The number of amps a well pump uses depends on its horsepower (HP), voltage, and efficiency. Here is the detail:
1/2 hp well pump
Voltage : 120 volts
120V: ~9-10 amps
240V: ~4-5 amps
Cable size:
Up to 150 feet: 14 Aug
150-300 feet: 12 AWG
More than 300 feet: 10 og
The 1/2 well pump should operate on a 15 amp circuit breaker.
3/4 hp well pump
120V: ~13-14 amps
240V: ~6-7 amps
The 3/4 well pump uses a 20 amp circuit breaker.
Cable size:
Up to 150 feet: 12 AWG
150-300 feet: 10 og
More than 300 feet: 8 aug
1 hp well pump
120V: ~16-17 amps
240V: ~8-9 amps
1 hp well pump operates on a 25 amp circuit breaker.
Cable size:
Up to 150 feet: 10 og
150-300 feet: 8 aug
More than 300 feet: 6 og
1.5 hp well pump
The 1.5 HP submersible pump uses a 30 amp circuit breaker.
Cable size:
Up to 150 feet: 8 aug
150-300 feet: 6 og
More than 300 feet: 4 og
2 hp well pump
It is recommended to run a 2 hp well pump on a 40 amp circuit breaker.
Cable size:
Up to 150 feet: 6 og
150-300 feet: 4 og
More than 300 feet: 2 og
The horsepower of the well pump is indicated on the pump label or in the pump manual. Residential pumps typically range from 1/2 horsepower to 1 horsepower, while larger irrigation pumps can be 1.5 horsepower or more.
The well pump can effectively run on a 3,500 watt generator, which consumes up to 1,050 watts. A 120 volt pump draws more amps than a 240 volt pump because the same power requirements are divided by a lower voltage, resulting in a higher current.
Common types of cables for well pumps
Submersible pump cable
Designed expressly for submersible well pumps.
Features:
Resistant to water, chemicals and abrasion. Flexible and durable for installation in tight spaces. Available in flat or round configurations.
Connectors: Includes 2 or 3 insulated power connectors and a ground wire.
Subtypes:
Round cables: Flexible and durable, ideal for deep wells and tight spaces. Designed to handle the stresses of installation and retrieval.
Flat cablesCompact and lightweight, suitable for shallow wells. Best for straight running with minimal bending.
Heavy cablesDesigned for extreme conditions and industrial use. Durable and reliable in harsh environments.
THW cables: Twisted and uncased, designed for submersion in well casings. Suitable for operating submersible pumps.
THHN/THWN wire
For above ground wiring or where conduit is used.
Features:
Rated for wet or dry locations (THWN for wet locations). Used in the channel leading to the well casing.
UF-B cable (underground feeder cable)
Suitable for buried wires between the power source and the well.
Features:
Designed for direct burial without ducting. Resistant to moisture and sunlight.
Control cable (for 3-wire pumps)
It is used to connect the control box to the pump.
Features:
Includes multiple isolated conductors to handle control signals.
At Nassau National Cable, you’ll find everything to run your well pump, including everything Types Submersible pump cables, thn/thn-2and UF-B.
