Today, I have 2 Intermatic Mechanical Timers (T104M). One runs my main pump, a Pentair WF-4 1.0 HP WF. The other drives a PB-4 booster pump for the the pool cleaner. Each pump is connected to (through the timers) to a single 2 pole 40 amp breaker, each leg supplying 115V. The booster pump is appropriately wired to not run unless the main pump is running. I'm tired of messing with these mechanical timers and am ready to upgrade to a digital timer. I bought the Intermatic P1353ME thinking that it would easily handle the issue. But after reading through the instructions, I've learned that there is only one mode that supports a 2 pole configuration and that doesn't support a cleaner pump.
One option is to rewire to support single pole 115V. It seems both pumps have that as an option but I will need to at least rewire the connection to the main pump. That would even leave me a third circuit designate as AUX that I could put my lights on. This sounds like a great idea, however someone cautioned me against this saying that although it would work, pumps are more efficient at 230V and it is less "difficult" for the motor to start. They recommended that I return this digital timer switch and find an appropriate timer that will support two 2-pole 230V circuits. Well, that is easier said than done! I'm having a tough time finding that level of detail on most products. Is there any validity to the concern about running the pumps at 115V? If so, anyone recommend a digital timer that supports two 2pole 230V pumps?
Thanks!
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One option is to rewire to support single pole 115V. It seems both pumps have that as an option but I will need to at least rewire the connection to the main pump. That would even leave me a third circuit designate as AUX that I could put my lights on. This sounds like a great idea, however someone cautioned me against this saying that although it would work, pumps are more efficient at 230V and it is less "difficult" for the motor to start. They recommended that I return this digital timer switch and find an appropriate timer that will support two 2-pole 230V circuits. Well, that is easier said than done! I'm having a tough time finding that level of detail on most products. Is there any validity to the concern about running the pumps at 115V? If so, anyone recommend a digital timer that supports two 2pole 230V pumps?
Thanks!
Skip