Using electrical equipment outdoors..what you need to know...for philippine electrical inquiries and orders: email us: SAFEELECTRICAL2013@GMAIL.COM

Using electrical equipment outdoors

What are the dangers of using electrical equipment in the garden?

Although electricity makes gardening much easier, wet conditions and contact with the ground means that the risk of injury or death from electric shock is much greater than the risk from using electrical equipment indoors.

Many garden accidents happen because someone handles equipment carelessly, doesn't concentrate properly or fails to follow the manufacturer's instructions. By following simple safety rules every time you work in a garden, you can easily avoid a serious accident.

Tips for working safely in the garden

Always

• Use a residual current device (RCD) for all outdoor electrical equipment, and use the 'test' button regularly to check that it is working correctly.
• Check the electrical equipment, including plugs and extension leads, for damage before you use it.
• Get damaged cables and plugs replaced before you use the equipment.
• Buy good-quality electrical equipment from a manufacturer you trust.
• Wear protective clothing and footwear.
• Take care when you are digging - electric, gas and water services may be buried below.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions - many accidents happen because safety instructions were ignored.
• Store electrical equipment in a dry place where children can't reach it.

Never

• Use electrical equipment in the garden when it is raining.
• Clean, adjust or check equipment while it is connected to the electricity supply.
• Touch damaged equipment and cables before switching off the electricity supply.
• Try to repair equipment yourself.
• Wash equipment with water - unplug the equipment and clean it with a dry cloth.
• Use electrical equipment while barefoot or wearing sandals.
• Leave electrical equipment plugged in while you are not using it.

Why do I need a residual current device (RCD) when I use electrical equipment outdoors?

An RCD can be a lifesaver. Without it, if you cut through an electrical lead, a simple job like mowing the lawn could kill you. An RCD is a safety device that switches off electricity automatically if there is an electrical fault.

All equipment such as lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and other pwoer tools when you use them outdoors, should only be plugged into a socket protected by an RCD.

To protect you against electric shock, the rated tripping current of the RCD must be 30milliamps (mA). If you haven't got sockets that protected by an RCD you should buy and use a portable RCD. When buying a portable RCD check that it is clearly marked to show that it meets British Standard 7071, its rated current is 13amps and its rated tripping current is 30 milliamps (mA).

A more permanent and possibly safety solution than using a portable RCD is to get a registered electrician to provide RCD protection for all the sockets in your home that can be used for outdoor equipment.

Having RCD protection is a condition of the national safety standard for all sockets in new electrical installations, and for any new sockets added to an existing installation. You can find details of registered electricians on our website, www.esc.org.uk

Whatever the type of RCD you have in your home that can be used for outdoor equipment. You should test portable RCDs every time you use them. However, do not press the test button for a long time if the device does not trip. If the RCD does not switch off the electricity supply when you press the test button, get advice from a registered electrician.

Extension leads, cables and connections

 

If you do not check the condition of extension leads, cables and connections and use them correctly, you could get an electric shock.

For safety make sure they are:

• Suitable for outdoor use - weather-resistant with moulded connections that prevent moisture seeping in.
• Rated correctly to suit the equipment you want to connect to them.
• Uncoiled, to prevent them from overheating.
• Kept clean and free from damage.
• Replaced if damage is found.
• Used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Positioned appropriately to prevent them being damaged.
• Kept dry.

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EMAIL US: SAFEELECTRICAL2013@GMAIL.COM