Situation: I need to run power from a 50 amp 240/120 V outlet to a water well control box about 130 ft away. The 3 HP pump is 470 ft down in the well; therefore, the total distance is 600 ft. Due to the distance, a #6 wire is recommended to limit voltage drop to less than 5%. The goal is to occasionally operate the well prior to and during construction of a small cabin and permanent electrical system. The motor/pump manufacturer recommends a 40 amp breaker; therefore, a 40 amp breaker will be used temporarily to limit current through the “50 amp outlet”.
Tentative Plan: The power cord, which will lie on the ground, will be 240/120 V 3 wire & ground. What “type” of wire? SOW? Because of the distance, the wt per foot of #6 wire, and flexibility for future use, I am considering several sections: perhaps two 50 ft and a 30 ft. or two 65 ft sections. I am also considering a temporary “power inlet” plug at the well control box to plug into so that the cord can be easily removed when not in use. The alternative is to “hard wire” and undo/redo connection. I am unable to find #6 power cords with connections already installed and believe I will need to construct the cord. I want the best weather-resistant plug connections available. Please make recommendations regarding the power cord and what connections to use. Thanks for your help.
