Extend Your Nights

Garden lighting can make summer evenings more enjoyable, but outdoor electricity needs the right protection, equipment and installation for British weather.

Make more of your garden evenings

Outdoor lighting can help you enjoy a patio, garden table or seating area after sunset. Before adding lights or power outdoors, plan how the equipment will cope with rain, moisture and everyday use.

Choose equipment designed for outdoors

Use lights, plugs and connectors specifically rated for the intended outdoor location. Their weather-resistance rating and manufacturer's instructions matter; an indoor extension lead or a loosely covered indoor fitting is not a suitable permanent solution.

Keep cables and connections out of puddles, away from sprinklers and clear of routes where they could be damaged or become a trip hazard. Check for cuts, cracked insulation or damaged plugs before use.

Use RCD protection

Outdoor electrical equipment should have suitable residual current device (RCD) protection to reduce the risk of electric shock if a fault develops. An electrician can check whether the relevant circuit has appropriate RCD protection and advise on the safest arrangement.

Take care with temporary power leads

Use properly rated outdoor extension leads only when appropriate, keep their connections protected from moisture, avoid overloading and fully unwind cable reels. Never join extension leads together. Unplug portable equipment when not in use, once it is safe to do so.

Leave permanent installations to a qualified electrician

New outdoor sockets, fixed lights and permanent garden wiring need to be designed and installed for the environment, including suitable cable routing, mechanical protection and testing. Depending on the work and location, building-regulations requirements may apply. Do not attempt to modify fixed wiring yourself.

HandyExperts can arrange electrical installation and safety checks. Tell us what you would like to add and where it will be used, or call 0330 912 2323.