On 10/25/2011 1:21 PM, Nok wrote:
A little off topic, but I know someone here will have the answer. I have a
genset with a 220v recepticle which I wire into a transfer switch. The only
circuit that actually uses 220 serves the well-pump. The transfer switch
has a ganged 20amp breaker, which I wired to the well-pump circuit. The
generator, however, has two 20amp pushbutton circuit breakers, one for each
leg of 110. My question is: If one of the generator breakers tripped, then
my well pump would be getting only one leg of 110. Would the increased load
on the ganged breaker on the transfer switch cause it to also trip, or
should I wire in a ganged breaker at the generator itself? I certainly
don't want or have a way to test this...so I'm looking for advice.
Thanks,
Nok


Not knowing what type of a well and pump you are referring to, it's a
little hard to respond.

The two deep wells on my properties, 350 ft and 650 ft, both use
submersible pumps towards the bottoms of each well. They run off 220
volts and have NO connection to either a ground or common component of
the 220 power.

In fact, any connection to ground immediately pops the circuit breakers.
That means the wire feeding the pump has shorted to the pipe. I know
this from bad experiences!

So, if either side of your generator 220 opens up, the pump won't run.

If you are running a shallow well pump, then I can't answer.

Paul