Recommendations for electrical appliances used with outdoor power supplies

Take special precautions when you use electrical appliances outdoors or in a damp environment. Electrical equipment and appliances used outside include electric lawn mowers, weed eaters, water blasters, and power tools. Never use any damaged appliances or equipment with damaged leads outdoors.

How to stay safe with electricity and electrical appliances while outdoors. Be aware of the location of powerlines attached to your house or shed when working around the home. Always keep: metal ladders well away from powerlines and ensure your ladder has rubber over the feet.

Wear strong protective footwear when working with electrical appliances or tools outside – do not work in jandals or bare feet. Keep cords and electrical equipment away from any metal that can catch or cut it, for example metal ladders, garage work benches, metal roofs and garden fences.

Take special care around electricity outdoors. Whether you are working or playing near it, or using electrical equipment, it is important to be aware of the dangers. Make sure you maintain safe clearances when working on ladders and check for underground wires before you dig.

Electricity is often used to power lawn mowers and hedge trimmers, along with providing power for outdoor lights, pond pumps, heated propagators and greenhouse heaters. This source of power is obviously useful for gardeners; but care must be taken to avoid shocks, fire and electrocution. Electric propagator. Credit: RHS/John Trenholm.

Outdoor lighting systems and automatic irrigation may require electricity, along with electric mowers, hedge trimmers, strimmers, shredders and other power equipment used for garden maintenance. Pond pumps, heated propagators and some greenhouse heaters also need to be plugged into an electric socket.