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220v on a switch

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bczoom

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I have a couple 220v things I would like to put on switches.

One is my well pump as I frequently switch between well and city water. I currently flip the breaker.

The other is a fan/motor off a heat pump. I pulled a heat pump out last summer but the fan motor and blades were new. My intent is to use as an exhaust fan in my building.

So, what's the correct way to put these on switches? I would like to use something similar to a regular light switch if at all possible.
 
Jim_S

Jim_S

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you should be able to find wall switches that are double pole to break both sides of the 220

Jim
 
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bczoom

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Thanks Jim,

Think a box store would have those or do I need to try an electrical supply place?

Someone told me that I only had to break 1 of the 110v lines but that didn't seem right. What does a 220v motor do it if only gets one of the 110v input lines?
 
Jim_S

Jim_S

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A big box store might have them.


you could use a single pole and just break one leg of the 220. The motor is across both legs and doesn't use neutral unless there is a controller that needs 110. The HUGE problem is that although the device is off, there is still 110 volts on it and someone assuming since it wasn't running there wasn't any power to it could be shocked. It's also a code violation.

Jim
 
Junkman

Junkman

Extra Super Moderator
What you need to ask for is a DPST switch. Double Pole Single Throw is what the letters stand for. You might also want to put a indicator light on the circuit so you know when you are on city water vs. well at a glance. Paul
 
OhioTC18

OhioTC18

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Nothing more I can add, except make sure both wires get disconnected.
 
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bczoom

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OhioTC18 said:
Nothing more I can add, except make sure both wires get disconnected.
Click to expand...
Junkman said:
Before you start to wire in the switch....... :thumb:
Click to expand...

You guys take the fun out of it...

Do I assume correctly on that Grainger page that I should be getting the 6th one down (Item HBL 1222)?
 
OhioTC18

OhioTC18

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bczoom said:
You guys take the fun out of it...

Do I assume correctly on that Grainger page that I should be getting the 6th one down (Item HBL 1222)?
Click to expand...

That is a 20A 2 pole switch. If 20A/1HP is enough then yes that is what you're looking for.
 
Jim_S

Jim_S

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you should get the switch before you select a box for it. The double poles are a little wider and deeper than a residential single pole. You might want an extra deep 2x4 box or use a 4x4 with a single switch adaptor cover.

use the screw terminals instead of the push ins on the back. Lot more reliable.

Jim
 
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bczoom

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jim slagle said:
you should get the switch before you select a box for it. The double poles are a little wider and deeper than a residential single pole. You might want an extra deep 2x4 box or use a 4x4 with a single switch adaptor cover.

use the screw terminals instead of the push ins on the back. Lot more reliable.

Jim
Click to expand...
Jim,

Thanks for the heads up. I'll get boxes at the same time. The wall they're being mounted to doesn't even exist yet so I have plenty of flexibility.

I ALWAYS use the screw terminals on switches and receptacles.
 
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