The Great British Summer… where is it??? We are fairly sure it will arrive soon and when it does, let’s face it, when the sun is shining there’s nothing quite like a garden party. Spending time with friends and family for a relaxing afternoon or evening in the garden, firing up the BBQ, Aperol Spritz cocktails and chilled beers and maybe a few garden games in your own outdoor oasis, what’s not to love?
But, before you send out those invitations, it’s important to make sure your garden is safe from electrical hazards. The last thing you want is for your fun garden party to be disrupted by a preventable shock or even a fire. We’ve put together some top tips to help you prepare for safe outdoor entertaining.
Mowing the Lawn
One of the first tasks in getting your garden party-ready is giving the lawn a fresh trim. But did you know that accidentally running over the power cable with a lawn mower is one of the most common ways electrical equipment gets damaged? Always do a thorough check of the area before mowing and keep an eye out for any trailing cables that could get caught up. Wear proper footwear with good grip, and keep children safely inside while using the mower.
Water Pumps and Features
If you have a decorative pond or water feature in your garden, it likely has an electrical pump to circulate the water. These pumps need to be installed and maintained correctly by an electrician to avoid any risks of water becoming electrified, which could be fatal. If you notice any faults or damage, get it checked out before using.
Safety First
One of the golden rules for using any electrical equipment outdoors is to keep cables tidy and out of the way to prevent tripping hazards. Use cable covers or have an electrician install outdoor sockets if needed. Also ensure sockets are properly weatherproofed and located away from any areas where they could get wet.
Let There Be (Safe) Light
Adding some atmospheric lighting to your garden can really set the mood for a great party. But again, it’s crucial these lights are properly installed, maintained, and suitable for outdoor use. That means using weatherproof fittings installed to the latest regulations by a qualified electrician. Inspect them regularly for any damage or deterioration.
Sound Systems
Whether you want some chilled Ibiza tunes around the garden or have a bigger speaker setup for a band or a DJ, the same principles apply. Use equipment designed for outdoor use and position speakers and cables safely out of the way. Plug everything into RCD-protected sockets installed to regulations.
Whatever your garden party plans, the team at Forbury Electrical are on hand to help ensure your outdoor electrics are safe and party-ready. Get in touch today for any installations, repairs or maintenance you need to raise a glass in confidence.
The Key Safety Reminders:
- Use a residual current device (RCD) with all outdoor electrical equipment to protect against shocks.
- Never use electrical items in wet conditions or before checking they are completely dry and undamaged.
- Be extremely cautious when using lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, etc. to avoid cutting power cables. Wear proper footwear and keep children away.
- For water pumps, ensure they are good quality, RCD protected, installed correctly, and maintained properly to avoid electrification of water.
- Check the condition of extension cords and keep them untangled, dry, and suitable for outdoor use.
- For garden lighting, use weatherproof fittings installed by an electrician per regulations. Maintain and check for damage regularly.
For further information and a no obligation quote why not get in touch with Ryan and Chris.
