What’s the deal with the 16 gauge commercial lighting whip and 1 hp pump installation causing confusion among licensed professionals?
Asked by Gloria Evans 
5 months ago
Last Updated: August 10, 2024
Hey folks, so that’s not your typical 12/2 or even 14/2 MC, it’s actually a 16 gauge commercial lighting whip that’s powering a 1 hp pump. Supposedly installed by a licensed well and pump guy, according to the homeowner. And get this, the plumbers couldn’t figure out why the pressure switch was closed and had 120v but the pump wasn’t working. Can you believe it? Just look for that bright orange sticker next time.
It’s really easy to rewire that motor for 115 volts.
The wire size is not the reason why it’s not running. 😂
Probably came with a taco pump
Exactly! However, whoever wired the pump shouldn’t have used a light fixture whip. They probably found them in a trash pile near a commercial building that was being remodeled!
It could be more effective if contains wires that are rated for higher temperatures. Similar to the smaller high temp wires used in built-in ovens and cooktop flex connectors
I’ve come across many premade whips with smaller wire size used from a disconnect to a unit (AC/pumps etc) but never connected to a 15a breaker in the panel…
16 gauge is sufficient. A 1 horsepower motor at 220 volts only draws about 4 amps.
You should double-check the amps because you overlooked it
Takes about 5 times longer to start.
3.8. Haha
Rushed the current for less than a minute. I should have used #12
Was not very accurate and didn’t bother to check thoroughly
Oh, so only 19amp startup. And that whip might have higher temp rated conductors in it.
Oh, that’s what the 1.25*the fla is for. So MCA is 5a then
Do you really think so?
Hey, make sure to read and understand the code, then get back to me. The understanding part is pretty important
Oh hey, I remember the existing circuit was wired 120v for the new pump 240v, so that wire has been carrying a 12a load for a few years….. But, I don’t believe that ANY branch or dedicated circuit can be anything under #14 and 15a.
Ace hey, just wanted to mention that for residential limitations, motors are exempt and fallow 430
Is messing with you
It seems like they need to adjust the pump circuit for 240 volts.
I wasn’t an electrician… I didn’t even go to school to learn about electricity.
The startup amperage is important. It seems like many so-called professionals overlook this fact. 🤣
Remove the back cover of the motor and refer to the diagram to switch it to 115v. Issue resolved
Cox, it’s still not the reason why it’s not working
If you only have 120 volts there, open the motor cover and rewire it for 120 volts. Then run some 12/2 or 14/2 wires to the pump. I assume it was working until the motor burned out or the capacitor/overload failed.
Someone had an extra electrical connector
The wire is large enough
That wire is more suitable for a commercial lighting project than a fluorescent light.