I'm thinking of putting a 1/2 hp fountain in the lake behing my home. It needs 750 watts. The fountain comes with a 100ft gfci cord with standand plug. Since this is a portable fountain, I was figuring on just running 300ft of decent extension cords (12 gauge home depot). However my friend said I'd probably need to run a real line down to the lake and put a real outlet in.

Is this true? If so, could I just put a regular plug on one end of a spool of 12 gauge and a weatherproof outlet box on the other? The key here is "portable"

Here is a link to the fountain if it helps:

Sugar Creek Fountains - The Original floating fountain manufacturer. Located in Marietta, Ohio

I don't think 12 awg is going to get it.. Might have to go up to #10 due to VD and motor start up. Im not electrician but I'm sure one will chime in and give specs on this. How many amps is the pump motor you are installing?

Be a good idea to place a gfi plug at the end of the run. Even though the pump has one on the 100ft line, you paid around 500.00 for this fountain, wouldn't want to see it burned up.

Just my thoughts.

Mike

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Originally Posted by Dave555555

I'm thinking of putting a 1/2 hp fountain in the lake behing my home. It needs 750 watts. The fountain comes with a 100ft gfci cord with standand plug. Since this is a portable fountain, I was figuring on just running 300ft of decent extension cords (12 gauge home depot). However my friend said I'd probably need to run a real line down to the lake and put a real outlet in.

Is this true? If so, could I just put a regular plug on one end of a spool of 12 gauge and a weatherproof outlet box on the other? The key here is "portable"

Here is a link to the fountain if it helps:

Sugar Creek Fountains - The Original floating fountain manufacturer. Located in Marietta, Ohio

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That's a long distance.

Just off the top (I have a circular mill chart in my van):
1. Run a #6 AWG underground cable or THWN in conduit (Note: You will have to pigtail your conductor from a #6 to a #12--for terminating to receptacle)
2. Install a GFCI protected outlet near the fountain. Or install a 20A GFCI breaker in the panel--while installing a standard receptacle near the fountain.

The above will ensure you 114V, or no more than a 5% voltage drop. I could be off, but hey we all make mistakes while writing and driving (JOKE) :)


I wouldn't run any cord that distance! Note: Cord is not allowed to be ran inside walls



When I get a chance I'll check my numbers, unless someone beats me to it.

PS: I believe they have #6 SOOW cords (I believe). Yet, I wouldn't run the cord that distance, you are asking for trouble. Heck the install will cost you more than the fountain.