In yard "power post" - suggestions?

2917 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by vsheetz, Jun 13, 2011

vsheetz

Discussion Starter · Jun 4, 2011

I am looking to install a post with 120V power outlets on it - in my yard. This will power a water fountain, two low voltage lighting transformers, and the occational power yard tool.

I understand the trenching and electric connection from a nearby building to the post - that's not where I am looking for info/suggestions - rather it's the actual outlets on the post itself. Here is what I am thinking, please toss out your thoughts and suggestions.

4x4 treated post - 2' in the ground, 2' out of the ground - set in concrete.
Conduit exits the ground and goes up the post to outdoor single box #1 with duplex recept, then another short piece of conduit to outdoor single box #2 containing a dusk to down photo sensor, and yet another short piece of conduit to box #3 contain a duplex recept (switched by the photo sensor)
Each outdoor single box with duplex recept has a in-use weather cover
The low voltage lighting transformers are attached to the 4x4 post and plug into the photo sensor switched recepts - the fountain and the occational yard tool plug into the other (unswitched) recepts

Is there a better or differing way other than the multiple single boxes, recepts, and weather covers?

In-use recept cover such as this: http://www.mulberrymetal.com/MulberryBrochure.pdf

Thanks!
Vince

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vsheetz

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 5, 2011 (Edited)

WillK said:
Assuming you're on 2008 NEC, your receptacles will need to be weather-resistant. These will have a WR on them. This includes the first one which must be a WR GFCI.

If not yet on 2008, the GFCI is still required. And I'm pretty sure the in-use weather cover is required by any code edition as well.

GFCI will be provided upstream before it exits the nearby building. Yes, WR recepts are the plan. Thanks.

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vsheetz

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 5, 2011

mpoulton said:
These are a really nice and easy solution:
http://www.amazon.com/Arlington-Industries-GP19B-1-Gard-N-Post-Landscape/dp/B002W6ZP0K

If you want to have one receptacle controlled by a light sensor and another hot all the time, I'd suggest splitting a single duplex receptacle so only the top half is controlled by the sensor. Just drill a hole and install the sensor through the top or side of the post, install a WR receptacle and in-use cover, and wire appropriately.

Interesting option. Thanks!

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vsheetz

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jun 13, 2011 (Edited)

Finished the project today. Used a double box holding two duplex recepts rather than two single boxe, with a in-use weather cover - one of the duplex recepts with photo control. All mounted on a short 4x4 treated post set in contrete, with a copper topper. Works good, looks good.

Thanks all for the help and suggestions.

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