Does pump cable need to be installed in a conduit?

This depends on what type of pump cable you are installing.

When TWU-40 Twisted Type Pump Cable is being used to supply power from the source to the well head, you are required to run the cable in an approved conduit or raceway.

In 2021, the Canadian Electrical Code had a notable change in that polyethylene (PE) pipe is no longer an approved conduit/raceway material.

HOWEVER...

If you are installing TWUFJ Flat Jacketed Pump Cable, you can directly bury the jacketed cable from the power source to the well head without a conduit or raceway.

Additional Resources:

The selection of an appropriate conduit or raceway is normally done by a licensed/insured electrician with experience in pump installations and installing electrical products. The installer is responsible for ensuring that the products and installation meet all the applicable national and local electrical and well construction codes.

If further clarification is required on what types of conduit/raceway materials are acceptable and meet all the applicable codes, we suggest that you review the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and/or reach out to your local electrical inspector or the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) for guidance.

Contact information for the ESA is included below for your convenience.

Electrical Safety Authority - HQ

400 Sheldon Dr Unit 1,

Cambridge, Ontario, N1T 2H9, Can

Phone: (519) 624-3564

Customer Service Center: 1-877-372-7233.

Website: www.esasafe.com

Article on 2021 CEC Code changes:

For more information about 2021 CEC changes regarding pump cable for submersible pump installations in deep wells and bodies of water, refer to the article linked below.

https://support.boshart.com/2021-canadian-electrical-code-changes-regarding-pump-cable-for-submersible-pump-installation-in-deep-well-and-bodies-of-water