Steven Wright
Electrical appliances are now much more commonplace in our gardens. But electricity can be extremely dangerous if the right precautions aren't taken. Our tips below will make you aware of the potential hazards you may encounter while enjoying the summer sun at home
Electric shocks whilst operating garden equipment such as electric lawnmowers, strimmers and hedge trimmers can deadly. This can happen by something as simple as a lawnmower running over an electric cable lying on the grass. An RCD (Residual Current Device) will protect you against receiving electric shocks. New fuse boards will have built-in RCDs but older models will not. If this is the case you should think about replacing your fuse board. A good electrician will be able to install a new fuse board for a few hundred pounds. If this is not possible then you should buy a portable RCD which you plug into the socket you will use to connect your outdoor appliance.
Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Always restrict gardening activities involving electrical appliances to dry days.
Electric cables on appliances can become damaged through normal wear and tear. Always check for signs of damage when you are putting your appliances away. Pay particular attention to the area where the cable leaves the handle. If the outer plastic is torn it could lead to wires shorting and electric shocks.
Many people run long extension cables from the house or garage to plug in their electrical appliances outside. However long cables are a trip hazard for young children and older people. they also need a door or window to be left slightly open, which is not good for home security. Employ a good electrician to install an outside socket. It can be used at other times of the year too e.g. for outdoor Christmas or Halloween lighting.
Good exterior lighting can really enhance the beauty of your home. It also allows you to safely use your garden until much later in the evening and reduce the likelihood of trips or falls. Find a good electrician to design and install exterior lighting to allow you to use your garden safely at any time of the day whilst at the same time showing your home to its best advantage.
It is essential that the right kind of lighting is used outside. Only lighting suitable for exterior use should ever be used in the garden. This is because it will have the necessary weatherproof light fittings required to withstand any wind and rain. In addition, always buy any outdoor lighting equipment from a trusted supplier or ask a reputable electrical company for their advice.
Always use a fully qualified NICEIC approved electrician to install any electrical sockets or light fittings for your garden. Badly fitted or the wrong kind of electrical wires, sockets or switches can be extremely dangerous, particularly when used outside and can lead to electric shocks, injury and even death
