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    wildandblue's Avatar
    wildandblue Posts: 663, Reputation: 57
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    #1

    Sep 26, 2008, 10:25 AM
    Connecting 12 volt system to ground
    So I got this idea to use a 12 volt pump that I can hook up to a 10watt solar panel hooked to a 12 volt battery I've got-- to run a little ornamental fountain for the goldfish pool out in the garden. The instructions that came with the panel, which I would say are "loosely translated from the Mandarin" just say to ground the battery if using in a remote location. How exactly do I do that, just pound a metal rod into the ground I know but then which battery terminal do I connect that to? Should I use a GFCI since the pump is submerged in the pool which is also in the same ground as the grounding rod? Confused and needing assistance:confused:
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #2

    Sep 26, 2008, 11:19 AM

    How much does the Pump Draw?
    I wouldn't use a ground rod, Make all connections good, sealed, maybe add a diode to allow panel to charge battery, and reduce resistance when not charging.
    Red is positive, black is negative(ground)
    wildandblue's Avatar
    wildandblue Posts: 663, Reputation: 57
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    #3

    Sep 26, 2008, 11:31 AM

    It's just a tiny decorative pump that uses 8 watts and comes with three interchangeable fountain heads
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #4

    Sep 26, 2008, 03:02 PM

    Nighttime is the problem, In the morning the motor would be trying to run on low voltage.
    Are you planning a Car Battery or maybe an Alarm type 12 Volt/ 7 Amp hour? other?
    wildandblue's Avatar
    wildandblue Posts: 663, Reputation: 57
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    #5

    Sep 28, 2008, 11:11 AM

    Well I have another Q out there floating around asking about auto versus marine deep cycle batteries, having to do with my sump pump. Hasn't been answered yet, so I don't know. Right now I'm using the battery out of my Ford tractor, the solar panel comes with several adaptors so I can run or recharge all sorts of stuff or even use a power inverter to run my TV and beer cooler. I guess the fish pond pump I could turn off at night or use a timer?
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