DIYbanter - View Single Post - 220 house pump on two (2) SEPARATE breakers??

Kevin Ricks

wrote:
Dear Readers,
I’ve a 220 water pump for the house that, when I trace back to the
main circuit breaker box, is connected to two (2) individual 15Amp
breakers located immediately adjacent to each other (one on top of the
other). I confirmed that tripping any single one will still leave a
live 110 feed to the pump. This is obviously not safe and I suspect I
need to either: connect the two breaker throws together (if such an
add-on connector exists), or purchase a double wide breaker with two
poles (if such a breaker exists). Do either of these "solutions"
exist?

All advice appreciated.
Thanks.
-Theodore

On some breakers you can tie them together with a nail or screw through
the existing holes in the sides of the handles. You may be able to get
the tie bars at a store, but it may be easier to just replace the
breaker with the 2 pole for about $10.
I would check the amp rating on the pump to verify that the 15 Amp
breaker and wiring are large enough. 15A = 14ga, 20A = 12ga, 30A
=10ga. The pump also should be no more than 80% of the breaker size.
12A motor for a 15A breaker etc.

Kevin