Many homes and properties in the Aiken area rely on private wells for their water supply. Your well pump is the heart of your water system, and its electrical connections must be installed correctly for reliable operation. A submersible pump sitting 200 feet underground is expensive to replace -- and electrical problems are the number one cause of premature pump failure.
Well pump electrical systems involve more than just running wire from the panel to the wellhead. The circuit must be properly sized for the pump motor, the control box must be wired correctly, the pressure switch needs reliable connections, and the entire system should be protected against lightning strikes that are common during Aiken's summer thunderstorms. Unity Power & Light provides complete well pump electrical services, from new installations to troubleshooting existing systems that have stopped working.
What We Do
We handle every electrical component of well pump systems for residential and agricultural properties throughout the Aiken area.
Submersible Pump Wiring
Submersible well pumps require specialized wiring that runs from the control box down through the well casing to the pump motor at the bottom of the well. We use properly rated submersible pump wire with waterproof splice connections designed for continuous submersion in well water.
Pressure Switch Connections
The pressure switch turns your well pump on and off based on water pressure in the system. Loose or corroded pressure switch connections cause intermittent pump operation, chattering, and contact burning. We install and wire pressure switches with clean, tight connections that provide reliable operation.
Control Box Installation
Three-wire submersible pumps (typically 1 HP and larger) require an above-ground control box that contains the starting capacitor and relay. We mount and wire control boxes per manufacturer specifications, ensuring the starting components are matched to your specific pump motor.
Dedicated Well Circuits
Well pumps require dedicated circuits that serve no other loads. We run properly sized circuits from your electrical panel to the pressure tank and wellhead area, with the correct wire gauge, breaker size, and disconnect switch for your pump's horsepower rating.
Lightning Protection
Well pump systems are highly vulnerable to lightning damage because the underground wiring acts as an antenna for surge energy. We install surge protection devices at the panel and at the well to protect the pump motor, control box, and pressure switch from voltage spikes.
Troubleshooting & Repair
When your well pump stops working, the problem is often electrical rather than mechanical. We diagnose issues including tripped breakers, burned pressure switch contacts, failed capacitors in the control box, low voltage at the pump, and lightning-damaged components.
Our Installation Process
Review Pump Specifications
We start with your pump motor's nameplate data: horsepower, voltage, amperage, wire size requirements, and whether it is a two-wire or three-wire system. We also measure the distance from the panel to the wellhead and the depth of the pump to calculate the total wire run length and account for voltage drop.
Run the Dedicated Circuit
We install a dedicated circuit from your electrical panel to the well area, sized for your pump's requirements plus a safety margin for voltage drop over the long wire run. We install a disconnect switch near the pressure tank for safe maintenance access and route the wiring underground in conduit where required.
Wire the Control Components
We connect the pressure switch, control box (for three-wire systems), and any additional controls like low-water cutoff switches or cycle timers. Every connection is made with properly rated terminals and waterproof enclosures where exposed to weather. We install surge protection to guard against lightning damage.
Test the Complete System
We verify voltage at the pump terminals, measure amperage draw during startup and running, confirm the pressure switch cuts in and out at the correct pressures, and test the control box starting components. We run the system through multiple cycles to confirm reliable operation before completing the job.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Well pump electrical mistakes are costly because they often destroy the pump motor -- which sits hundreds of feet underground and costs thousands to replace.
Voltage Drop Over Long Runs
Well pump circuits often run hundreds of feet from the panel to the pump motor. Over these distances, voltage drop becomes a serious concern. A pump motor that receives low voltage draws excessive amperage, overheats, and fails prematurely. We calculate voltage drop for every installation and size the wire accordingly -- often one or two gauges larger than the minimum code requirement.
Two-Wire vs. Three-Wire Systems
Smaller submersible pumps (typically under 1 HP) use a two-wire configuration with the starting components built into the pump motor. Larger pumps use a three-wire configuration with an external control box. Wiring a three-wire pump without the correct control box, or connecting the wires incorrectly, will damage the motor on the first startup.
Lightning Vulnerability
Aiken's summer thunderstorms produce frequent lightning strikes, and well pump systems are among the most vulnerable electrical loads on a property. The long underground wire run to the pump acts as an antenna, conducting surge energy directly to the pump motor. Proper surge protection at both ends of the circuit is essential to prevent costly pump replacement.
Waterproof Connections
Well pump wiring operates in a wet environment. Every splice and connection must be made with waterproof materials designed for submersion. Standard wire nuts and electrical tape will fail, allowing water to corrode the connections and eventually cause the pump to lose power. We use heat-shrink splice kits and submersible-rated connectors for every joint.
Well Pump Electrical Pricing
Unity Power & Light provides flat-rate pricing for well pump electrical work. You will know the exact cost before we begin -- no hourly billing and no surprise charges.
Factors that affect the final price include the distance from the panel to the well, pump horsepower, well depth, wire gauge required, and whether surge protection is included. We provide an exact quote after assessing your specific situation.
For a detailed breakdown of well pump electrical considerations, read our blog post: Well Pump Electrical Guide for Aiken, SC Properties
Why Choose Unity Power & Light
Need other electrical work done at the same time? We offer a full range of residential electrical services including panel upgrades, underground wiring, and more. Combining projects in a single visit saves you time and money.
Need Well Pump Electrical Work?
Serving Aiken, SC and surrounding communities including North Augusta, Graniteville, New Ellenton, Jackson, and Clearwater. Get your flat-rate quote today.