If a pump impeller is turning in the wrong direction, what is a likely result?

When a pump impeller is turning in the wrong direction, it typically results in less head and more current. This is because the impeller is designed to move fluid in a specific direction. If it rotates in the opposite direction, the efficiency of the pump is significantly compromised.

As the fluid is not being pushed effectively, the head – which is essentially the height to which the fluid can be lifted or the pressure it can generate – is reduced. In addition, the motor has to work harder to try to achieve the intended flow, leading to an increase in current draw. This results in a less effective pumping process and can potentially cause motor overheating or damage if the system is not corrected promptly.

Understanding this concept is vital because pump performance directly impacts system efficiency and energy consumption in various refrigeration and air conditioning applications.