Power supply and cable fault lights
A corded pool robot gets its power through a chain. Outlet, power supply, floating cable, the plug at the robot. A light on the power unit, or a power blink on the robot, says the chain broke somewhere. It doesn't say where.
Which light means what depends on your model. Check your manual's table. This page covers what such lights tend to point to.
What the power unit's light can tell you
Many power supplies have an indicator. On one corded model, a lit LED with the switch on means the unit is receiving AC power from the outlet1.
But that's all it means. The same guide says a lit LED does not confirm adequate DC output, because the parts inside can fail while the light stays on1. A green or blue light is good news, not a clean bill of health.
A dark light with the switch on points back toward the outlet.
Outside checks you can do
Keep these to the outside of the system, and do them unplugged where you can.
- Outlet. One maker's page says to plug another device into the same socket to confirm it works2. If that device is dead, the robot isn't the problem.
- Direct plug. Plug the power supply straight into the outlet. One technical guide says extension cords are not permitted for that corded model1. Another maker says not to use one with its cordless charger3.
- The robot-end plug. Dry, clean and fully seated. One maker's page says an oxidised or damp connector prevents current from flowing2.
- The cable run. Look along the whole floating cable for cuts, scrapes and pinches.
Don't use a damaged cable. Per one guide, a cut, abraded or pinched cord can expose the internal wires to pool water1.
Where the power supply sits
Position matters. One safety list says the power supply must be placed at least 12 feet (4 meters) from the pool's edge4. Your own manual gives the distance that applies to your model.
The same list says the unit must be connected to an RCD, which is what US owners call a GFCI4.
A tripping GFCI is not a nuisance
If the GFCI trips, don't reset it and run the robot again. One guide puts it flatly: a GFCI trip during robotic cleaner operation is not a nuisance event and should not be treated as one1.
Leave the robot out of the water. Unplug it. Contact the maker.
What to leave to a professional
Some things aren't an owner's job:
- Anything inside the power supply. One guide says it's not repairable1.
- Voltage testing with a meter, or opening the robot's sealed motor housing.
- Moving or rewiring the outlet, or changing the GFCI.
- A cable you suspect is damaged inside.
Use the maker's support, or an electrician qualified in pool and spa work. Before any of this, follow the first-steps routine.
If the robot powers up but stops partway, read about mid-cycle stops next.
Sources used
- Hayward Robotic Cleaner Power Supply Issues, PoolDial
- Pool robot that does not start or stops during the cycle, Beatbot
- Niya Sonar 50 / F5 support FAQ, Maytronics
- Aquabot Pool Rover S2-40 - Frequently Asked Questions, The Pool Factory
Keep reading
How pool robot fault lights workWhat the lights, blinks and beeps on a robotic pool cleaner are, and why one maker's pattern means something different from another's.
How to find your fault code in the maker's manualWhere to find the list of fault codes for your exact pool robot, and what to do if the paper manual is long gone.
Safe checks before you touch a faulty pool robotWhat to do first when a pool robot shows a fault: everyone out of the pool, power off, robot out of the water, then look.