Enhance your Garden Space.
Whether you are planning to set up outdoor lighting, host a garden party or simply need access to power for your outdoor appliances. Having the right outdoor socket is crucial for your outdoor space, luckily at GoSparky we are here to help you find the right one.
Outdoor sockets offer convenient and safe power to your outdoor areas, they allow you to plug in various electrical devices like lights, speakers, and power tools. Having an outdoor electrical socket adds functionality to your outdoor living spaces.
Key Considerations for your Outdoor Sockets:
Weatherproof and IP Rating.
Ensuring the socket is weatherproof and has the appropriate IP rating is key to both the safety and proper function of your new outdoor plug socket. For outdoor use, ensure sockets and switches are IP66 or higher, this will provide protection against water, dust, and other outdoor elements.
A great option would be the Click OA035AG | Aquip 13A IP66 1 Gang Weatherproof Switched Socket.
The Click OA035AG outdoor switched socket is weatherproof, meaning no matter the weather conditions this socket will stand strong. This will ensure your outdoor power supply provides uninterrupted performance all year round. It also benefits from an impressive IP rating of IP66, meaning it is shielded from the harshest outdoor environments, allowing you to rest easy.
A further option that we offer is the Click Scolmore OA411AGU | Weatherproof Switch 10AX IP66 1 Gang 2 Way Anthracite Grey.
Its ingress rating of IP66 makes it perfect as an outdoor socket, protecting against water jets meaning you won’t have to worry weather damage.
The OA411AGU also features multiple knockouts and a rubber base in order to make the installation process a hassle-free experience.
GFCI Protection.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection is vital for outdoor sockets, it detects imbalances in electrical currents and quickly cuts off the power to prevent electrical shocks.
Number of Outlets.
Consider how many outlets you may need outside based off your outdoor power requirements. If you think you will be using various devices simultaneously then go for an outdoor socket box with multiple outlets.
A great option would be the MK K56482GRY | Masterseal Plus 13A 2 Gang IP66 Weatherproof Switched Socket.
The MK K56482GRY offers multiple outlets, allowing you to connect and power multiple appliances simultaneously. Whatever your needs this socket ensures convenient and effective power distribution.
As an added bonus the robust construction means this product will not discolour, crack, or fade in UV light (unlike most plastics), and it will maintain operation in extreme temperatures.
Another brilliant option is the Click OA036AG | Aquip 13A IP66 2 Gang Weatherproof Switchsocket, Anthracite Grey Polycarbonate.
This outdoor socket also offers multiple outlets, offering many similar qualities to the MK K56482GRY but also has a locking feature to protect from any tampering or unwanted damage.
Also featuring a flexible rubber base, allowing you to fit this outdoor socket on uneven surfaces.
Power Load Capacity.
Always check the power load capacity of the sockets to make sure they can handle the electrical demands of your outdoor appliances without overloading. If you exceed the load capacity, you risk damaging the socket itself as well as the connected devices. It can also lead to electrical hazards such as overheating, cables melting and even electrical fires.
Installation Tips for Outdoor Sockets:
Picking a Suitable Location.
When figuring out where is the best spot for your outdoor socket, take a few things into consideration such as, accessibility, proximity to power source, protection from elements, height & visibility, grounding, ventilation, and regulations.
The chosen mounting location should also provide a solid and grounded surface, a sturdy wall, post, or outdoor structure is great for a secure installation.
Make sure there is adequate ventilation to prevent overheating, especially when using power devices that generate a large amount of heat, such as power tools.
Professional Installation.
It is always recommended to hire a qualified electrician for professional installation, they will make sure the sockets are wired correctly and comply with all electrical codes, regulations, and safety standards.
Cable Management.
Use things like cable clips or conduit to ensure the cables from the outdoor socket are secure and protected to reduce risks of damage.
Outdoor cables that are managed well are less likely to suffer from wear and tear, saving you on unnecessary replacements. Neat cables not only enhance the overall appearance of your outdoor area, but it also makes it much easier to identify specific connections and troubleshoot any issues when needed.
Maintenance and Safety Precautions.
Avoid Overloading.
To protect yourself from electrical issues and potential hazards, make sure you do not overload the sockets by plugging in devices that exceed the power load capacity.
To ensure avoiding overloading sockets make sure to adhere to recommended load capacities to maximise performance.
By avoiding excessive appliances, you will mitigate the risks of overheating, malfunctions, and potential damage to sockets.
Unplug and Cover.
When you are not using your outdoor appliances, unplug them from the outdoor socket and use the weatherproof cover to protect it.
Prioritizing the practice of unplugging electrical devices from outdoor sockets when not in use to optimize energy conversation, saving you on energy costs and limiting the environmental effects.
It is critical for the longevity of your outdoor socket that you safeguard the socket from the elements by utilizing appropriate protective covers, to defend against moisture, debris, and other potential hazards.
Inspections.
To keep your outdoor sockets safe, perform regular checks for any signs of wear, damage, or water ingress. If you think there may be an issue, contact a professional electrician for repair work.
The key considerations you should take when inspecting your outdoor sockets is, the ongoing functionality of the product, visible wear whether that is the exterior of the socket, frayed wires, or loose connections.
These considerations will allow you to ensure that your outdoor socket can be compliant with current safety standards.
Top Pick:
When it comes to outdoor sockets, we have you covered here at Go Sparky!
The Click Scolmore OA412AGU | Weatherproof switch 10AX IP66 2 Gang 2 Way Anthracite Grey is an excellent choice for an outdoor socket, and here is why.
It is designed to withstand tough conditions in harsh environments with its high impact resistance, ensuring durability and longevity. Outdoor sockets are constantly exposed to sunlight and weather, but that is not a problem for this outdoor socket thanks to its UV protection against fading, helping it maintain its aesthetic appeal over time.
The OA412AGU is also designed with user comfort in mind, thanks to the ergonomic design. The switches offer smooth operation providing effortless control to power of all connected devices.
A versatile choice for many different locations thanks to the flexible rubber base which allows for mounting on uneven surfaces, ensuring a secure fit no matter the situation!
The OA412AGU also has the installer in mind with the multiple knockouts on offer from all angles, offering flexibility during installation.
And last, but not least this outside plug socket outlet is weatherproof and offers an IP66 rating ensuring a high level of protection against water jets and dust ingress, keeping you connected in every eventuality.
The Click OA412AGU combines durability, functionality, and safety making it the perfect solution for your outdoor space.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, choosing the best outdoor socket is essential to ensuring a long lasting, safe, and reliable power source for your outdoor area. Make an informed decision after assessing your power needs, prioritising weatherproofing, IP ratings, and GFCI protection. Outdoor sockets serve as indispensable components for convenient and reliable electrical access in outdoor spaces. Using our tips mentioned above you can assure that you will be able to find the perfect product that will ensure longevity. We hope this has helped you find the perfect outside socket, allowing you to enjoy and utilise your outdoor living space for many years.
Explore the Rest of our Outdoor Socket Range for More Information.