We are getting a CircuPool RJ-60 SWG and a CircuPool VS pump installed for our pool. We will be putting them on separate gfci breakers on our panel. But do we need swtiches (one switch for the pump and one for the SWG)? Or is it OK to wire them directly to their gfci breakers? We will hire an electrician for the install by the way. Thanks!
Switch needed between gfci and SWG?
- Thread starter Seakayaker
- Start date
- Feb 6, 2015
- 7,863
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
You will need a timer between the SWG and the circuit breaker. The timer needs to be set to run within the times the pump runs.... within the time frame of 30 minutes after pump starts to 30 minutes before pump stops. This prevents the SWG from being powered on when the pump is off. The flow switch for the SWG is a secondary safety device only and should not be relied upon to control the power to the SWG. The time on the timer should be checked weekly or after any power outage so that it stays in sync with the pump timer clock.
You will also need a disconnect switch within plain sight of the pump to be able to shut off power to the pump.
Both the SWG timer (you can use a simple Intermatic T-104 mechanical timer) and the pump disconnect switch should be at the equipment pad.
You will also need a disconnect switch within plain sight of the pump to be able to shut off power to the pump.
Both the SWG timer (you can use a simple Intermatic T-104 mechanical timer) and the pump disconnect switch should be at the equipment pad.
Thanks! I actually have a T104 NIB on my desk that I might use if needed. But I forgot to mention one key thing: We prefer to control our pool manually as we have a very irregular schedule. Our ideal routine is like this: In the morning we go out and clear the pool and check that everything is OK. We then turn on the system manually (power button on pump and power button on SWG). Then at night we go out and turn things off manually (power button on pump and power button on SWG). In this scenario, do we need any switches or timers between SWG and gfci or between pump and gfci?
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,965
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Why not put the pump and SWG on the same circuit and switch?
That way you have no risk of the SWG switch being on when the pump is off.
That way you have no risk of the SWG switch being on when the pump is off.
- Feb 6, 2015
- 7,863
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
This would be easiest if the circuit breaker/wire size will support the amps needed. Pump and SWG maximum combined amps should not exceed 80% of the circuit breaker rated capacity.
And there wouldn't be a chance of "forgetting" to turn both the pump and SWG on/off.
You still will need a way to turn off the pump and SWG at the equipment pad. The cicuit breakers shouldn't be used as power switches - you will wear them out much sooner doing so.
Thanks again. Yes, the control panel/pad is next to the pump. This is all outdoors. I do not intend to use the breakers as on/off switches as I plan on using the on/off buttons on the SWG and pump (pump has its own control panel on it). But that is what this thread is about. I assume it is enough to wire them directly to the breakers and leave the breakers on and just use the on/off buttons on the pump and SWG.
As for putting them on the same circuit, yes, the manual recommends doing that for a single-speed pump. But for a VS pump, which is what we will get, the manual says that it is better to put them on separate circuits.
As for putting them on the same circuit, yes, the manual recommends doing that for a single-speed pump. But for a VS pump, which is what we will get, the manual says that it is better to put them on separate circuits.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,965
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
If you are getting a VS pump you should be turning it on and off using the pump control panel and not cutting the power with a switch. The VS pump should get constant power.
Thank you. Just what I wanted to know. I assume the same is true for the SWG, right? It also has an on/off button on its control panel. Thanks again!
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,965
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The Circupool RJ60 has an ON/OFF button on the upper left.
SWGs do not have the sensitive electronics that are in a VS drive and they can take turning power ON/OFF with a timer.
SWGs do not have the sensitive electronics that are in a VS drive and they can take turning power ON/OFF with a timer.
- Feb 6, 2015
- 7,863
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
I still believe there is supposed to be a disconnect switch within sight of the pump. And if on separate circuits, it would be best to have a disconnect switch for the SWG also.
As Allen stated, you don't use the pump disconnect switch to turn on/off a VS pump, you use the pump control panel.
Seems you are making it harder on yourself by always manually shutting the pump and SWG on/off. Use the pump control panel to set the on/off times and use a timer on the SWG to match up to the pump on/off times. This will save you time and still keep the pool filtering and making chlorine.
As Allen stated, you don't use the pump disconnect switch to turn on/off a VS pump, you use the pump control panel.
Seems you are making it harder on yourself by always manually shutting the pump and SWG on/off. Use the pump control panel to set the on/off times and use a timer on the SWG to match up to the pump on/off times. This will save you time and still keep the pool filtering and making chlorine.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,965
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
NEC requires a maintenance disconnect for motors. If the CB is within sight of the pump it can be the maintenance disconnect. Otherwise a switch that disconnects both hot legs of a pump within sight of the pump is required.
Our pad/load center is a few feet from the pump and the pad has all the gfci breakers (no lock on cabinet).
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,965
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Then you are good using the CB for the maintenance disconnect and the power buttons on the devices for daily on/off control.
We don't have any times. We do this at different times every day. And if we are not home one day or the weather is bad, the pool is not running at all. Just the way we prefer it.