You do see them in use for Xmas decorations, particularly in commerical premisis, but occasionally in homes too. Also for things like those little "kiddy rides" and photobooths outside the doors of shopping centres.
Re: pond pumps .. are they usually 230V? Only ones i've come across have been 12 or 24V with the transformer located inside.
I notice all the outdoor lighting cable here is shielded i.e. 2 cores (blue and brown) and its sorrounded by a ground conductor a bit like coax!. Pretty bulky stuff although i guess it makes it a BIT safer if someone cuts it with a shovel or something
