Hello,

I am having a 220V circuit installed in my yard (for a pump) and I have a question about the required breaker(s). The pump contractor who installed the 4" x 4" post with sub-panel in my yard has indicated it will require 220V service using 10-3 direct burial (UF).

Once I go out and get quotes from the different electricians to install the 220V service, I'm wondering if a GFCI breaker required in the electrical panel in the basement? Or whether one is needed in the sub panel?

Basically I want to make sure that when I get my quotes, that each of the electricians are quoting apples to apples 'and' that it is done properly.

Thanks in advance!

 

What kind of pump is this ? Well pump..... submersible pump ?

A 240v pump should only need 10-2 w/gr UF as there is no neutral which means three wire is not required. Typically this type of pump on a 240v circuit would not require GFI protection.

 

Thanks for the quick reply... this is a sewer grinder pump. The company installing the pump indicated it requires 240V and based on the distance, needs to be 10-3.

 

That does not require GFI protection. If the pump was listed as 120/240v then it would require 10/3. A straight 240v pump does not require a neutral. 10/2 or 10/3 are both rated for the same current and the voltage drop will be the same on both cables.

Unless the pump specifically requires 10/3 for some reason...... it should not be required.

 

Thanks for this.... I'm not sure if it is 120/240, or straight 240 - either way, I will have the electricians quote 10-3.

 

A 120/2240 sub panel would need 10-3 but why do you even need a sub panel? If only a 240 pump you only need 10-2 and a disconnect at the most. Sounds like the installer isn't very savvy about electric.

What make and model pump? Is there any other equipment being supplied by the subpanel.

Don't ask the electrician to quote what the installer said. Ask the electrician what you need and quote that.,

 

ray2047 - I think I may have misspoken... I think at the post it might be just a disconnect. As far as the make and model of the pump, I'm not sure, but the pump installation contractor certainly knows this info.

 

Post a picture of what is on the pole with cover removed. How to Insert pictures

We can verify if it is a disconnect. You only need 10-2 UF-b for a disconnect.

 

The pump itself may not require a neutral, but it would be prudent to pull neutral as well, in order to power other devices near the equipment (perhaps in the future), such as:

• A 120V convenience receptacle
• Some lights
• A pump alarm
• A pump controller
• Etc

One additional option to consider. Instead of mounting the sub-panel on a post near the equipment, you could alternately mount the sub-panel at your house, and only mount the outdoor receptacle enclosure near the equipment. That way you could flip the breakers from your house without walking all the way across your yard to the pump.

A side note: While the nameplate or instruction manual of the pump may say that it is a "220V" motor, the service you are installing is always "240V".

 

ray2047 - I will upload a picture on Monday with the cover removed.

Electric_dummy - I think you might have hit the nail on the head... now that you mention it, I know there is a pump alarm, etc in the event that there is a backup.

In terms of moving the 'sub-panel', I think it is now too late for that. The panel is about 40' away from the house.

Yes, thank you for the clarification on 220V vs 240V.

 

I am probably outside my knowledge range so please disregard my questions.

 

I would suggest you the following read:

Circuit Breaker Schematic Diagram | Electrical Academia