Do water features need electricity?
Concerns about power sources and the safety of electricity around water are key for people choosing a water feature. There are two main power options available for water features, either solar water features or mains powered.
Mains powered water features
Water fountains running on mains electricity can be placed almost anywhere in your garden, depending on the length of the cable. Of course, you can use outdoor extension leads if the supplied cable is not long enough for your desired location. Run the cable to an outdoor plug or a socket inside a shed or garage, then you can switch on your water feature whenever you desire or leave it running all the time. You can even bury the wiring underground, just be sure to use armoured cable trunking to prevent digging into it.
Examples of Electricity powered water features
Solar powered water features
As well as being eco-friendly, the main benefit of solar water fountains is that they are completely self contained and free from cables. They take in sunlight through a panel which is either built in or placed beside the feature, and use this to power the flow of water. In order to run, these water features do need to be in direct sunlight, which may limit where you can place them in the garden. It’s also important to note that they do not usually store power, so the water will only be pumped round while the sun is out.
Examples of Solar powered water features
Tabletop water features
In extension of the mains powered water features, consider tabletop water features. They are usually around or under 30cm & the easier mains power option to bring into your home. Just plug in & go, with no set up needed.
Examples of Tabletop water features
Large Indoor water features
For a larger indoor option, consider the troughed indoor water feature. These water features have a mains plug and reservoir to catch the flowing water.
Examples of large Indoor water features
So whichever model you choose, your water feature will need a supply of electricity to keep the fluid pumping round. But you have the option of wiring your fountain into the mains power source or have it powered by the sun’s energy.