| Electricity and Water Features | | | | • switched off when carrying out pond |
| Water and electricity DO NOT MIX and since | | | | cleaning. |
| most water features require an electricity supply | | | | If any defects are found, switch off the water |
| it is crucial to take precautions to ensure the | | | | pump's electrical supply immediately and have the |
| safety of anyone in the vicinity of the feature. | | | | pump repaired by a licensed electrician. Outdoor |
| Since it is much easier and also SAFER to install | | | | Lighting Incorrectly selected, installed or damaged |
| the electricity before construction of your water | | | | 230 V outdoor lighting installations may create a |
| feature is complete, this should be done in the | | | | risk of electric shock, resulting in serious injury or |
| initial stages. | | | | even death. |
| The need for safety in outdoor electrical | | | | For 240 V lighting in the garden: |
| installations is apparent, thus, all electrical work | | | | • buy good quality electrical outdoor |
| must be carried out by a licensed electrician. | | | | lighting equipment from a reputable retailer |
| Before any electrical work commences check | | | | • make sure outdoor lighting fittings |
| that the electrician: | | | | (luminaries) are weatherproof • ensure |
| • Is licensed (ask to see the licence) | | | | lighting fittings used for water features are |
| • Will provide you with a Certificate of | | | | waterproof • have it installed by a |
| Compliance | | | | competent electrician in accordance with |
| NEVER use makeshift wiring for outdoor | | | | manufacturers' instructions • check |
| installations, it is simply dangerous! Pond Pumps | | | | regularly for damaged lighting fittings, cables and |
| Incorrectly installed or damaged 240 V electrical | | | | connections • remove leaves and dirt |
| water pumps in garden ponds, may create a | | | | from lighting fittings |
| serious electric shock risk in and around the pond, | | | | If any faults are found, switch off the electrical |
| resulting in injury or death. This is because the risk | | | | supply immediately, and have them repaired by a |
| of electric shock is higher in the presence of | | | | licensed electrician. Install a Safety Switch A |
| water. | | | | Safety Switch (RCD) is a safety device that |
| A 240 V pond pump should be: | | | | switches off the electricity automatically when it |
| • good quality and be purchased from a | | | | detects an earth fault and should be considered |
| reputable retailer • protected by an | | | | mandatory when using power outdoors. Any |
| Safety Switch (RCD), that is tested by means of | | | | socket-outlet that may be used for plugging in |
| the integral test buttons at least every 3 months | | | | portable electrical equipment that is to be used |
| • installed in accordance with | | | | outdoors should have Safety Switch (RCD) |
| manufacturers' instructions • provided | | | | protection. |
| with cables that are protected against accidental | | | | TIP |
| damage • maintained in good working | | | | Consider low voltage equipment when installing |
| order, including cables and any connections | | | | water features. |