Electricity and Your Koi Fish Pond
Electricity is the last and most important consideration to building a koi fish pond. You do not want your koi pond on top of electrical lines, but you still do need access to power.. If an electrical supply is to be laid within easy reach of the koi pond, provisions for their installation must be made before pond construction begins. Any use of electricity should strictly comply with regulations, and all equipment must be specifically manufactured for use with water. You  will need electricity to power pumps for filters and waterfalls, aeration, or cleaning and fountains. The low voltage transformer, shown at left will power up to 4 pond lights and automatically turn them on and off. Your koi fish pond will require an underground electrical cable from your home's power source. Electricity is needed not only for your pumps, but for under water or lighting around your pond as well. For those of you that are mechanically inclined, or wish to do the work without using an electrician, the next page will offer some tips on laying electrical cable. Be sure to check codes on electricity in all cases before beginning any electrical project. This will ensure safety and avoid expensive re-installation. Be aware that in many municipalities you are required to use a licensed electrician to complete the wiring for your pond's electricity.
When laying an electrical cable to your koi pond, it is important to ensure that it is covered adequately with soil in a deep trench. In addition the cable should be manufactured for  outdoor use. An armored cable is to be preferred. Remember, electricity and water make a dangerous combination.   When installing electricity for your koi pond make sure that any electrical device running off main power is protected either by a residual current device (RCD) seen at left, or a circuit breaker which will cut off the supply instantly in the event of a short-circuit.  In addition to burying underground cables in a deep trench, they should also be protected by a layer of slabs or tiles positioned above the cable to prevent it being accidentally severed by anyone unwittingly digging in the area.
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