****************

Incorrectly installed or damaged 230 V electrical water pumps in garden ponds, may create a serious electric shock risk in and around the pond, resulting in injury or death. This is because the risk of electric shock is higher in the presence of water.

In the garden a 230 V electric water pump should be:

****************

Damian Bennett Electricians – The Poole Electricians in Poole – Call Today – Tel : 0793 255 7563

****************

•       good quality and be purchased from a reputable retailer

•       RCD protected and that at least every three months is tested by means of the integral test button

•       fitted in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions

•       used with cables that have protection against accidental damage

•       well maintained, including cables and any connections, and in good working order

•       isolated when carrying out pond cleaning.

If any defects are found, switch off the water pump’s electrical supply immediately and have the pump repaired by a competent electrician.

Damaged cables and connectors

To be safe cables and connections should be:

•       good quality and be purchased from a reputable retailer

•       suitable for use outdoors

•       suitable for the equipment used

•       free of damage and clean

•       only used in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions

•       switched off when cleaning the pond

•       securely fixed and located to prevent anyone tripping over the cable

•       routed to stop them being damaged such as being cut or stepped on

•       kept dry

Have the damaged items replaced and unplug from the electrical supply immediately if any damage is found. Always take care not to damage flexible cables and connectors.

If you have any questions or would like a quotation call me or drop me a line at The Poole Electrician.

****************

Damian Bennett Electricians – The Poole Electricians in Poole – Call Today – Tel : 0793 255 7563

****************

A real risk of electric shock comes from electric hedge trimmers cutting through electric cables. In addition there is a risk of injury from touching the blades.

****************

Damian Bennett Electricians – The Poole Electricians in Poole – Call Today – Tel : 0793 255 7563

****************

For Safety in the Garden:

•       go to a good supplier and buy a good quality hedge trimmer

•       follow manufacturers’ instructions closely

•       wear goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands

•       keep children well away from the hedge trimmer

•       in wet conditions do not cut hedges

•       ensure the socket is RCD protected

•       test the RCD using its test button unless you are certain that the RCD has been tested within the last 3 months

•       keep the hedge trimmer cable, connections and plug free from damage

•       keep both hands on the handles provided.

•       unplug your trimmer and wait until the cutting blades have finished moving before carrying out any maintenance such as cleaning hedge trimmings from the blades

If you would like to discuss any aspect of your electrics call me or drop me a line at The Poole Electrician.

****************

Damian Bennett Electricians – The Poole Electricians in Poole – Call Today – Tel : 0793 255 7563

****************
In domestic premises, all sockets outlets, which may be used for portable equipment outdoors, should be protected by an RCD ( a safety device that switches off the electricity automatically when it detects an earth fault) to provide protection against electric shock.

Sockets which are below worktops in the kitchen are normally considered to be not used for outdoor electrical equipment, and would hence not RCD protected. Sensitive RCD protection is not normally used on socket outlets intended for refrigerators and freezers.

****************

Damian Bennett Electricians – The Poole Electrician – Call Today – Tel : 0793 255 7563

****************

This article is meant to help you to use electrical items safely outside and avoid electrical accidents. The risk of an electric shock causing serious injury or death, is greater outdoors than indoors, due to possible wet conditions and physical contact with the ground.

Residual Current Devices

An Residual Current Device(RCD) is a device that automatically switches off the electricity when it detects the cable shorts. Any socket that might be used for powering any portable electrical equipment that you will be using outside, should be RCD protected.

An RCD with a maximum rated residual operating current of 30 milliamperes (mA) should give you optimal protection. If your socket-outlet is not protected by an RCD, purchase a good quality plug-in RCD adaptor from a reputable dealer, as a temporary measure. The best option is to get a registered electrician to install RCD protection to all sockets that might be used for 230 V portable electrical equipment you will use outdoors.

Your RCDs need to be tested four times a year in line with a notice that should be located near them. This should involve pushing the red test button and ensuring that the RCD turns off the power supply immediately. Regular testing is important, to ensure correct operation of the RCD mechanism in the event of a fault.

Unwinding extension cable from the reel

When in use, extension cables that are coiled up on a reel can overheat, causing damage to the cable, which may in extreme cases result in fire. The risk of electric shocks from such extreme damage increases, which could prove to be fatal or cause injury.

An unwound cable reduces the risk of overheating and the risk of fire or electric shock.

Wet conditions

Do not use electrical equipment in areas that are being watered or when it is raining. The risk of injury, or even death, from electric shock are much higher in wet conditions, compared to the dry. The ground may also be more slippery in the wet which consequently increases the risk of accidents. In wet conditions electrical equipment may also suffer damage.

Using electrical equipment in the garden in dry conditions reduces the risk of an accident.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of your electrics call me or drop me a line at The Poole Electrician.

****************

Damian Bennett Electricians – The Poole Electrician – Call Today – Tel : 0793 255 7563

At this time of year thoughts turn to our gardens. Electricity can kill in the garden – there are over 30 electricity related deaths a year in the UK and almost 3,000 injuries.

1.    Always use an RCD (Residual Current Device) also called a circuit breaker. Normally orange, plugs into your socket – if you cut the cable it cuts off the power and stops you getting a shock. Costs a few pounds – it could save your life!

2.    Check tools, plugs and cables for damage before use.  Never touch damaged equipment, plugs or cables before turning off the power.

3.    Use good quality equipment with a “Kitemark” or BEAB approved sticker. Follow manufacturer’s equipment instructions.

4.    Never clean, adjust or check equipment with the power on. Stop and disconnect all appliances and tools before working on them.

5.    Never use electrical equipment outside when it’s wet or raining.

6.    Keep the flex safe – know where it is and cut away from it. Have enough to move freely.

Don’t become a statistic – take precautions when using electricity in the garden. Stay safe until next time!

Damian Bennett is The Poole Electrician

www.ThePooleElectrician.co.uk

The Poole Electrician Garden Safety