I just bought a 1.5 horse Hayward filter pump, but it has a L5-20P twist lock type plug on it. Question is can I use one of those RV adapters to connect this pump into my regular outlet? should I put a new cord onto pump? Or should I replace the electrical outlet? Live in MA not sure if this plug is code now for filters? Thanks!
Plug for pool filter pump
- Thread starter Schimmel47
- Start date
You can do as you wish, but replacing the receptacle is a better idea. A twist-lock plug is not prone to being accidentally pulled from the receptacle. It can also handle higher amperage than most three-prong plugs with out damage. Be sure that there is a GFCI in the circuit. That's much more important than the type of plug in use.
Yes, I’ve been told It is gfci. someone who is not admitting to any wrong doing in my house snipped off a chunk of the grounding cable coming out of the ground. I imagine I can buy some cable and connect it with a clamp to the grounded piece of cable? Thanks for your help
Yes you can buy green grounding wire and clamps at the big box stores.
When you say "the grounding cable" what are you referring to? Do you mean the bonding system for the pool., or do you mean some other ground?
The bond wire for a pool is normally #8 bare copper wire. In THEORY you can splice a bond wire, using UL approved split bolts (and if it buried, it should also be approved for buried locations). However, some inspectors don't like to see splices - they want to see one entire unbroken loop of wire.
First off you have to understand what the L5-20P plug is and rated for.
These are rated for: 20amp - 125 volt and are twist lock
The twist lock is the important aspect as it is a code requirement for some areas (between 5-10 feet from water).
Next you need to be on a 20amp circuit. Not just the outlet but make sure that your circuit breaker is rated for 20amps. Hopefully whoever did the wiring also used 12- or 10-gauge wire (later prefered).
If you decide to use an adapter, please, please find one that is rated HIGHER than what the circuit is being called for. I have seen too many times connections at either or both the extension or the plug melt and start a fire. Remember when you add an adapter or extension cord you are adding more stress to the electrical circuit.
These pictures are from a standard 120v plug and a 15amp rated 3' extension cord with the connectors within a waterproof box (I was just short by about 2 feet with the Hayward wire and thought I would be ok). Thankfully I caught it. If you held the cord you could feel they were warm due to pulling the max or more electrical capacity. I replaced the entire cord from the pump to the outlet using a much heavier rated cord. 3rd year zero issues (would recommend you do this vs adapters or extensions).
Please be careful.
These are rated for: 20amp - 125 volt and are twist lock
The twist lock is the important aspect as it is a code requirement for some areas (between 5-10 feet from water).
Next you need to be on a 20amp circuit. Not just the outlet but make sure that your circuit breaker is rated for 20amps. Hopefully whoever did the wiring also used 12- or 10-gauge wire (later prefered).
If you decide to use an adapter, please, please find one that is rated HIGHER than what the circuit is being called for. I have seen too many times connections at either or both the extension or the plug melt and start a fire. Remember when you add an adapter or extension cord you are adding more stress to the electrical circuit.
These pictures are from a standard 120v plug and a 15amp rated 3' extension cord with the connectors within a waterproof box (I was just short by about 2 feet with the Hayward wire and thought I would be ok). Thankfully I caught it. If you held the cord you could feel they were warm due to pulling the max or more electrical capacity. I replaced the entire cord from the pump to the outlet using a much heavier rated cord. 3rd year zero issues (would recommend you do this vs adapters or extensions).
Please be careful.