What is the size of the pool pump breaker? (15, 20 or 30 A)
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When it comes to pool pumps, the size of the hammer determines how much power your pump can handle.
Each pool must have several key mechanisms to protect its users. The circuit breaker for the pump is one of the most important parts, along with the earth fault circuit breaker. Both will prevent electric shocks in the event the circuit system fails, so you need to choose the right size for these protection systems.
In general terms, a 20 amp circuit breaker is ideal for most pool pumps. Most people use this breaker because they also connect it to other pieces of pool equipment. You can use a 15 amp circuit breaker exclusively for the pump, which is mostly for above ground pools. You can choose a 30 amp circuit breaker for an underground pool.
I'll go into more detail below.
A few words about pool pumps
The pool pump is the heart of your pool system.
Its main function is to take water from the pool skimmer, pass it through a filter and return it to the pool. Its key components are:
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- Working wheel
- Hair and fluff trap
It usually uses 110 volts or 220 volts, 10 amps and its speed is controlled by its type:
- Regular speed swimming pool pump
- Two speed pool pump
- Variable Speed Pool Pump
Since it is powered by electricity, it is very important to turn on the circuit breaker inside the system.
Why is it important to have a circuit breaker
The function of the circuit breaker is to operate whenever there is a power outage or power surge.
The swimming pool pump motor may draw excessive power at some point during its use. This means that it can transmit electricity inside the pool using this mechanism. In this case, the pool user is at risk of electric shock.
To prevent this from happening, the switch will stop the flow of electrical current throughout the system.
General switch size for swimming pool pumps
There are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to choose the perfect switch.
Most experts advise buyers to buy the same brand of hammer as the pool pump. This ensures that the switch is compatible with the electrical system of the pool. It also helps to acquire quality products.
To select the correct switch, it is best to have a licensed electrician check the details of your pump. If you are already familiar with the attributes, you can easily decide which crusher size is right for you.
You can choose between a 20 or 15 amp switch.
20 amp circuit breaker
20 amp circuit breakers are the most common for households.
As mentioned above, most pool pumps use 10 amps of power, which makes a 20 amp circuit breaker more than capable of handling it. It can run up to 3 hours without any risk of damage as it dictates the duration of maximum use under continuous load.
You can also find pool pumps that draw up to 17 amps when turned on. After a while, they will drop to standard ampere consumption. In this case, you can use a 20 amp breaker.
However, in the second case, unlike the first, you will not be able to chain other devices associated with the pool.
15 amp circuit breaker
The second option is a switch for a maximum load of 15 amperes.
It can only be used for 10 amp pool pumps, and it cannot support other devices in the circuit.
Wiring size
The wires should be selected according to the size of the switch.
There are two wire sizes you can use based on the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. AWG specifies the diameter and thickness of the wire.
- 12 gauge wire size
- 10 gauge wire size
12 gauge wire can be used with most swimming pool pump circuit breakers. 10 gauge wires are primarily used for 30 amp circuit breakers.
Note that the thicker the wire, the smaller the gauge number.
The choice of a breaker depending on the type of pool
Pools are of two types:
- Above ground pools
- Underground pools
Each of them uses a different type of pump, controlled by the function of each internal electrical system. So everyone needs a different switch size.
Above ground pools
It is well known that above ground pool pumps use less electricity than underground pool pumps.
They consume 120 volts and do not impose special requirements on electricity. That's why you can also plug it into a standard electrical outlet.
You can apply a 20 amp circuit breaker along with 12 gauge or 10 gauge wire to the system.
Underground pools
Unlike pumps for above ground pools, underground pumps deliver water upwards.
This means that they require much more energy to operate. Basically, they pull 10-amp electricity and 240 volts, while usually connecting additional devices to their circuit.
- Sea water coordinator (5-8 amps)
- Pool lighting (3,5W per light)
The sum of amps used in this circuit exceeds the capacity of a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker. This makes the 30 amp circuit breaker a better choice for your pool.
You may need to connect a larger switch if your pool has a hot tub.
Ground Fault Circuit Breaker (GFCI)
The National Electrical Code (NEC) cannot stress enough the importance of the GFCI applied to outlets used for swimming pools.
They have the same purpose as a circuit breaker, although they are more sensitive to ground faults, leaks, and circuit water contact. This unit is typically used indoors and outdoors, in areas with high levels of humidity such as bathrooms, basements or swimming pools.
They immediately shut down the system, preventing accidents, including electric shock or other electrical-related injury.
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