2 speed pump question

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K

kewpie

0
Feb 19, 2017
160
Chapel Hill, NC
Hi, I ordered a 2 speed pump but got a single speed pump delivered instead...waiting for deck to be built so that I can exchange the pump after.
I am looking to install a timer to hook up pump and swg in the meantime..can someone please tell me if a 2 speed pump and swg can run on a 20 amp circuit? That is what the seller told me to install (20 amp) but now the electrician who is looking to install timer things might need to go to higher circuit...I just got my electrical inspected last week and finally passed so would much rather not have to mess with all that anymore..,

I think I have 2 20 amp circuits with 2 breakers in garage. I was thinking timer on one of the circuit on low speed ( set timer in garage) then if I ever need high speed just move the plug over to the outlet with no timer? I am by no means an expert...just thinking in my head...may be oversimplifying...

Pics is current set up...pump will be replaced,

Thanks!!
 

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You did not show the motor plate that indicates its power draw. The SWG is under 1 amp, and I am guessing that with the pump the draw should still be well under 20 amps.

The wiring does not work the way I think you think it does. You can't run both speeds of 2-speed pump by switching between standard 120V outlets.
The pump will required 4 wires feeding it: ground, common, High speed (120V), Low speed (120V) ... high and low should never get power at the same time. And so far I am assuming your pump with be 120V and not 240V.

The easiest way to control the speeds is to run your line power from the timer to the common pole in a 3-way light switch and then run 2 wires from the other 2 terminals in the switch to the high and low speed terminals in the motor.

You can then just leave it in low speed most of the time and flip the switch to high as needed.
 
Is this the right pic? Yeah I don’t understand all that you just said... but I will forward to electrician! Thanks!

This pic is for single speed pump that I currently have...not sure what the 2 speed one will look but hopefully all under 20 amp!
 

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Nope, still can't see the power rating on the pump.
The 2-speed is NOT a plug and play ... as I described above.

Also while your 1 speed is clearly 115V. You need to ensure that the 2-speed version can also be wired to 115V ... many of them are not.
 
Ok I finally got to talk to pool seller today...they have been swamped but finally called back today.

The 2 speed pump model is Pentair 340400. The store said it is 110 volt. I googled and it looks like it has twist cord? I don’t know what that means...but does this mean it will not be too complicated to install the timer to the pump and swg?

Thank you!!!
 
A twist-lock is a type of plug and outlet. I am not sure how that works for a 2-speed pump that requires 4 wires, unless it uses some kind of special outlet. OR, it is a standard outlet/plug and then the only way to change speeds is to throw a switch on the back of the motor.
 
It should come with a 4 prong Twist-Lock plug that works with a 2 speed 115v pump. But it should be wired into a circuit with a 3 way plug for switching between speeds (and preventing both windings running at the same time).

Note that Pentair pumps come with ZERO wiring information so you may need to get a competent pool electrician to wire it for you.
 

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Just found out that pump comes with what loks like a standard 3 prong plug and a switch at the back for changing speed. So it's easier than feared!

Jason: Yes, the connections are identified on the pump but how to wire it (for 2 speed operation) is a different matter! It took me quite some time to figure out the 3 way switch trick for my whisperflow 2 speed pump.
 
So it sounds like I just need a normal timer for the pump and swg? I am envisioning just setting it on low speed for timer then manually changing to high speed if needed. What version of intermatic timer should I get for the pump and swg?

Thanks so much! Glad to hear it shouldn’t be complicated!
 
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