Accessibility -
Unless you are
installing a small, reflecting pool, you will need to have electricity
available for your backyard pond. Power is needed to run pumps, filters,
bubblers, heaters and lighting systems so often used in ponds.
Special Needs-
Remember
that you are dealing with the outdoor
environment. Special equipment is
needed to prevent rapid deterioration in weather conditions. Outdoor
wiring and special grounding techniques are a must for this type of
service. Even though you may have experience doing some wiring in the
house or garage, this is an area where a professional should be used. We
highly recommend that you hire a licensed electrician to install your
needs for outdoor electrical service.
Local Ordinances -
Be sure
to check with your local building inspector to make certain that you
fulfill all the legal requirements for wiring your pond. Again, a
licensed electrician will be able to obtain the needed permits and
inspections so that your pond wiring is in full compliance. Your
liability insurance under your homeowner policy may not cover damages or
injuries that result from illegal wiring.
Ground Fault Interrupter
- Electricity
and water can be a lethal combination. Therefore, it is important to
make all the circuits as safe as possible around the pond. This is one
area where you should use a professional electrician to minimize the
possibility of any mess ups.
The key element in most outdoor electrical circuits is the use of the
ground fault interrupter. This special outlet has its own serge
protection which works quicker than your basic fuse box or circuit
breakers.
If a short circuit occurs, the ground fault interrupter will break
the circuit and stop the flow of electricity immediately. This should
minimize the shock and potential injury (or even death) of the person
who comes into contact with the affected wiring.
A ground fault interrupter
receptacle has its own circuit breaker. The red button
pops out if a short occurs and this stops the flow of
electricity.
Type of Service
- Most pumps and other equipment for the
backyard pond will operate on regular electrical service. Check with
your pump retailer to be sure that your pump does not need a 220 volt
service. This would only apply to very large pumps in most cases.
Pond Lights -
Most outdoor lighting
systems include a transforming that changes 120 volt service into a 12
volt system. This lower voltage is much safer to use around water both
in the pond itself and in the surrounding landscape.
Accessibility -
Unless you are
installing a small, reflecting pool, you will need to have electricity
available for your backyard pond. Power is needed to run pumps, filters,
bubblers, heaters and lighting systems so often used in ponds. 
environment. Special equipment is
needed to prevent rapid deterioration in weather conditions. Outdoor
wiring and special grounding techniques are a must for this type of
service. Even though you may have experience doing some wiring in the
house or garage, this is an area where a professional should be used. We
highly recommend that you hire a licensed electrician to install your
needs for outdoor electrical service.
Pond Lights -
Most outdoor lighting
systems include a transforming that changes 120 volt service into a 12
volt system. This lower voltage is much safer to use around water both
in the pond itself and in the surrounding landscape.
