Yesterday I was asking about lighting, and failed to ask another question related to outlets! I have had my pond for many years and I have two different outlets on my home exterior. I use them for my 2 pumps and my ultraviolet light. Since this was the only viable option for electricity, I burry the cords each year so the cords are not laying directly in the walking path to my patio. (The cords are hidden under rocks where they enter my pond. A bit of a hassle, but it works). If the next week or so, I am having some hardscaping done at my home. I didnt know if I had an opportunity to change the existing set-up. My landscaper (not sure if he is familair with pond installs), stated that he can add an outlet about 8 feet from the existing outlet on my home to eliminate my current set-up and make things easier in the future. The outlet would be across from the outlet on my home and located adjacent to a retaining wall that he is installing. I need at least 3 outlets. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should recommend if he is not familiar with the weatherproof outlets for these types of applications? I have no idea what is available or recommended!
Electrical outlet options?
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Jagsfan
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i would be shocked if he isnt familiar with weatherproof outlets. I think installing it would certainly be beneficial, i would just have him run down his scope of work and the material he would use (before asking him about weatherproof outlets) and see what he says. If he doesnt say hes going to install weatherproof, find somebody else.
Is your landscaper a certified electrician? If not, please consult one.
I would install at a minimum, a quad, water protected (for outdoor use) outlet as close to your pond as you can get it. I have found over the years that what I think is good enough tends to either be just enough or not enough.
I would install at a minimum, a quad, water protected (for outdoor use) outlet as close to your pond as you can get it. I have found over the years that what I think is good enough tends to either be just enough or not enough.
Thanks you! I appreciate the suggestions and guideance. I want to be sure it is done correctly. The location is literally 3 feet from the pond.
mrsclem
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I totally agree! If he suggested putting it where it will not be close to the pond, there must be a reason. Guessing he's not an electrician. If you are not certain about doing this yourself, get an actual electrician.
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@poconojoe is another who can help...
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Tapping into an existing outlet to add another (or several) is pretty simple, but I would ensure that your landscaper knows what they’re doing. I’m sure they are not technically allowed to do that under their landscaping license unless they have an electrician on staff or subcontract that work.
Also, some jurisdictions look at ponds like pools and outlets cannot be placed within a certain distance from the water’s edge. Don’t invite if that’s the case where you live, but could be why your landscaper is suggesting that location.
Also, some jurisdictions look at ponds like pools and outlets cannot be placed within a certain distance from the water’s edge. Don’t invite if that’s the case where you live, but could be why your landscaper is suggesting that location.
Please Please Please ELECTRICITY AND WATER DO NOT MIX This is a you mess it up and someone is DEAD. I have not heard one mention of a GFCI and that is the basics. National electrical code has a minimum distance of any outlet within X feet of water must be on a gfci at a minimum. This is not a place to cheap out And any outdoor outlet is to bee on one as well. Adding an outlet in your workshop or man cave is one thing but to play with electrical that will be used in water is a must have for a licensed electrician
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So many codes, so little time. Check out the National Electrical Code. Oh yeah, you paid for it via your taxes and now they need to charge you to look at it. I am not an electrician but I did pay. Here is what I found: pond area: electrical datum plane = 12” height, 5’ from shoreline, 2’ above highest water level. So 12" minimum height by the house and 2' by the pond. I'm installing outlets now. GFCI in the house -> switch in the house -> pond area via consuit burried 18" deep-> another GFCI -> another switch -> outlets. Electrical supplies have gone through the roof in pricing and are hard to find (I used 2 big box hardware stores, Amazon & ebay for all the parts). No matter how much you pay to have it done right it is a SMALL amount compared to the value of a human life.
My house is 70 years old and before the requirement to have an outside receptacle at the front and back of the house. I'm installing at the house switched receptacles, dimmable receptacles, always on receptacles (all with special in-use outside boxes), dusk-to-dawn sensors back into the house to 12VDC transformers for landscape lighting.
I attached the diagram I'm using.
My house is 70 years old and before the requirement to have an outside receptacle at the front and back of the house. I'm installing at the house switched receptacles, dimmable receptacles, always on receptacles (all with special in-use outside boxes), dusk-to-dawn sensors back into the house to 12VDC transformers for landscape lighting.
I attached the diagram I'm using.
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100% agree with the advice given. An electrician will tell YOU what you need, not vice versa. Kudos to your landscaper for thinking ahead, but make sure you hire an expert to do the actual work.