Vectra Power Supply Hot

revhtree · Jan 21, 2017

Hey there and happy weekend!

I just wanted to know your thought on a Vectra M1 power supply that is hot? I can only hold it for about 5 seconds then let go or it would burn me!

Got it powering my water change system.

mcarroll · Jan 21, 2017

Tagging along

anthonygibson423 · Jan 21, 2017

Sounds like it is overloaded doesnt sound safe at all! Probably need to keep an eye on it unplug one thing at a time until ya find the problem

120reefkeeper · Jan 21, 2017

I would say no. I would unplug it and contact the manufacturer.

Broadfield · Jan 21, 2017

5 seconds huh?... maybe you have really feminine hands!?!

Now you're gonna make me rush home and feel my power supply.

jaws789832 · Jan 21, 2017

Mine got hot too, then it died a few months later. I purchased a new one from my LFS (Which gets hot as well), plus ecotech sent me a new one to replace the original so now I have a backup. It doesn't get so hot that I can't hold it but it is pretty close.

revhtree · Jan 21, 2017

Broadfield said:
5 seconds huh?... maybe you have really feminine hands!?!

Now you're gonna make me rush home and feel my power supply.

They are soft.....

revhtree · Jan 21, 2017

Anyway I have it unplugged and will reach out to ETM Monday. Thanks.

mfinn · Jan 21, 2017

My M1 temp is 98 degrees.
The L1 is 110 degrees.

If yours is too hot to keep your hand on it, I'd say somethings not right.
I would call them first thing Monday morning.
Don't email them or use a website question form. Call them.

revhtree · Jan 21, 2017

mfinn said:
My M1 temp is 98 degrees.
The L1 is 110 degrees.

If yours is too hot to keep your hand on it, I'd say somethings not right.
I would call them first thing Monday morning.
Don't email them or use a website question form. Call them.

The pump is cool. It's the power supply. Is that what you're talking about?

GK3 · Jan 21, 2017

I am not familiar with the M1 but if am familiar with motors. If the power supply is hot, then it most likely indicates the pump is pulling more current then the power supply is designed for. If this is new it sounds like a defect. If it is old then I'm with @jaws, the pump is about to die. Since it's pumping water, the motor is unlikely to get super hot as most of that heat is transferred to the water. I'd suggest you try a different pump and see if that solves the issue.

Also, if this is old then I'm guessing the power supply is in the same place it's always been. However, if it's in a new poorly ventilated place, this can be contributing too.

Regardless, if the power supply is warmer than normal, it will only get worse until one of two things happens - 1) it burst into flames/melts 2) it gets so hot it melts or destroys something internally and stops working.

So I'd unplug it ASAP.

mfinn · Jan 21, 2017

revhtree said:
The pump is cool. It's the power supply. Is that what you're talking about?

yes

mfinn · Jan 21, 2017

revhtree said:
Hey there and happy weekend!

I just wanted to know your thought on a Vectra M1 power supply that is hot? I can only hold it for about 5 seconds then let go or it would burn me!

Got it powering my water change system.

When you plumbed it, did you use the blue collar fitting, or did you get the optional BST/slip fitting kit?

revhtree · Jan 21, 2017

mfinn said:
When you plumbed it, did you use the blue collar fitting, or did you get the optional BST/slip fitting kit?

I used the blue color fittings.

ksed · Jan 22, 2017

I have found with most DC pumps if driven at 100% the power supplies get very hot.

revhtree · Jan 22, 2017

ksed said:
I have found with most DC pumps if driven at 100% the power supplies get very hot.

I also checked my L1 that has been running full power and it was quite warm as well but not so hot I had to put it down. I think you're correct!

IdahoReefMafia · Jan 22, 2017

I am on my 3rd L1 from ETM. All have over heated and died. point of sale if you ask me.

NCreefguy · Jan 22, 2017

This made me check my m1 power supply and it is pretty hot as well. This doesn't seem very safe.

Be102 · Jan 22, 2017

It seems that the vectra's are pretty hit or miss. It was my go to pump when looking to install a return pump, but it went downhill quickly. Lack of apex support, lots of similar problems as yours along with dying over a few months and whatnot. Is strange that a nearly $500 item on brs and md has less than 5 stars. I'm thinking of picking up a reef octopus varios 8.