Is it Safe to Use Electrical Equipment in the Garden This Easter Weekend?

Easter weekend is normally the perfect time to get out in the garden to start weeding, mowing the lawn and getting things back in order following the effects of the winter months. However, the amount of rain we have been having here is making it an extremely hard task to do! How many of you have been sat staring at your messy gardens hoping for the rain to stop so you can actually get out there and do something about it? Well, the good news is next weekend should be a lot brighter, drier and finally at last a little bit warmer!

However, if you are tempting to do some work in the garden this Easter weekend please ensure you follow the correct safety precautions when using any electrical equipment. Whether it’s raining or there’s dew on the ground, water and electricity do not mix.

Follow these tips to stay safe…

  1. Always use a RCD (Residual Current Device) with all outside electrical equipment. If you don’t have a RCD within your fuse box, then you can use a plug-in one. If you are unsure, speak with your local electrician for advice.
  2. When you are using electrical equipment, always know where the power cable is at all times, so you don’t get caught up, tangled or worse cut through it.
  3. Always store your electrical equipment somewhere dry and in a safe place.
  4. Before cleaning any electrical equipment, ensure you switch it off and unplug it.
  5. If it is wet outside do not use any electrical equipment in the garden. Wait until it’s dry, it’s not worth the risk.

Whilst cutting the grass or trimming hedges…

  1. Keep cables clear and free from any damage. It’s quite common for people to forget where the cables are and end up running over them with the lawnmower or even cutting through them with a hedge trimmer, which can be extremely dangerous.
  2. Where protective shoes, never sandals when mowing the lawn.
  3. Where protective gloves and goggles when using a hedge trimmer.
  4. Always keep children away from electrical appliances in the garden.
  5. Do not cut the grass in wet weather.
  6. Always switch off and unplug the lawnmower and hedge trimmer before cleaning or removing any grass blockages or hedge trimmings.

Extension leads and cables…

Always check the condition of extension leads and cables before and after you use any electrical equipment in the garden. Failure to do this could result in a faulty cable causing an electric shock.

Make sure any electrical equipment you use in the garden is suitable for outdoor use.

Tidy away cables and extension leads away neatly to prevent damage or faults during storing. Always ensure they are stored in a dry place, away from any moisture.

If any extension leads or cables are found to have a fault, replace immediately.

Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your electrical equipment.

Stay safe this spring and enjoy your garden! If you liked this blog, please don’t forget to share!

If you have any queries with your electrical equipment or would like some advice or a quote on some work, contact East Kent Electrical Ltd today.

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