🛁 Little Giant PE-1 Epoxy Encapsulated Submersible Pump – 1/125 HP, 170 GPH, 6-Ft Cord

Ultra-compact, energy-efficient fountain pump for water features, displays, and recirculation

🔄 Product Overview

The Little Giant PE-1 (Part No. 518200) is a compact, epoxy-encapsulated submersible pump from the PE-1 Series manufactured by Little Giant, a division of Franklin Electric. This small but capable pump delivers 170 gallons per hour at 1 foot of lift using just 36 watts of power, making it one of the most energy-efficient options for small water features, statuary fountains, water displays, and liquid recirculation applications.

Powered by a 1/125 HP direct-drive, impedance-protected motor sealed in an epoxy encapsulation, the PE-1 provides reliable, maintenance-free operation in a lightweight 3-pound package. The glass-filled polyester housing and cover provide excellent durability, while the polypropylene volute, screen, and impeller resist corrosion from water and common chemicals. The triple lip nitrile shaft seal delivers dependable protection against water intrusion into the motor.

The pump features a 1/4-inch MNPT discharge that accepts 1/2-inch ID flexible tubing, a screened inlet for debris protection, and a 6-foot power cord. With a 7-foot maximum shut-off head and a maximum liquid temperature rating of 120°F (49°C), the PE-1 is suitable for indoor and outdoor water features, machine tool coolant systems, air conditioning condensate applications, and general water transfer and recirculation. The PE-1 is designed exclusively for submersible use and is not recommended for fuel oil transfer, aquariums, or swimming pool applications.

✨ Key Features

✅ 1/125 HP Epoxy Encapsulated Motor – Direct-drive motor sealed in epoxy for complete moisture protection, delivering reliable submersible operation without oil or mechanical seals

✅ 170 GPH Maximum Flow – Delivers 2.83 GPM at 1 foot of lift with a 7-foot maximum shut-off head for small fountains and water features

✅ Ultra-Low 36W Power Consumption – Energy-efficient operation keeps electricity costs minimal for continuous-duty fountain and recirculation applications

✅ Impedance Protected Motor – Built-in motor protection prevents damage from stalling or locked-rotor conditions

✅ Compact, Lightweight Design – Weighs just 3 pounds for easy placement in fountains, basins, and tight spaces

✅ Glass-Filled Polyester Housing – Durable, corrosion-resistant housing and cover withstand continuous submersed operation

✅ Polypropylene Impeller and Volute – Chemical-resistant materials provide long service life in various water conditions

✅ 1/4″ MNPT Discharge – Accepts 1/2-inch ID flexible tubing for easy connection to fountains, nozzles, and water features

✅ Screened Inlet – Removable polypropylene screen protects the impeller from debris ingestion

✅ 120°F Maximum Liquid Temperature – Handles warm water applications including air conditioning condensate and machine tool coolant

✅ Triple Lip Nitrile Shaft Seal – Three-layer seal design provides reliable protection against water intrusion

✅ 6-Foot Power Cord – Standard cord length with grounded plug for safe, convenient installation

⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Manufacturer	Little Giant (Franklin Electric)
Model	PE-1
Part Number	518200
Series	PE-1 Series (Epoxy Encapsulated)
Pump Type	Small Submersible, Direct Drive
Motor Type	Epoxy Encapsulated, Direct Drive
Motor Protection	Impedance Protected
Horsepower	1/125 HP
Voltage	115V
Frequency	60 Hz
Phase	Single
Amperage	0.6 A
Wattage	36W
Flow Rate (at 1 ft)	170 GPH (2.83 GPM)
Flow Rate (at 3 ft)	140 GPH
Flow Rate (at 5 ft)	100 GPH
Shut-Off Head	7 ft (2.1 m)
Maximum Liquid Temperature	120°F (49°C)
Discharge Port	1/4″ MNPT (accepts 1/2″ ID tubing)
Inlet	Screened (removable)
Impeller Material	Polypropylene
Volute Material	Polypropylene
Screen Material	Polypropylene
Housing / Cover	Glass-Filled Polyester
Shaft Seal	Triple Lip Nitrile
Cord Length	6 ft
Weight	3.0 lbs
Operation	Submersible Only, Continuous Duty
Speed	Single Speed

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⚡ Electrical Requirements

Electrical Spec	Requirement
Supply Voltage	115V
Frequency	60 Hz
Phase	Single
Amperage	0.6 A
Wattage	36W
Cord Length	6 ft
Cord Type	3-prong grounded plug

⚠️ IMPORTANT:

All electrical connections must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and all applicable local codes and regulations.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is required for all outdoor water feature, pool, and spa area installations per NEC requirements.

The pump must be connected to a properly grounded electrical outlet. Do not use an extension cord unless it meets the required wire gauge for the cord length and amperage rating.

