Need Electrical Advice

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: aidanjm
what the fvck are you doing? Are you a qualified electrician? if not, then you shouldn't be attempting to "replace wiring". I've never heard anything so INSANE. People are killed every year because they think they can DIY it with electrical wiring. What you are doing is CRAZY, and also probably illegal. Hire a fvcking qualified, certified electrician, and get the job done properly and safely!!!! :|

1. don't be an ass.
2. residential and farm electrical wiring is very simple
3. simple except to morons... since it's apparently above your head, well then...

 

[DrPizza]

Geekdrew:
The extension cord was too hot because:
too much resistance.

reason it has too much resistance: a, b, or both.
a) too long
b) too thin of wire.

Since you stated 3/4 HP pump in your original post, 14 gauge or 16 gauge extension cord wire is *not* going to be sufficient.
It's definitely going to get hot.

If you ran to a house because it hurt so bad....
wimp.

Don't use that extension cord for that purpose, unless you desire a fire.

They make heavy duty extension cords, or you can simply make your own extension cord using some 12/2 uf wiring. (so long as you're not going to be flexing it a lot)

 

[Ornery]

I can see both sides of the coin. It is dangerous to work with, and dangerous if it's installed wrong. BUT, the brakes on your car are pretty damn important, yet people around here don't think twice about screwing with those. It's fine to be warned about the dangers, but you have to look at the big picture, too. An electrician is going to cost a LOT. I can understand trying to save some serious money. With the proper equipment and instruction, a decent handyman should be able to get the job done safely.

 

[GeekDrew]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
If you ran to a house because it hurt so bad....
wimp.

Did you miss the part where I said my hands were also covered in chemicals, and I wanted to wash them quickly? I suppose I could have placed emphasis on the wrong side of the coin, but that was my main reason 😛

 

[GeekDrew]

Originally posted by: Ornery
I'd take this project to your local electrical supply store, and drop it in their lap to price it out. They should be aware of who to order the relay from, if they don't stock such a thing. They could tell you how heavy the wire needs to be from the Breaker Box/Relay to the motor, given the length of the run, and motor's size. If you buy all the stuff from them (and not Home Depot), I'd think they would do it for you no charge, since they mark things up pretty good to cover that extra service.

haha I was actually thinking about doing that tomorrow morning... but I figured I'd walk in knowing as much as I possibly could about the situation.

The only electrical supply store that's local to us is actually about 25 miles away... Snyder Electric (actually, I think it's State Electric now). I've gotten things from them before.

I suppose that would probably be the easiest way to do it. lol

Thanks 😉

 

[Ornery]

Call before you drive all the way over there. Maybe you could FAX info to them.

 

[bwnv]

3/4 Hp 8 to 12 amps. 1 Hp around 14 amps. Non-reversing single phase motor starter rated for 28 amps== last a long time. Buy a thermal unit rated for both size motors and use the smaller one first. Thermal unit cuts power to the motor relay (ie.in case the bearings seize) Don't want bad things to happen. Get a doorbell x-former probably don't need more than .5 amp @ 12v, but for the length 24v would be better depending on how easy it is to find pilot bulbs. 2 boxes with start, stop, and pilot lights.

4. profit 😉


edited to say amp. ratings taken from Grainger book. YMMV