Kalas 150 ft 12/2 w/G Submersible Well Pump Wire Cable

Why I Picked the Kalas Pump Cable for a Deep-Well Job

Lowering a submersible pump a hundred-plus feet into a well is not the moment to question your choices in wire. I needed a 2-wire plus ground solution with enough copper to keep voltage drop in check and insulation that wouldn’t nick or spiral under tape as the assembly went down. The Kalas pump cable in 12/2 with ground, 150 feet, checked the right boxes on paper: 600V rating, U.S.-made, and a stout, green outer jacket that promised real-world durability. After using it on a 240V, two-wire pump install, I came away confident recommending it for similar depth and load scenarios.

Build and Handling

The first thing I noticed was the jacket. The green sheath is thick enough to inspire trust but not so rubbery that it snags on every edge. It has a firm feel—more “utility grade” than “limp cord”—which actually helps during taping and zip-tying to the drop pipe. It lays straight off the coil without aggressive memory, and I didn’t encounter kinks or flat spots. The inner conductors are individually insulated and color-coded, with an insulated ground, as you’d expect from a proper submersible pump cable. The overall round profile makes it easy to run cleanly alongside poly or PVC drop pipe and to secure at consistent intervals.

Insulation quality shows in the details: clean jacket markings, consistent outer diameter, and no soft spots where plastic thins. Stripping the jacket with a rotary tool was controlled and predictable; it didn’t tear or stretch unusually. The conductor insulation also scored and pulled cleanly with a standard stripper without nicking copper. That makes a difference at the wellhead and at the submerged splice where clean prep is the difference between a worry-free connection and a troubleshooting nightmare six months later.

Installation Notes

I used this cable with a 240V, two-wire submersible pump (plus ground). The 12 AWG conductors were a suitable match for the run length and load; more on sizing in a moment. I spliced to the pump leads using a heat-shrink, adhesive-lined butt connector kit rated for submersible use and then overwrapped with the supplied outer shrink. The insulation shrank uniformly and adhered well, and the cable’s jacket didn’t blister or deform with heat.

Securing the cable to the drop pipe every 8–10 feet went smoothly. The jacket has enough bite under tape to prevent sliding but isn’t so matte that tape chews itself when tensioned. The cable’s firmness helps keep a clean profile in the well; it doesn’t balloon out or twist around the pipe as you lower the assembly. Around the pitless adapter and well cap, the bend radius was manageable, though I’d avoid forcing tight 90s—plan for gentle sweeps and you’ll be fine.

One practical tip: measure your actual run length and build in extra for the final routing at the cap and control connections. My coil measured on spec, but having a few feet of slack for stress relief at the wellhead is worth planning for. With pumps, you seldom regret leaving yourself options topside.

Electrical Performance and Sizing Considerations

For a two-wire pump at 240V drawing typical running amps in the 6–12A range, 12 AWG copper is a sensible choice for 150 feet. Voltage drop is what I care about most here. Very roughly, 12 AWG copper sits around 1.6 ohms per 1,000 feet. Over a 150-foot one-way run (300 feet round trip), you’re looking at about 0.48 ohms. At 10A, that’s roughly a 4.8V drop—about 2% on a 240V system. That’s well within most pump manufacturers’ recommendations and helps ensure reliable starts and less heat in the motor windings.

If you’re pushing longer runs or bigger motors, step up your conductor size. Likewise, if you’re on 120V, pay closer attention to drop—you’re halving the voltage, so percentage drop increases. For three-wire pump systems that need an extra conductor for the control box (start/run circuits), this isn’t the right cable; you’ll need 12/3 with ground. But for two-wire pumps with a separate ground, this 12/2 configuration fits the bill.

The 600V rating is standard and reassuring. I didn’t have any thermal concerns during splicing, and the insulation feels like it can handle occasional friction during lowering without scuffing through. As always, the pump splice is the weak link; use a proper submersible-rated kit and be meticulous with prep and heat.

Durability and Environmental Fit

A submersible pump cable doesn’t live a glamorous life. It gets taped to a pipe, shoved down a hole, vibrates for years, and is occasionally pulled back out. The Kalas cable seems built for that. The jacket resisted nicks during handling on concrete and gravel. It didn’t take a set that caused hang-ups in the casing, and it stayed cooperative during the lower. The insulated ground is a nice touch compared to bare drains you sometimes encounter; it reduces the risk of chafe-related issues over time.

I don’t have multi-year data on this specific install, but the make and materials inspire confidence. I’ve seen lesser cables absorb water through poor insulation bonds at the splice and degrade insulation elasticity under constant submersion. The clean shrink behavior and the consistency of the insulation wall on this cable are good indicators for long-term performance.

What I’d Watch For

• Plan your length with margin. Between the pitless bend, the well cap, and control box terminations, “exact length” leaves no room for strain relief or service loops. I like to add at least 10–15 feet beyond the straight-line depth.
• Mind your bend radius. The jacket tolerates reasonable bends, but forcing tight corners can stress insulation. Gentle curves make for a cleaner install and easier service later.
• Confirm your pump type. This is ideal for two-wire pumps with a ground. If your pump requires three conductors plus ground, get the 12/3 variant.
• Match gauge to motor and depth. 12 AWG is a versatile middle ground for many 1/2–1.5 HP pumps at this length, but do the math for your specific amps and run distance.

Value and Alternatives

Buying cable in a fixed 150-foot length often pencils out better per foot than grabbing it off a spool at a big-box store. More important than price, though, is getting a cable that doesn’t introduce headaches: consistent jacket, predictable strip, honest copper gauge, and a construction suited for water-tight splices. The Kalas cable delivered on those practical points. If you need shorter or longer runs, look for the same construction in different lengths or consider stepping up a gauge if you’re near the edge of your pump’s recommended wiring chart.

Who This Suits Best

• Homeowners and pros setting 2-wire submersible pumps at moderate depths (up to around 150–200 feet, depending on motor size).
• Installations where a firm, round-jacketed cable is preferable to a flimsy cord that wants to twist or wander.
• Anyone who values a clean, professional splice and taping job without fighting inconsistent insulation.

If you’re working with a 3-wire pump or a deeply set, higher-amp motor, look for the correct conductor count and consider 10 AWG to keep voltage drop in check.

The Bottom Line

The Kalas pump cable is a solid, no-drama choice for two-wire submersible pump installations. It’s built the way well cable should be: proper 600V insulation, an insulated ground, and a tough, workable jacket that behaves during install and inspires confidence once you bolt the cap down. It strips cleanly, tapes straight, and carries enough copper in 12 AWG to serve most mid-depth, mid-amp pumps without flirting with excessive voltage drop.

Recommendation: I recommend this cable for two-wire submersible pump installs at or near the 150-foot mark, especially in the 1/2 to 1.5 HP range on 240V. It offers dependable construction, manageable handling, and appropriate electrical performance at this length. Just size your gauge to your motor and distance, choose the correct conductor count for your pump type, and give yourself some length margin. If you do those things, this cable will do its job quietly and well—exactly what you want 150 feet underground.