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savroman
Feb 26, 2009, 06:37 AM
I noticed the other day that the 10/2 wire going from my breaker box to the well pump was not grounded. The ground wire at both ends of the cable was cut off... only the black/white wires were connected. I have 2 questions:
Should a 20amp double pole breaker be connected to #10 or #12 wire?
Is their any reason why the ground wire should be cut off the #10 cable at both ends?
Thank you,
Savroman

Stratmando
Feb 26, 2009, 06:52 AM
A 20 Amp breaker can be used with #10 or #12. The #10 may have been used for Voltage Drop, but motor only needed 20 Amp Protection.
Ground needs to be hooked up at both ends. Turn Breaker off to Minimize chance for a shock when hooking up ground.

savroman
Feb 26, 2009, 07:19 AM
Thank you for your answer... should I replace the whole 10/2 cable or buy a #10 ground wire and run it separately?
Savroman

Stratmando
Feb 26, 2009, 07:24 AM
I would pigtail at the panel if possible, and at the pump, maybe have it go to a disconnect, then pump, may keep you from replacing wire.
A separate # 10 is not acceptable protection for the 2 hot wires.