Adding a receptacle near a water fountain is a smart idea if you wish to light up your garden, power your portable devices, or charge your electric tools conveniently. Running a cord from inside the house may not be feasible as it can create a safety hazard. Instead, you can install an outdoor outlet near the fountain to avoid running extension cords across walkways or decks. But how can you install an outlet safely near the fountain? In this article, I will provide you with a detailed guide on how to install a receptacle near a water fountain.
Before you begin, make sure you have the following requirements:
– A weatherproof outdoor receptacle box with cover and GFCI protection
– A circuit breaker box
– Conduit or flexible conduit
– Electrical wire (12 to 14-gauge wire)
– Electrical fish tape or wire puller
– Outdoor-rated silicone sealant
– Drill and bits
– Screwdriver
– Wire stripper and cutter
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started.
1. Choose the location
Select the location where you want to install the receptacle box. Ensure the spot is at least 6 feet away from the water source and the fountain. The ground should be level to avoid water accumulation. Besides, consider the accessibility of the location and the proximity to an electrical source.
2. Turn Off Power
First, turn off the power to the electrical circuit you will be working on in the circuit breaker box. Test the circuit to ensure it is switched off using a circuit tester, then remove the cover from the outlet box.
3. Install the conduit
Next, install the conduit from the breaker box to the electrical box. The conduit will protect the wire and keep it organized. Run the conduit through the hole in the outdoor wall and push it through until it sticks out from the other side. Secure the conduit with clamps to the outdoor wall.
4. Fish the Wires
Secure the fish tape to the wire, and then push it through the conduit from inside the home to the outdoor location, ensuring it comes out of the other side near the electrical box.
5. Connect the Wires
Strip about 6-10 inches of insulation from the wires using the wire stripper. Connect one end of the black wire to the brass screw, white wire to the silver screw, and green wire to the green screw. Tighten the screws onto the wires.
6. Secure the Receptacle Box and Cover
Insert the receptacle box into a hole cut to fit exactly in a brick or wood surface, or screw it directly onto vinyl or aluminum siding. Ensure the box is flush with the surface.
Apply a layer of silicone sealant around the edges of the receptacle box and secure the cover over the box to complete the installation.
7. Reinstate power
Once the silicone sealant dries, turn the power back on in the circuit breaker box. Your outdoor receptacle near the water fountain should now be functional.
In conclusion, adding an outdoor outlet near a water fountain is a straightforward task, but it requires taking the necessary precautions to ensure safety. Always switch off the power before you begin wiring, adhere to the local electrical wiring codes, and seek advice from an electrician if you are not experienced in electrical installations. Follow the steps outlined above, and you will have a power source conveniently located near your water fountain.
Also interesting:
- How To Install A Receptacle Jn A Water Fountain?
- How To Install A Receptacle In A Water Fountain?
- How To Install Solenoid Valve On Water Fountain?
- How To Install A Wall Mounted Water Fountain?
- How To Install Water Feature?
- How To Wire An Outdoor Water Fountain?
- How To Install A Water Fountain Solenoid?
- How To Install Water Fountain Yourself?
- How To Install Water Fountain Brackets?
- How To Install A Small Sunken Water Fountain Garden?
Last update 2023-11-25