Outdoor Electrical Safety: Stay Shock-Free in Your Leicester Garden!

Whether you're mowing the lawn, illuminating your patio, or powering a tranquil water feature, electricity is a huge part of enjoying your outdoor space. However, the combination of water, weather, and power can be a dangerous mix.

At 786 Electricals, your trusted electrician in Leicester and Leicestershire, we're dedicated to helping you enjoy your garden safely. We offer practical tips and professional advice to protect you, your family, and even your beloved fish!

Why Outdoor Electrics Can Be Risky

Moisture, metal, and the earth itself all dramatically increase the risk of electric shock. Something as simple as accidentally cutting through a cable with a hedge trimmer or using a mower in damp grass could lead to serious injury or even be fatal.

The good news? With the right setup and a few sensible precautions, outdoor electrics can be both convenient and completely safe.

Top Tips for Safe Outdoor Electrical Use

As your local electricians in Leicester, we want to ensure you're aware of these crucial safety measures:

1. Use an RCD (Residual Current Device) An RCD is a life-saving device that instantly cuts off electricity if a fault is detected, protecting you from electrocution.

• Ensure any socket used outdoors has RCD protection.
• If your fuse board (consumer unit) doesn't include one, use a plug-in RCD adaptor.
• Test your RCD every 3 months using the built-in test button.
• Not sure if your home is protected? Ask us! Our electricians in Leicester can check your consumer unit and upgrade it if needed.
• Never Use Electrical Tools in Wet Conditions Water and electricity absolutely do not mix. Even morning dew or damp grass can create a serious hazard.
• Don’t mow or trim in the rain.
• Wait until equipment and the ground are completely dry.
• Wear proper, protective shoes—definitely not flip-flops or sandals.
• Cut the Grass – Not the Cable! Always keep a close eye on your cables when working outdoors.
• Buy well-known, good-quality tools with moulded plugs and clear instructions.
• Always unplug equipment before clearing jammed blades or cleaning.
• Use battery-powered tools if possible for an extra layer of safety.
• Check Cables, Connectors, and Extension Leads Outdoor electrical leads need to be much tougher than indoor ones.
• Use weather-resistant cables with sealed, moulded plugs.
• Always uncoil extension leads fully to prevent dangerous overheating.
• Inspect cables regularly for frays, cuts, or crushed areas.
• Never repair damaged cables with tape—replace them immediately!
• Dig Safely Before any digging in your garden, be acutely aware of what may be hidden underground:
• Power lines
• Water pipes
• Gas services If you're planning a larger garden project that involves digging or installing new outdoor electrics, contact 786 Electricals. We can help you safely plan and install your outdoor electrical systems to avoid serious accidents.

Garden Lighting & Water Features: Illuminate & Enjoy Safely

Lighting and water features can both dramatically enhance your outdoor space—but only if they are properly and safely installed.

• Always use weatherproof lighting specifically designed for outdoor use.
• Water feature lighting must be fully waterproof and correctly rated for its environment.
• Keep fittings clean and free from leaves or debris.
• Always turn off the power before changing any bulbs.
• For the best and safest results, have garden lights and pumps professionally installed by a qualified electrician like those at 786 Electricals to meet BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations).

Pumps & Ponds: Electrical Safety Around Water

Electric water pumps—whether for fish ponds, waterfalls, or irrigation—must be:

• Bought from reputable suppliers.
• Installed with RCD protection.
• Fitted strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Regularly checked for wear, water ingress, or cable damage.

If a pump malfunctions or shows any signs of an electrical fault, switch it off immediately and call a registered electrician in Leicester from 786 Electricals.

For all your outdoor electrical needs, from new installations to safety checks, trust the expert electricians in Leicester at 786 Electricals. We ensure your garden is not just beautiful, but also perfectly safe.

Contact 786 Electricals today for safe and reliable outdoor electrical solutions in Leicester and Leicestershire!