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Re: Artificial spring ELECTRICAL SAFETY WARNING

>heres my directions for the very small water feature that i built (
>after watching a TV show that showed it). It only takes up three feet
>square and uses nothing more than a submersible pump, window screening,
>beach pebbles, a bucket and various plants.
>Dig a shallow trench to the direction
>of your outlet to conceal the cord. Lay the cord within this trench (
>it doesnt have to be deeper then a few inches) If youre not near an
>electrical source youll have to use an extention cord ( which i kept
>the connection dry with using some electrical tape ( or heavy tape) and
>a plastic bag. I wrapped the bag around the connection and used tape to
>secure the bag.  Bury the cords but leave the connection above ground.
>You can mulch this to conceal. JUST MAKE SURE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN
>THE PUMP CORD AND THE EXTENTION CORD REMAINS DRY!  IVe never had an
>electrical shock even  digging in wet soil near the connection. Safer
>yet, get an outside outlet installed ( if you dont have one and are
>wary of this or have young children).

You are in for a shock - this is an unsafe connection.

1.	If possible use a 12 volt pump and place the transformer in a
protected area (indoors or in a weatherproof box).
2.	If you must use a 120 volt pump it should be either hardwired or
plugged directly into a weatherproof box. Do not use an extension cord. The
pump cord should be rated for outdoor burial. A conduit should be used to
prevent cutting the cord with a shovel when you or the people you sell the
house to forget where the trench is.
3.	All, All, All outdoor circuits should be protected by ground fault
circuit interrupters (GFCI).
4.	If in doubt get a licensed electrician to do it.
5.	Taping an extension cord connection is not adequate to prevent
water from getting in.

Current leakage into wet ground (when water does get through the tape) can
electrocute a person yards away!

Michael Tiffany, CIH

"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to
everything else in the universe." - John Muir
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