How do I properly wire feed pumps to pressure switches to meet NEC regulations as a pump specialist rather than an electrician?
Asked by Amelly Moraes 
3 months ago
Last Updated: October 9, 2024
I may not be an electrician, but I specialize in pumps. I often come across feed pumps connected to pressure switches. What’s the proper way to wire them according to NEC standards?
That’s not the correct direction
It’s important to place the conductors in a flexible raceway to prevent physical damage
I don’t typically wire things like that photo. I usually opt for mc cable or 1/2” EMT to a 4-square, and then run one flex to the pressure switch
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Driving for miles and miles of sealtight. It’s quite the journey on a scorching Texas afternoon!
I think it would be a good idea to contact an electrician and share the wealth… just my opinion
Just make sure to connect the outlet to the load side of the pressure switch, that’s all you need to do for it to work properly. It will be completely fine.
Do you think the feed pump is 115v? I’m pretty sure using the ground as a neutral is a code violation, right?
I’m still working on a 120v circuit, but just a reminder that the pump requires a minimum of 115v to run.
Are you suggesting that it’s acceptable to utilize the ground as a neutral back to the box?
Definitely not
Didn’t believe that.
Let me clarify – a 115v pump needs 1 hot, 1 neutral, and 1 ground to the pump box. You can branch off before or at the pump and connect all 3 wires to the receptacles, using each wire for its intended purpose. However, for safety, the wires should be protected in a flexible conduit or pipe. Romex and flexible conduit should be secured and supported within 1′ of each box. It would be best to install a junction box under the receptacles, then branch off to the pump switch inside EMT, and up to the receptacles.
Should have romex connectors on the switch box
Absolutely not
Just by looking at that pressure switch, we can tell that it’s definitely not a 115v pump.
If there’s a neutral present, it’s most likely 110 volts. Am I mistaken in thinking that it requires 3 wires?
I’ll be wiring a septic system tomorrow with a 2 pole switch. It can be connected to either 120 or 240 volts, depending on the pump. Regardless, both wires still pass through the contactor.
Have you ever witnessed a septic pump running on 120 volts?? Try wiring one tomorrow and then send me a photo.
The image displays a submersible pump, typically running on 240 volts.
Saturday it’s an alternative system. It operates using 3 distinct circuits: one for the alarm, one for the airator, and one for the pump. This setup is fairly common in areas with alternative systems.
I’ve wired a lot of 110 septic panels in Texas too. Back in the day, I found it strange. # 10 wires on a single pole 30 amp circuit
Oh, I see now. He was asking about a 115v pump, so that’s why I answered that way.
A well pump doesn’t have a neutral, these chemical pumps are added in the field to work only when the well is pumping, and you have 3 choices: running a circuit with a neutral, using a small 240/120 control transformer, or a 240v chem pump.
That’s pretty much how it’s done on 99.99% of 240v well pump installations … although many of them use 120v pumps that share a common wire.
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That approach won’t work. First and foremost, it needs to be protected from any potential damage.
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Wire for the MC
The wiring on the water tank’s pressure switch seems to be missing connectors on the wires.
Sure, here is the revised text: Mc and Metal Flex (FMC)
That appears to be correct. Just open the cover and switch it on to confirm.
Is that mess up to code?
If the connectors were in place, I would say yes. Using Romex is the code for that in residential.
It’s probably a good idea to contact an electrician.
Code calls for a clean and professional approach. No sloppy work here. I’d opt for MC cable or EMT for flexibility on my projects.
https://.com/groups/1431309744261607/
Start by installing a disconnect on the wall before connecting the hot wires for the 120-volt system to the pressure switch. The load to the pump should come out of the disconnect, with the neutral wire tied in inside the disconnect.
Using romex might not be the best choice 🙄
Wow, have you tried reading a book? It can be quite enlightening
That’s not the way to do it
You generally do not require a neutral wire at the pressure switch! Simply connect the black hot line through the pressure switch and then to the plug. Connect the white wires with a wire nut to reach the plug’s neutral. Assuming a 120-volt system.
Oh, the well is 240, and the chem pump is 120
🤦♂️
It’s not too difficult, the chemical pump only operates when the well pump is running. That’s why it’s done that way.
I simply misunderstood
I’m no expert. When I had a new well installed, the technician put in the wiring. I had my retired electrician friend take a look… let’s just say that the technician had to come back because it wasn’t done correctly. My friend assisted me, and I thanked him with a beautiful antler crib board that I crafted. He was amazed at first sight, although I couldn’t pinpoint the issue.
Nice… Antler crib board. Can you send a picture? I’d love to see that.
I’m not sure if I have the one I gave him. But I have a similar one.
I’ve been doing this for years as a hobby, making other things like morels.
Those are awesome, ! Such a great hobby.
My parents were hippies so there were always antlers around.
That’s not the right way to do it…
It’s supposed to have flexible 12-2or3 wire depending on the voltage, or a whip that’s plugged into a receptacle
No worries, just go back to bed.
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There are numerous issues in that scenario. The specifics depend on the location, environment, size, and more. Therefore, it’s a challenging question to answer definitively. Passing exposed Romex through a KO without a connector is a poor choice to begin with. While a plastic receptacle box might be permissible, I would have opted for metal (or aluminum). Free-air conductors should be supported in a flexible conduit (definitely not Romex). That individual might have some knowledge of circuits, but they are not a licensed electrician.
I use Romex 💩
Mc 😂
Oh man, , really? 🤦🏻♂️
For liquid-tight applications, you have the choice to use non-metallic materials if desired. Alternatively, you could opt for EMT or MC cable.
In a shiny metal
Make sure to cover up all of that romex! 😂
While it may not be the most ideal method, it does comply with the code.
Found that a well pump without a neutral can be fixed by adding chemical pumps that only run when the well is pumping. The options are to either install a circuit with a neutral, a small 240/120 control transformer, or a 240v chem pump. In many jurisdictions, NM inside is allowed as long as it doesn’t go outside to the well casing to prevent any damage from wild animals.
Remember, NM cable should never be installed in the open if it is below 8 feet.
To begin with, let’s start fresh
Seems a bit less than ideal
I prefer to run all loads through a contactor instead of relying on the pressure switch.
I hooked up the pressure switch to my personal well pump using romex. Haha
Haha. I believe my friend just installed some twisted #12 wires without a jacket. He’s been doing this for 22 years and just has them taped to the water line, and surprisingly it’s working fine.
Thank you so much, Duran! Your support means the world to me and I truly appreciate it. You are an amazing person to work with, and your transparency is truly commendable.