Potential Relay Question

[gregs]

I have a 3hp submersible well that uses a Franklin control box. Inside is a potential relay that controls the start capacitor. I replace these from time to time as maintenance along with the other caps and contactor. The contact points in the relay burn after 3-4 years. The potential relay I have always used and believe was original to the box is a Mars 19551 with a Franklin part number of 155031102 that is used in there 1hp, 2hp, and 3hp Deluxe boxes. I just replaced it and need to order a spare for my parts box. I see that the Mars are made in China now and average $60. I also see a number of others that are supposed to cross reference the Franklin number. When I look up the specs for the cross referenced ones the only thing that is different is the pickup voltage range. The Mars is listed at 244-270 volts while the others are listed at 205-234, that seems to be a big difference. Any ideas as to the voltage difference for the operation and longevity?

I also see that there are some universal ones that are supposed to have some type of voltage sensing capability?

 

[fitter30]

Found this. Only in a emergency would i ever deviate from factory relay number.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[gregs]

Thats the relay I was looking at and found the specs for. Just wondering about the pickup voltage difference? Also wondering if the voltages would be different between a 1hp, 2hp, and 3hp pump motor since its the same relay for all 3. Probably just going to order another Mars brand even tough its expensive and made in China now!

 

[popbigguy]

Try this company: https://manitowocrelay.com/store-product-list/
Our HOA had pumps that the relay would go bad after a few years. It was installed with the terminals up, as a result water would get in there and pit out the contacts. You can get one that mounts terminals down, different part number. This company helped us!

 

[gregs]

Try this company: https://manitowocrelay.com/store-product-list/
Our HOA had pumps that the relay would go bad after a few years. It was installed with the terminals up, as a result water would get in there and pit out the contacts. You can get one that mounts terminals down, different part number. This company helped us!

Thanks for the link and experience. I indirectly ended up there.

I contacted Franklin and asked for the specs on the relay. They where helpful and supplied the specs along with another standard letter they had that listed the specs along with different Franklin part numbers and what they included. They had a part number for a Heavy Duty 50a rated relay for my application instead of the standard 30a. After searching that part number, I ended up with a seller on Ebay that sells the USA made relays from the company you linked and I ordered one of those. It is supposed to match the Franklin specs exactly.

I found receipts from the Mars relays I had been getting from the HVAC supply house over the years. I did verify that the Mars number was a direct cross reference from there catalog for the standard Franklin part number, but the specs are slightly different. I am not sure how close is close enough though. Hopefully the new relay lasts a bit longer and after I verify that it works correctly I will still probably order a spare.

 

[walta]

I think I would be looking for whatever old stock I track down.

I see 2 sellers on Ebay that still have the USA made item in the photo

Walta

 

[gregs]

The above referenced relays are USA made. They have a facility in Wisconsin where they manufacture them.