March Pumps

[Powhatan]

Anyone have recommendations for electrical hookup for these pumps? I'm looking for something more eloquent that plugging in and out for on/off... I've looked at the washdown rocker switches at mcmaster but am having some difficulty conjuring a waterproof setup.

Thanks!

[Mill Rat]

If the motor is labeled "impedance protected," then you can use a simple house-type toggle switch in a weatherproof box and cover. If it is not labeled as such, then you ought to use a manual motor protector switch, which incorporates an (electrical code required) overload protection feature.

[Powhatan]

Thanks Mill Rat - I wouldn't have known to check for that... looks like it is protected according the the spec sheet: http://morebeer.com/public/pdf/h315.pdf

I plan to mount the switch on a horizontal surface - running the wires from the switch, pump and power supply to a weatherproof box mounted underneath. McMaster.com has a washdown rocker switch with 8" leads and is rated at 15 amps @ 125 VAC (part# 6797T11) that should do the trick.

[Mill Rat]

First, it does not matter what the spec sheet says, it's what's on the motor nameplate that is important, though it looks like you're covered either way. Most motors under 1/20 hp are impedance protected.

I was thinking about a switch like this:

http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?item=3949&section=10053

A receptacle like this:

http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?item=3055&section=10972

A cover like this:

http://www.hubbellcatalog.com/raco/RACO_datasheet.asp?PN=5775-0&FAM=BellWeatherproof&P=12812,7645

On a box like this:

http://www.hubbellcatalog.com/raco/RACO_datasheet.asp?PN=5333-0&FAM=BellWeatherproof&P=5604,7648,12786

That way it's all nice and simple and done with stuff you can find at a local hardware store, Home Despot, or bLowe's.

[Powhatan]

Thanks for the info, and for the links.

[cecil_spivey]

Hey! My March 809 just came in today! This is all good news for me, too, since I already bought the switch, outlet, box, etc. I plan to mount the pump and the switch/outlet box on a board (old sink cut-out) to keep it portable. I'm gonna wire the switch box with a short tail that will plug into an extension cord, going to a GFCI outlet. Should work out okay.

[cecil_spivey]

Hey, I have a question for the equipment experts out there:
I'm thinking about using my pump after the boil to recirculate the wort through my CFC and back to the kettle, so I can get the benefit of making sure the whole batch is down to the right temp before it goes in the carboys. I just wonder...is there any drawback to this method?