INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS - W6300 Linear Submersible Fixture
SUBMERSIBLE REQUIREMENTS
The Hydrel W6300 series submersible luminaire is designed to meet National Electric Code,
Article 680, Part D requirements for fountains, ponds and other decorative water features. This
luminaire is not to be used in swimming pools, spas, or any other body of water intended for the
immersion of persons. Fountains, ponds and other decorative water features that share water with
a swimming pool are counted as swimming pools and as such cannot use the W6300.
Article 680 covers all underwater lighting but not all the requirements apply to W6300. Those that
are applicable to the W6300 include, but are not limited to:
• A Ground-Fault Interrupter must be installed in the branch circuit supplying the light fixture
• Primary voltage shall not exceed 150V
• Maximum length of exposed cord is 10’
• Cord extending out of the water must be enclosed in approved wiring enclosures
• Fixture must not be permanently embedded into the fountain structure
• Fixture must be removable from the water for service or maintenance without lowering
water level
The list above is not all-inclusive but it should be enough of a guide to determine whether or not the
fixture is appropriate for the use. Consult the NEC and local codes to determine all requirements for
the project location.
The mounting brackets of the W6300 can be attached to fountain walls with fasteners appropriate
for underwater use. This method requires tools to remove the fixture for maintenance. Alternatively
the fixture can be mounted to cement blocks or stones that rest on the bottom of the fountain and
simply lifted out of water for maintenance. The weight of these blocks should be a minimum of 3
pounds per linear foot of W6300 to prevent the fixture from floating. For an idea of size, a concrete
paving block 12" x 6" x 2" is about 12lbs. Mounting the brackets to a large plate of corrosion
resistant material and then piling rocks on top of the plate is another acceptable method.
SAMPLE INSTALLATION • SUBMERSIBLE- Lighted Waterfall
The sample project will be a pair of 48” W6348 mounted in a pond under a waterfall. The
transformer will be installed 40’ away on a wall adjacent to the water feature and an underwater
junction box will be used to make connection from the feed wires to the fixture’s power cable.
The fixtures will be mounted to paving blocks for easy maintenance.
STEP 1: DETERMINE THE WIRING METHOD AND LAYOUT
Because the W6348 has a permanently attached power cord, our first step has already been
decided. The power cords from the fixtures will be lay along the pond floor and run to an
underwater junction box. Enough cord will be left to allow the fixtures to be brought on deck for
maintenance.
STEP 2: DETERMINE POWER REQUIREMENTS AND TRANSFORMER SIZE
Each 48” W6348 will consume only 18W which means a T1906 transformer will operate the pair.
Also, since this is a non-dimming application, a boost tap is not required.
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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
Sample Project - Illuminated Waterfall
T1906 TRANSFORMER FED FROM
GFCI-PROTECTED CIRCUIT
40’ OF #12 WIRE
IN CONDUIT PER NEC
18” MIN
24.0V
100%
23.8V
99.2%
48” W6348, 18W
48” W6348, 18W
23.7V
99.1%
UNDERWATER JUNCTION BOX
PER NEC ARTICLE 680
ALLOW ENOUGH CORD TO
BRING FIXTURE ON DECK FOR
MAINTENANCE, 10’ MAX
FIXTURE MOUNTED TO CONCRETE
PAVING BLOCKS, MIN 3 LBS/FOOT
Junction Boxes
T1906 Transformer 500 WATT 240 or 120 to 24 or 12 50/60HZ
Units Rated 120 x 240 V Input: 12 x 24 V Output
INPUT
OUTPUT
120
120
240
240
12
24
12
24
JB1701 - 25 cubic inches
JB1706 - 32 cubic inches
JB1710 - 62 cubic inches
JB1711 - 144 cubic inches
Cord Seals
CAT.#
CS14302
CS14303
CS14304
CS143022
CS143032
CS143033
CONNECTION
DIAGRAM
K
L
M
N
CORD
SIZE
NPT
A
B
18-3
14-3
18-3
16-3
12-3
10-3
1/2
3/4
3/4
1/2
3/4
3/4
7/8
1 1/4
1 1/4
7/8
1 1/4
1 1/4
1 1/2
1 3/4
1 3/4
1 1/2
1 3/4
1 3/4
2