How to Wire a 220 Volt Sprinkler Pump Motor
Wiring a sprinkler pump can be a confusing process, and it can get much more confusing when the pump is a 240/220 volt pump. This type of pump requires double the voltage of a regular house receptacle, and is wired slightly differently for an irrigation system. Even though the wiring is pretty straightforward, a specific process should be followed to ensure safe wiring.
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Remove the cover from the pump relay box. Most relay boxes have four Phillips screws holding the cover on. Locate and mount the relay box. Make sure the box is in an easily accessible location in case of problems. Make sure the power is off for the pump supply at the breaker panel.
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Insert the wires from the pump, breaker panel and controller into the box. Each relay box will have a different location for each wire set to go in.
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Strip the ends of all the pump and breaker panel wires to expose 1/2 inch of copper.
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Connect the white wire from the breaker panel to the L1 input wire in the relay box. Twist the wires together and cap with a wire nut.
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Connect the white wire from the pump wires to the L1 output wire in the relay box. Twist the wires together and cap with a wire nut.
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Connect the black wire from the breaker panel to the L2 input wire in the box, and the black wire from the pump to the L2 output wire from the relay box.
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Connect the copper ground wires from the pump and breaker panel together. Twist them and cap with a wire nut.
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Connect the wires from the irrigation controller to the 24 volt wires inside the relay box. These wires will relay when to turn the pump on and off during irrigation cycles.
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Fold the wires inside the box and replace the cover. Turn the power on to the pump supply at the breaker panel. Turn on the irrigation system and check the pump for operation.
References
- Mark Lewis, Retired Master Electrician; Baltimore, MD
Tips
- Make sure the breaker the pump is connected to is set up 240 volt operation.
- Make sure the pump is a 240 volt pump.
- Any questions regarding this process can be directed to a local irrigation professional or electrician.
Warnings
- Make sure the power supply is turned off prior to beginning this process.
- Do not connect the pump power supply to any other breaker in the electrical panel--it must have its own circuit and breaker set.
Writer Bio
Michael Rippetoe has been writing for 15 years, and has recently decided to make it his career. He has been a journeyman carpenter, ASE Master Mechanic, certified irrigation professional and currently writes for this site, designs websites, and does professional photography. Rippetoe's articles appear on eHow, Garden Guides, AnswerBag and others.
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