Ground Faults

[27goldfish]

Very nice, unfortunately, where I put mine, that's not feasible

 

[addy1]

Yep we can only work with what we have 27........we were trenching our slope to get to the "level" area which still needed 4 feet of build up to make a level pond lol. So it was logical to stick everything in the trench.

 

[Malak]

I do like the quick disconnect aspect, mr goldfish.
I think Pondmaster is going to spank you for the romex. lol
That's the thing - I'd like it to appear a real electrician did it at least. Reduce issues if I should ever have to sell the house. Nothing like stuff being brought up at a closing. My client is still alittle concerned about the pond wiring and would like a $1000 compensation. Ugh. Then disconnect it and don't use it!
Addy has her own personal electrician. All she has to do is throw it on the "honeydew" list. lmao

 

[Malak]

Mrs clem - where did you get the six outlet one?
Midwest does have one with 5. I may be able to use that if they are all on the same circuit.

 

[ginger_biscuit69]

this is one thing which is brilliant about being from England, IMO we have some of the tightest electrical standards in the world, and conversations like this, and wierd ways of wiring equipment outdoors simply dont happen.

Some things in this thread really have made me cringe!

 

[Malak]

Well that's all well and good if you are rich and can afford calling someone. As long as it's on a ground fault, it's pretty safe. The second any of my wires touches water, it trips.

 

[ginger_biscuit69]

well i suppose if you put the price of a life over a few dollars for an electrician....

and why the hell would bare live wires be touching water!?

 

[Pondmaster]

Malak, you may already know this but be sure to use 12 gauge wire for the 20 amp circuit. I hope your project goes well my friend.

PMHLTB.

 

[fishin4cars]

well i suppose if you put the price of a life over a few dollars for an electrician....

and why the hell would bare live wires be touching water!?

Live wires, that's scary! But I have seen many people use a ground on ponds and reef tanks. Just running a bare copper wire from the water to the ground or tie it into the ground system of the house. this will help keep stray voltage from electrical componanats that may slighty leak and transfer it to the ground, it also helps with making the ground faults more effective. On reef tanks very very small amounts of electricity in the tank can greatly effect the growth of coral. I have heard it can cause issues with fry of some species of fish also.

I probably shouldn't post this pic but I'm guessing this probably needs to be given some electrical attention!
This will really make you cringe! LOL, It is run to a ground fault BTW, But this is not how it should be done!!!!!!

 

[ginger_biscuit69]

lovely... indoor connectors under slate must at least IP67, no worries!! :-O

 

[Malak]

Not bare wires, but rather an extension cord with things plugged in.
I also clean my chimney myself. Should I call someone for that too?
Also, the reality is that many electricians don't know what they or doing or don't care and will skimp on your projects. At my last job, there were only 3 technicians worth a hill of beans. That's the real world, I'm afraid...
Pondmaster, I always buy better than I need unless cost is a huge factor. ;-)

 

[mrsclem]

Malak- got the boxes at True Value but have also seen them at Lowes (usually at Christmas). Some even have a built in timer with a dusk to dawn photocell. BTW- did all the wiring myself as I figured if I could move my laundry room from the basement to the 1st floor the pond would be a piece of cake! When we first ran the wire down there it was not in conduit and I cut into it while using a pole pruner. That wire looks just like wild raspberry stalks! PS- Dad's an electrician and I spent many a day as helper. It comes in handy.

 

[Malak]

Fishin' - thanks for the grounding the water trick. I can see how that could be a factor since the water is insulated by the rubber liner!
Although wouldn't that make it more likely to be struck by lightning? I have trees nearby, so probably not as issue for me.

 

[fishin4cars]

When I did mine I ran the copper from the skimmer box and into the ground behind it. just made a big u shape and ran it down the bottom of the skimmer and as far into the ground as I could go. I nmy opinion Chances are if you keep the exposed wire to a minimum your not any more likely to get struck by lightning than you would have been without. I'm not a electrician or electrical engineer, maybe someone else that knows more and will chime in and help answer that question. I really don't know.

 

[Malak]

Lightning is a strange and bizarre animal that is much debated, but most agree that a more grounded point is more likely to attract it unless something equally grounded is somewhat close, but higher. I would not ground a pond in the middle of a field with no trees if it has a liner.