How to Wire a 220V Pressure Switch For a Well Pump (For Beginners and Experts)

Wiring up a pressure switch with your submersible pump is specifically done when you're planning on using either a) a pressure tank or b) a pressurized irrigation system with valves. RPS Water Pumps makes plumbing and water well tasks easy for the beginner and expert alike, come follow along the step by step guide!

Tools Needed

• Screwdriver
• Wire stripper
• Wire cutter
• Voltage tester (Multimeter)
• Adjustable wrench

Materials Needed 

• 220V regular action pressure switch
• Wiring for Connecting Pump Starter Box to Pressure Switch 
• Wiring for Connecting Pressure Switch to Breaker or Outlet 
• Conduit and connectors
• Electrical tape

Safety First - Turn Off the Power! 

1. Turn off the Power: Disconnect the power supply to the well pump at the circuit breaker to prevent electrical shock.

2. Test for Voltage: Use a voltage tester to verify that the power is off before handling any wires. 

A note on the Difference Between 110V and 220V Pumps

110V submersible water pumps won't use a starter box, the components are built into the motor itself. Whereas a 220V water pump will use a starter box that sits above ground near the well.    

Wiring Directly to the Breaker vs Wiring to an Outlet from the Pressure Switch

Wiring to an outlet directly just requires a properly rated outlet for the voltage and HP of your pump. Wiring to a breaker is the traditional route, make sure that your circuit breaker is also rated properly for the voltage and HP of your water pump.  

Wiring the Pressure Switch

Follow these steps to wire your 220V pressure switch

Step 1: Carefully remove the cover from the pressure switch housing.

Step 2: Identify Wires

1. Inside the pressure switch, you'll find three terminal screws: L1, L2, and T1 and T2.

2. The L1 and L2 terminals are for the power supply from the breaker box or outlet, while the T1 and T2 terminals are for the wires from the pump and starter box.

3. You'll also find two green screw downs for the ground wires, one from the pump starter box and the other from the breaker or outlet.  

Step 3: Connect the Breaker / Outlet Wires 

1. Strip the ends of the electrical wires, exposing about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the bare copper.

2. Connect one wire to the L1 terminal and the other to the L2 terminal. Secure them with wire nuts. Wires are interchangeable. 

Step 4: Connect Well Pump Wires from the Starter Box

1. Strip the end of the wire leading to the well pump motor, exposing about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the bare copper.

2. Connect it to the T1 and T2 terminals on the pressure switch. Wires are interchangeable. 

Step 5: Grounding

1. Make sure to connect the grounding wire to the grounding screw inside the pressure switch housing.

Step 6: Test the Connections

1. With all the wires securely connected, turn the power back on and test the system with a multi meter to ensure it's functioning correctly. 

By following this guide, you'll not only successfully wire your 220V pressure switch for a well pump but also ensure the safety and efficiency of your well pump system. Good luck with your project! 

Have questions? Call one of our friendly water pump technicians who can answer your curiosities about a DIY water pump installation.