Circuit Size for 4 Post Lift

[jaw22w]

I installed a 4 post lift a few years ago. I ran a dedicated 12/2 20 amp circuit. Once in a while the breaker would trip when starting the pump. Just recently I took out the 20A breaker and installed a 25A breaker. It doesn't trip any more, but I am wondering if this is good for a permanent fix or should I replace the 12/2 with 10/2 and a 30A breaker?
The motor is 3 horse.

 

[pattenp]

If cord and plug, the circuit for 3hp should be wired with #12 thhn or #10 nm-b. The #12 thhn can be on a max of a 25A breaker. The #10 nm-b can be on max 30A breaker. What does the installation manual say? If hardwired you have leeway to increase breaker size to account for startup load, but the supply conductors still need to be as above.

 

[mike93lx]

Did you use romex (nm-b)? If so yes, replacing with 10/2 is the code-compliant solution. No need to move to a 30a breaker if the 25 is working, though

 

[sparky 1971]

I'd leave it alone if it were mine. How long does a lift run? 30 seconds at a time? Nothing bad is going to happen.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I installed a 4 post lift a few years ago. I ran a dedicated 12/2 20 amp circuit. Once in a while the breaker would trip when starting the pump. Just recently I took out the 20A breaker and installed a 25A breaker. It doesn't trip any more, but I am wondering if this is good for a permanent fix or should I replace the 12/2 with 10/2 and a 30A breaker?
The motor is 3 horse.

12/2 is limited to 20a

 

[Bert_]

I'd leave it just like you have it

 

[Poolshark314]

Another member on this forum suggested that I use a 20 amp high magnetic breaker on my lift run and it hasn't tripped since so I would recommend that

 

[mm08822]

Another member on this forum suggested that I use a 20 amp high magnetic breaker on my lift run and it hasn't tripped since so I would recommend that

This was going to be my suggestion as it meets code.

 

[jaw22w]

It is a plug-in 3 HP motor. It is wired with 12/2 nm-b. I think it takes a little over a minute to make the trip from the ground to topped out. I had never heard of a high magnetic breaker. I will look into that. I am not too concerned about code. I just want it to be safe.

I'd leave it alone if it were mine. How long does a lift run? 30 seconds at a time? Nothing bad is going to happen.

I'm kinda leaning towards Spark1971.

 

[MFortie]

When I installed my lift, the first time I used it the breaker tripped. I'm thinking I hit the button twice quickly or something because it's never tripped since.

At that time I used an extension cord plugged into a 20A receptacle (20A breaker - no Romex). I've since run a dedicated circuit overhead and have the lift plugged into the drop cord. Still no issues...