replacing pool pump breaker.
#1
06-15-03, 06:49 PM
replacing pool pump breaker.
Hi,
I have a wire running from my main box in the basement to breaker box in a shed. The breaker was originally a combined 15/20 amp breaker(for when we used to have a heat pump. Presently we have a propane heater and I've taken out the wire from the 20amp part. Today(although I've noticed the last couple of weeks sparks from the 15amp part of the breaker when I tuern the pump off. Here is the problem. We have used the breaker to turn the pump off for going on 16 years. Today when I went to turn the pump on there were klights flickering, and the pump made a funny(like it was trying to go) noise. I think the breaker is broken(16 years old, and used to turn the pump off.
What I would like to know I want to replace the breaker and add a regular light type of switch to turn the pump off and on, and not use the breaker all the time. How would I wire it. Presently the wire comes out of the breaker panel in the shed into the pump. How would I hook up a switch(and what kind) when I replace the breaker. Do I run the wire that is presently going to the pump to the new switch, and run a new wire from the switch to the pump. The present wire is a #12.
I hope I've explained myself. I can usually do ther work, but need careful/easy instructions on doing it. Thanks for bearing with me.
George, a very proud Marine Corps dad!
p.s. I forgot to mention the pump is a 1hp., but in the future I believe I will be getting a 1.5hp.
I have a wire running from my main box in the basement to breaker box in a shed. The breaker was originally a combined 15/20 amp breaker(for when we used to have a heat pump. Presently we have a propane heater and I've taken out the wire from the 20amp part. Today(although I've noticed the last couple of weeks sparks from the 15amp part of the breaker when I tuern the pump off. Here is the problem. We have used the breaker to turn the pump off for going on 16 years. Today when I went to turn the pump on there were klights flickering, and the pump made a funny(like it was trying to go) noise. I think the breaker is broken(16 years old, and used to turn the pump off.
What I would like to know I want to replace the breaker and add a regular light type of switch to turn the pump off and on, and not use the breaker all the time. How would I wire it. Presently the wire comes out of the breaker panel in the shed into the pump. How would I hook up a switch(and what kind) when I replace the breaker. Do I run the wire that is presently going to the pump to the new switch, and run a new wire from the switch to the pump. The present wire is a #12.
I hope I've explained myself. I can usually do ther work, but need careful/easy instructions on doing it. Thanks for bearing with me.
George, a very proud Marine Corps dad!
p.s. I forgot to mention the pump is a 1hp., but in the future I believe I will be getting a 1.5hp.
#2
06-15-03, 07:30 PM
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The easiest solution may be to look for a breaker that is rated to be used as a switch. I don't know what type of panel you have but if you find the type of panel an type of breaker(s) you have and take the info to a electrical supply and tell them you need a breaker that is rated as a switch they should be able to help you.
#3
06-15-03, 07:30 PM
The breaker is probably going bad. I am surprised that it lasted this long if was being used as a switch. There are breakers made that are switching duty rated (SWD ) but I'm not sure if one is available for your panel.
The easiest way to add a switch is.........
(1) Mount a switch box on the side of or next to the panel and use a chase nipple or pipe nipple as required to connect the box to the panel.
(2) Remove the wire that is on the breaker for the pump and place it on one screw of a single pole switch.
(3) Run a wire from the other screw on the switch to your new breaker.
(4) Run a ground wire from the green ground screw on the switch to the ground bar in the panel.
The easiest way to add a switch is.........
(1) Mount a switch box on the side of or next to the panel and use a chase nipple or pipe nipple as required to connect the box to the panel.
(2) Remove the wire that is on the breaker for the pump and place it on one screw of a single pole switch.
(3) Run a wire from the other screw on the switch to your new breaker.
(4) Run a ground wire from the green ground screw on the switch to the ground bar in the panel.
#4
06-16-03, 03:20 AM
reply
Thanks for answering.....Do I "marette" the white wires inside the switch box, and just connect the blacks from the pump and from the panel to the 2 screws on the switch? Thanks. Would an ordinary 15 amp switch be o.k.?
George
p.s. I took the panel apart and the breaker was cracked, and the connections were fried. Also the part in the panel that the breaker slips into was kinda melted, and out of shape. I guess I was lucky a fire didn't start at some point. So I guess I need a new panel and breakers.?
George
p.s. I took the panel apart and the breaker was cracked, and the connections were fried. Also the part in the panel that the breaker slips into was kinda melted, and out of shape. I guess I was lucky a fire didn't start at some point. So I guess I need a new panel and breakers.?
Last edited by geoss; 06-16-03 at 01:37 PM.
