Your bubbling waterfall or gurgling fountain needs power to run its pump, but simply plugging it into a house outlet or an extension cord is unsightly and unsafe. Cutting off the plug and hard-wiring the pump voids its warranty.
When installing a water feature, you may be able to bring electricity right to where it’s needed through buried Schedule 40 PVC conduit.
“The hardest part is figuring out where to hide the receptacle,” says Mark Piantedosi of Commonwealth Lighting and Landscaping in Acton, Massachusetts, who uses this method on projects he installs.
You’ll need an electrician to connect the wires to the circuit-breaker panel, but you can keep expenses to a minimum by burying the pipe yourself, using his code-compliant approach.
This guide will explain how to properly assemble and bury conduit, bringing power to your outdoor water features.
Assessing Your Electrical Power Needs
Most home electrical pumps operate on either 120V or 240V. Well pumps are typically 240V, while smaller water feature pumps often use 120V. The choice between 120V and 240V depends on the pump’s power requirements and your home’s electrical setup. Higher voltage generally allows for more efficient operation of larger pumps, offering better performance and energy efficiency.
Before installing or upgrading an electrical pump, determine its power requirements. Check the pump’s specifications for wattage or horsepower, and consider whether it runs continuously or intermittently. Factor in any startup power surges, and add a safety margin.
Understanding Local Building Codes and Permits for Electrical Pumps
Before you begin any electrical work for your water feature, it’s essential to understand the local building codes and permit requirements in your area. These regulations are in place to ensure safety and compliance with electrical standards. Failing to adhere to local codes can result in fines, failed inspections, or even unsafe conditions that could lead to electrical fires or injuries.
To start, contact your local building department or check their website to determine if you need a permit for your project. Some municipalities require a permit for any electrical work, including running new circuits or installing outdoor receptacles. If a permit is necessary, you may need to submit plans or diagrams of your project and schedule an inspection once the work is completed.
Building codes often specify how deep you must bury conduit, the type of conduit and wiring allowed, and the requirements for GFCI protection. For example, many codes require that outdoor electrical installations include weatherproof covers and that GFCI outlets be used to prevent electrical shocks. By understanding and following these codes, you ensure your project is both safe and compliant with local regulations.
Tools and Materials Needed To Power an Electrical Pump
To successfully install the electrical conduit for your water feature, you’ll need a variety of tools and materials. Ensuring you have everything on hand before starting the project will save time and help the installation go smoothly.
Tools
- Shovel or trencher: For digging the trench where the conduit will be buried. A trencher can make the job faster and easier if you have access to one.
- Measuring tape: To measure the depth and length of your trench accurately.
- PVC pipe cutter or hacksaw: For cutting the PVC conduit to the required lengths.
- Level: To ensure the conduit is laid flat and at the correct depth.
- PVC cement and primer: To securely join the conduit sections together.
- Drill and masonry bits: If you need to drill through your home’s foundation to run the conduit.
- Mason’s line and threaded nut: To create a messenger line that helps pull the wire through the conduit.
- Gloves and safety glasses: For protection while digging and handling materials.
Materials
- Schedule 40 PVC conduit: The durable piping that will protect your electrical cables underground. Make sure to purchase enough to cover the entire length of your trench.
- PVC fittings: Used to connect sections of conduit and navigate corners or obstacles.
- Warning tape: To lay above the conduit in the trench, alerting future diggers of the buried electrical line.
Installing Electrical Conduit Safely
If you aren’t properly trained, setting up the wiring for your pump is best left to an electrician. However, understanding the steps can help you oversee the project.
1. Dig a Trench
Make the run from house to receptacle about 20 inches deep—the conduit’s top edge must be at least 18 inches below the surface—and as straight as possible. The sum of all angled fittings must be less than 360 degrees. Line the trench bottom with an inch of sand to cushion the conduit from rocks.
2. Glue the Pieces
Measure and cut the pieces of gray conduit so they will fit in the trench. Before gluing the pieces together, tie a threaded nut to the length of a mason’s line a couple of feet longer than the trench. This is the “messenger line” to pull the electrical cable through the conduit after it’s buried.
Drop the nut through the conduit at one end of the run and through its fitting. Glue the pipe to the fitting, then drop the nut through the next piece of conduit, and so on, until all the pieces are fitted together and the messenger line is sticking out both ends.
Cement an outlet box to the end of the conduit closest to the fountain and a pull box to the end nearest the house. A pull box is an inexpensive way to connect to the breaker panel, but your electrician may suggest other options, such as drilling straight through the foundation.
3. Bury the Conduit
Fill the trench with 4 or 5 inches of dirt. Then, lay warning tape along the trench to alert future diggers that an electrical cable is buried there. Add the rest of the soil up to grade.
Installing a Weatherproof Receptacle for a Home Electrical Pump
If you don’t want to run a long length of wire directly to the water feature, you may be able to install a weatherproof receptacle nearby instead. You’ll likely need an electrician to install it, but the steps needed to bring power to the receptacle are very similar to the process listed above.
- Choose the right location: Select a location for the receptacle that is close enough to your water feature to avoid using long extension cords but far enough to minimize the risk of water splashes. The receptacle should be at least a foot above the ground to prevent water from pooling around it during rain.
- Install the outlet box: Use a weatherproof outlet box designed for outdoor use. Secure it to a sturdy surface, such as a post, wall, or dedicated mounting stake. If installing it on a wall, ensure that the box is level and tightly sealed against the surface to prevent water infiltration. If your conduit runs underground, the box should be connected to the end of the conduit where the wires will emerge.
- Run the wiring: Feed the electrical cable through the conduit from your home’s electrical panel to the outlet box. Use fish tape to guide the wire through if needed. Leave enough slack in the wiring at the outlet box to connect to the GFCI outlet.
- Connect the GFCI outlet: Strip the ends of the wires and connect them to the appropriate terminals on the GFCI outlet. Typically, the black (hot) wire connects to the brass terminal, the white (neutral) wire to the silver terminal, and the green or bare (ground) wire to the green terminal. Carefully push the connected wires into the outlet box and secure the GFCI outlet with the provided screws.
- Attach the weatherproof cover: Install a weatherproof cover over the GFCI outlet. These covers are designed to keep moisture out while allowing you to use the outlet even in wet conditions. Ensure the cover seals tightly against the outlet box and that the hinge operates smoothly.
- Test the GFCI outlet: Once installed, test the GFCI outlet to ensure it’s working correctly. Press the “Test” button to simulate a fault, which should trip the outlet and cut power. Then press the “Reset” button to restore power. This confirms that the outlet will protect you from electrical shock.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively install a weatherproof receptacle for your water feature, ensuring it operates efficiently and safely for years to come.