Florida Wastewater Practice Test

If a pump does not start despite power being available at the breaker, what should be your next step?

1. Check the impeller

2. Check for blown fuses

3. Inspect the pump for clogs

4. Reset the breaker

The correct answer is: Check for blown fuses

In the scenario where a pump does not start even though power is available at the breaker, checking for blown fuses is a logical next step because fuses act as protective devices for the electrical circuit. If a fuse is blown, it indicates that there was an overload or fault in the system, which can prevent the pump from receiving the necessary power to start. Replacing a blown fuse or resetting a tripped circuit breaker can often restore functionality to the pump without further inspection or more complex troubleshooting. This step is crucial to ensure that the electrical components are functioning correctly before moving on to other potential issues that could be causing the pump’s failure to start. If fuses are intact, it will then be appropriate to investigate other aspects of the pump system, but the immediate action should focus on confirming the integrity of the fuses first.