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    hecubus's Avatar
    hecubus Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jul 28, 2008, 10:54 AM
    Above ground pool: Wire size and burial method?
    Hi,

    I'm planning to run a pair of circuits to the backyard for an above ground pool. The pool pump + salt cell requires a 20 amp @ 120 volts circuit, and I calculated that #8 AWG conductors are required to keep the voltage drop below 3%; the run is about 190 feet. The second circuit will only be #10 AWG conductors since it only supplies a few 15A convenience outlets on the deck.

    I'm located in Ontario, Canada. I also plan on pulling a permit and will have the work inspected.

    My questions are as follows:

    1) Am I being too conservative with the wire sizing, i.e. would a voltage drop of say, 4% instead of 3% be generally aceptable? The manual for the pump motor indicates that a 10% variation of the input voltage is acceptable, but I'm wondering about general practices and whether the Canadian Electrical Code (or Ontario Electrical Safety Code) mandates a maximum volatage drop?

    2) The ground loop for our geothermal heating/cooling system lies in the area where the electrical cables will be buried. I have already accidentally punctured the pipes for the ground loop during this project, and it's VERY expensive to repair. Theoretically, the ground loop pipes should be buried between 3' to 5' (or more) but there are no guarantees especially if the bedrock depth varies significantly. So, in summary, I really want to avoid digging a "deep" trench in the vicinity of the ground loop pipes, and thus am looking for alternatives to direct burial of NMWU cable.

    If I utilize PVC conduit what is the minimum burial depth of the conduit? Are there any other alternatives, e.g. armoured cable, and if so, what are the minimal burial depths?

    Thanks in advance!
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jul 28, 2008, 12:11 PM
    In the US we CANNOT use UF cable (your NMWU cable) outdoors for pool motors.

    Wait for a Canadian code maven to come around and give us the real scoop.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Jul 28, 2008, 01:09 PM
    Since most of the electricians and others with advice here are all from the USA, and Canadian code is different, Stans advice is better than none at all. So I don't get the comment. It is unfounded, and irrelevant.


    Even if there was a Canadian expert, the best advice is to contact the local authority having jurisdiction over electric codes, there should be some sort of inspector. Pool wiring is much more than just bringing a circuit to a pool pump.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    Jul 28, 2008, 02:06 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by tkrussell
    So I don't get the comment. It is unfounded, and irrelevant.
    Well, I have seen that lmangileri is quite self conscious and insecure. So much so that he/she goes around giving negative comments in threads they have NO clue about in forums they shouldn't even bother visiting.

    Lmangileri, WHAT is your professional electrical opinion on this topic?? :rolleyes:
    ... Yeah, I thought so. :mad:
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