Wiring Two Power Sources for a Submersible Pump
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How can I have two power sources connected to a single pump and control each separate power source? Control Options for a Wiring a Pump with Two Sources of Power. © By: Dave Rongey |
Dual Power for a Submersible Pump
Electrical Question: How can I have two power sources connected to a single pump and control each separate power source?
- This is a question about a shared well in an off-the-grid community in Washington State.
- There is one well with a 240Volt submersible pump in it. Currently the pump services one house, and we are exploring our options to have it serve two.
- We would like to see if there is way to have both houses have separate supply and control of the pump without having to install two separate pumps down the well.
- Our idea is to keep the existing pump and put a T in the supply line to serve the second home. The second house would need to have independent control of the pump – since we’d be supplying power to the pump with a generator.
- So, my question is: Is there any way to have two power sources connected to a single pump in such a way to allow both homes power the pump independently and prevent the pump from melting if both homes attempt to power at the same time? My limited research in this suggests maybe a relay of some sort could do the trick.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Andrew
This home electrical wiring question came from: Andrew, from Seattle, Washington.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Andrew.
Wiring a Submersible Pump
Application: Wire Two Power Sources for one Pump.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced, Best installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install 240 volt electrical circuit wiring.
Precaution: Be Careful with Off the Grid Power Sources, Identify the source, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring or installing the 240 volt wiring.
Notice: Installing an additional 240 volt circuit should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Control Options for a Submersible Pump with a Dual Power System
- There are a few options for controlling a submersible pump with two generators being used for separate power source and it would depend on manual or automatic operation or control.
- The most practical would be to install a Double Pole / Double Throw Relay with a Common / Normally Open (NO)/ Normally Closed (NC) set of contacts.
- One generator would be connected to the NO Terminals and the other generator would be connected to the NC Terminals and the submersible pump would be connected to the Common Terminals.
- This would function similar the same way as a transfer switch with Two LINES in and One LOAD Out. Only one generator would power the relay coil which would toggle the power source for the pump.
- You may consider that both homes will have access to the water regardless of which generator will be providing the power so this idea may require more thought, which actually gets away from the whole concept of a “Shared Community”. With this in mind you may want to consider installing a storage tank which could be filled using one power source but provides water for more than one home.
- As stated in the question, it would be a total waste of resources to add a second submersible pump, and the thought of two separate generators goes in this direction as well. The utilities necessary for a shared community requires a little planning but could be much more economical while providing required services for all.
More about Electrical Control Wiring for a Pump
Understanding Electrical Relays
The use of relays that are sometimes needed to control special device loads such as Air Conditioners and other high demand equipment from starting at the same time.
Home Electric Generators
This series covers a wide variety of topics all about home generators including sizing, selecting, connecting and safely operating this all important addition to your home.
The Importance of a Generator Transfer Switch
The following may also be helpful for you:
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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