Dolphin power supply keeps turning off

dolphin

The Problem

A Dolphin power supply that repeatedly shuts itself off during a cycle is triggering a protection circuit. This is distinct from the robot stopping — the PSU itself is cutting power. The most common causes are thermal protection (overheating), a cable or connector fault detected mid-cycle, or an intermittent PSU component failure.

Steps

1
Note when the shutdown occurs — immediately on start, after a fixed time, or randomly. Timing helps identify whether it is thermal (time-based) or electrical (random).
2
Move the PSU to a shaded, ventilated location and retry. If the cycle completes, thermal protection was triggering.
3
Disconnect the floating cable, clean the connector pins with a dry cloth, and reconnect firmly. An intermittent connection is a common cause of repeated shutdowns.
4
Try the PSU on a different wall outlet on a separate circuit to rule out voltage fluctuation.
5
If shutdowns remain unpredictable across different locations and temperatures, the PSU has an internal intermittent fault — contact Maytronics support.

Possible Causes & Solutions

common

Thermal shutdown — PSU is overheating and cutting power

Move the PSU to a shaded, well-ventilated location. Allow it to cool between cycles. A PSU in direct sun will repeatedly overheat and shut down.

common

Loose or corroded cable connector causing intermittent fault detection

An intermittent connection at the floating cable connector can cause the PSU to repeatedly detect and clear a fault during the cycle. Disconnect, clean, and firmly reseat the cable connector.

occasional

Intermittent mains supply voltage drop on the circuit

A shared circuit with high-draw appliances can cause voltage drops that trip the PSU protection. Run the PSU on a dedicated outdoor circuit where possible.

occasional

Internal PSU component becoming unreliable under load

A PSU that performs correctly when cold but shuts off after 10–20 minutes of operation often has a failing capacitor or relay that degrades under load. This requires professional diagnosis or replacement.

When to Replace

Replace the PSU if it repeatedly shuts down in a shaded, ventilated location with a clean cable connection and a stable power supply — an internal component has failed.

Where to Buy

Find compatible replacement parts from these retailers:

Check price for dolphin replacement parts on Amazon

Compatible Parts

Maytronics Dolphin Power Supply Unit

Model-specific. Verify your Dolphin model number before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

My PSU turns off after exactly 20 minutes every time — is this thermal?

A consistent shutdown time is a strong indicator of thermal protection. Time-consistent shutdowns mean the PSU heats to its threshold reliably. Move it to shade and improve airflow.

Is intermittent shutdown bad for the robot?

Frequent unexpected power cuts during a cycle can stress the robot motors and control board. Fix the root cause before running further cycles.

Should I just replace the PSU if it keeps shutting off?

Not necessarily. First establish whether the cause is thermal (cheap fix: move to shade) or electrical. A PSU that only fails when hot and in sun does not need replacing — just better placement.