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outdoor, multiplug extention lead

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  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Yes, out door extension cables are available all over the place ... I've just checked and ours is labelled for outdoor use ...... but I wouldn't use one for permanent installation.  There used to be all sorts of regulations about that ... I know they've changed but since I'm no longer involved in the building business I'm not sure what the new regs are ... I think @raisingirl knows ... 
    This type of thing is an extension lead for permanent outdoor use https://www.jandmelectricalltd.co.uk/product-category/double-ip66-rcd-weatherproof-outdoor-extension-leads/  You need the full IP66 rating for it to live outside, including how it's installed https://rainfordsolutions.com/products/ingress-protection-ip-rated-enclosures/ip-enclosure-ratings-standards-explained/
    The second photo Fire posted is a sealed box with the plugs protected inside. I know a few people using these for ponds and things but often they make an extra protective box for them to go inside just in case. Someone might knock them or leave them open by accident so it never hurts to have a roof over them.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Right … thanks @wild edges … we were obviously talking about two different things … however the description of every single one of the extension cables on that link describes them as suitable for ‘temporary power’. Speaking personally I would be very chary about using them for a permanent installation outside; particularly where they might be easily accessed. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited March 2022
     
    The second photo Fire posted is a sealed box with the plugs protected inside. I know a few people using these for ponds and things but often they make an extra protective box for them to go inside just in case. Someone might knock them or leave them open by accident so it never hurts to have a roof over them.

    It's a good thought.

    The Argos link doesn't say "for temporary use".                               https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9094653?clickSR=slp:term:outdoor extension lead:13:43:1

    You can have a breaker and I have a sensitive fuse box breaker too.

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    They're actually safer than one wired to the ring main in some respects. You have the fuse on the device's plug, the RCD in the socket, the fuse in the extension lead cable and hopefully another RCD on one ring main it's plugged into. Double fail-safe all round. The weakest point is really the cable which you need to protect from damage and secure along the full length to prevent movement.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    The weakest point is really the cable which you need to protect from damage and secure along the full length to prevent movement.

    As it's only me in the house and using the back garden, the wiring I have around the garden is fine. I keep it attached to the fences and it's for all very low voltage stuff (pond pump etc). But yes, it's always good to keep in mind where cables and wires are placed when digging, drilling etc.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    @wild edges I had no idea that installing an outside wall socket could be so easy. Thanks for that. I'm too wary of electrical DIY but I should get my hand in and be braver.


  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    He does pretty much the same thing for installing an outside light - drilling a hole in the wall and running a cable through to an inside plug. Good to know.


  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Fire said:
    @wild edges I had no idea that installing an outside wall socket could be so easy.

    The best part about doing it that way from my point of view is the ability to put a timer on the plug. I need to get my moth trap to switch off just before it gets light and don't want to wake anyone else up if I set an alarm to do it myself.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    It's an easy way around. Looking forward to more of your moth explorations.
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Moth season is just starting for me and I've got the trap out tonight for the first time this year. It's a bit cold and bright though so I'm not expecting much yet. There's good moths to be caught though if they're around https://www.birdguides.com/articles/invertebrates/moths-of-the-season-march-to-early-april/
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
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