A person mowing the lawn with a lawn mower

Electrical equipment can significantly ease gardening tasks. The danger comes from any kind of moisture being present, using equipment outdoors when it's raining or even when dew is still on the ground. Always ensure that conditions are dry before you start. In this blog post, we'll go through some safety tips to stay safe with electricity in the garden.

Safety Tips:

Use a Residual Current Device (RCD) with all outdoor electrical equipment. If your fusebox does not have a built-in RCD, you should use a plug-in RCD.
Always turn off and unplug electrical items before cleaning, adjusting or inspecting them.
Keep your equipment in a dry, safe place. Always check it for damage or signs of water impact before use.
Keep track of the electrical power cable's location at all times.
Never use electrical equipment in wet conditions!

Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

An RCD is a potentially life-saving device that protects against electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires. Without it, if you accidentally cut through an electrical lead, a simple task like mowing the lawn could be fatal.

Any socket that may be used to plug in a lawnmower, hedge trimmer or other power tool should have RCD protection.

Cut the grass, not the cable

When using a lawnmower or hedge trimmer, it's important to keep the cables, connections, and plugs free from damage. Follow these guidelines to ensure safety while using electrical equipment in the garden:

Purchase a high-quality lawnmower or hedge trimmer from a reputable manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturers' instructions closely.
Always wear gloves and goggles when using hedge trimmers.
Ensure that the socket-outlet has RCD protection.
Do not cut grass in wet conditions.
Test the RCD using its test button unless you are certain that the RCD has been tested within the last 3 months.
Wear shoes that protect your feet (not sandals).
Keep children well away from the equipment.
Unplug the lawn mower and wait until the blades have stopped turning before doing anything like cleaning grass blockages. Similarly, unplug the hedge trimmer before removing jammed hedge trimmings.
Be careful when digging in the garden - there might be buried electric, gas, or water services.

Safe Use Of Electric Pumps

The risk of electric shock is higher when water is involved. Incorrectly installed or damaged mains-supplied pumps can result in injury or death.

A mains-supplied electric water pump in the garden should be:

Of good quality, purchased from a reputable retailer. Protected by an RCD that is tested at least every three months.
Installed according to the manufacturers' instructions.
Provided with cables that are protected against accidental damage.
Maintained in good working order, including cables and any connections.

If there’s a problem, switch off the water pump's electrical supply immediately and have the pump repaired by a registered electrician.

Maintaining Cables and Connectors

Extension leads, cables, and connections must be kept in good condition to prevent electric shocks. Ensure they are:

Suitable for outdoor use - weather-resistant with moulded connections to prevent moisture seepage.
Correctly rated to suit the equipment you want to connect to them.
Uncoiled and untwisted, to prevent overheating.
Clean and free from damage.
Replaced if damage is found.
Used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Positioned to prevent damage.
Kept dry.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is common but can pose a safety risk if not installed properly. For mains-supplied lighting in the garden, follow these suggestions:

Buy high-quality outdoor lighting equipment from a reputable stockist.
Ensure outdoor lights are weatherproof.
Ensure light fittings used in water features are waterproof.
Have the installation carried out by a registered electrician following the manufacturer's instructions and BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations).
Regularly inspect for damaged lighting fittings, cables, and connections.
Keep it well-maintained and free from leaves and dirt.
Before changing any lamps, make sure you switch off the power supply.

If you find any faults, switch off the electrical supply straight away and have them repaired by a registered electrician