The growing fondness for outdoor living could be placing countless people at serious risk of electrical accidents, fires and even electrocution according to Schneider Electric.
The potential for short circuits, overheating, and exposure to bare live conductors are all heightened significantly once wiring is taken outside.
The company has gathered empirical evidence of growth in outdoor electrical accessories over the past couple of years from a variety of specialist installers, electrical contractors and sales through national electrical wholesalers. It seems that lifestyle changes and now the British love of barbecues and summer parties, has lead to greater numbers of people wanting outdoor lighting, sound, powered water features and even heating.
At the same time the proliferation of electrical equipment for the garden has placed emphasis on the convenience of having exterior socket outlets.
Now, with Christmas approaching, the trend towards decorating homes and gardens with ever more extensive lights and illuminated decorations poses even greater potential risks if the electrical equipment is not properly insulated and fit for the purpose.
The problem comes about because people are often surprisingly ignorant of the dangers of electricity – especially when combined with damp or wet weather! Feedback to Schneider Electric from customers suggests that too many are prepared to simply run poorly insulated cable extensions into the garden. Worse are examples where conventional indoor accessories are simply installed outside.
There is no excuse considering the ranges of exterior lighting and electrical equipment now available, according to Marc Gaunt of Schneider Electric’s Residential Systems and Solutions. Products like Aquaseal from Clipsal, a brand of Schneider Electric, are purpose built IP56 rated sockets that are easy to install, safe, legal and effective.
"If people knew the very real risks they can run when using electricity outdoors, we’re certain the practice would stop. But, better still, the needs should be properly catered for" explained Marc Gaunt. "Fortunately", he added, "electrical contractors are acutely aware of the availability of products such as our own Clipsal accessories and are therefore in a perfect position to make safe installations". He then added, "There is a potential for growth in these safe installations that many contractors and electricians could profit from if the lifestyle trends we’re witnessing continue".
