How to keep Outdoor Electrical Connections Safe This Christmas
Nothing says Christmas like bright lights illuminating our home and garden as far as the eye can see. Getting these decorations in place can be tricky, and keeping wires and other tripping hazards out of harms way is even trickier.
Many everyday products can be a source of danger if their electrical installation doesn't comply with safety standards. Especially as these electrical connections can be exposed to the harsh winter elements. Read on and we'll explain how to protect your outdoor connections so you can enjoy the festive season with no worries.
Why secure your outdoor electrical connections?
Unlike electrical connections that are safe indoors, outdoor electrical installations are exposed to damp, rain and dust. As a result, this type of installation tends to age more rapidly than an indoor electrical circuit and if plugs and sockets get damp there is the risk of a short circuit and of receiving an electric shock. Water and damp can also cause wiring to melt and lead to a fire.
When using outdoor electric appliances and lights there are various ways of keeping cables and sockets safe.
Respect the standards for outdoor electrical installation - As with any electrical installation, there are a number of standards you need to comply with to ensure the safety of your home. In the Republic of Ireland, the EU Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU explains how outdoor plugs can be protected. It provides guidelines on elements such as electrical outlets, protection ratings, specialized circuits, sheaths, etc.
Use a Residual Current Device (RCD) - With all outdoor electrical equipment. If you don’t have one built into your fuse box, you can use a Plug-in RCD. In the event of an imbalance or leakage of current, it will quickly switch off the supply power supply to the appliance.
Check watertight electrical equipment - Since outdoor electrical equipment is in direct contact with rain, wind and cold, it must be weatherproof. All electrical components must be earthed. We recommend a minimum rating of  IP44 (or higher) rating, as this is sufficient for outdoor use.
Consider installation of an outdoor electrical socket - If you use electrical items outdoors on a regular ongoing basis, you could also consider installing an outdoor electrical socket. You must use a qualified electrician to install an outside socket as these must comply with IEE wiring directives and you have to let your local authority’s Building control Department know first.
A simple solution
Using a waterproof electrical box such as D-Line's outdoor cable management box is easy and it also keeps sockets and plugs away from damp, dust and out of the reach of young children.
With its IP54 waterproof rating, D-Line's waterproof electrical box is a practical way of securing your outdoor electrical components. It's a solution that saves you work, especially if you are renting.
It can even be wall-mounted if your outdoor space is rather limited. Inside, there is enough room for most 4 gang extension sockets. The box is available in green and black and made from robust polypropylene.
If you're a fan of illuminated decorations for the festive season, this is a solution for avoiding tangled electrical connections. You can connect electric fairy lights, LED animals, or any Christmas decoration of your choice to it. Thanks to this little box, your garden becomes a magical setting for young and old alike!
Top tip: Avoid using extension leads for long periods of time
It's sometimes tempting to use extension leads to connect an outdoor electrical appliance as a stop gap. While this can be done temporarily, you should choose more durable solutions if you want to use these appliances regularly. The same applies to outdoor lighting.
Extension leads are not suitable for permanent outdoor use. Subjected to rain, they can quickly become damaged. If you don't have the possibility of creating an outdoor electrical installation (if you're renting, for example), think about waterproof boxes for extension sockets. The one from D-Line, mentioned earlier is perfectly suited to this type of use.
You now have everything you need for a safe outdoor electrical installation. As always we highly recommend consulting a qualified electrician for any specialized electrical work. Looking to get a head start of your Christmas decorations? Shop here to get all the little helpers you need!
