you were overloading it? Not the fuse?

Brandon

bknapp · Nov 20, 2014

NeveSSL said:
Wouldn't the breaker trip if you were overloading it? Not the fuse?

Brandon

That would be correct, after re-reading his post I realized I didn't read it correctly the first time.

NeveSSL · Nov 20, 2014

Lol. OK. Just checking.

Brandon

bknapp · Nov 20, 2014

I should be in bed, probably. LOL

TitansFan · Nov 21, 2014

Guess I shall call JBJ. These T5 lights keep the water on the warmer side. It maybe me but I have always experienced more algae growth with higher temps. Radio Shack loves me though... Maybe they have a punch card where your 20th fuse is free.

rayn · Nov 21, 2014

I had the same issue when I ran a jbj. You ARE pulling to much amp. It is a protective in the chiller to shut it down first. Your fuse is rated lower then your breaker and will blow first.

Try another fuse, but plug it into the closest outlet with the shortest/thickest extension cord you can get.

ReeferIX · Nov 21, 2014

I have the same issues with my 1/3 hp JBJ. I just stock-up on ceramic 15amp fuses. I bet I used around 15-20 this last summer. I just always have Apex Fusion pulled-up on my work computer and I am alerted when my temps raise above my set-point, and my apex starts turning lights off until temp gets back in check. eBay sells these 15amp ceramic fuses the cheapest I have found and in packs of 5.

TitansFan · Nov 22, 2014

Just got home abit ago and of course the chiller was out. Tank is at 82 warmer than I like. I have removed the extension cord and plugged it straight into the wall moving the tank plugs to the extension cord. The tank cords are now on a different breaker. Now we shall see.. ::crosses fingers::

Aquaph8 · Nov 22, 2014

I had one do this in the past and had to set it he differential setting higher so it wouldn't kick on as often.

tigerdragon · Nov 23, 2014

Prolly using wrong fuses chillers use what is known as a slo blow fuse to handle the the sudden pwr draw when it kicks on. They spike at first then settle down. I suggest you contact jbj and get the right fuses from them. Should be $10 for a pack of 3 or 5 i think.