How would you run your well pump during the time of power outage or where there is no direct source of electricity? The only option is using a generator.
To run your well pump with a generator, you must know how to wire a plug for well pump into generator? When you have got the answer to this question, you can effectively do your well pumps wiring process with the generator.
Below, I’ll show you the step-by-step wiring process of a well pump with a generator so that you can do the wiring process by yourself.
How To Wire A Plug For Well Pump Into Generator
For any electrical work, it’s always better to take the help of a professional. Remember, wiring your well-pump could be dangerous as you have to deal with electricity and water.
So while learning how to wire a plug for well pump into generator, you should also understand the safety precautions. Check the owner’s manual properly to learn about the wiring diagram, safety precautions, required tools, grounding instructions, troubleshooting items, etc.
Tools And Materials You’ll Need
- Pipe Wrenches
- Gloves
- Safety Glasses
- Clamps or Pipe Vices
- Electrical Tape (Approved by CSA/UL)
- Teflon Tape
- Chain Hoist/Tripod w
- Proper Gauge Length of Submersible Wire
- Extra check Valves (Might require depending on pump depth)
- Torque Arrestor
- Other Misc. Tools
Steps To Wire A Plug For Well Pump Into Generator
Before wiring the plug of your well pump with a generator, you need to read the manufacturer’s manual and the wiring steps properly. Keep all the tools near your hand that you’ll need during the time of the wiring pump. (In the manual, you’ll find all the tools names that you may need)
Step – 1: Disconnect All The Power
Disconnecting all the power sources is the first thing you have to do to wire your well-pump with the generator. Double-check to confirm you’ve turned off the electrical panel and pump’s control box. You can also test the flow of electricity with a voltmeter for final confirmation.
Step – 2: Ground The System
Before grounding the system, you need to ensure that all the wiring you’re using meets the safety requirement. (Local electric code and National Electric Code safety requirement.) That’s why it’s essential to check the owner’s manual properly to determine if there’s anything unique with your well pump.
In addition, for any metal plumbing, it’s crucial to ground the system properly. (Such as the control box (for a three-wire well pump) and the motor frame that uses copper wire to deliver power to the pump motor.)
Check the wire charts that come with the owner manual and make sure the wire gauge is correct. It will make sure that your pump won’t overheat.
Step – 3: Create The Wiring Connections
Now unite the wire to motor leads by matching the color of the cables. For example, if your well pump is a three-wire pump, you need to connect red-red, yellow-yellow, and black to black. After wiring, splice them with tape and make sure that wires are now water-sealed.
Step – 4: CheckYour Pump Before Installing
It’s time to install your pump, but before installing, you need to test the pump by connecting with your generator power supply. Check the nameplate of your well pump motor to understand its required frequency and voltage. Then match the voltage and frequency with your generator.
After that, you need to attach the power-supply cable leads (that comes from your generator) and fasten the copper-ground wire to the motor bracket. Don’t use any random wire if it’s not directly come from your well pump manufacturer.
It’s time to check the connection. Immerse the joined cable underwater to check the connection. If the pump runs properly, then stop it within 30-seconds.(Because running a pump dry isn’t an ideal option.)
Step – 5: Mount The Control Box
Once you have completed all the testing procedures, it’s time to set up the control box. Reread the owner’s manual to get the specific instructions for your pump. For mounting the control box, you have to select a permanent weatherproof location. (Control box always needs to be out of moisture and excessive heat.)
Once you mount the control box, turn off all the control switches so that no electricity can flow until you complete the installation process. After that, connect the box to the motor leads.
Safety Tips While Wiring A Plug For Well Pump Into A Generator
For wiring a well pump with a generator, you need to deal with electricity. As mentioned earlier, electricity is a dangerous thing for non-professional. It would be best if you took extreme caution while doing this. Right below this section, I’ve gathered some safety tips that’ll assist you a lot in staying alert.
Keep The Cords Of The Pump In A Secured Place
While wiring your well-pump with a generator, you need to place the cord of the pump securely. Make sure the cable is out of the way of any equipment, traffic, and potential hazards. When you do so, it reduces the risk of the cord getting cracked.
Don’t Touch The Cable While The Pump IS ON
You might need to adjust the voltage cables of the generators to run your well pump. But for your safety purpose, you shouldn’t touch the cable while the pump is on. For any kind of adjustment, first, you need to turn off the pump or shut off the generator.
Closely Inspect The Cables You’re Wiring
Before wiring the pump cable with your generator, you need to inspect the cable’s current condition closely. If you detect any kind of damage in the cable, then contact a well pump repair technician. Don’t try to do anything with a damaged cable until you don’t have any expert knowledge of it.
Go For the Safest Plug Option
Dead front plugs are the safest option to use with your well pump. Don’t go for an open front plug (that is uninsulated) as it has a higher chance of short-circuiting.
Use The Right Power Cords
While wiring or plugging your well pump with a generator, make sure you’re using a heavy-duty outdoor-rated cord. If you don’t use the suitable cable with a wire gauge with adequate appliance load may cause a short circuit or fire. Even in some cases, it could be the reason for damaging your well pump.
Skip Wiring Plug Into Outlet
It will be wise if you don’t wire your well-pump into the generator outlet. Because you can’t disconnect the plug of your well pump quickly if you encounter any emergency with your well pump.
Keep Your Well Pump And Generator In Safe Distance
Water is a dangerous element for running generators. Therefore, you need to keep both of them at a safe distance to avoid water around the generator.
Finally, Never Skip The User Manual
You should never forget that every well pump and generator are different and need to be used differently. That’s why it’s crucial to read the user manuals first to ensure that you’re operating your well pump and generator correctly.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve reached the end of this article on how to wire a plug for well pump into generator, I hope you have a complete idea about this now. As I said earlier, first, you need to familiarize yourself with the owner’s manual and then follow the above-mentioned wiring step thoroughly. Keep all the tools nearby and recheck after completing each stage. Maintain proper safety precautions.
