Electrical safety in the garden

Safety of Electrical installations in the garden and Sukkah

Many of us have a need, from time to time, to use electrical equipment in the garden. Whether it be plugging in permanent fixtures like Sukkah lights or temporary equipment like a lawnmower so we can keep our grass nice and trim, wielding a hedge trimmer for Schach or to keep our boundaries in order or drilling holes in the Sukkah boards, electricity tends to be the power source we use. But this carries a certain amount of risk: cables can easily be cut by moving blades, while poor quality or poorly maintained electrical connections and exposure to damp or moisture heightens the risk of electrical shock, injury and even death. Before using electricity in the garden we should therefore take appropriate precautions to limit our exposure to these risks.

Residual Current Devices

The simplest and most cost-effective way to protect ourselves when using electrical equipment in the garden is to use a Residual Current Device (RCD) between the mains power point and the electrical equipment that is to be used. If the equipment plugs directly into an indoor socket it should interface with (= sit in between) the RCD, the RCD then being plugged into the mains. If an extension cable is used then it should be the extension lead's plug that interfaces with the RCD at the main power point.

RCDs work by cutting the power to the mains and breaking the circuit in the event that a fault develops with the equipment, or if the cable is cut. It essentially isolates us from the mains power, preventing us coming to any harm. Proper use of an RCD is extremely important. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and if in doubt use the 'test' button to ensure that the RCD works as it should.

Outside Sockets

RCDs are temporary safety mechanisms. A more permanent solution comes in the shape of outdoor sockets. These are weatherproofed units that may be permanently sited outside. Connections are rubberised and the socket itself is protected from moisture thanks to a springloaded flap. Modern outside sockets now come complete with a ground spike. This allows you to plant the socket anywhere you wish in your garden.

For frequent and/or heavy duty use you may want to consider an external wall-mounted socket cabled from your property. For such an installation a competent person with experience of outside socket work should be employed to install it.

Employ some common sense

Accidents involving electrical equipment in the garden are almost entirely avoidable. We just have to be aware of the dangers and employ some basic common sense. Here are some tips to keep you safe next time you are out in the garden with the lawnmower or hedge trimmer.

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  Avoid using electrical gardening equipment in the rain

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  Do not attempt to repair equipment whilst still connected to the power

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  Do not wash electrical equipment with water

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  Do not operate electrical equipment without footwear