I have a well pump and a detached workshop subpanel which have both suffered the same problem. One of the hot feeds for 220 power has broken underground.
Main 100amp
Sub 30amp which feds another sub, 20amp
Well pump 15amp
I plan to rent a trencher and re-feed these items but I had a couple concerns.
One, can the subpanel and well pump be fed from junction boxes (dedicated circuits, of course) in the house or must they be direct-wired from the main panel and pressure switch respectively? I would prefer to run cheaper interior wiring to junctions.
Two, the well pump is currently fed by a wire into a fuse box in what has always been called the 'pump house'. Like an oversized doghouse with a roof that lifts off for service. I'd like to replace this fusebox with a service disconnect like for an AC unit. Does this sound right?
Three, given that the total length of each run is about 150 feet should the conductors be upsized? Swap 15amp well pump breaker for a 20amp? The wire is 12 gauge.
We've been living with half-powered outbuildings for a couple years now. Of course the well quit working 4th of July.
I have professional electrical experience and am familiar with subpanel ground/neutral separation as well as trench depth discussions.
Thanks for any information.
*EDIT*
Why would you have an old style fuse box downstream of a circuit breaker?
The well pump is fed with stranded wire. Is that a problem for a disconnect like I intend to use?
Main 100amp
Sub 30amp which feds another sub, 20amp
Well pump 15amp
I plan to rent a trencher and re-feed these items but I had a couple concerns.
One, can the subpanel and well pump be fed from junction boxes (dedicated circuits, of course) in the house or must they be direct-wired from the main panel and pressure switch respectively? I would prefer to run cheaper interior wiring to junctions.
Two, the well pump is currently fed by a wire into a fuse box in what has always been called the 'pump house'. Like an oversized doghouse with a roof that lifts off for service. I'd like to replace this fusebox with a service disconnect like for an AC unit. Does this sound right?
Three, given that the total length of each run is about 150 feet should the conductors be upsized? Swap 15amp well pump breaker for a 20amp? The wire is 12 gauge.
We've been living with half-powered outbuildings for a couple years now. Of course the well quit working 4th of July.
I have professional electrical experience and am familiar with subpanel ground/neutral separation as well as trench depth discussions.
Thanks for any information.
*EDIT*
Why would you have an old style fuse box downstream of a circuit breaker?
The well pump is fed with stranded wire. Is that a problem for a disconnect like I intend to use?
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