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How to Wire Two-Speed Water Pumps

Two-speed water pumps can be found in various places around a home. The most common pumps are pool water pumps, spa tub pumps, and general usage pumps commonly used to drain flooded areas. These pumps are usually powered by an induction motor equipped with two field coils. Each field coil is designed to produce a different speed from the motor. These units have a specific way they must be wired to ensure proper operation.

Things You'll Need

  • Double-pole, double-throw switch
  • Wire cutters
  • Wire strippers
  • Two-speed water pump
  • Power cord
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the wiring diagram which can be found on the side of the pump motor or in the documentation supplied with the pump. Locate the pump terminal connectors. This is where the wire connections are made.

    • 2

      Use the wiring diagram or documentation to locate the common terminal. Connect the white wire from the power source to this terminal. There should also be a ground terminal. Connect the green or bare copper wire from the power source to the ground terminal.

    • 3

      Check the remaining two terminals. There should be a high-speed and low-speed terminal. Some motors and pumps call these terminals L1 and L2. The wiring diagram will show which terminal is for high or low. Connect the black wire from the power source to the high-speed terminal, and then connect the red wire from the power source to the low-speed terminal. This step assumes that the pump is equipped with an internal speed control switch. With an external control switch, the wire connection would be made at the switch instead of the motor.