When installing an electrical (irrigation) pump, a circuit breaker (disconnect) must be installed within __________ feet of the pump

When installing an electrical (irrigation) pump, a circuit breaker (disconnect) must be installed within __________ feet of the pump

• A. 15
• B. 50
• C. 12
• D. 10

Answer: (B)

The main idea is safety and quick shutoff. For irrigation pumps, the electrical disconnect must be readily accessible so you can cut power quickly if there’s a problem or during maintenance. The NEC allows the disconnecting means to be not more than 50 feet from the pump, ensuring you can reach it without traveling a long or unsafe distance. That’s why the correct distance is 50 feet—it represents the maximum distance allowed by code. Shorter distances (like 15, 12, or 10 feet) would also satisfy the requirement, but they don’t convey the maximum limit the code permits.

The main idea is safety and quick shutoff. For irrigation pumps, the electrical disconnect must be readily accessible so you can cut power quickly if there’s a problem or during maintenance. The NEC allows the disconnecting means to be not more than 50 feet from the pump, ensuring you can reach it without traveling a long or unsafe distance. That’s why the correct distance is 50 feet—it represents the maximum distance allowed by code. Shorter distances (like 15, 12, or 10 feet) would also satisfy the requirement, but they don’t convey the maximum limit the code permits.