How long will a water pump burn out if it runs dry?

[DiDamian]

Generally, a water pump should not run dry for more than 3 minutes. For plastic pumps or plastic-lined pumps, the dry-running time should be even shorter. Otherwise, it may cause dry friction at the pump seal, leading to damage to the pump seal and bearings. The pump impeller may also deform due to excessive temperature, and in severe cases, the motor may burn out. A centrifugal pump will not be damaged by short periods of dry running (within 1 minute). More details are as follows: 1. Whether the dry-running pump has a mechanical seal or a packing seal, it will lack lubrication from the liquid, leading to dry friction and rapid damage. 2. The rotor components and pump body of a dry-running pump will heat up. Without liquid cooling, the small clearance positions (such as the seal ring) are prone to seizing due to thermal expansion and contraction. 3. The balance disc of a dry-running multi-stage centrifugal pump lacks lubrication and will quickly burn out and fail.