[JKL]

So I finally broke down and got a pump.  I bought the wired one with the 6' cord and when I was putting the fitting on it last night I got to wondering how in the hell I was gonna turn this on?   I've already decided I'm going use the "toolbox" idea to house it so at 1st I thought I might incorporate a waterproof switch on toolbox too but I really want a switch that is accessible from a standing position.  Any suggestions?
-J.K.L.

[euge]

Wire up one of these to an extension cord or similar wire:



The switch controls the outlet. The instructions come with the outlet on how to configure the wiring.

[Bret]

Smart and elegant solution, Euge. Cheap too!

[gsandel]

My suggestion is to cut the cord.....I went with all waterproof housing and the plastic toolbox I had around the house.  The pump is always situated below the kettle, tun, or HLT....I can't tell you how many times this thing got wet by accident....boiling liquids, electricity, and (at least) two guys drinking beer......got to build safety into the system somewhere.

Oh, and don't forget the GFI circuit if your circuit isn't already wired so.




more at onbeer.blogspot.com

[JKL]

My suggestion is to cut the cord.....I went with all waterproof housing and the plastic toolbox I had around the house.  The pump is always situated below the kettle, tun, or HLT....I can't tell you how many times this thing got wet by accident....boiling liquids, electricity, and (at least) two guys drinking beer......got to build safety into the system somewhere.

Oh, and don't forget the GFI circuit if your circuit isn't already wired so.




more at onbeer.blogspot.com

I like this!!  I'm all about some safety. I just wanted the switch up higher but I may go this route? I went to the Depot yesterday and bought a waterproof switch cover and box.  My intention was to cut a 25 ft 16 gauge extension cord that I have at the house and spice in the switch where I could hang it on my stand.  I was going to run the female end of the cord into the toolbox and plug it in.  Sounds pretty safe right?  I call my electrician buddy last night (note; he'd been drinking) to run my plan by him to make sure this was doable.  Right off the bat he sounds unsure that it's safe.  He says 16 ga. sounds too small and I need to use Romex if possible.  I told him that it will run into a GFCI adapter and he was better about it but still suggested a thicker wire.  Should I just go get a 12 ga extension cord? 
-J,K.L.   

[Slowbrew]

I would get a heavy duty cord.  The surge current when the motor starts can cause issues on smaller wire.  Your 16g cord will probably get warm while in use which indicates you are at or exceeding it's safe current load.

Paul

[JKL]

I would get a heavy duty cord.  The surge current when the motor starts can cause issues on smaller wire.  Your 16g cord will probably get warm while in use which indicates you are at or exceeding it's safe current load.

Paul

Suggestion on what gauge is safe? 
-J.K.L.

[mabrungard]

Most certainly, 14 gauge wire is safe.  This is a small motor with little current draw.  I'm surprised that 16 gauge is getting hot, but if it is the case, find 14 gauge wire. 

[Will's Swill]

No problems with the pump overheating inside the toolbox?