breaker for 6 amp well pump

[zekeman]

I have a 1/2 HP submersible pump rated at 6 amps. It is wired with 14/2 with a 30 amp breaker. Is this OK with code since there is thermal overload protection in the motor and starting current must be about 4x rated?

 

[zekeman]

Re: breaker for 6 amp well pump

Correction. The breaker is 20 amps.

 

[stew]

Re: breaker for 6 amp well pump

see 430.52 250% of fl amps is 15. 14 awg cord per 400.6A ampacity is 18 amps.I am assuming that the submersible is cord connected with so cord eh?

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: breaker for 6 amp well pump

I will asume the 14/2 is NM.15 amp.Max Breaker.That`s one issue.second cord connected or hard wired?

 

[iwire]

Re: breaker for 6 amp well pump

For motor loads the breaker has little to do with conductor size 240.4(D) does not apply to motor loads.

That aside 250% of 6 amps is 15 amps, there should be know reason to need a breaker larger than 15 to start this well pump.

This 1/2 HP motor must not be 120 volt to only need 6 amps?

 

[zekeman]

Re: breaker for 6 amp well pump

Thanks for your responses.

The cable from the main panel is BX to the junction box . The cable to the well casing is NM.
Since the continuous load is 6 amps then the 14/2
wire, I take it, is OK. However are you telling me that since NEC allows 250% for the breaker, then it should not, in this case, exceed 15 amps?

Suppose the rated current were 8 amps; would this then mean that the 20 amp breaker would be appropriate?

 

[drg]

Re: breaker for 6 amp well pump

Zekeman ,I would think that the cable going to the well casing would be UF and not NM.

Also is the 20 amp breaker a single pole or double pole?
I am guessing its a double pole.

John

 

[zekeman]

Re: breaker for 6 amp well pump

John

I stand corrected. You're right; its UV and 12/2, not 14/2. But the BX from the main panel is 14/2.
Also the breaker is double pole for the 240V.

Thanks for responding

 

[zekeman]

Re: breaker for 6 amp well pump

Correction. UF.