Get garden lighting done professionally and safely

With so many garden make-over shows on TV, it’s no wonder that people take as much care and attention over the design of their garden, as they do the interior of their home.

Outdoor lighting can make the most of an outdoor space after dusk, but installing it

can be particularly hazardous, so be sure to get it done professionally and safely.

Rules for carrying out electrical work in the garden were tightened in 2005, to prevent the number of accidents caused by faulty electrical work. Homeowners should only carry out electrical work if they are competent to do so, and can inspect and test that it is safe for use. To comply with the law homeowners must notify their local building control office before they begin any work and pay the appropriate fee for them to inspect the work.

Alternatively an electrician registered with a government approved Part P scheme, such as NICEIC, should carry out the work.

What to consider

Time spent planning a lighting scheme will help to show off your garden’s best features.

• Concentrate on the most attractive features, such as a plant, decking or water feature, and don’t light everything in sight.

• Visit local garden centres, DIY chains, electrical wholesalers and look at websites, such as www.allweatherlighting.co.uk, for inspiration.

• Think practically – light up steps and paths for safe access and combine with security lights for when you’re on holiday

• Torches can help you plan your lighting, and decide whether you want uplighters or downlighters

• Think about the controls – there are various options from wall mounted light switches to hand held remote controls.

• Avoid positioning lights so that they shine into a neighbour’s window

• Some outdoor lights can get hot, so place out of reach of small children

• Use an electrician registered with a government approved Part P scheme to carry out the work, such as one registered with NICEIC.

Don’t forget safety

All outdoor sockets must be RCD protected for safety. An RCD or residual current device works by switching off the flow of electricity when a cable or flex is cut, and should be hardwired to your fuse box.

Cables for fixed outdoor lighting installations must be buried at a sufficient depth to avoid damage from garden tools and should also be protected by an earthed metallic cover. This will require the electrician to dig a trench in the garden. Where possible lay piping or conduit for cables to pass underneath any hard landscaping. Your electrician can advise what to do if hard landscaping has already been laid.
Decorative lights plugged into an outdoor socket, should be taken inside after use unless the box states they are waterproof - they are not designed to stay out all year round.