[aaspinall]

I bought a MKII pump that comes with a three pronged plug. I want to connect it to a switch so I have better control. So, when I cut the plug off, I’m a little afraid of what I’ll find. I doubt if the wires come sheathed in black, white and green coverings. How will I know which wire is the ground ( I’m assuming the other two wires are interchangeable, hot and neutral). I’d appreciate any advice.

[Stevie]

They should be color coded. I'd be concerned if they were not.

Safety note - while switching the hot or neutral will yield the same result, switching the neutral is technically not as safe. If the switch is on, the hot will be charged and could cause a shock if grounded. Switch the hot.

[BairsBrewing]

Hopefully you have a voltmeter,  if not,  they are cheap at Harbor Freight Tools.

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[kramerog]

Hopefully you have a voltmeter,  if not,  they are cheap at Harbor Freight Tools.

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Can you access the wires where they connect to the pump?  If so, you can use the continuity setting or ohmeter to determine which wires at the pump end do what before you cut off the plug.  Using that info you can determine the wires at the plug end after cutting off the plug. 

[Stevie]

You are telling somebody to take a volt meter to a live wire when he didn't even know that switching a neutral is bad news? He hasn't even open the insulation yet. The wires are most certainly color coded. If not black/white/green email the manufacture and get answers.

ETA - Color coding in Australia - http://www.insula.com.au/physics/1250/L5.html
Considering this is a product designed and built for the NA market, it more than likely is coded to NA standards.

[dreamacres]

why not just switch an outlet then you do not have to cut end off so you can use the pump in other spots if needed

[BairsBrewing]

Wait,  why cut off the plug?  Just wire the power switch to an outlet and plug the pump into that!  That's what I did,  that way you don't have to worry about crossing wires or making a mistake.

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[BairsBrewing]

why not just switch an outlet then you do not have to cut end off so you can use the pump in other spots if needed

Great minds think alike lol!

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[Stevie]

Wait,  why cut off the plug?  Just wire the power switch to an outlet and plug the pump into that!  That's what I did,  that way you don't have to worry about crossing wires or making a mistake.

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This is good advice, but I figured the user would have a particular need. I made my own for each pump. Yes, no GFI, but the outlet I use is GFI and I have a portable incase I ever need it. Total cost was about $15.