Very old Two wire Pump NO EGC

Status
Not open for further replies.
A

AC\DC

Senior Member
Location
Florence,Oregon,Lane
Occupation
EC
I was called to trouble shoot an pump that goes into the lake. When I got there I saw they system was direct burred wire with NO EGC. System was installed in the 50's
When did EGC become mandatory? tried searching but can't seem to find an old NEC to look at.
I told them its not safe and needs to be addressed.
 
A GFCI might work as temp solution. But, it may trip on excessive leakage and the owner may not want to install EGC
Solution is EGC and GFCI
 
As far as when EGC was required, it was added to NM cable in mid 60’s, probably UF at same time
What is the wiring method?
 
its single wire direct buried I could not read what actual wire it was, any indication was lost. IT was Thick and hard.

I am worried about liability if I install the GFCI. since I would need to touched it. A GFCI would make it 100 times safer
I was debating on Stating.
Found yadadada and to make it correct a EGC needs to be installed but to make it a safer install we installed a GFCI breaker, A EGC is still needed before any other work can be performed.
 
AC\DC said:
For then to fix it, Is to bore it about 800 feet! Currently crosses several roads and is under other people property. A big mess
Click to expand...
Fatalities can be messy, too.
An electric-shock drowning is unlikely to ever be traced to the source. They don't show up during an autopsy and aren't likely to be seen as "wrongful", which means that even a death might not motivate remediation.
You should probably file a memorandum with the county coroner in advance.

ptonsparky said:
... Remove the pump and disconnect all associated wiring. Don't put it back in.
Click to expand...
That, or relocate the pump and replace the wiring with 800 feet of suction pipe.
Do your NPSH (net-positive suction head) calculations first. (the counterpart of voltage drop for fluid flow)
Yes, my degree does say mechanical engineering.
 
drcampbell said:
Fatalities can be messy, too.
An electric-shock drowning is unlikely to ever be traced to the source. They don't show up during an autopsy and aren't likely to be seen as "wrongful", which means that even a death might not motivate remediation.
You should probably file a memorandum with the county coroner in advance.


That, or relocate the pump and replace the wiring with 800 feet of suction pipe.
Do your NPSH (net-positive suction head) calculations first. (the counterpart of voltage drop for fluid flow)
Yes, my degree does say mechanical engineering.
Click to expand...
Wait what?
 
Yes you are in a tough position. When you point out the danger, the owners comment will be “never had a problem”. Now I see why you were asking about an EGC. The EGC requirement is where to start
 
I’ll just walk easier lol and safer. Other wise I got to get a lawyer to make sure if i do the best I can to make it safer with a gfci.
Then tell them in letter this needs to be addressed.
There not going to allow me to go there and shut there water off. They will shot me lol
 
Two wire ungrounded pumps were very common up until the late 80’s I believe, but most were used in wells. I can see the issue with the lake hazard. No way a gfi would hold on that old of wire or pump, and looks like they are starting to have problems with it since they called you out to troubleshoot it.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top