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Put safty 1st this National Gardening Week
THE countdown to summer is well and truly on, and many homeowners are taking the time to get the garden sunshine ready. Optimising the garden for summer is the perfect way to create an outdoor experience, but it’s important to remember to put safety 1st.
Whilst garden lighting is one of the easiest options to transform an outdoor space, with garden festoon lights or solar spotlights a great way to illuminate the garden and create an attractive atmosphere, some homeowners are choosing to invest in more elaborate ways of bringing their gardens to life for the summer months. Statement:- ‘party pieces’ such as a hot tubs, or even outdoor kitchens, or bar areas create entertainment, ambiance, and new ways to experience summer nights. With these new outdoor experiences, the need for extra safety precautions is important. Paul Collins, technical director for the leading electrical regulatory body, NICIEC, has compiled some tips to ensure garden safety in the summer: For lighting:- 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. 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 must be suitable for outside installation. 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. It is important that to always buy outdoor lighting equipment from a reputable retailer, and make sure all forms of lighting are waterproof. For hot tubs:- When installing a hot tub, there is the danger of mixing water and electricity, so always call in the help of a registered electrician. There are a variety of technical considerations that must be taken into account when installing a hot tub outdoors, these include: Ensuring the power gets to the hot tub safely - in the case that an extension lead will be running to where the hot tub is situated, it’s crucial to ensure that the extension lead is suitable for the load of the hot tub and is appropriate to be used outside. Alike to outdoor lighting, identify that the socket chosen to supply the hot tub is protected by a Residual Current Device (RCD). If it’s not protected by a RCD, purchase one that simply plugs into the socket, before plugging into the hot tub. If you’re unsure whether or not the socket is protected with a RCD, you should contact a registered electrician. If you are seeking to install a permanent hot tub, you will need to have it installed on a separate circuit. For advice on the appropriate steps that need to be taken in the situation, consult a NICEIC-registered electrician (www.niceic.com) who will be able to provide advice, as well as ensure the work is carried out to the highest standard. For outdoor bars and kitchens:- To maximise the potential of an outdoor kitchen, it’s recommended to plan enough electrical outlets that are located in the correct places to ensure requirements are met. If you’re installing a mini-refrigerator for example, ensure that there is a spare circuit on the fuse board in the house for the outdoor installation. If there isn’t then it’s advised to have an additional circuit installed. With the rise in outdoor electricals, some homeowners are trying to undertake this work on their own but this can be dangerous if installed incorrectly. It is always recommended to seek advice from a registered contractor, such as those registered with the NICEIC, who will be able to make sure all work is done safely and to the required standards. You can search for a registered electrician in your area by visiting:- NICEIC.Com.
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