Transfer Switches for Well Pumps – Whole House Transfer Switches
With the large number of questions we receive from potential customers looking for a whole-house transfer switch or a transfer switch that can be used for well pumps, we decided to give you a few options. First, let’s give you a brief overview of well pumps and their requirements:
About Well Pumps and Their Requirements:
- 90% of wells are 240 volts, this is achieved using two circuits. The use of two breakers tied together with a common tripping bar, each leg measures is 120 volts to ground. There is also a continuous ground. No neutral is used in this application
- Well circuits are either 2 pole 15 or 2 pole 20 amp in most cases.
- Some wells are 120 volts but this is more the exception
- Your transfer switch must be rated for the amperage of the breaker associated with the well (15 or 20 amps)
- Your generator must be capable of producing 4800 watts for a 20 amp well line and 3600 watts for a 15 amp well line. Start up on some pumps could exceed these numbers
- Most generators do not have 20 amp or 15-amp 240-volt configurations. More common is a 30-amp 240-volt configuration.
- 30- amp configurations don’t deal with GFCI protection. There is also no need to worry about bonded or floating neutrals. There is in all instances the manufacturers recommendation/direction to ground the frame on your generator.What Are My Options?
- Option “A”: 10 Circuit Transfer Switch – A 10 circuit transfer switch mounted next to your panel. Starting cost is approximately. $370.00. Should the cord supplied with the unit the not reach. You have two options, purchase a longer 30-amp cord (cost $40.00) or mount the exterior outlet and extend this feed to this transfer switch with 10/3 Romex. (not supplied) Your total cost could reach $425.00 without labor or approx. $900 with labor. This system is recommended to be installed by a licensed electrician. Manufacturers recommendation/direction to ground the frame of your generator applies. You will also need a larger generator due to demand on 10 circuits.Here are multiple 10 circuit transfer switch options:
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Reliance Controls Corporation 31410CRK 30 Amp 10-Circuit Pro/Tran Transfer Switch Kit for Generators Up to 7,500 Running Watts2. Connecticut Electric EGS107501G2KIT EmerGen 10 CIRCUIT TRANSFER SWITCH KIT
5. 510C Pro/Tran2 50-Amp 10-Circuit 2 Manual Transfer Switch with Watt Meters
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- Option “B”: 6 Circuit Transfer Switch – 6 circuit transfer exactly like the 10-circuit panel but a little less costly by than a 10 circuit switch. This system is recommended to be installed by a licensed electrician. Manufacturers recommendation/direction to ground the frame of your generator applies. You will also need a larger generator due to demand on 6 circuits.Here are multiple 6 circuit transfer switch options:
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Reliance Controls Corporation 31406CRK 30 Amp 6-circuit Pro/Tran Transfer Switch Kit for Generators (7500 Watts)2. Reliance Controls 306CRK Pro/Tran-2 6 Circuit Transfer Switch Kit
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- Option “C”: 2 Circuit Transfer Switch – 2 circuit transfer switch cost is around $150.00. There is no cord supplied. This can be mounted inside or outside. This can take of two individual circuits or one two pole circuit such as a well. Mounted outside this will require extending two circuits from your panel to this switch. Running electrical circuits should be done by a licensed electrician. There are voltage drops to consider, wire sizing and proper methods of installation.Here is a 2 circuit transfer switch:
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Reliance Controls Corporation CSR202 Easy/Tran Transfer Switch for Generators Up to 5,000 Watts
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