[sykl0ps]

Wiring up a 240v pool pump motor, two hots and a ground connect to it.

I've never wired a GFI breaker and I have been given two 1 pole GFI breakers. I knew there was a ground wire on the breakers but did not expect to also see a connector for neutral. I've also got enough 12/3 with ground already, which is what I planned to use.

So, can these two GFI breakers be used as if they were a 2pole breaker? If so, what do I need to do to get them connected right?

A two pole GFI is much more expensive then the two free singles.

Thanks a lot,

[stanfortyman]

You MUST use a two-pole GFI breaker for a 240v load such as your pool pump. Two single poles will instantly trip and never work. It's just how they are designed to work.

Also, there is NO "ground" connection on a GFI breaker. Only a neutral.
There is a "LOAD" neutral connection on the breaker which you leave empty for your 240v load. The "LINE" neutral tail must be connected to the neutral bar though.

You say you are using 12/3? For the inside wiring portion of a single family dwelling you can use this. You can even use 12/2 and re-mark the white to a hot color. This is actually much more common.
What you CANNOT do is use cable for the outside portion of the wiring. This MUST be conduit and individual conductors with a green insulated ground.

Are you familiar with all the other codes involved with wiring a pool, including bonding? I hope so.

[sykl0ps]

Thanks for the quick answer about the breakers, I didn't think they would work that way.

As for your question about the wire. What I have available to me at no charge is 4 wire direct burial; each wire is insulated.

It's still early planning on my end, just trying to find out if what I can get at no charge to me is suitable. I'm doing my research / asking questions one at a time.

Thanks again

[stanfortyman]

As for your question about the wire. What I have available to me at no charge is 4 wire direct burial; each wire is insulated.

Then this would not be allowed if you are looking to do it correctly, legally and safely.

[sykl0ps]

Then this would not be allowed if you are looking to do it correctly, legally and safely.

Thanks again. That's a bummer then, was hoping to save on some costs.

Just for my curiosity, what would make using this direct burial type not safe in this situation?

[stanfortyman]

Just the danger of a nicked wire basically. Also the fact of the insulated ground. A bare ground on cable is not insulated. It is simply in a sheath.
Conduit affords MUCH more protection and the insulated ground is far less susceptible to the effects of the elements and things like chlorine.

[KISS]

Woa!

I see confusion between wire and cable.

Do you have a 4-wire cable that's direct burial? I think Stan is thinking that your going to bury 4 separate wires without an overall insulation or conduit.

What does the wire say on the jacket?

Even if you plan to use conduit the wire has to be rated for Wet locations. THWN would be single wires that could be put into conduit. UF would be a cable that could go underground.

[stanfortyman]

Do you have a 4-wire cable that's direct burial? I think Stan is thinking that your going to bury 4 separate wires without an overall insulation or conduit.

No, I think he is talking about UF or NM cable.

This is a pool pump circuit. Even UF is NOT allowed for the outside portion of this circuit.

The ONLY cable allowed is coated MC cable designed for direct burial use. In Canada they call it Teck cable. In the US it is used in some industrial applications, but in all my years I have never seen it used residentially.
I don't even think my local supply houses carry it. Pretty much because no one uses it.

[tkrussell]

A pool is a hole to throw money into.

Start throwing money now by doing the instalation properly.

As mentioned, a 2 pole 240 volt or 120/240 volt GFI circuit breaker rated the proper amperage sized for the motor is needed.

Various conduits are avalaible, PVC Schedlue 40 is the most popular, for any branch circuit supplying a pool.

Stan is correct, there is a MC cable available for direct burial, but very rare.

Anyone doing a pool really should be checking with their local code office, as while PVC is allowed by Code, for example, local codes may not allow PVC, or have other changes or requirements for wiring, and especially, grounding and bonding.