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Well pump wiring

Philly20

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Joined
Feb 4, 2013
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8
Location
Michigan
We recently purchased some property that previously had a single-wide on it (removed). Looking at the wires left sticking out of the ground, it looks like they ran two 12-2 U/F to the pump instead one 12-3. I thought most well pumps are usually fed with two hots and a ground (two wire), but I know almost nothing about 4 wire set-ups. Is this evidence of such a set up?
 

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mike93lx

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You sure both are feeds and that those are UF? Lools like paper around the geound, which would make me think NM.
 
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Bert_

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NW Iowa
The majority of pumps need two wires feeding the controller, then three wires (and a ground) between the controller and the pump. This is because the start switch and capacitor are in the control box the extra wire is for the start winding. There would also be a pressure switch located before the controller.
 

Lamakocklee

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Nov 15, 2017
Messages
48
Hi,

I may not know what I am talking about, but I don't think we can tell what wire requirement are without knowing what pump you are powering.

For example, a deep submersible well pump can be a 4 wire setup (3 current carrying conductors + ground) when run from the control box to the pump, but from the breaker panel/safety switch to the control box can be a 3 wire setup.. They can also be a 3 wire depending on if the motor is a permanent split capacitor or a capacitor start/run.

All assuming single phase.

At least from my experience.
 
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Philly20

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Joined
Feb 4, 2013
Messages
8
Location
Michigan
The marking on the wire indicates U/F-B 12-2 w/ ground. It looks rough because it's been exposed to the sun in tall grass for years. I was just curious why two sets of wires would be ran from the trailer to the pump. Maybe an in-line heater since it was a trailer?
 
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mike93lx

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How many wires are coming from the well pump? Sounds like you can't reuse the existing wire anywau, at least without burying it
 
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