Breaker/wiring question - VS Pump

[SPKNout4CHRIST]

I am replacing my single speed pump with a VS pump. I know I need to add a GFCI breaker, but my question is where is the best place to put it?

Should I put it in the sub panel on the left or should I replace a breaker in the panel on the right, if it would even fit there?

I don’t use the heater any longer, so the only things I need to power are the SWCG, lights, and pump. The lights are controlled by a Pentair Intellibrite Controller and the SWCG will be controlled by the Intermatic timer until I get a digital timer to control it.

 

[willygee]

Could be wrong but thought i read somewhere GFCI breakers might have nuisance trips with VS pumps.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

You do need a GFCI breaker. Mine is installed in the timer box. I know enough about the subject to call on @ajw22 for help. I know you're installing a SuperFlo VS, but he'll probably want to know whether you're wiring it to 120 or 240 volts.

 

[willygee]

You do need a GFCI breaker. Mine is installed in the timer box. I know enough about the subject to call on @ajw22 for help. I know you're installing a SuperFlo VS, but he'll probably want to know whether you're wiring it to 120 or 240 volts.

Here we go again - Variable Speed Pump and GFCI breaker tripping AGAIN ??

Well, after going through all kinds of reiterations of my Hayward 3200 EcoStar VSP tripping the GFCI D-Pole 20AMP breaker, Hayward graciously replaced the entire pump and the pump breaker. Prior to changing the out both, the pump was put on diff GFCI D-Pole 20AMP breakers, and the tripping...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Newdude]

@willygee VS pumps do phantom trip. Pentair seems to do it the most and they commissioned seimens to make them their own GFCI breaker because of it. (Which seimens also sells under their name).

But because it happens is not a reason to bypass code or swimmer safety.

 

[SPKNout4CHRIST]

he'll probably want to know whether you're wiring it to 120 or 240 volts.

I am wiring it to 240.

 

[BMerrill]

If you no longer need the timer panel then discard it and wire the pump directly to a new double pole 20AMP GFCI Breaker in the main panel.

 

[ajw22]

I don't think it matters which panel you put the pump GFCI CB into. But then I don't have a complete picture of your electrical wiring.

Wire the pump directly to the CB with 12 gauge THWN wire.

Electrical GFCI - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[wireform]

I'd keep the timer for the SWCG as the second safety we always talk about.

 

[SPKNout4CHRIST]

I don't think it matters which panel you put the pump GFCI CB into. But then I don't have a complete picture of your electrical wiring.

Wire the pump directly to the CB with 12 gauge THWN wire.

Electrical GFCI - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Can you link me to the appropriate wire? Having trouble finding it. Only need 15ft, but know I may have to get at least 25’.

I believe this is the breaker: Siemens QF220A QF220 Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, 20 Amp, 2 Pole, 120 Volt, 10,000 AIC, Color https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HQGLX06/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_J4J31ZDZKNY9K8F0PGRQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Newdude]

Yup that's it. The supply issues upended the norm and the Pentair version was cheaper some days. It's apparently back to normal and $90 more today.

 

[ajw22]

Can you link me to the appropriate wire? Having trouble finding it. Only need 15ft, but know I may have to get at least 25’.

The headline says THHN but the description says:

Southwires THHN and THWN is a multi-purpose building wire used in conduit and cable trays for service, feeders and branch circuits in commercial and industrial applications. It is also used as a conductor in NM-B, UF-B, SER, SEU and MC. Southwires THHN is rated for 600-Volt and has a heat capacity of up to 90 degree C.

• Can be used in wet or dry locations

Southwire 100 ft. 12 Black Stranded CU THHN Wire 22964184 - The Home Depot

Southwires THHN and THWN is a multi-purpose building wire used in conduit and cable trays for service, feeders and branch circuits in commercial and industrial applications. It is also used as a conductor

www.homedepot.com

They may have smaller rolls of it.

 

[BMerrill]

Can you link me to the appropriate wire? Having trouble finding it. Only need 15ft, but know I may have to get at least 25’.

For the electrical wiring from the pump to the breaker typically a pre-made "whip" is used, but finding a 15' length is nearly impossible. If you have an electrical supply house nearby they may be able to get one; else, you can make one. Need 15 feet of 1/2" liquid tight Non-Metallic flexible electrical conduit, 1 straight connector, 1 90° connector, and #12 THHN wire at 20' length in black, red and green available at your local home improvement store wire by the foot. You can use white wire if the red is not available, but you have to apply red tape or heat shrink at both ends.

 

[Newdude]

+1 to the friendly electrical supply house assembling one for you.

Or HD/Lowes/Ace should sell it by the foot. 15ft likely costs the same as the 25 ft roll. They know what they are doing. Lol.