I have always installed a separate 15 amp circuit for the controls and alarm and a separate 20 amp circuit for the pump. My question is, is it code to install the dedicated circuit for the controls or could this just be tapped off of any lighting circuit? I can’t seem to find anything in the NEC or in the manufacturers instruction one way or another.
Septic system requirements
- Thread starter crtemp
- Start date
- Status
- Occupation
- Licensed Electrician
Design issue. While it make sense to run separate, dedicated circuits there is nothing that says you have to.
- Location
- Tennessee NEC:2017
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrician
I always put the alarm on a different (mostly a newly run) circuit than the pump. If the pump trips the circuit and the alarm is on the same circuit, the alarm won't activate.
romex jockey
Senior Member
- Location
- Vermont
- Occupation
- electrician
Aside from circuit dedication would be tank wiring configuration.
Some localities require the disco by the tank, parsing code to pass...
Most have a breather tube that one can park a 6x6PT by
As the tank is a methane atmosphere, it's best not to assume any splicing(s) within it, as well as all diagnostics (south of a stuck float) external of it
So we do a 2" pvc out of the tank, to the 6x6 post , all cords are run through, sealed w/ dux
Not the 'pristine' install, but less resi woes ...what say the crew?
~RJ~
Some localities require the disco by the tank, parsing code to pass...
Most have a breather tube that one can park a 6x6PT by
As the tank is a methane atmosphere, it's best not to assume any splicing(s) within it, as well as all diagnostics (south of a stuck float) external of it
So we do a 2" pvc out of the tank, to the 6x6 post , all cords are run through, sealed w/ dux
Not the 'pristine' install, but less resi woes ...what say the crew?
~RJ~
Thats a good point. I think in certain county’s here in Washington I’m even required to install a knife switch disconnect where as other places just a 60 amp pullout disco is fine. I never really understood why I needed a disconnect before the control box when it has breakers inside it that kill all power to the control box and tank. Maybe it’s a building code. I’ll see if I can find anything on the county website. Mainly I only do these installs in Clark and cowlizt county.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
Someone that will profit more was involved in making the rules??
Barbqranch
Senior Member
- Location
- Arcata, CA
- Occupation
- Plant maintenance electrician Semi-retired
At my house, the alarm is on its own circuit. Today, I would prefer to put it on one of the lighting circuits, so if it somehow got turned off or tripped, I would know it.
gadfly56
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Professional Engineer, Fire & Life Safety
That is also why you shouldn't put smoke alarms on a dedicated circuit, although it's permitted (NFPA 72-2010 29.6.3(5)).
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
Sounds like an outdated way of doing things. All the Orenco Systems I have done in the past 3 months (4 and counting) have external j-boxes factory mounted to the tank. All you do is pipe it, bring the float and pump cords into the cord grips, and terminate.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
Though sort of wise to put alarm on separate circuit - still good idea to get alarm with a battery backup.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
This was explained in an Electrical Currents article some years ago, I tossed all my printed copies, but they are available on line.
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