With all social occasions destined to be in the garden for the next few months, here are a few tips on how to prepare your garden electrics.
Now you may be sitting there thinking I haven’t got any garden electrics! I think you would be surprised by just how reasonable a double weatherproof socket in your garden/patio could be. Whilst you’re at it a light you can switch from inside might not go amiss and could have many practical uses as well.
Anyway here are top tips for preparing your garden for ‘company’:
- Have a combination of lighting types. Maybe a flood light for when you need good functional Light (taking the bins out) and a festoon for when it’s party time. Well designed garden lighting can transform a garden.
- A heat source can help prolong the party. Whether this be a fire pit or an electric infrared patio heater.
- Fairy lights can make any area look pretty at night.
- Don’t neglect safety and if you are using outside power, make sure you have an RCD (residual circuit device) on the circuit.
- Avoid using extension leads in plastic bags fed from an internal socket. These are not properly waterproof (IP rated) and the cables can be a trip hazard, especially in reduced light
- If you have outdoor sockets and lights, check them a couple of times a year for damage and give them a wipe with a dry cloth.
- Electricity and water don’t mix, so whether it’s pouring from the heavens or there’s still dew on the ground, don’t use electrical equipment outdoors until it is dry.
It’s great to be able to see family and friends again but please take care with outdoor electrics. If you are thinking about garden power, lights or power/data to a cabin, shed or other outbuilding, then I would recommend getting professional advice from your local electrician. If you need any help preparing your outdoor space ‘electrically’ please get in touch by calling 01733 698151, or send an email to info@mdselementor.brilliant.digital.
