View Full Version : Electrical wiring / well pump question.
I’d like to set up our well pump so it can be run off of a generator in an emergency. Currently there is a 30A breaker in a panel in the field (near the pump), from there it appears to run to the on/off switch box for the pump, from there to another box with a couple fuses and from there I believe it runs to the switch and pump. My thought is to dig up the wire between the main panel and the on/off switch, install a 30A plug on the side going to the on/off and a 30A receptacle on the side going to the panel and mount it on a post. From there the normal operating state would be the plug into socket to keep the connection similar as it is today. In an emergency, I could plug the on/off switch directly into a generator to run the pump.
Has anyone done anything similar? Am I way off base here? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
You should install a transfer switch. They are not difficult to install and it permits you to run several electrical circuits in your home including your well and furnace. The transfer switch prevents power from a generator from running back into the power supply from IREA.
I'm attaching a link to provide transfer switch information so you have more information I can explain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7--oK3BXN5U
A transfer switch looks like a cool idea but I'm not sure it will work in our situation.
The well pump is on a circuit on a separate panel from the main house and about 200 yards from the house. Our main meter is in a field that is about 200 yards from the house. From there it splits to a panel about 10' from the main and from that panel there is a feed to the main house as well as a feed to another panel that has the circuit for the well pump as well as a modular house.
My main goal is to make sure we have water, even if we don't have any other power. I'd also like to get a transfer switch for the house but the power comes in about 15' below grade, under the driveway so I'm not sure what would need to be done to wire it up. The well pump is the first priority.
Short of having to size a generator and transfer switch big enough to handle the load and put the generator next to the main you will need two transfer switches. One for the pump and one for the house. You will have to trench from the generator location to the panel with the pump in it. Can you build a small shed and put the generator next to the panel with the pump in it? At least you can get water still.
Short of having to size a generator and transfer switch big enough to handle the load and put the generator next to the main you will need two transfer switches. One for the pump and one for the house. You will have to trench from the generator location to the panel with the pump in it. Can you build a small shed and put the generator next to the panel with the pump in it? At least you can get water still.
We could build a small shed near the pump so that's definitely an option. You probably remember how crazy it is down there.
What's the issue with my idea of putting a plug like this - https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-2621-Locking-Industrial-Grounding/dp/B00002NARX/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474860360&sr=8-2&keywords=30a+plug on the wire from the well pump and a receptacle on the wire from the panel? It's only about 30' between the main panel and the well pump on/off switch.
I would hesitate to cord and plug my well pump. For temp during an outage would be fine but permanent could be trouble. If you do make sure it is in a weather proof location.
68Charger
09-26-2016, 09:33
Sparky's got a good point- although by plugging it, it would be safe to move to a generator (no chance to feedback)
If you're going to go that route, don't cheap out on the connectors.. go with watertight marine, like is used for ship-to-shore...
http://www.lockingpowercords.com/products/922-hubbell-l6-30-shrouded-watertight-receptacles.aspx
http://www.lockingpowercords.com/products/933-l6-30-watertight-cords.aspx
(have never used this website before, but am familiar with Hubbell power cords)
seems like overkill, but having it sealed will reduce corrosion over time (since the shed won't have air conditioning, right ?)
So it sounds like the best bet (at least for water) is a small shed or some type of protection from the elements, housing a transfer switch for the panel / breaker for the well pump. I could probably build this up around the panel sitting in the field and get it out of the weather too.
As a distant second, I could do the plugs but I need to insure it's high quality equipment on both sides and out of the weather as much as possible.
Does that sound right?
Great-Kazoo
09-26-2016, 12:30
So it sounds like the best bet (at least for water) is a small shed or some type of protection from the elements, housing a transfer switch for the panel / breaker for the well pump. I could probably build this up around the panel sitting in the field and get it out of the weather too.
As a distant second, I could do the plugs but I need to insure it's high quality equipment on both sides and out of the weather as much as possible.
Does that sound right?
30' of correct wire, connectors and water proof boxes. You'll be better served doing it right (shed) than spending money 2x.
You can get an outdoor rated transfer switch and just build a little doghouse for the generator itself.
I think I have a plan but I want to make sure this is going to work before I order it.
Here are the detail on the well pump -
2HP
Externally regulated gen requirement 7.5Kw
Internally regulated gen requirement 4
240
13.5 max service amps
Right now it is connected off of a double pole 40A breaker.
I'm hoping this will work as a transfer switch - I'll have an electrician install it but I want to make sure I have the right part on hand when I set up the install.
http://www.reliancecontrols.com/ProductDetail.aspx?CSR302
MODEL
CSR302
MODEL DESCRIPTION
Easy/Tran
MAX. GENERATOR RUNNING WATTS
7500
PHASE
Single
MAX. SINGLE-POLE CIRCUITS
2
MAX. DOUBLE-POLE CIRCUITS
1
MAX. COMBINED LOAD @ 125 VAC
60
MAX. COMBINED LOAD @ 250 VAC
30
POWER INLET, NEMA
L14-30
RECCOMMENDED CORD SIZE [gauge]
10
WATTMETERS
No
SHIPPING WEIGHT [lbs.]
11
DIMENSIONS H x W x D [inches]
8.75 x 7.5 x 6.25
CABINET TYPE, NEMA
Outdoor, NEMA 3R
I've also realized that a 7.5KW generator isn't going to be cheap. I hadn't expected them to be as expensive as they are. [panic]
I guess I should add that I've been looking at Honda generators which is where the sticker shock came from. Who else makes high quality generators that can be depended on?
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