How to Connect a 220 Well Pressure Switch (6 Step Guide)
Content
Having a pressure switch can be helpful in many ways. This is a mandatory safety mechanism for your water pump. Similarly, a pump pressure switch will save a significant amount of water and electricity. So, that's why today I plan to discuss one of the exciting topics related to well pumps.
How to connect a pressure switch for 220 wells?
As a general rule, follow these steps to connect the pressure switch.
- First, turn off the power to the pump. Then locate and open the pressure switch cover.
- Then connect the ground wires of the motor and electrical panel to the lower terminals.
- Now connect the remaining two motor wires to the middle terminals.
- Connect the remaining two electrical panel wires to the two terminals on the edge of the switch.
- Finally, fix the junction box cover.
That's all! Your new pressure switch is now ready to use.
Is it possible to start a well pump without a pressure control switch?
Yes, the well pump will work without a pressure switch. However, this is not the best situation, considering the consequences. But, you may ask why? Let me explain.
Notifying the well pump when to turn it off and on is the primary job of the pressure switch. This process goes according to the PSI value of the water. Most household pressure switches are rated to run water at 30 psi, and when the pressure reaches 50 psi, the water flow stops immediately. You can easily change the PSI range to suit your needs.
The pressure switch prevents the risk of pump burnout. At the same time, it will not allow wasting water and electricity.
6 step guide for connecting a pressure switch?
Now you well understand the importance of the pump pressure switch. However, these pump pressure control switches may start to malfunction. Sometimes it may not work at all. For such a situation, you need proper knowledge of pressure switch wiring. So, in this section, you will learn how to connect a 220 cell pressure switch.
Required Tools
- Screwdriver
- For stripping wires
- Multiple crimps
- Pillars
- Electrical tester (optional)
Step 1 - Turn off the power
First of all, turn off the pump's main power supply. To do this, find the circuit breaker that supplies power to the pump and turn it off. Make sure there are no live wires. After turning off the power, do not forget to check the wires with an electric tester.
Keep in mind: Trying to do plumbing work on live wires can be extremely dangerous.
Step 2: Locate the pump pressure switch.
After making sure the power is off, you will need to locate the junction box on the water pump. Depending on the pump type, you can identify two different junction boxes; 2-wire machines and 3-wire machines.
2 wire machines
When it comes to a 2-wire downhole pump, all starting components are inside the pump. So, the junction box is located inside the bottom of the borehole pump. Two wire pumps have two black wires plus a ground wire. This means there are only three pressure switch wires.
Tip: Starting components here refer to starting relays, capacitors, etc.
3 wire machines
Compared to the 2-wire machine, the 3-wire machine has a separate pump control box. You can install the control box outside. 3-wire pumps have three wires (black, red and yellow) plus a ground wire.
Keep in mind: For this demonstration, we will be using a 2-wire well pump. Keep this in mind when you follow the process of connecting the pump.
Step 3 - Open the junction box
Then use a screwdriver to loosen all screws holding the junction box body. Then remove the junction box housing.
Step 4 - Remove the old pressure switch
Now it's time to remove the old pressure switch. But first, take a photo before disconnecting the wires from the old switch. This will help when connecting a new pressure switch. Then carefully loosen the terminal screws and pull out the wires. Next, take out the old switch.
Keep in mind: Before removing the old switch, you need to run the nearest faucet. By doing this, you can remove the remaining water from the tank.
Step 5 - Attach New Well Pump Pressure Switch
Connect the new pressure switch to the well pump and start the wiring process.
As you already know, there are four terminals on the top of the pressure switch, and on the bottom of the pressure switch, you can find two screws. The bottom two screws are for the ground wires.
Connect the two wires coming from the motor to the middle terminals (2 and 3).
Then connect the two wires of the electrical panel to the terminals located on the edge. Try the wire setup shown in the image above.
Then connect the remaining ground wires (green) to the bottom screws. Don't forget to use ferrules if necessary.
Tip: If necessary, use a wire stripper to strip the wires.
Step 6 - Attach the Pressure Switch Box
Finally, secure the junction box body properly. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws.
F.A.Q.
Does a well pump need to be grounded?
Yes. You must ground it. Because most submersible pumps have a metal casing and junction box, the well pump must be properly grounded. In addition, these machines are constantly exposed to water. Thus, there is a high risk of electric shock or fire. (1)
What wire size should I use for a 220 well pump?
If you are using a well pump at home, use #6 to #14 AWG wire. For commercial use, 500 MCM is also a good option.
Is there a difference between 2-wire and 3-wire well pumps?
Yes, there are quite a few differences between 2-wire and 3-wire pumps. First, the 2-wire pump junction box is located at the bottom of the pump. In addition, these pumps are supplied with two power wires and one ground wire.
However, 3-wire pumps have a separate pump control box, three power wires and one ground wire.
Can I start a well pump without a pump control unit?
Yes you can. If you are using a 2-wire well pump, you do not need any control boxes. All necessary components are inside the pump, including the junction box.
How to reset the well pump pressure switch?
If you are using a standard well pump, you can find a lever arm that is connected to the junction box. Turn it up. You will hear the start sound of the pump. Hold the lever until the pressure reaches 30 pounds. Then release it. Now the water should flow.
Summing up
Regardless of whether you use a borehole pump at home or at work, a pump pressure control switch is a must. This could have prevented many disasters. So don't take unnecessary risks. If you are dealing with a broken switch, be sure to replace it as soon as possible.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to check the stove pressure switch with a multimeter
- How to check the car ground wire with a multimeter
- How to test the power window switch with a multimeter
Recommendations
(1) electric shock - https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/electrocution
(2) fire - https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/
earth/geophysics/fire1.htm
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