The impedance-protected motor is designed to prevent damage if the impeller becomes blocked, but the pump should not be allowed to run dry for extended periods.

📊 Performance Curve Data

Lift Height	Flow Rate (GPH)	Flow Rate (LPH)
1 ft	170	643.5
3 ft	140	530.0
5 ft	100	378.5
7 ft (shut-off)	0	0

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🔗 Compatibility Guide

This Pump:

📍 Discharge: 1/4″ MNPT (accepts 1/2″ ID flexible tubing) 📍 Inlet: Screened (removable polypropylene) 📍 Voltage: 115V / 60Hz only 📍 Operation: Submersible use only

Connection Options:

The 1/4-inch MNPT discharge accepts standard 1/4-inch female NPT fittings or connects directly to 1/2-inch ID flexible vinyl or rubber tubing for fountain and water feature applications. Small brass or plastic barb fittings can also be threaded into the discharge for different tubing sizes.

Related PE-1 Series Model:

Part Number	Model	Description	Cord
518200	PE-1 (this pump)	Standard epoxy encapsulated	6 ft
518203	PE-1H	Hooded volute version	6 ft

Replacement Parts:

Part	Description
Volute	Replacement volute for PE-1 / 1-EA / 1-AA series
Inlet Screen	Replacement polypropylene screen for PE-1
Volute Gasket	Replacement gasket for PE-1 volute

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🔌 Installation Requirements

Submersible Installation:

Requirement	Specification
Positioning	Fully submerged in liquid
Minimum Water Depth	Pump must be fully submerged during operation
Mounting	Place on flat, stable surface at bottom of fountain basin or container
Discharge	1/4″ MNPT — connect tubing before submerging
Weight Support	Self-standing at 3 lbs; no mounting hardware required

Installation Notes:

⚠️ This pump is designed exclusively for submersible use. Do not operate above water level or use as an in-line pump.

⚠️ Connect all tubing and fittings to the discharge before submerging the pump. Ensure connections are secure to prevent leaks.

⚠️ The pump includes a removable inlet screen. Keep the screen in place during operation to prevent debris from reaching the impeller. Remove the screen periodically for cleaning.

⚠️ Maximum liquid temperature is 120°F (49°C). Do not use in water exceeding this temperature.

⚠️ Not recommended for fuel oil transfer, aquariums, or swimming pool applications.

⚠️ For outdoor installations, ensure GFCI protection is in place per NEC requirements.

⚠️ Position the pump to allow water to flow freely around the housing for cooling. Do not restrict the intake screen.

🔧 Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance:

Task	Frequency	Notes
Clean inlet screen	Monthly	Remove screen and rinse debris; reinstall securely
Inspect discharge connection	Monthly	Check tubing and fittings for leaks or mineral deposits
Check power cord	Monthly	Inspect for damage, cuts, or exposed wiring
Clean pump exterior	Quarterly	Remove mineral scale and algae buildup from housing
Verify GFCI function	Monthly	Test GFCI for outdoor installations
Inspect impeller	Every 6 months	Remove volute to check impeller for debris or mineral buildup

Warning Signs — Service or Replace Pump If:

• Motor fails to start or hums without pumping
• Noticeable reduction in flow rate despite clean screen
• Unusual noise (rattling or grinding)
• Power cord or plug shows visible damage
• Pump overheats during normal operation
• Water leaking through epoxy encapsulation (rare)

Winterization:

If the pump will be stored or the fountain will be drained during winter, remove the pump from the water, drain completely, and clean thoroughly. Store in a dry location above freezing temperatures. Do not allow water to remain inside the pump housing during freezing conditions, as ice expansion can crack the volute or housing.

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability	Notes
💧 Statuary fountains	✅ Yes	Primary designed application; 170 GPH ideal for small to medium statuary
💧 Indoor water displays	✅ Yes	Ultra-quiet operation and compact size perfect for tabletop and indoor features
💧 Outdoor water features	✅ Yes	Handles ponds and fountains up to 170 gallons
💧 Fountain nozzles	✅ Yes	Compatible with small fountain nozzles via 1/4″ MNPT discharge
💧 Machine tool coolant	✅ Yes	Recirculates coolant for lathes, milling machines, and similar equipment
💧 Air conditioning condensate	✅ Yes	Removes condensate from AC units and dehumidifiers
💧 Water recirculation	✅ Yes	Continuous duty for closed-loop recirculation systems
💧 Pond ornaments / filters	✅ Yes	Suitable for small pond filters and decorative water features
💧 Hot tub draining	❌ No	Insufficient flow rate; max temp 120°F may be exceeded
♨️ Spa jet pump	❌ No	Not designed for jet pump applications
🔄 Aquarium use	❌ No	Not recommended by manufacturer
💧 Swimming pool use	❌ No	Not recommended by manufacturer
💧 Fuel oil transfer	❌ No	Not recommended by manufacturer

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the horsepower of this pump? A: The Little Giant PE-1 (518200) is rated at 1/125 HP with an epoxy encapsulated direct-drive motor operating at 115V/60Hz, drawing just 0.6 amps and 36 watts.

