Outdoor Sockets: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Having One Installed

An outdoor socket can be one of those small home improvements that you don't realise you need until you have one.

Whether you're mowing the lawn, using power tools, plugging in garden equipment or setting up outdoor lighting, having a proper electrical supply outside can be far more convenient than running an extension lead through a window or doorway.

However, an outdoor socket isn't simply an indoor socket attached to an outside wall.

Because it's exposed to rain, moisture, temperature changes and the general outdoor environment, the equipment and installation need to be suitable for the conditions.

If you're considering adding power to your garden, garage, patio or driveway, here's what you should know.

Why Install an Outdoor Socket?

There are plenty of reasons homeowners decide to add external power.

An outdoor socket can be useful for:

• Lawnmowers

• Hedge trimmers

• Pressure washers

• Power tools

• Garden lighting

• Christmas lights and decorations

• Outdoor entertainment equipment

• Pond pumps

• Garden equipment

• Cleaning equipment

It can also save you from repeatedly running extension leads from inside the house.

If you regularly use electrical equipment outdoors, a properly installed external socket can make things much more convenient.

Can I Just Run an Extension Lead Outside?

Extension leads can be useful for temporary situations, but they're not an ideal replacement for a properly designed permanent electrical supply.

Running a cable through an open window or door can create practical problems and potentially expose the lead to damage.

There is also the question of whether the extension lead and connected equipment are suitable for the environment in which they're being used.

If you regularly need electricity outside, having a suitable fixed outdoor socket installed is usually a much tidier solution.

Are Outdoor Sockets Waterproof?

You'll often hear outdoor electrical accessories described as "waterproof", but it's more accurate to look at their IP ratingand intended use.

IP stands for Ingress Protection.

An IP rating indicates the degree of protection an enclosure provides against the ingress of solid objects and water under specified conditions.

You'll commonly see outdoor electrical accessories with ratings such as IP55, IP56 or IP66, depending on the product.

The appropriate equipment depends on where and how it will be installed.

A socket positioned on a relatively sheltered exterior wall may experience different conditions from one installed in a particularly exposed location.

Your electrician can select equipment suitable for the environment.

What Does IP66 Mean?

You may see IP66 printed on outdoor sockets and other electrical equipment.

The first digit relates to protection against solid objects and dust, while the second relates to protection against water.

An IP66-rated enclosure provides a high level of protection against dust and powerful water jets under the relevant test conditions.

However, an IP rating doesn't mean electrical equipment can be installed anywhere without consideration.

Correct installation, cable entries, seals and the location of the equipment all matter.

The enclosure can only provide the intended protection when it has been installed and maintained correctly.

Does an Outdoor Socket Need RCD Protection?

Additional protection using an RCD is an important consideration for socket outlets, particularly where equipment may be used outdoors.

An electrician installing an external socket will assess the existing electrical installation and the protection already provided.

If your property has a relatively modern consumer unit, appropriate RCD or RCBO protection may already be present.

Older installations may require further consideration before the socket can be added.

This is one reason an electrician shouldn't simply attach a socket to the wall without assessing the existing electrical installation.

Where Should an Outdoor Socket Be Installed?

Location makes a big difference to how useful the socket will be.

Before installation, think about what you're actually going to plug into it.

For example, if you mainly want the socket for mowing the lawn, placing it near the garden may make sense.

If you regularly clean your car with a pressure washer or vacuum, a socket near the driveway could be more useful.

If you're planning a patio or outdoor entertaining area, you may want power nearby for lighting or other equipment.

The socket should also be positioned where it can be installed appropriately and isn't unnecessarily exposed to damage.

An electrician can discuss possible locations and advise what is practical.

Can an Outdoor Socket Be Installed Anywhere in the Garden?

Not necessarily.

Installing a socket directly on the outside wall of a house may be relatively straightforward in some properties.

Getting electricity to the far end of a large garden can be a completely different job.

Longer cable runs, underground cables, outbuildings and detached structures all require additional consideration.

If you want power away from the house, tell your electrician what you eventually want to use it for.

It's much better to plan the electrical supply properly than install something that doesn't meet your future requirements.

Can I Have a Socket in My Shed?

Yes, electricity can be supplied to sheds and other outbuildings, but the work may involve considerably more than installing one socket.

If you're planning to use the building as a workshop, office, gym or garden room, think about everything you might eventually need.

That could include:

• Multiple sockets

• Internal lighting

• External lighting

• Electric heating

• Computers

• Power tools

• Internet equipment

• Garden equipment

A properly planned electrical supply can be designed around the expected load and use of the building.

This is generally preferable to installing one socket and later trying to run everything from extension leads.

What About a Garden Office?

Garden offices have become increasingly popular, and their electrical requirements can be more substantial than people initially expect.

A typical garden office could contain a computer, monitors, lighting, heating, chargers and other equipment.

If you're building one, involve an electrician early in the project.

That allows the electrical supply, socket locations and lighting to be planned before the interior is finished.

It can also be a good opportunity to think about network cabling and exterior lighting.

Can I Install an Outdoor Socket Myself?

Electrical work outdoors requires careful consideration because of the increased exposure to environmental conditions.

It's not simply a matter of drilling through the wall and connecting an outdoor socket to the nearest electrical cable.

