Just got my Active20 and I need to figure out how to add a plug for the power supply. I have a 20A double pole breaker in a subpanel that is feeding my timer that my pump and SWG are connected to. I also have a 15A single pole breaker for by non-functional fiber optic light. I think it is a GFCI, becasue it has a test button on it. How could I connect a 120V outlet to plug in my Active20? Can I connect one the hots, the neutral, and the ground to an outdoor rated 120V outlet before the leads go to my timer?
Power outlet for cleaner
- Thread starter Ericwood73
- Start date
- Jun 22, 2014
- 47,751
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Eric, in cases like this it's probably best we start out with the typical disclaimer about electric safety, and that is that if you aren't sure about electrical work or principles, always hire a professional.
Having said that, many of us do some relatively simple DIY wiring at home. We have lots of NEC-knowledgeable members here who can help. Adding an outlet is usually not too difficult, but in your situation it may help if you post a picture or two of your sub-panel so we can see the existing breakers and if you have any spaces remaining for a new electrical line. Also to clarify, your new cleaner is 120V but what about your pump and SWG? Are they 220V? Any other outlets at your equipment pad?
Having said that, many of us do some relatively simple DIY wiring at home. We have lots of NEC-knowledgeable members here who can help. Adding an outlet is usually not too difficult, but in your situation it may help if you post a picture or two of your sub-panel so we can see the existing breakers and if you have any spaces remaining for a new electrical line. Also to clarify, your new cleaner is 120V but what about your pump and SWG? Are they 220V? Any other outlets at your equipment pad?
Thanks. Attached a picture of my subpanel. My pump and SWG are both connected on the smart box according to the instructions in this post - Need a little wiring help (Wion Wifi Pool Pump Timer Wiring) (previously connected to an Intermatic T104 at 2 and 4). My understanding is in this configuration they are using 120V. My understanding is that voltage across one of the leads and neutral is 120V; that is why I am wondering if I can connect the hot on a 120V outlet to a hot lead and the neutral on the outlet to the neutral lead. No other outlets at the equipment pad, that is why I need to add one.
Attachments
Actually I just looked at it and realized I have a spare single pole slot on the panel. So I think I can pop in a 15A single pole GFCI connect that to an outlet and power the cleaner off of that.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 47,751
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
If that's the case, you might consider using a 20 AMP GFCI if the wiring is 12 gauge, but that's just my initial thought. Let's give the gang here some time to catch up to this thread as there may be other things to consider.
Yeah, the wiring to the subpanel is like 8 gauge, connected to a 30A breaker in the main panel, so I could put a bigger breaker on if you think the cleaner needs it.
- Oct 25, 2015
- 5,128
- Pool Size
- 25000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Eric,
I ran into this same issue a couple months ago when I installed my Pentair Warrior SE which I believe is very similar to your Active 20. There is nothing I can find in the manual about the minimum amperage for the circuit. Usually that means 15 is OK. But I wanted to check before installing so I looked at the back of the controller. It says clearly 2 amps at 120 vac. This is maximum load of course. Operating load is much lower. If you're installing a new circuit and have the capacity in your sub panel I'd always go for the 20 amps just for future flexibility. But it's definitely not needed for the cleaner if you are limited.
I installed mine on an existing GFCI outlet in my patio. Used a smart plug and Alexa to control using automation mode. My cleaner shuts down after a 2 hr cycle by itself. I set up a routine in Alexa to run it every day at 10 am for 2 hours. If I ever need an additional cycle I just start it manually from the app. I also ran the wire to the side of the pool using a tough floor cord cover like the one below. This was soooo easy! Automation mode was not documented in my instructions but I think it is for your model. If not, let me know and I'll send the procedure I discovered from others here.
I hope this helps.
Chris
I ran into this same issue a couple months ago when I installed my Pentair Warrior SE which I believe is very similar to your Active 20. There is nothing I can find in the manual about the minimum amperage for the circuit. Usually that means 15 is OK. But I wanted to check before installing so I looked at the back of the controller. It says clearly 2 amps at 120 vac. This is maximum load of course. Operating load is much lower. If you're installing a new circuit and have the capacity in your sub panel I'd always go for the 20 amps just for future flexibility. But it's definitely not needed for the cleaner if you are limited.
I installed mine on an existing GFCI outlet in my patio. Used a smart plug and Alexa to control using automation mode. My cleaner shuts down after a 2 hr cycle by itself. I set up a routine in Alexa to run it every day at 10 am for 2 hours. If I ever need an additional cycle I just start it manually from the app. I also ran the wire to the side of the pool using a tough floor cord cover like the one below. This was soooo easy! Automation mode was not documented in my instructions but I think it is for your model. If not, let me know and I'll send the procedure I discovered from others here.
I hope this helps.
Chris
Thanks. Rather than install an outlet at the equipment pad and then run an extension cord, I thought it would be smarter to trench the 15 feet to the fence and install an outlet there. It's all done and now I have an outlet poolside to plug in the cleaner or in case someone needs to charge a phone or something.