Sump Pump Circuit Wiring

Installing Electrical Circuit Wiring for a Sump Pump and providing the necessary GFCI protection and means of disconnect. By: Dave Rongey

Wire Size for a Sump Pump Circuit
[ad#block]Electrical Question #1: I plan to put a separate circuit in for the sump pump in my septic system.

• I have a Rigid 1/2 horse pump (10.5 amp motor) and will be using a 20 amp breaker.
• The wire I have on hand is 14 gauge.
• Is this an adequate wire, or do I need to get a larger gauge?

This electrical wiring question came from Duane, a Homeowner from Ravenna, Ohio.

Electrical Question #2: Is a sump pump in a basement required to be on a GFCI Outlet?

• Should a sump pump in a basement be protected by a GFCI outlet?

This electrical wiring question came from Joseph in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dave’s Reply:
Thank you for your electrical questions.

Electrical Wiring for a Sump Pump Circuit

• The wire size that should be used for the 20 amp septic sump pump circuit should be #12 gauge.
• The sump pump should be protected by either a GFCI outlet or a GFCI circuit breaker.
• A means of disconnect for the sump pump must be located within sight and readily accessible.
• If a receptacle outlet will be installed then a weather proof cover must be installed to offer protection from the weather even while the sump pump is plugged in.

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• When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

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Circuit Wiring

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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. 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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