Installing a well pump requires knowing the size of the breaker you will need to connect the pump to the water supply safely and efficiently. The information is usually found on the pump or the breaker box attached to the water supply.
The following steps will show you the size breaker you need for your well pump.
How to size a circuit breaker for a pump?
You will need to consider the type of pump, the type of load that the pump is intended to handle, and the breaker capacity. Additionally, you will need to consider the distance between the breaker and the pump.
The closer the breaker is to the pump, the less power it will have. On the other hand, if the breaker is far from the pump, it will be able to do more. Also, you will need to consider the voltage of the circuit to which the pump is connected.
The more voltage there is, the more power the breaker will have. Finally, you need to think about the type of circuit breaker you are using. People can use manual, automatic, and electronic circuit breakers to stop electricity from going through.
What size breaker do I need for Well pump?
To operate a Well pump, you’ll need a breaker that matches the size of the pump. 2 poles and 25 amps circuit breakers are the most common. Most hardware and home improvement stores carry a size breaker. After that, connect the pump to the circuit and turn the breaker to the “on” position.
Turn off the breaker and disconnect the pump once you’ve ensured that everything is in working order. However, make sure you’re still connected to the power source at this point because there’s usually no way to tell if the pump is working correctly until you turn it off.
Shallow Well pump:
If you have a typical well pump that uses a two-pole circuit breaker, you will need a 50 amp or 60 amps breaker. If your pump requires more power than the listed breaker capacity, you’ll need to add another outlet to your circuit.
Consult an electrician if you need help installing this outlet.
Deep Well pump:
If you have a deep well pump that uses a three or 4-pole circuit breaker, you must use a 25 or 30-amp breaker.
Furthermore, if your pump requires more than the listed breaker capacity, you will need an additional outlet on your circuit and another electrical panel to connect the pump correctly. Consult an electrician if you need help installing this outlet.
Submersible Well pump:
If you have a submersible well pump, you must use a 15 amp or 20 amps breaker. You will also need an additional outlet on your circuit and another electrical panel to connect the pump correctly. Furthermore, suppose your pump requires more than the listed breaker capacity.
In that case, you will need an additional outlet on your circuit and a separate electrical panel to connect the pump and power source properly.
Breaker size required for Well pumps:
| Well pump (HP) | Volts | Wattage | Amps | Required breaker size (Amps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 HP Well pump | 115 | 372.85 | 5.0 | 25-30 |
| 3/4 HP Well pump | 230 | 559.275 | 6-8 | 25 |
| 1HP Well pump | 230 | 745.7 | 10 | 30 |
| 1.5HP Well pump | 230 | 1118.55 | 25-30 | 35 |
| 2 HP Well pump | 230 | 1491.4 | 30 | 30 |
How many amps does a Well pump use?
A well pump typically consumes 2 or 3 Amps. On the other hand, Pumps can consume more amps than they require. Here are some pumps and the amps they use.
1/2 HP Well pump:
1/2 HP The average well pump draws 5.0 amps. 1/2 hp well pumps are commonly used in household swimming pools and are built into home water softeners to replace filters.
3/4 HP Well pump:
Typically, a 3/4 HP well pump consumes 6 to 8 amps. 3/4 hp well pumps are commonly used in high-water-demanding applications such as irrigation systems and commercial or industrial applications.
1 HP Well pump:
A one-horsepower well pump typically consumes ten amps. One horsepower well pumps are the most common type found in residential settings, and they can provide enough water pressure for a household of up to six people.
1.5HP Well pump:
1.5HP A well pump typically consumes between 25 and 30 amps. 1.5 hp well pumps are commonly used in large commercial and industrial applications where water consumption is high and pressure is required for multiple fixtures simultaneously.
2 HP Well pump:
A 2 HP well pump will typically draw 30 amps. The most common type of well pump is a 2 hp well pump, which is frequently used in conjunction with a submersible water meter to read your water usage.
Should a Well pump be on its breaker?
A good pump should not typically be on its circuit breaker. A good pump may require more amps than the breaker capacity listed. You will need an additional outlet and another electrical panel to properly connect the pump and power source.
When upgrading your home’s electrical panel to connect the well pump and power source, it is best to consult a professional electrician. However, some low-cost well pumps are powered by a GFCI outlet, which does not provide protection.
Well pump relay protectors come in handy when using a water pump outside.
Why is it important to choose the correct size breaker for a Well pump?
The size of the breaker is significant because it determines how much amperage can be drawn from the power supply.
A well pump typically consumes 10 amps, but if an outlet only has an 8 amp capacity, the pump will finish all 10 amps, potentially causing damage to your home’s electrical system. When selecting the proper size breaker for a wall pump, here are some considerations.
The wrong breaker can cause electrical damage:
The pump will overheat and possibly catch fire if the breaker is too small. Similarly, if the breaker is too large, it will be unable to handle the amperage drawn from the power supply, potentially causing damage to your home’s electrical system.
The wrong breaker can cause overheating:
When upgrading your home’s electrical panel, consult with a professional electrician to ensure that your well pump and power source are correctly connected. If the pump draws too much current, it may overheat and begin to fail. This can cause an electrical fire.
It is also important to remember that well pumps may require more amps than the breaker capacity listed, in which case You may need an additional outlet.
Breaker sizes are not standardized:
Different breaker brands have different size ratings, so selecting the right one for your specific needs is critical. In general, a breaker rated at least 20 amps is recommended. However, if your pump only draws 10 amps or less, a 12-volt breaker will suffice.
Why does my Well pump circuit breaker keep tripping?
There are several reasons why well pump circuit breakers may continue to trip. Here are some of the possible causes of your pump circuit breaker tripping.
Too much current:
One possibility is that an excessive amount of current is being drawn from the power supply. If this is the case, increasing the breaker capacity or installing an additional outlet may be necessary to allow more amperage without overheating your electrical system.
Furthermore, something in the well pump itself may be interfering with the circuit, causing the breaker to keep tripping.
Faulty wiring:
Another possibility is that your home’s wiring is faulty. If this is the case, it may be beneficial to have a professional come out and assess the circuit for possible repair or upgrade.
Protected equipment:
The circuit breaker may trip if your well pump is connected to a protected device, such as a water heater or other appliance. To avoid this problem, schedule shut-offs for these devices during periods when the pump is not in use so that less current flows through the wiring.
Faulty switch:
If the switch that controls the well pump fails, it may cause the breaker to trip. You may need to access and test the button to diagnose this problem. A technician can also install a new switch if necessary.
Final Thoughts
The size of a well pump circuit breaker is determined by the motor’s amperage and the system voltage. The most common systems utilize 120V and 25-30 amp breaker panels, but if you have a 220V home, you will require a 30 amp switch for your extensive 40Hp electrical panel.