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Re: Artificial spring

At 11:02 PM 1/4/98 -0800, you wrote:
>On Sat, 3 Jan 1998, Barry Garcia wrote:
>
>> lip/spot to conceal the pump cord.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).
>
>Safest yet, disregard all the above instructions as extremely inadequate
>and consult with an electrical inspector or a licensed electrician,
>particularly if you're going to do any wiring in vicinity of water.
>
>Just as an example: in California, underground 110 V wiring is required
>to be buried minimum EIGHTEEN inches under surface, in a conduit.

I must second Krzysztof Kozminski's opinion.  The above mentioned technique
for  hiding an extension cord is not safe, and is in violation of the
National Electrical Code (NEC) used by most cities in the United States.
110V power on a 15 or 20amp breaker can result in more than a "shock", it
can kill you.

The wiring itself does not necessarly have to be laid in conduit, (for
residential circuits) but Underground Feeder Cable (UF cable) is required
for direct burial. UF Cable (not the same thing as "flex" or "armor" cable)
should be burried at least 12" and most recommend that a redwood 2x4 be
placed above the cable to prevent wandering shovels from severing the wire.
A call to your City Building Department should give you all the information
that you need to do it right.

Placing the cable on a Ground Fault Indicator Circuit (GFI circuits are used
in most bathrooms and kitchens to prevent shocks associated with electrical
appliances falling in water) is also a good idea. I believe it that this
would also be required by the NEC. 

Installing a branch circuit is a reletivly easy job  (Sunset publishes some
wonderful instruction books) and can be done in a few hours by a handy
person. (those who are squemish around electricity should hire a pro!)  An
electrical permit for the work - which includes inspections by the city,
should only run $50.00 or so (the city will probably charge a minimum fee -
your milage may vary) and is a good piece of mind for such a small fee.  A
handy do-it-yourself person should be able to complete the entire wiring
project for less than $100.00, including permit fees. (once again, your
mileage may vary)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wayne Renshaw, Architect
renshaw@best.com

408 288 8033 - phone
408 927 7908 - fax

http://www.best.com/~renshaw/home.html
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