The existing circuit, protective devices, cable route, earthing arrangements, equipment and environmental conditions all need to be considered.

For a permanent outdoor electrical installation, using a suitably qualified electrician is the sensible approach.

Can You Add an Outdoor Socket to an Existing Indoor Socket?

In some situations, an external socket may be supplied from an existing circuit.

However, whether this is appropriate depends on the electrical installation.

An electrician needs to assess the existing circuit and determine how the new socket should be connected and protected.

Don't assume that because there's an indoor socket on the other side of the wall, an outdoor socket can automatically be connected directly behind it.

The existing installation still needs to be considered.

What If I Have an Old Fuse Box?

Having an older fuse box doesn't automatically mean you can't have an outdoor socket installed.

However, the electrician will need to assess the protection provided by the existing installation.

Depending on what is found, additional electrical work may be necessary before or as part of installing the new socket.

This doesn't automatically mean you need a complete rewire or consumer unit replacement.

The appropriate work should be based on the actual condition and design of your electrical installation.

Can Outdoor Sockets Be Used in the Rain?

A properly selected and installed outdoor socket is designed for outdoor conditions according to its rating and manufacturer's instructions.

However, that doesn't mean every appliance plugged into it is suitable for wet conditions.

The socket might be designed for outdoor use while the equipment you're connecting isn't.

Always follow the instructions supplied with electrical equipment and don't use equipment in conditions for which it isn't designed.

Why Does My Outdoor Socket Keep Tripping the Electrics?

Outdoor electrical faults can sometimes result in an RCD or other protective device operating.

Possible causes can include:

• Water ingress

• Damaged cables

• Faulty outdoor equipment

• Deteriorated accessories

• Problems with connected appliances

• Faults elsewhere on the circuit

If the electricity repeatedly trips when using an outdoor socket, don't simply keep resetting it.

Disconnect equipment where it is safe to do so and arrange for the problem to be investigated.

The protective device may be operating because it has detected an electrical fault.

Why Does My Outdoor Socket Only Trip When It Rains?

If an electrical problem appears during or shortly after wet weather, moisture may be one possibility.

Outdoor fittings, cable entries and connected equipment are all exposed to conditions that indoor electrics generally aren't.

An electrician can inspect and test the installation to identify where the fault is occurring.

Intermittent faults can sometimes be more difficult to diagnose, so tell the electrician if you've noticed that the problem is linked to rain or particular weather conditions.

Can I Use an Outdoor Socket for Christmas Lights?

An outdoor socket can provide a convenient supply for seasonal lighting, but the lights, connectors and any other equipment used outside also need to be suitable for outdoor conditions.

Avoid assuming that an indoor extension lead or set of decorative lights is suitable simply because it can physically be plugged into an outdoor socket.

Check the manufacturer's information for the equipment you're using.

Can I Use an Outdoor Socket for a Hot Tub?

Hot tubs can involve significant electrical requirements, and water is obviously a major factor.

You shouldn't assume that a standard outdoor socket is automatically suitable simply because a hot tub comes with a plug.

The manufacturer's requirements, equipment, electrical installation and location all need to be considered.

If you're planning to install a hot tub, discuss the exact model and electrical requirements with an electrician before deciding how it will be supplied.

Can an Outdoor Socket Be Used to Charge an Electric Car?

An EV charger should be treated as a dedicated electrical installation rather than assuming that a standard outdoor socket is the appropriate long-term charging solution.

Electric vehicle charging can involve sustained electrical loads and specific installation requirements.

If you're planning to charge an EV at home, speak to an electrician about installing appropriate EV charging equipment and assessing your existing electrical supply.

How Much Does It Cost to Install an Outdoor Socket?

There isn't one fixed price for every property.

The cost depends on factors such as:

• Location of the socket

• Distance from the existing electrical supply

• Accessibility

• Type of outdoor socket

• Existing circuit arrangements

• RCD protection

• Cable routing

• Condition of the existing electrical installation

• Whether additional work is required

Installing a socket directly outside a suitable location may be considerably simpler than providing power to a detached garage at the end of a garden.

The best way to get an accurate price is to have the proposed installation assessed.

Should I Install More Than One Outdoor Socket?

It's worth thinking ahead.

If you're already having electrical work carried out, consider how you use your garden now and how you might use it in the future.

You might initially want one socket for a lawnmower but later decide you want garden lighting, power near a patio or electricity in an outbuilding.

Planning ahead can sometimes avoid having additional cables installed later.

Outdoor Power Can Make Your Garden Much More Practical

A properly installed outdoor electrical supply can be a relatively small upgrade that makes a noticeable difference to how you use your garden and outside space.

It can remove the hassle of running extension leads through the house and provide convenient power where you actually need it.

But because outdoor electrical equipment is exposed to conditions that indoor installations aren't, it needs to be designed and installed appropriately.

Thinking About Having an Outdoor Socket Installed?

OB Electrical can install outdoor sockets and other external electrical equipment based on your property's requirements.

Whether you need a single socket outside the house, power for a garage or shed, garden lighting or a more complete outdoor electrical installation, we can assess the existing electrics and discuss the appropriate options.

We can also investigate existing outdoor electrics that are damaged, unreliable or causing your RCD to trip.

Contact OB Electrical to discuss outdoor sockets, garden electrics, external lighting or electrical supplies to garages and outbuildings.