Out & About Summer 2018

GARDENING

H OW D O E S Y O U R GARDEN GLOW?

It may not be the first thing on your mind, but electrical safety in the garden is important when the summer nights encourage us to stay outside later

A s temperatures soar and we’re hopefully getting ready for a long warm summer, it’s not just the lawn and the plants that need care and attention. Not to be overlooked is the use of lighting and taking the right safety precautions – especially as most of us continue to spend more time in our gardens than ever before. No longer restricted to a simple porch lantern or glaring security light, today’s exterior lighting has evolved to become

electrician to dig a trench in the garden n All cabling should be suitable for installation outside. Your registered electrician can advise you on the best options n Decorative lights plugged into an outdoor socket should be taken inside after use unless they are clearly labelled as waterproof. They are not designed to stay out all year round n Always buy outdoor lighting equipment

from a reputable retailer and make sure anything you buy is waterproof – especially if to be used for water features n Good light fittings will always carry an IP rating, which indicates how well it stands up to external conditions. It’s also worth looking out for a BEAB Approved Mark and the European Community (CE) safety symbol too n Remember, any incorrectly selected, installed or damaged outdoor lighting installations may create a risk of electric shock, resulting in serious injury or even death.

more creative and inspirational – from beautiful backdrops to mood-setting and feature options and more. Get it right and it can turn even the simplest setting into a place of beauty as the night sets in. As with any type of electrical work in the home, however, when lighting up an outside area it’s important to ensure it is installed professionally and safely. So, make sure you’re electricity-savvy: n All outside sockets must be RCD

Get it right and it can turn even the simplest setting into a place of

beauty as the night sets in.

(residual current device) protected for safety. An RCD works by switching off the flow of electricity when a cable or flex is cut n Cables underground must be buried at a sufficient depth to avoid damage from garden tools. This will require the

n If in doubt, it is always advisable to seek the help of a professional qualified electrician, such as those registered with the NICEIC or ELECSA, who will be able to make sure all work is done safety and to required standards.

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