ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues pond pump

Im hooking up a submersible pump for a small pond.Im going to get power from a security light on a telephone pole next to pond.I plan on installing a gfci rec. at base of pole on a switch.Is this a safe way of doing this and what type of cord can i use to put under water? thanks

John,

Welcome!
Your idea sounds Ok, make sure to get a "weatherproof in use" cover (bubble cover - it covers the plug)

The pump should be coming with it's own cord and plug already.

Bill

ty bill.

If your pump does not come prewired, check Art. 310-8(c) for appropriate types permitted by NEC.

Thanks warren,shall be of type listed for use in wet locations.Finally i get some real use out of this computer.

What would 16/3 sjtw cord that says water resistant on it be classified as ?The pump came with this on it,and i need to make the cord longer so i can get it to my gfci.Would sjtw that says water resitant on it be ok for under water?Called graybar and 2 other places and they say i need under water wire,but why does this submergible pump come from the factory with sjtw on it and a cord end on it? HELP

[This message has been edited by johnd24 (edited 07-12-2001).]

John,

The problem in touching the cord is that it is sealed at the pump end now. Water cannot get into the area where the 'juice' is. If you remove it you will probably not be able to ensure that water cannot get in. How long is the cord? And how much is underwater? Can you put the GFCI closer?

Bill

The cord is 8 foot long ...it has a pecker head on it,where the float switch is located,the pump motor itself is sealed.I need 40 feet to get to the bank of the pond.I thought of leaving the 8 foot cord on there and splicing under water but ...that would probably fail..so i thought if i got the same cord that came with the pump i could extend it to the bank.Thepecker head has a rubber gasket on it and a 3/8 inch cord grip.sjtw is what id like to use.

You'll probably blow the U.L. rating of the pump with such a long cord I would imagine.

I still am not clear on whether you could locate a receptacle beside the pond and plug in the 8' cord.

I would probably bury 12-2G UF as far as I could go and then place a receptacle.

As for splicing the cord, I would probably try 14 AWG cord, StaCon heat shrinks, and heat shrink a tube over the whole splice. My theory is that if the splice leaks, the GFCI should trip. Test weekly. Test your smoke detector every week too just like the directions say.

If your pond is plastic, I would make some provision to provide a ground such as bending a piece of copper pipe over the side at an inconspicous location.