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Topic: Mystery power to fountain pump

User: Benton, Location: Louisiana

Asked on: Sunday, June 5, 2011 at 7:56 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 6:14 am EDT

Question: I went to a customers home today he has a fountain pump that is being fed from an extension cord located on his front porch to his fountain pump in the yard. The power that is in the yard and is supposed to run the pump is a mystery. I get 120v hot to nuetral and 110v hot to ground. When I unhook the pump from the extension cord and plug it into the power that is in the yard the pump does nothing. I don 't understand why the pump want run. Maybe because the circuit has lights on it. Any idea? Again the receptacle in the yard has 120V.

Possible Reasons for Pump Failure



Loose or Faulty Connections

Ensure that all connections from the extension cord to the pump and from the power source to the receptacle in the yard are secure.


Insufficient Power

Check if the circuit breaker or fuse for the outdoor power source is tripped or blown. Also, verify that the gauge of the extension cord is appropriate for the pump's power draw.

Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI)

If the outdoor power source is GFI-protected, it may have tripped due to a ground fault. Reset the GFI and ensure that there are no ground faults in the circuit.


Incompatible Wiring

Check the wiring configuration of the receptacle in the yard. It may be wired incorrectly, such as with reversed polarity, causing the pump to malfunction.

Defective Pump

The pump itself may be faulty or damaged. Disconnect the pump and test it using the extension cord as a power source. If the pump still doesn't work, it may need to be replaced.

Additional Factors to Consider



Interference from Lights on Circuit

Lights on the same circuit can create electrical noise that can interfere with the pump's operation. Try disconnecting the lights and see if the pump starts running.

Outdoor Conditions

Exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures can affect the operation of electrical equipment. Check for any signs of corrosion or damage on the pump, extension cord, or receptacle.


Incorrect Voltage:
Ensure that the voltage supplied to the pump is within its rated range. Some pumps require specific voltages to operate correctly. Flag for review

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