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Ponds & Aquatic Plants

Outdoor Water Fountain question

17 years ago

We want to put a water fountain out in our backyard. My husband is running underground electric and I was wondering if anyone uses a timer for their outdoor fountains or just unplug's them when they are not outside. The only problem without a timer would be the fountain cord would just be laying on the ground if we just unplugged it. Since this is in a flower bed it is not covered and the end of the cord might get wet, which does not sound like a smart idea to me. Any suggestions on outdoor fountains and do people use timers or do they just unplug the fountain when not outside?? How should this be handled since the plug will be outside?

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Comments (4)

tillertilter
17 years ago
You could do either, but you are correct about the plug, and since it should be plugged into a GFCI outlet, the wet plug will trip it when wet or dirty and damp.

I suggest adding an outdoor rated switch near the outlet. (You can just have one outlet of a duplex recepticle switch if you like, and leave the other always on. (Good solution for a pond pump and lighting.) I don't think you can do that with just a GFCI though. You need to add a protected outlet (ALL 3 WIRES CONNECTED!) off the GFCI for this to be the answer.) If you are not knowledgable about electricity, please consult a professional. I would not recommend switching the main GFCI as it might be unknowingly overloaded in an outdoor situtation, causing it to fail prematurely. Add a protected outlet, and switch that.

-TT
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philips
17 years ago
Go with your instincts and use a timer made for the purpose or flip the breaker in he garage to shut it off. Unplugging and plugging it in will over time cause a loose connection or possibly an electrical problem.

Consider a Solar system. What's the harm in having the fountain run all night?

Do use a GFI.

Don't use anything you think of as temporary.

IE, Indoor timers are not for the outside.

Extension cords are slow fuses. They will eventually heat up and cause a fire.

Eventually, you'll want a pond to put a fountain into.
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coolhandluke_opusgardenfeatures_com
17 years ago
Definitely the timer is the way to go with this. Flipping the breaker is never an ideal way. By using the timer you are going to be able to set it when you want it to turn on and off. I use my timer to shut it off and on around the times I go to work.

I have gotten into the hobby of creating my own water fountains as well.

http://www.opusgardenfeatures.com/

Here is a link that might be useful: Instrument Water Fountains
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fairlady
17 years ago
I have a fountain on my patio which is plugged into a christmas light remote control box...with a push of the button (from inside the house)I turn it off at night and back on in the am.I have done this for two years without any problems...the outlet that it is plugged into IS a GFI outlet.
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