Electricity and Water Features

Water and electricity DO NOT MIX and since most water features require an electricity supply it is crucial to take precautions to ensure the safety of anyone in the vicinity of the feature.

Since it is much easier and also SAFER to install the electricity before construction of your water feature is complete, this should be done in the initial stages.

The need for safety in outdoor electrical installations is apparent, thus, all electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician.

Before any electrical work commences check that the electrician:

• Is licensed (ask to see the licence)
• Will provide you with a Certificate of Compliance

NEVER use makeshift wiring for outdoor installations, it is simply dangerous! Pond Pumps Incorrectly installed or damaged 240 V electrical water pumps in garden ponds, may create a serious electric shock risk in and around the pond, resulting in injury or death. This is because the risk of electric shock is higher in the presence of water.

A 240 V pond pump should be:

• good quality and be purchased from a reputable retailer
• protected by an Safety Switch (RCD), that is tested by means of the integral test buttons at least every 3 months
• installed in accordance with manufacturers' instructions
• provided with cables that are protected against accidental damage
• maintained in good working order, including cables and any connections
• switched off when carrying out pond cleaning.

If any defects are found, switch off the water pump's electrical supply immediately and have the pump repaired by a licensed electrician. Outdoor Lighting Incorrectly selected, installed or damaged 230 V outdoor lighting installations may create a risk of electric shock, resulting in serious injury or even death.

For 240 V lighting in the garden:

• buy good quality electrical outdoor lighting equipment from a reputable retailer
• make sure outdoor lighting fittings (luminaries) are weatherproof
• ensure lighting fittings used for water features are waterproof
• have it installed by a competent electrician in accordance with manufacturers' instructions
• check regularly for damaged lighting fittings, cables and connections
• remove leaves and dirt from lighting fittings

If any faults are found, switch off the electrical supply immediately, and have them repaired by a licensed electrician. Install a Safety Switch A Safety Switch (RCD) is a safety device that switches off the electricity automatically when it detects an earth fault and should be considered mandatory when using power outdoors. Any socket-outlet that may be used for plugging in portable electrical equipment that is to be used outdoors should have Safety Switch (RCD) protection.

TIP

Consider low voltage equipment when installing water features.

Danielle Dickinson is an avid water feature enthusiast. She is a regular contributor to Gardening Magazines. Visit her website http://www.waterfeaturesonline.com.au for more information on building and maintaining any type of Water Feature as well as a huge range of water gardening products.