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Code Question for the Sparkies

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bad_idea

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I have an above ground pool in the backyard. There is a shed ~10' away that I am moving the pump and filter into. The pump is a 1.5 hp 120v pump, that draws 11 amps on high speed. I want to control the pump with Apple HomeKit. I have not found a HomeKit compatible pump controller. BUT, I have found where people use a contactor to control the pump and the control side is operated by a smart switch. I have the Lutron Caseta system in the house for several switches. The Lutron system is limited to 30' from the hub for the switches to communicate effectively. I am looking to install a smart switch in the mechanical room in the house and run a single wire from the switch out to the shed through existing conduit to an enclosure with a contactor. Please see my below crude sketch to clear up what I am saying.

Can I pass a wire through the breaker panels to get out to the shed? There is sufficient room in each section of conduit to stay within conduit fill requirements. I would use #12 THWN because the receptacle I would tap into for the switch is on a 20 amp circuit.

Is it an issue to use a circuit in the house for the control side of the contactor installed out in the shed? I would like to use the neutral wire out in the shed for the control circuit to avoid pulling another wire out to the shed.

Pump Controller.jpg
 
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Max

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I am not a sparkie so take what I say with a grain of salt. But independent of the "panel as a raceway" question I think that you have another big non-no as well. If I am working on the pool pump controller, I expect to throw the disconnect at the main panel at the house and shut off everything. But in your scenario that isn't the case as you'll still have the special wire bringing in 120 - which I think violates the NEC.

If is was me, I'd simply put a relay as @jeepxj suggests in the pool pump controller area in the shed.

I would expect that the real electricians will chime in shortly and note the issues with your plan...
 
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mm08822

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The neutral wire of the circuit has to be run with the hot.
You can not pass wires through panels like you propose.
 
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Chuckster in NJ

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Hunterdon County NJ
walta said:
Amateur hour is fine until you start playing with water. Pay the man already.



Walta
Click to expand...
Wiring is NOT a hobby (especially on a pool) so I highly suggest to call a licensed electrical contractor………… Your loss may be more than just financial.

BTW! I am a "sparkie" with over 54 years experience and this is my professional opinion.
 
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bad_idea

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dave*99

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bad_idea said:
The wifi in the shed is so so. The controller you link is not compatible with HomeKit. The Leviton switches ****, I have two and they dont respond all of the time and frequently fall off of the app.
Click to expand...
Interesting. I have 3 of the Leviton switches and a remote 3 way for one of them. They have been trouble free for 4 years. How old are yours?
I recently installed a few at my son’s house and his have been fine too.
I used the second generation D215 type.
 
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duneslider

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Riverton, Utah
I have been using the Kasa smart switches and plugs (I have several 3 ways, single poles, and plugs) and they have all worked flawlessly. they are used with the Kasa app, homekit, alexa, google home, etc and I have had no issues at all. You do have to make sure you get the ones that are apple home compatible though, not all of them are. The apple home versions are a few bucks more expensive.
 
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couch67

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Mar 18, 2016
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Location
Ontario Canada
you could have a look at a z-wave controlled relay at the pump, and keep your wiring as-is, no need for smart switch in the house. Zooz or Shelly have numerous options. You would need a z-wave controller as well, so yes another device to manage, but I've found the z-wave stuff is pretty robust. Plus it opens your options to other z-wave switches and outlets in the house.

I dont use homekit (I use Home Assistant) but I believe z-wave devices are supported.
 
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