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Residential Outdoor Water Fountains:
For small to medium-sized wall mounted or free standing water fountains, any outdoor outlet will suffice. Check to ensure there is Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI) protected outlet available nearby. In general, if you live in a home constructed prior to 1980, check closely to verify the outlet you choose is GFCI protected.
If you wish to place a fountain in the middle of your property, there is probably not an existing power source (electrical outlet) at that location. The National Electrical Code, Section 650.58 provides specific guidance on what type of connection to use for water fountains and all outlets within 20 feet of a water fountain. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI) protected outlets are required for outdoor use. Installing outlets in the middle of a yard will require a degree of electrical knowledge and physical effort to dig a trench for burying the wire. Some regions require the wire to be inside metal or PVC pipe before burial. Also, there is special wire rated for direct burial without the need for pipe. The wire’s design enables it to withstand the rigors of wet conditions, freezing and caustic ground elements that can deteriorate normal (outdoor wire) sheathing.
You also need to be aware of restrictions on how deep to bury the electrical wire.
It is best to call a licensed electrical contractor to have the installation performed safely and in accordance with all prevailing electrical code, local covenants and restrictions.
It may be against electrical building code in some towns and cities to run an ordinary outdoor extension cord from your residence to the fountain location. If the extension cord is not plugged into a GFCI protected outlet, you pose a serious electrocution risk to anyone near the fountain in the event of a short circuit.
Commercial Water Fountains
For businesses wishing to add a fountain inside or outside, National Electrical Code rules apply depending on the location of the fountain. If an electric sign is present and within 10 feet of a water fountain or water feature, the sign must be plugged into or hardwired in a GFCI protected circuit. See NEC Section 650.57 (B), (C) and (D) for detailed information if an electric sign will be located in the fountain itself. Ask your local electrical contractor before ordering a fountain for your property to ensure you have the connections required to guarantee successful installation.
General Water Fountain Safety:
- Make sure the fountain is near a GFCI outlet to avoid the use of extension cords.
- To avoid the hazard of pulling and tipping a fountain over, do not place electrical cords
under carpets, mats or other loose floor covering.
- Use three-prong electrical plugs connected to GFCI protected outlets.
- Hang cords where any fountain leak will not run directly into the outlet.
- Place the electrical cord out of the way to avoid kids and pets obtaining access and
chewing on the cord.
- Call a licensed electrical contractor before installing a fountain to ensure all national
and local code requirements are met.