Domestic Electricians NICEIC Approved

How to use electrical equipment safely in the garden and avoid electrical accidents.

Residual Current Devices

An RCD is a safety device that switches off the electricity automatically when it detects an earth fault. Any socket-outlet that may be used for plugging in portable electrical equipment that is to be used outdoors, should have RCD protection.

The safe option is to get a registered installer to install permanent RCD protection to all socket-outlets that may be used for plugging in 230 V outdoor portable electrical equipment.

 

RCDs need to be tested quarterly by the users of the electrical installation, in accordance with the notice that should be fixed near them. This normally involves pressing the test button and checking that the RCD switches off the supply immediately. Regular testing is important, to ensure correct operation of the RCD mechanism in the event of a fault.

Lawn mowing 

Electric lawn mowers can cut through electric cables causing a real risk of electric shock. There is also a risk of injury from contact with rotating parts.

For Safety:

follow manufacturers’ instructions closely

keep the lawn mower, cables, connections and plug, free from damage

check that the socket-outlet has RCD protection

do not cut grass in wet conditions

check that the RCD has been tested by means of the integral test buttons within the last 3 months

unplug the lawn mower and wait until the blades have stopped rotating, before carrying out any activities such as cleaning grass blockages.

 

Hedge trimming

 

 Electric hedge trimmers can cut through electric cables, causing the risk of electric shock. They may also injure anyone making contact with the blades.

 

 For Safety:

Follow manufacturers’ instructions closely

wear gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes

do not cut hedges in wet conditions

check that the socket-outlet has RCD protection

check the RCD has been tested by means of the integral test button within the last 3 months

keep the hedge trimmer cable, connections and plug free from damage

keep both hands on the handles provided.

Unplug the hedge trimmer before carrying out any activities such as removing jammed hedge trimmings.

 

Water pumps for garden ponds

 

Incorrectly installed or damaged 230 V electrical water pumps in garden ponds, may create a serious electric shock risk in and around the pond, resulting in injury or death. This is because the risk of electric shock is higher in the presence of water.

 

 A 230 V electric water pump in the garden should be:

protected by an RCD, that is tested by means of the integral test button at least every 3 months

installed in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions

provided with cables that are protected against accidental damage

maintained in good working order, including cables and any connections

switched off when carrying out pond cleaning.

 

If any defects are found, switch off the water pump’s electrical supply immediately and have the pump repaired/replaced by a competent electrician.

Do not use electrical equipment when it is raining or in areas that are being watered. The risk of serious injury and even death from electric shock, are far higher in wet conditions, than in the dry. Ground conditions may also be slippery in the wet, which increases the risk of an accident. Electrical equipment may also suffer damage in wet conditions.

Using electrical equipment in the garden in dry conditions reduces the risk of an accident.

Garden lighting

 

Incorrectly selected, installed or damaged 230 V outdoor lighting installations may create a risk of electric shock, resulting in serious injury or even death.

For 230 V lighting in the garden:

make sure outdoor lighting fittings (luminaires) are weatherproof

ensure lighting fittings used for water features are waterproof

have it installed by a competent electrician in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and BS 7671 - Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations), which is the national safety standard for electrical installation work

check for damaged lighting fittings, cables and connections

remove leaves and dirt from lighting fittings

If any faults are found, switch off the electrical supply immediately, and have them repaired or replaced by a registered installer.

 

 

 

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