The Tool Barn


Wiring a Water Well Pump Controller and Switch

To wire up a pump in a water well is a relatively small project you can do yourself (assuming you are the homeowner and local codes allow for this).  Many well drillers are not licensed and finding a licensed electrician can add unnecessary time and costs to the job.

Wiring water pump controller box
Items needed:

Screw driver
Wire strippers and/or knife
Pliers
Anti-oxidant
Hammer
Cable
Cable connectors
Cable staples

Safety Suggestions and Tips
Be sure power is off
Let electrician make connections in breaker box
Use anti-oxidant on connection due to moisture
Level of difficulty


Time Required:
 4 hour

Steps

Pump controller box
Pump controller box

Step 1:

The controller box needs to be mounted, typically near the pressure tank.  The box is screwed to the wall as a surface mount. Choose an interior location, away from sunlight and not in a damp place, such as a well pit.  

Sensor switch
Sensor switch

Step 2:

You will need to run power from the breaker box to the pressure switch. Here we are using two-wire, plus ground. 

Cable feed from left and out to controller box
Cable feed from left and out to controller box

Step 3:

The switch is fed from the left and a three-wire cable leads to the controller box.

Cable connector
Cable connector

Step 4:

Because this application is situated in a barn area, we have chosen to use BX rather than Romex cable.  Add the appropriate connectors for BX or Romex to the switch.  Cut and strip the leads and attach to the switch. (Note that rodents can easily chew through the white plastic, so we have used BX in this installation.) Be sure to check with local building codes in deciding between type of cable and possible need for conduit.  And don't forget - Be sure the power is OFF!

1 - 2

Related articles


Printer friendly page


E-mail this page to a friend