What Size Wire for a Pool Pump?
Wire and breaker sizing for a Pool Pump — the typical 240V circuit, plus the code details (NEC Article 680) that change the answer.
Calculations are built on the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) and cross-checked against the published code tables. How we verify. Last reviewed June 2026.
On a 20A 240V circuit at 75°C terminations.
Protected by a 20A breaker (NEC 240.6).
Pool Pump current varies by model. The size above is the common case — always size the conductor to the unit’s nameplate rating and protect it at the labeled maximum breaker/fuse.
GFCI required. NEC Article 680 requires GFCI protection and a disconnect within sight for pool/spa equipment.
Pool Pump Circuit Details
- Pool pump motors require GFCI protection (NEC 680.21).
- Size to the motor FLA × 125% — most residential pumps land on a 20A circuit (12 AWG).
- A 120V pump uses the same sizing on a single hot.
Long run to your pool pump?
Over distance, voltage drop can require a larger wire than the table above. See the 20A wire size by distance:
Size it for your exact install
Open the calculator pre-filled with 20A at 240V to add distance, material and temperature.