USA wiring question

Feb 24, 2020 25 Replies

As usual, you are wrong.

You put a breaker at the source (service panel) to protect the line running to the pump. You are required to have a disconnect AT the pump. Another breaker in a sub panel for the pump/well house is the easiest way to accomplish that.

As I said previously, and using a 30 amp service to the pump as an example.

  1. 30 amp dual breaker for a 10-3 run to the pump.
  2. A four slot sub panel (rated at 30 amps minimum) at the pump.
  3. A 30 amp dual breaker for the pump.
  4. An additional 20 amp single for any outlets.
  5. And a 15-20 Amp breaker for any lighting circuit.

If the pump motor is electrically connected to the well casing, do NOT ground it through the ground from the service panel. Use the service panel for the grounds on the outlet and lighting circuits only.

It's NOT that complicated people. Try not to make it complicated or unsafe.

"I am a river to my people." Jeff-1.0 WA6FWi http:foxsmercantile.com

Since the pump house is a "detached" structure, the pump house panel should have a local ground rod for lightning protection. Ground and neutral should remain separated.

The number of breakers determine whether or not it needs a main breaker. Memory says >6.

Panels are divided into two major categories "main lug" or "main breaker". "main lug" is wired for separated N and ground. "Main breaker" has a "main breaker" and the N and G are bonded together.

Usually there is a way to unbond the neutral and you purchase a ground bar kit to add to the panel. This gives you the separate G and N connections and a disconnect for that sub-panel.

You can read the NEC for free online.

What happens when that one wire opens? A bad neutral is a very common fault. Then you have no place for a fault current to go. RIP!.

Its even worse, if that one wire opens disconnecting the machine from the neutral/ground, the case of the machine can become electrically live because current will flow through the load to the ground/neutral.

Anyone touching the case could be shocked.

m

Mm Hhm.

You say what you want Means nothing.

I suppose it wouldn't if you have zero comprehension.

"I am a river to my people." Jeff-1.0 WA6FWi http:foxsmercantile.com

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