What is Submersible Well Pump Wire?

As the name implies, Submersible Well Pump Wire, aka Submersible Pump Cable, or simply Well Pump Wire, is a type of electrical cable uniquely designed to supply power to deep well submersible pumps. Well pump wire can be flat or twisted, ranging in size from 14 AWG to 2 AWG, and be protected by a single layer of PVC insulation, or a second layer of PVC jacketing for heavy duty requirements. All submersible pump cables are configured with either two or three conductors plus a ground wire.

Well Pump Wire Applications

Any scenario that calls for a specialized pump to be submerged below water is likely to require the equally specialized construction and testing standards that well pump wire offers. For use within the casing of deep well submersible pumps, typical applications include:

• residential water wells
• irrigation systems
• mining operations
• flooded areas
• sewage and water treatment
• geothermal heat systems

Well Pump Wire Ratings and Standards

Cables that can be labeled for use in Submersible Well Pump applications fall under the broad UL 83 Type THW standard for Thermoplastic-Insulated Wires and Cables. THW stands for Thermoplastic high Heat-resistant and Water-resistant. It is a very common standard for wire and cables used in building infrastructure and industrial applications.

Submersible pump cable is rated for use in circuits not to exceed 600V at operating temperatures between -40C (-40F) to 75C (167F). Pump cable is considered flame resistant and in addition to being able to withstand submersion in water, it is also resistant to acids, abrasion, alkalis, gas, oil and sunlight.

Well Pump Wire Construction

Conductor Types and Materials

The core of submersible well pump wire is made of conductors typically crafted from bare stranded copper. Copper is chosen for its excellent electrical conductivity and flexibility, while stranding (usually 19 stands per conductor) adds additional flexibility and durability, which is critical in the twisting and bending that occurs during the wire's installation down a well shaft. Standard conductor sizes range from 14 American Wire Gauge (AWG) to 2 AWG, accommodating various power requirements and depths of submersible pumps.

Insulation Materials

Each conductor is insulated with thermoplastic material, formulated for water resistance, chemical stability, and durability. Although THW describes the standard, the actual material is usually PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride.

In most pump cables, the conductor insulation also serves as the jacket-- there is only a single layer of protection. However, some pump cables provide the option of an additional jacket of Heavy Duty (HD) PVC.

Flat or Twisted Configuration

Flat well pump wires are shaped like a ribbon, in which the conductors are arranged in a row. This configuration allows for a thin profile to fit in a narrow casing on the way down to the pump. Similar to flat festoon cables, flat well pump wires have the benefit of flexing very well on a single axis for improved handling and durability, without straining or cramping conductors. 

Twisted well pump wires, on the other hand, provide a round profile, in which conductors wrap around each other like a rope. This construction allows for the cable to twist in more directions on the course of it's route, and to fit through spaces that might be too narrow to accommodate the long side of a flat cable. 

We carry 19 submersible well pump wire options, with most in stock and available to ship as soon as today!