Pond Fountains have motors that are plugged into an outlet or hard-wired to a junction box at the shore. From there the cable runs under water across the bottom of the pond and then back up to the motor, which is suspended by a float. A motor that is 120v will not cost more to run than the comparable 220v motor as long as the cable is properly gauged.
But cables that are too thinly gauged do not run efficiently and also create a safety hazard as the wire and insulation heat up, deteriorate over time, or fail completely. 220-240 volt pumps require thinner-gauged cords to run long lengths than lower voltage pumps do.
Scott Fountains has created this handy table that helps customers who buy their fountains determine how thick of gauge is needed for their 1/3HP to 3 HP pumps. Note: distance is not from pond outlet to the motor. Rather, the customer needs to know the distance from the main breaker to the motor! That is the total run of the wire! For a 1/2 HP motor using 12-gauge wire on 115 volts, the maximum distance from the motor to the main panel is 160′! If you are using a 230- volt pump, that distance increases to 650′! Moving to the 3HP option, only available in 230V, if using 12-gauge wire the maximum run from pump to main breaker is 190′. But if using 10-gauge cable, that length increases to 300′. If 6-gauge is used, the distance increases to 750′!
Though the table created by Scott is of great help with their fountains obviously, it is also useful to look at even if you are purchasing a unit by another manufacturer. However, you will need to know the motor amperage. When buying a pond fountain, consult the manufacturer’s specifications. Again, the total run from the main power source to the motor is what is important. For example, if you have 14-gauge wire running from your main power source to the outlet at the pond’s edge, then that run will need to be short. Electricity will need to travel all the way from the main power source to the motor in the pond.
It is crucial the homeowner or commercial developer calculate the distance from the main breaker to the motor. Once that distance is known, and the gauge of wire running from main breaker to the outlet for the pond’s motor, we can help you determine what gauge wire your pump needs to have for optimal performance. It is essential we know the amperage or wattage and the voltage of the motor you will be using. We are not trying to make things complicated, only to help you get the best possible fountain for your property.
Note: You might also find useful our pond size calculator and electrical use calculator.
Maximum Cable Length in Feet from Motor to Main Power for Scott Motors (Motor Amps Varies by Manufacturer)
| Pump Size | 1/3HP 115V | 1/3HP 230V | 1/2HP 115V | 1/2HP 230V | 3/4HP 115V | 3/4HP 230V | 1HP 115V | 1 HP 230V | 1.5HP 230v | 2HP 230V | 3HP 230V |
| 12 AWG | 175′ | 700′ | 160′ | 650′ | 125′ | 480′ | 75′ | 400′ | 310′ | 250′ | 190′ |
| 10 AWG | 275′ | 1120′ | 250′ | 1020′ | 150′ | 760′ | 100′ | 630′ | 480′ | 390′ | 300′ |
| 8 AWG | 430′ | 1720′ | 390′ | 1610′ | 200′ | 1200′ | 150′ | 990′ | 770′ | 620′ | 470′ |
| 6 AWG | 680′ | 2680′ | 620′ | 2510′ | 350′ | 1870′ | 300′ | 1540′ | 1200′ | 1530′ | 750′ |
| 4 AWG | 1050′ | 4180′ | 960′ | 3880′ | 700′ | 2890′ | 650′ | 2380′ | 1870′ | 2360′ | 1190′ |
