Circuit Breaker Replacement Recommendation

[Jomaren]

I would like to please get help with buying the right CB for our pump. Our pool filter circuit breaker trips after about 1-2 seconds after turning on the filter. I measured 240V reading for it. We want to replace the circuit breaker, which is a 20 AMP, 2 pole (non-GFCI). The current brand we have is a Square D #AB-4779, but is no longer made. Would any Square D 20 AMP 2 pole work? Would this one work that I found at Home Depot? : Square D Homeline 20 Amp 2-Pole Circuit Breaker-HOM220CP - The Home Depot

Thanks!

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Pool code requires a GFCI breaker on the main pump for safety. Is there a GFCI breaker somewhere in that circuit? Pentair sells a GFCI circuit breaker rated for their pumps (I think it’s just a rebranded Siemens).

 

[Jomaren]

Yes, it is wired to a GFCI outlet.

 

[Jimrahbe]

jo,

It is extremely unlikely that the GFCI outlet that you show in your Pic has anything to do with running the IntelliFlo pump.

While it is possible that your current circuit breaker is bad, I doubt it.. What have you done to test it? What makes you think it is bad?

Have you disconnected the pump to see if the breaker still pops? Is this same breaker used for anything else other that powering the pump?

Please show us some pics of the wiring between your breakers and the relays in your automation system..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Jim,

Signature says it’s a single speed pump.

@Jomaren ,

Not sure who did the install but wiring a highly inductive load like a 3HP pump through a 15 amp accessory outlet is just bad practice. The pump, if it is single speed, should be on its own GFCI breaker with direct wiring. It’s ok to route a pool light through the back of the accessory outlet, but not a pump.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[Jimrahbe]

Matt,

I saw 3 HP and assumed it was an IntelliFlo, as no one in their right mind would install a 3 HP single speed pump....

I still doubt that the outlet is the GFCI for anything other than a light.. Outlets are not normally 240 volts and a 3 HP pump is not going to run off of 120 volts.

Something is just not right here..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[jeffnhispool]

I'm pretty sure installing a receptacle in a service panel is not up to code. Having said that, the top 2 wires are your line in and should come directly from a dedicated breaker. The 2 bottom wires are for a "load" and go to power something we can't see. Like Jim I can't imagine that being a 3hp pump but whatever it is you have to consider the added load of plugging something in to that receptacle combined with whatever else that circuit doing.

I highly recommend a licensed electrician to sort this out safely.

 

[KDpoolguy]

Home Depot does sell that CB in a GFCI version, just more expensive than the one you mentioned in the link.

 

[Jomaren]

Thanks for all your input. We will get an electrician out here to bring things up to code ASAP. We were trying to figure out why our CB keeps tripping after about 1-2 seconds after the pump turns on. It has a new capacitor, and a new relay this season after CB tripping a lot, and everything has been working for a few weeks until yesterday after a storm (it was not submerged and was not wet inside the housing. We thought maybe the CB was compromised and changed the CB this morning just to see if that was the problem, but still is tripping and motor is hot. The CB does not trip when pump is disconnected. The motor on the pump and parts (?) to the pump were replaced 3 years ago.

 

[Jomaren]

Update: We got a new pump and works great. Also, in Georgia the code does not require GFCI on the main pump. Thanks.

 

[danpik]

Update: Also, in Georgia the code does not require GFCI on the main pump. Thanks.

Per the NFPA, GA is currently on the 2017 NEC code cycle which is the latest code cycle (the next update is due out in 2020) This does not mean that everyone has to bring their pools into 2017 compliance. Your pool is covered by the code cycle when it was built, which in this case may have been that GFCI protection was not required on direct wired pumps. However, if you modify or change anything on that circuit, you will need to update that circuit to meet the current code adoption in your area

This is the current code recommendation per the NEC2017... 680-21(C) GFCI Protection. GFCI protection is required for outlets supplying pool pump motors connected to single-phase, 120V through 240V branch circuits, whether by receptacle or by direct connection.

 

[Greg 2]

Well, code or no code, I look at GCFI protection just like fire extinguishers and insurance. I don't necessarily like them and don't like paying for them, but when the time comes I NEED them I am sure glad I have them. Remember, the life you save may be your own or a loved one.

 

[MyAZPool]

What Greg 2 said!
Error on the side of SAFETY and just do the RIGHT THING. Not much to lose and maybe everything to gain