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Electrical Wire and Cable


Installing a Switch for a 240 Volt Pump

Methods of Wiring a Switch for a Pump: How to Wire a Control Switch for a 240 Volt Pump.


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Why a Double Pole Switch is the Best Choice
Electrical Question: I have a 2 hp, 240Volt Irrigation Pump to supply lake water to a hose.

This electrical question came from: Philip, a Homeowner from Mooresville, North Carolina.

Additional Comments: Great site.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Philip.

Wiring a Switch for a 240V Pump

Application: Irrigation Pump Switch.
Skill Level: Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools and electrical wiring.
Precaution: Identify the pump power 240v circuit at the electric panel, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the switch wiring.
Materials: Make sure the switch is rated for the electrical circuit, which in this case is 240volts 20 amps.

How to Wire a Control Switch for a 240 Volt Pump

More about Electric Wiring

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Electric Circuit Listing
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Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

For more information about 220 Volt Wiring Diagram
220 Volt Wiring Diagram
220 Volt Wiring Diagram
Wiring 220 Volt Electrical Outlet
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how electrical outlets for the home are wired.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

3 Responses to “Installing a Switch for a 240 Volt Pump”
  1. Asondo Philip Mimba says:

    Hi,
    Can someone design to me how a 3phase automatic generator is connected to a switch board and the main supply?

  2. SharingKnowledge says:

    How do you wire an on/ off switch to a pool pump relay?
    It is a furnace 240 20 amp.
    Also the switch currently will not turn off the relay but the relay turns off and on , and works with the breaker turned on/off.
    Thank you so much!

  3. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Angelina,
    Please understand that the exact wiring will depend on the specific application and equipment, however let me see if I can help you understand what may be happening.
    Because you mention that a relay is involved, then this would indicate that there is a control circuit which is most likely a lower voltage than that of the pump. Control circuits are commonly used when there are one or more sensors or devices that would determine if the pump should be on or off.
    If you want to simply be able to turn the pump on or off then you should understand that you will be over-riding other devices or critical equipment and this could cause a problem. For example a pump must be on or water flow must be occurring if a heating element is turned on otherwise there may be damage due to an overheating condition. Situations such as this are best determined by a qualified pool equipment technician or representative of the pool equipment that you have. If it is determined that a switch may be installed then it may be much easier to install a switch within the control circuit of the pump, but the location within the control circuit must be carefully understood to prevent problems. A qualified service technician will also make sure that any electrical wiring will conform to the required GFCI Protection of the pool equipment.
    I hope this helps.
    Dave