[VonTed]

I am moving the pressure tank for my well pump to other side of my basement. Currently the tank has 12AWG wiring running in to it from the panel, and some uber AWG armored cable leaving the tank and going out to the well pump.


I am wondering if I NEED to run the well pump wiring back through the armored cable? I'd assume it will be easier to run the heavy AWG wire back without the armored casing and just reattach the wiring with the little junction box for the pump..... but should I / need I run it back via the armor sheathed cable?

 

[JulieMor]

Are you saying the existing installation has armored cable leaving the house, running outside and down to the well? Is that in conduit? Or did some DIYer direct bury it? Or does this have some sort of plastic sheathing? Pictures help.

 

[VonTed]

It is in PVC going to the pump (at least from the box until it enters the foundation wall). The armored cable runs into and from the pressure gauge inline with the tank.

I think I managed to convince myself of what I am doing, but I will try to get pictures up this evening - just in case.

 

[kbsparky]

Does that armored cable have any lead sheathing inside of it?

 

[VonTed]

Some pics!

The pressure gauge.

The pressure gauge without the cover.

The junction box. Yellow cable is 20amp service from the panel (both wires are running hot - is this typical/correct). The MC cable goes to the pressure gauge.

The box for the well pump. MC cable coming in is from pressure gauge, PVC conduit is going to well pump. This is the odd part, the MC cable has 600V submersible cable it in, the same wire going down to the pump. Does this need to stay 600V submersible or can I use 12/2 romex like - the same wire coming in from the power panel?

Logically I am confused, 12/2 cable coming in to the pressure gauge, and 600V submersible cable leaving. The change in AWG seems odd, does it need to be this way - or can I run 12/2 out of this gauge?

 

[kbsparky]

That's not MC cable going into your control box.

It is flexible metal conduit (commonly called "Greenfield"), and it comes empty. You install the conductors after the flex is cut and installed. This is why it has the same type of conductors in it as the submersible cable.

It also looks like they installed the guts of romex in the piece from the disconnect to the pressure switch as well.

Edit to add: To answer your original question ---> IF you are allowed to use type NM-B cable (Romex®), then you can use that to relocate your equipment as long as it's installed in a dry location.