How to Wire an Above Ground Septic System

Turn off the electrical power to the outside circuit breaker where you plan to connect the septic wiring at the main circuit breaker. The main circuit breaker may be located inside the residence or outside in a building, such as a garage.

Measure the distance from the outside circuit breaker to the septic wiring spot with measuring tape. This is the amount of flexible conduit you need to protect the electrical wire running out to the tank. You can either bury the wire or secure it to outdoor buildings or foundations.

Gently push a three-wire cable through the flexible conduit until it emerges at the opposite end.

Loosen the screw on underside collar of the breaker box. Use a screwdriver to punch out the plug in the box, if needed. Thread the exposed wires up into the breaker box and pull the conduit flush in the breaker opening. Secure the conduit by tightening the retention screw.

Strip off the last 1/2 inch of the white and black wire coverings with a pair of wire strippers. Loosen the terminal screw on the breaker at the bottom marked "Live" or "Hot". Squeeze the black wire around the terminal with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Tighten the terminal screw. Connect the white wire to the neutral bar and the bare copper wire to the grounding screw or bar in the same manner.

Secure the conduit from the breaker box to the septic system to a nearby structure with clamps and screws or by burying it under the ground, if desired.

Remove the electrical access panel on the septic system. Knock out a plug for the conduit, if needed. Loosen the retention screw on the conduit collar. Pull the wires through the plug hole into the pump until the conduit is secure inside the collar. Tighten the retention screw.

Strip off the end of the white and black wires. Connect the black wire to the terminal marked "Live" or the end of the black wire pigtail already installed. Connect the white wire to the "Neutral" terminal or the white pigtail. Connect the copper wire to the green grounding terminal or screw. Replace the electrical cover.

Restore power for the outside circuit breaker at the main circuit breaker.