Electrical Work in the Garden | M T R Electrics Ltd

M.T.R Electrics Ltd - Your Local NICEIC Approved Electricians 01322 686 073

Spring is around the corner, the weather is improving, time to start opening the garden for the summer.

Gardens and garden lighting in particular are now just as important to many homeowners as the interior of their home. However, when lighting up an outside area it is important to ensure it is installed professionally and safely. NICEIC recommend that you should always use a registered electrician to carry out any work so it is safe for use.

SAFETY TIPS FOR THE GARDEN

• All outside sockets must be RCD protected for safety. An RCD (residual current device) works by switching off the flow of electricity when a cable or flex is cut

• Cables underground must be buried at a sufficient depth to avoid damage from garden tools. This will require the electrician to dig a trench in the garden

• All cabling should be suitable for installation outside. Your registered electrician can advise you on the best options

• 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

COMPLY WITH BUILDING REGULATIONS

Electrical work carried out in the garden is no longer covered by

Part P of the building regulations in England. This means it does not have to be notified to your local building control department.

Part P does still apply in Wales though. The following is an example of electrical work in the garden which must be notified to local building control (Wales only).

• A supply to a detached garage, shed or other outbuilding

• A supply to an electric gate or pond pump

• Garden lighting

• A socket-outlet

Before starting any work, you must notify your local building control office and pay the appropriate fee for it to be inspected.

Alternatively, an electrician registered with a government approved Part P scheme, such as NICEIC should carry out the work as they can self-certify and notify the work on your behalf.

PURCHASE GOOD QUALITY EQUIPMENT

Always buy outdoor lighting equipment from a reputable retailer and make sure the light fittings (luminaires) are weatherproof.

Good light fittings should carry an IP rating, which indicates how well it stands up to external conditions. The same rules apply to light fittings for water features – make sure anything you buy

is waterproof.

Don’t forget to look for the BEAB Approved Mark and the European

Community (CE) safety symbol too.

WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG?

All NICEIC registered businesses are covered by the Platinum Promise – a promise that protects you against all non- compliant installation work.

Should any work carried out by one of our contractors be found not to comply with

the Building Regulations or relevant installation standards, we can instruct the contractor to go back and carry out the work to the required standard.

If the contractor is no longer in business or disputes the matter we will have the work rectified by another registered contractor at no extra cost.

The Platinum promise is valid for up to six years from the date of the completion of the original work and covers work up to a maximum of £25,000 for any one installation.

M.T.R Electrics Ltd are your local NICEIC approved Electricians

Call Mark on 01322 686 073 to discuss your garden lighting and power requirements.