Pool filter pump plug oxidizing and getting hot???

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Don2222

Minister of Fire
Feb 1, 2010
9,110
Salem NH
Hello
The cord and plug was hot because it was on a 15 amp circuit with other outlets and it was oxidizing & corroding!

According to this article.
The pump outlet should be on a 20 amp separate circuit with an NEMA L520-R Turnlok Receptacle and a NEMA L520-P Turnlok Plug !!!
See details below and except in pic below.


So I had an Intermatic Pool filter timer to add in so now is the time to do it?
Any other comments or suggestions?

It works!
So should we be safe from electrical shock or Fire at this outlet now? !!!

Pic 1 - recommend outlet
The pump motor is 13.8 amps so 15 Amp outlet is cutting it too close, so that is why the old plug is overheating.
Pic 2 - original 3 prong plug !!!
Pic 3 - Hayward Filter pump motor specs
Pic 4 - Original 15 amp Bubble outdoor outlet on a 15 Amp GFCI breaker wired using white 14-2. Just not good enough!
Pic 5-7 New 20 Amp Turnlok plug & receptacle wired with yellow 12-2
Pic 8-10 GFCI 20 amp Circuit Breaker & Intermatic Timer hookup
 

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Few more pics
It seems to be working so we will see if it turns on and off at the set times. :)
The timer like the circuit breaker box is screwed to 3/4” plywood which is screwed into the wall studs 16” on center.
It is the basic 120 VAC Intermatic T101 SPST timer so very easy to wire up despite the directions which appears to be a little confusing, see wire diagram.
Also I had to purchase a green grounding wire to go onto the ground screw to connect to the other 2 ground wires in the timer box. Any ground wire would do but this is professional looking. :)
How does it look?

Final results
 

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it was not oxidizing because it was hot it was oxidizing because that was not a weather tight plug on the end of your pool pump and was getting moisture in it, Does not look like that twist lock is a water tight plug as well. Why did you put a plug on the end and not wire direct the way it should be its not recommended for the pool pumps or equipment to be on a plug. Moisture can get into the plugs and if you get enough you can start to introduce voltage into the pool before you trip a breaker. Also did you put a bonding wire on all the pool equipment?

Looks nice and clean for what you have done

Just a fyi your weather boxes have the its hinged on the wrong side, they should be hinged with the hinge on the top side this way it helps shed water if you cannot get them close.. I have not found one yet that i can close with a cord in it..LOL
 
it was not oxidizing because it was hot it was oxidizing because that was not a weather tight plug on the end of your pool pump and was getting moisture in it, Does not look like that twist lock is a water tight plug as well. Why did you put a plug on the end and not wire direct the way it should be its not recommended for the pool pumps or equipment to be on a plug. Moisture can get into the plugs and if you get enough you can start to introduce voltage into the pool before you trip a breaker. Also did you put a bonding wire on all the pool equipment?

Looks nice and clean for what you have done

Just a fyi your weather boxes have the its hinged on the wrong side, they should be hinged with the hinge on the top side this way it helps shed water if you cannot get them close.. I have not found one yet that i can close with a cord in it..LOL
It is an above ground pool and we take the filter and pump inside for the winter.
Anyway, this new plug has a rubber seal inside of it so hopefully it seals better against moisture than the old one.
The hinge is on the top side and the cutout for the wire is on the bottom side like it should be.
The extra large bubble does allow it to close ok.
The timer is rated for 30 amps so it seems all good now. :)
 
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Just a fyi your weather boxes have the its hinged on the wrong side, they should be hinged with the hinge on the top side this way it helps shed water if you cannot get them close.. I have not found one yet that i can close with a cord in it..LOL
I do know what you mean about keeping the plastic bubble closed, that is why I use a robe Hookie :)
 

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The repair looks like a good and much needed improvement.
 
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I have never seen those large bubble boxes... our hardware stores are not smart enough to carry them the ones we get you have no hope of closing the lid.