Electrical question

[Baz]

I'm a landscape contractor and just installed a palm for a client. We took out some older plants in a bed closer to the pool where they have a 4x4 post supporting a transformer for the pool lights. It goes in 120 and out 12 volts. The post was hidden by tall plants before - but now is exposed. I want to sod that area where it sits now and just leave the circular bed around the new Bismarck Palm.



So my question is - can this transformer be dropped down below ground level in some kind of waterproof box or is that not such a good idea? I also wonder about future access if it is below ground.



Anyone BTDT?

Thanks!
Baz

[wdfifteen]

I don't know about your area, but "below ground level" and "waterproof" form an oxymoron in Ohio. If it is below ground, you assume it's going to be wet.

[imcarthur]

You would have to get an electrician & probably buy a new transformer + enclosure etc. Why not sell him another plant? Give him such a deal . . .

Ian

[Baz]

Yeah I know.....in Florida you can dig a few feet down and ht the water table.

I'm reluctant to drop this transformer down into the ground - may have to just lower it to ground level, encase it in a waterproof box, and then figure out a way to hide it.

That shouldn't be so hard, eh?

[dad911]

Not if it is for the underwater light that is in the pool. The conduit is 'wet' so the connection (deck box) has to stay above the water level, typically at least 18"

Found this diagram:



wish I could put palms around my pool in NJ.......

[Baz]

The property owner and I can do the electrical. And I don't want another plant there. FYI: Here's what it looked like before I got involved....

[Hugh R]

Set up above the ground and get one of those hollow concrete fake boulders.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by dad911

Not if it is for the underwater light that is in the pool. The conduit is 'wet' so the connection (deck box) has to stay above the water level, typically at least 18"

Found this diagram:

Dad911, awesome - I didn't realize the technical aspects! Thanks - now it is clear we have to keep it up on the post so we'll either move the post to where the new palm is or enlarge the circular bed to include the post again.

Thanks again!!!

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

Set up above the ground and get one of those hollow concrete fake boulders.

Not a bad idea Hugh! It'd have to be a pretty big boulder! Those things aren't cheap, either!

[crustychief]

It even says 1 foot off the ground. I understand why you would want to conceal it though.

[livi]

Granted I am no electrician, I would definitely keep that piece above ground.

[look 171]

Mount the box else where and run the wires to the lights underground.

[Baz]

Thanks for your input everyone - I will either leave it where it is and hide it with a hollow boulder or plants or move it over to the new bed by the new palm and hide it with plants there. Appreciate your thoughts and suggestions!!!

[dad911]

Keep in mind that pipe may be full of water.... and will probably leak unless you drop the water level in the pool below the pipe when you cut it.

I also don't see how you will move it further from the pool w/o splicing the wires, which shouldn't be done between the deck box and the pool. (splice could be sitting in water)

When I did my pool, I had them order fixtures with long wires, so I could mount these boxes back at the equipment pad. I don't know why pool contractors don't do that, the junction boxes look like hell near the pool.

Frankly, at this point I'd hide it.........

[javadog]

Have a look for a j-box in the cool deck, between the transformer and the pool light. If you find one, that's likely where the light connection would be made, in which case moving the transformer can be done rather easily. I wouldn't bury it, as it makes heat and you have a high water table there.

JR