How can I power a small fountain/pump 50 ft from an outlet?

Question

I am making a 25-30 gallon container water garden with a couple goldfish. I would like to have a filter/fountain in it, but where it will be is 50' from the closest electrical outlet. A solar fountain is out of budget, so I would like to run an outdoor extension cord under the ground. Years ago, my Dad ran two 100' unprotected outdoor cords between two houses and left it there for about 5 years without problems. But my situation is a little different. It will be underground, and it will be running almost constantly. Is this feasible? If so, how can I protect the plug at the pump? Electrical tape?
Thanks!

Answer 1

Run from the closest outlet to the fountain using the appropriate size wiring for the current load. Use UF cable not the NM. Bury the wire to the required depth, we use 18" here, and come up with conduit and to a weatherproof box, as was mentioned in the other answers. The UF is good for direct burial, but if you'd feel safer, or you are going to be digging in the area with plantings then run it in PVC pipe for extra protection. Good luck.

Answer 2

I would recommend getting some 12/2 UF cable and digging a trench at least 18 inches under ground and running it from pond location to the outlet and then call a electrician to tie it into the existing plug and put a plug on the other end. Ext. cords are not rated to be put under ground and are not a good idea for something permanent and you have to make sure the plug is GFCI protected unless you want to injury some one . By doing most of the work yourself you will save alot of money and it will be safe.

Answer 3

Buy wire that's rated for outdoors.
Cut the plug off and splice the wires together- you can use the plug at the other end.
Tape things up real good or buy the insulators that shorink when you heat them up with a hairdryer, or the liquid you goop on and it tries water tight.
They do make cheap solar fountains, but not filter pump

Answer 4

In agreement with answer #1 I'll offer this. I've also had the issue, and beyond a usual heavy duty extension cord at the appropriate length, I enclosed it/ ran it through PVC pipe at an appropriate diameter to outdoor lighting and/or receptacles. I've also hard wired, at the house, or in an outdoor receptacle, just plugged in.

Not once did I ever trip a breaker, experience a short, or have anything more critical such as a fire.

Steven Wolf

A more important issue for me was keeping "Critters" from taking the fish I had to keep adding to the pond.

Answer 5

Tye into outlet with underground wire buy at any diy. bury it,
bring it up to a weather proof box use conduit