Wiring a Irrigation Pump and Control
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How to Wire an Irrigation Pump Motor: Determining the Pump Motor Circuit Size, Electrical Codes and Wiring a Pump Motor. © By: Dave Rongey |
Irrigation Pump Motor and Control
[ad#block] Electrical Question:I installed a new 1.5 HP irrigation pump and it throws the circuit breaker.
- I installed a new 1.5 HP irrigation pump, set the back voltage selector switch to 115 Volts also run the timer/relay off the same feed. the pump would run for a few minutes, then throws the 20amp breaker.
- After looking at the wire it was 14 gauge and the box is approx. 40’away so I ran some 10 gauge and replaced the breaker with a new 20amp and its doing the same thing.
- I understand running the timer off that line is incorrect but timer plugs in the wall with a 24 volt transformer would that be enough to throw the breaker?
Thanks for your help, I have done this in the past also have seen where the water softener installers have done the same and have never had this issue, Thanks for your help! Steve
This electrical wiring question came from: Steve located in Merritt Island, Florida.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Steve.
How to Wire an Irrigation Pump Motor
Application: Wiring an Irrigation Pump Circuit.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced, Best installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, trenching equipment or shovels.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install electrical circuit wiring.
Precaution: Identify the panel circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Working in an electric panel is dangerous due to arc flash hazards and the possibility of electric shock.
Notice: Installing additional circuit wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Wiring an Irrigation Pump Motor
- Determining the Pump Motor Circuit Size A typical 1 1/2 HP motor configured for 115 volts will require a 20 amp circuit. However check the specs on the motor nameplate for specific information. If a timer is being used to control the pump then the contacts of the timer must be rated for the voltage and amperage load of the motor. As stated in this question, it would be best if a control timer is wired as part of the pump circuit.
- Electrical Codes and Wiring a Pump Motor
- Code compliance for install a irrigation area pump motor is very important.
- Verify the circuit requirements for a 120volt 20amp or as specified by the pump motor installation manual.
- Electrical wiring should be sized according to the required circuit size.
- Protection for the electrical wiring should be provided. For example, installing underground electrical conduit at the required depth for the pump motor application.
- Contact the local building authority in your area of Florida about the codes specific to your project.
More about Electrical Wiring for a Pump Motor
Home Electrical Circuit Breakers
Electrical Codes
Electrical Codes for Circuits
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