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Jan 10th, 2023
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Lunker
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OP
Lunker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 172 |
I'm not an expert electrician, but I was wondering about pond pumps. I've built a waterfall with a waterfall pump used for ponds....but I swim in this pond as well. I'm worried about there being a short in the pump and being shocked to death? Do these pumps have some kind of shock proof device in them? They obviously know people will be in the water with them working, cleaning, swimming, etc.
How do swimming pool pumps prevent shock?
Any info would help?
Thanks
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,059 Likes: 278
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,059 Likes: 278 |
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,365
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,365 |
face72, Arent those pumps actually 12v DC? Does it have a "power brick" that plugs into 120v and outputs 12v? If they're true 120v, I can't say as I blame you for being cautious! 
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Lunker
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Circuit breakers? I guess? It plugs into the normal 110 outdoor power outlet I have on the side of my house.
I have no clue if its a 12v DC. Its a big pump though? ...It can pump 5000 gph.
If I went pump to a portable GFCI plug in...to the house...would that protect me?
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 122
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Apr 2003
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If I went pump to a portable GFCI plug in...to the house...would that protect me?
It should. Is the pump submerged in the pond or sitting alongside? I'm guessing submerged, hence the concern.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 267
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 267 |
Face...
Plug it into a GFCI outlet and you should be fine. All outside, bathroom, garage, kitchen, and utility room outlets should be GFCI protected according to current electrical codes here in Texas due to proximity to water. When the outlet detects a short, it automatically trips just like it would in a bathroom. If you go without it, you will know if the pump is electrifying the water because you will have floating fish and you will start to tingle when you get closer to the pump. You will have no doubt about what is happening. I recommend going with the extra $28 or so for a GFCI plug and follow the code.
Last edited by ezylman; 06/30/08 03:08 PM.
Water dries, rocks crumble, and trees die. The only thing that is eternal is the reputation we leave behind.
- Ancient Viking Proverb
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,985 Likes: 281
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,985 Likes: 281 |
I think if I had 110 vac electrical devices in the pond, I'd GFI protect all the circuits. And I'd unplug them/open the breakers when we went swimming.
After finding I had forgotten to turn them back on afterwards for a couple of days, I would thereafter be sure and do so immediately after swimming.
Last edited by Theo Gallus; 06/30/08 03:09 PM.
"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever." -S. M. Stirling ![[Linked Image from i.pinimg.com]](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ed/b5/e7/edb5e7f935843b996cf52be593c9ebd2--smoothie-smooth-collie.jpg)
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Lunker
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OP
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Yeah its a submersible pump. I'll just hook it up to one of those GFCI extension cords and it should be fine.
Thanks
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,074
Lunker
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Lunker
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Don't know anything about this but would find out before getting back in the water
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 365
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Oct 2007
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face72,
I'm an electrician, and you should definately plug it into a GFCI outlet, but what Theo said is the best idea. Never rely on a safety device, it is there for protection, but it can become faulty. The best idea would be to unplug the pump anytime you go in the water. Just think of it this way, you wouldn't throw a toaster in the bathtub with you even if it was plugged into a GFCI outlet, right?
-Chris 1 acre pond Currently managing: FHM, GSH, GSF, BG, PS, RES, LES, YP, SMB, LMB, HSB, RBT, WE, CC, FHC, and Grass Shrimp 
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Joined: Nov 2004
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Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Nov 2004
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Now that is just good common sense even I can follow that.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 172
Lunker
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Then how do large scale hawaii resorts handle waterfall pumps and people swimming in there pools? Is it an external pump? What about a pool light in a pool? It could have a problem and fry you? Any ideas?
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Moderated by Bill Cody, Bruce Condello, catmandoo, Chris Steelman, Dave Davidson1, esshup, ewest, FireIsHot, Omaha, Sunil, teehjaeh57
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My First
by x101airborne - 05/05/24 07:39 AM
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