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Monday, March 20, 2017
Question:
Charlie,
I have a few questions about a fountain pump.
According to 680-51(E) the pump cord must be in an enclosure beyond the perimeter of the pond. There are requirements in 680-52(B) for sealing an in-water junction box, so I assume that is the preferred method for making electrical connection to the pump conductors. This makes the connections permanent and difficult to remove the pump in the winter and for service.
Is it possible to sleeve the pump conductors through a PVC raceway and make the connections in a junction box above the ground similar to how a swimming pool wet niche fixture is connected. The problem with this method is the 10 foot maximum pump cord length in 680-51(E). The pump proposed has a 20 or 40 foot cord with an attachment plug. This violates 680-56(D) which requires the connections to be permanent if the pump is located in water.
Dave R.
A
Answer:
Hey Dave thanks for your question. Listed cord and plug connected fountain pumps are available some with 6 or 15 feet cords. The provisions of 680.52(B) would not be necessary with a pump of that type and is not preferred but an option. The cord length in the fountain is limited to 10 feet as stated in 680.51(E) and any portion outside the fountain must be in an enclosure that gets approved by the AHJ. It seems that the language in 680.56(D) could be improved especially regarding cord and plug connected equipment. Consider submitting a Public Input for the 2020 NEC.