Can I do exterior wiring myself?

Question

I need to do exterior wiring for a fountain. Should I try to do it myself?

Answer 1

If you have any experience in doing home wiring indoors you should be able to do the same kind of wiring outdoors.  The main difference being that the climatic conditions are in play here so you need to do everything in a manner which will result in a watertight circuit.

For obvious reasons... water and electricity do not mix.   EVER !!!!

Conduit is used to shield the wires that are run and waterproof outlets and switches should be used to finish the job.

Otherwise it is the same task indoors or outdoors.

Answer 2

This depends how handy you are.

1) You will need 12/3 UF wire or wire rated for direct burial.

2) It would be best to use PVC schedule 40 Conduit.

3) It will need to be buried at least 18" or more (according to the NEC) National Electrical Code.

4) You will need weather/water proof junction boxes, connectors, GFCI protection and a dedicated line to you electrical panel and good grounding connections.

5) Electricity bites (even 120 Volts) and it has killed quite a few people.

6) I would get a "Licensed Professional" to do it.

Good Luck ! ! !