Q: How much water can this pump move? A: At 1 foot of lift, the pump delivers 170 GPH (2.83 GPM). At 3 feet, it delivers 140 GPH. At 5 feet, it delivers 100 GPH. Maximum shut-off head is 7 feet.

Q: What size tubing does this pump connect to? A: The 1/4-inch MNPT discharge accepts 1/2-inch ID flexible tubing directly, or can be fitted with standard 1/4-inch NPT fittings for other connection types.

Q: Can I use this pump outdoors? A: Yes. The PE-1 is suitable for outdoor water features and fountains. Ensure GFCI protection is in place per NEC requirements for all outdoor installations.

Q: Is this pump safe for fish ponds? A: The manufacturer does not recommend the PE-1 for aquarium use. For small ponds with fish, consult Little Giant’s dedicated pond pump lineup for fish-safe options.

Q: How long can this pump run continuously? A: The PE-1 is designed for continuous duty operation. It can run 24/7 in fountain and recirculation applications as long as it remains fully submerged.

Q: What is the difference between the PE-1 and PE-1H? A: The PE-1 (518200) is the standard model. The PE-1H (518203) features a hooded volute design that provides a different flow pattern. Both share the same motor, flow rate, and electrical specifications.

Q: Can I use this pump to drain my hot tub? A: The PE-1 is not recommended for hot tub draining. Its maximum liquid temperature is 120°F, and the 170 GPH flow rate would make draining very slow. Consider the Little Giant 5-MSP or 6-CIM-R for hot tub draining.

Q: What makes the motor “impedance protected”? A: Impedance protection is a motor design feature that prevents overheating damage if the impeller becomes blocked or stalled. The motor limits current draw under locked-rotor conditions to prevent burnout.

Q: How much electricity does this pump use? A: The PE-1 uses only 36 watts, making it very energy efficient. Running continuously, it would consume approximately 0.864 kWh per day, or about 26 kWh per month.

Q: Do I need GFCI protection? A: Yes, for all outdoor installations. GFCI protection is required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) for all outdoor electrical connections near water.

Q: How heavy is this pump? A: The PE-1 weighs just 3 pounds, making it easy to place and reposition in any water feature.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 PE-1 Series Spec Sheet – Complete specifications, performance curves, and dimensions

📄 PE-1 Series Installation Manual – Installation instructions, wiring, troubleshooting, and maintenance

🏆 Why Choose the Little Giant PE-1

✅ Proven Little Giant Quality – Backed by Franklin Electric’s 80+ years of submersible pump manufacturing expertise

✅ Epoxy Encapsulated Motor – Superior moisture protection compared to traditional oil-filled or open motor designs; eliminates risk of oil contamination

✅ Ultra-Energy Efficient – Just 36 watts means minimal operating costs for continuous fountain and water feature operation

✅ Compact and Lightweight – At only 3 pounds, the PE-1 fits into the smallest fountains and basins without taking up valuable space

✅ Impedance Protected – Built-in stall protection extends motor life and prevents damage from debris blockages

✅ Chemical-Resistant Materials – Polypropylene impeller, volute, and screen resist degradation from water treatment chemicals and mineral deposits

✅ Versatile Applications – From decorative fountains to industrial machine tool coolant systems, one pump serves many needs

🤝 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

✅ US-based support for American customers

✅ Fast shipping across the United States

✅ Expert advice from pool, spa, and water equipment specialists

✅ Competitive pricing in USD

✅ Full warranty support

✅ Hassle-free returns

✅ Replacement volutes, screens, and gaskets available

✅ Dedicated customer service team

💫 Summary

The Little Giant PE-1 (518200) is a 1/125 HP epoxy encapsulated submersible pump delivering 170 GPH at 1 foot of lift with a 7-foot maximum shut-off head. Using just 36 watts, this energy-efficient direct-drive pump features a glass-filled polyester housing, polypropylene impeller and volute, triple lip nitrile seal, impedance-protected motor, 1/4-inch MNPT discharge accepting 1/2-inch ID tubing, removable inlet screen, and 6-foot cord. Weighing only 3 pounds with a maximum liquid temperature of 120°F, the PE-1 is ideal for statuary fountains, water displays, machine tool coolant, and general water recirculation. Order today from Parts4Tubs for fast US shipping and expert support.