Connecting Several Motors on One Load

[SantiSpark]

So I'm doing a side job that is not to be inspected, but I also want to make sure it is a legit and most of all SAFE installation. There is a pond being built that will have 2 plug in motors (120v-12.7 FLA each). I was planning on running #10s to it and terminating on a 30A breaker. Then plugging both of the motors into a 20A receptacle on the load side of a 20A GFCI receptacle. Is this acceptable? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[augie47]

Do you know if the motors have thermal protection ?
(Nameplate data would be helpful)
The 30 amp circuit might well be undersized for the 2 motors together.
The plug & receptacles would need to be properly rated including HP rated.

(side note: any wiring installed without inspections especially where bodies of water are involved has a HUGE liability risk)

 

[SantiSpark]

Do you know if the motors have thermal protection ?
(Nameplate data would be helpful)
The 30 amp circuit might well be undersized for the 2 motors together.
The plug & receptacles would need to be properly rated including HP rated.

(side note: any wiring installed without inspections especially where bodies of water are involved has a HUGE liability risk)

Not sure if thermal protected. And what would you suggest?

 

[ptonsparky]

Not sure if thermal protected. And what would you suggest?

Find out.

What makes you think a 20 amp 120 volt GFCI should be on a 30 amp breaker?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

So I'm doing a side job that is not to be inspected, but I also want to make sure it is a legit and most of all SAFE installation. There is a pond being built that will have 2 plug in motors (120v-12.7 FLA each). I was planning on running #10s to it and terminating on a 30A breaker. Then plugging both of the motors into a 20A receptacle on the load side of a 20A GFCI receptacle. Is this acceptable? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

See 210.21(B)(3)....that is not permitted.

 

[Jraef]

What you COULD do is run a 30A circuit out to a little outdoor rated sub-panel with a couple of 20A GFCI breakers in it, feeding 20A receptacles (or regular breakers feeding 20A GFCI receptacles). But again, IF the motors are thermally protected. If not, you will need OL protection, so you could put in a Manual Motor Starter for each one.

Start with the details on the motor, it has to begin there.

 

[LarryFine]

I would seriously consider a 20a 120/240v MWBC.

 

[SantiSpark]

I would seriously consider a 20a 120/240v MWBC.

For each of the motors separately right? This is what I have been thinking and am going to suggest. Problem is homeowner pulled his own wire.

 

[SantiSpark]

Find out.

What makes you think a 20 amp 120 volt GFCI should be on a 30 amp breaker?

Would never have 30A running through it.

 

[ptonsparky]

Would never have 30A running through it.

With that logic, put it on a 60.

 

[Russs57]

The way I see it.

A 30 amp breaker shouldn't have more than a 24 amp load. You will be over that. A 20 amp breaker can be loaded to 16 amps. You will be under that with one motor. So put each motor on it's own 20 amp breaker. I.E. run 4 #12's instead of 3 # 10's and use a MWBC.

If wire is in conduit, and your locale allows the conduit to be the ground, maybe you just swap a 30 amp single pole breaker for a 20 amp double pole and you are good to go.