Installing outdoor electrical wiring
If you want to use lighting or wall sockets in the garden, it is necessary to install outdoor electrical wiring. Outdoor electrical wiring can be used for purposes such as outdoor lighting, automatic watering, plugged electrical appliances, or water features. When installing outdoor electrical wiring, you must take safety, rules, and regulations into account. This article explains step-by-step how to install and connect every component of outdoor electrical wiring. Please note : installing outdoor electrical wiring yourself can be difficult. Consult an installer if you are unsure about doing this.
Safety
Before starting the work, ensure that everything is de-energized by switching off the main switch or at least the circuit breaker for the group you will be working on. You can only perform outdoor electrical work with the right tools, but that applies to every job, of course. For this job, you will need underground cable, stainless steel screws, plugs, connector clamps, and cable clamps as basic materials. Additionally, you will need Hostalit conduit to protect the cable. Depending on the type of outdoor lighting or electrical work you are installing, you may need garden lights and/or junction boxes and/or outdoor switches and/or waterproof wall sockets, for example. The following tools are often required for installation: an impact drill/hammer drill, an insulated wire stripper, side cutters, a shovel, a screwdriver, and always a voltage tester.
Protection class
When installing outdoor electrical systems, you must take several factors into account. It is necessary to use materials with the correct protection class (IP rating). Outdoor switching and installation equipment must have a minimum protection class of IP44. There are many different IP ratings, each with its own characteristics. Below, you can see which IP rating offers which level of protection.
Underground cables
Underground cables are equipped with an earth screen. Underground cables must comply with certain safety regulations. Cables with an earth screen can be identified by the code 'as' (example: 2 x 2.5 mm² YMvK-as cable). Cables with an earth screen are safer than cables without one. If you accidentally hit 'as' cables while digging in the ground, only the RCD in the meter cupboard will trip. You will not be exposed to voltage yourself, which can be the case with cables without an earth screen. Do you only want to connect an underground cable? Read all about this in the article: Connecting an underground cable . An earth wire is a component of an underground cable.
Distribution board
Connecting outdoor electrical wiring to the distribution board must be done safely. Certain rules and regulations must be adhered to. For outdoor electrical installations, it is recommended to install or use a separate residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) in the distribution board. Looking for extra information about RCCBs, which components you need, or want to know more about installing an RCCB? Read everything in the article: Connecting an RCCB . Would you like more information about the application and connection of an RCCB? Read everything in the article: What is an RCCB .
Please note : installing (additional) circuits yourself can be difficult. Consult an electrician to do this if you are unsure.
Drawing a plan
It is wise to make a plan of exactly how it will look and what you want before installing outdoor electrical wiring. You can create a technical drawing with wiring diagrams if this helps you visualize how the electricity should run through the garden. Once you have finished with your outdoor electrical work, it is important to mark out where all the cables are buried in the ground. That way, you can be sure you won't damage anything when digging in the garden.
Type of lighting
You can choose from three types of outdoor lighting: mains lighting (230V), low-voltage lighting (12/24V), and solar lighting. LED ground spotlights, surface-mounted outdoor lighting, spike lighting, solar garden lighting, and LED floodlights are just a few examples. Would you like more information about spike lighting and connecting a corresponding cable? Read all about it in the article: Making a cable yourself .
- With mains voltage lighting (230V), you can fully illuminate a dark garden. This provides a high light intensity and allows you to dim the light. Mains voltage lighting is particularly suitable for fully illuminating a patio, driveway, or a large tree, for example.
Please note : It is important that the underground cable is buried at a minimum depth of 60 centimeters when carrying mains voltage.
- With low-voltage lighting (12/24V), you create an atmospheric garden. This lighting is often dimmable. Low-voltage lighting has the advantage of being safe and having low energy consumption. Additionally, this lighting has a longer lifespan than mains-powered lamps.
- With solar lighting, just like with low-voltage lighting, you add atmosphere to the garden. Additionally, it can be used as orientation lighting. Because solar lighting operates wirelessly, it is easier to install than mains power and low-voltage lighting. However, the disadvantage of solar lighting is that it has a lower light intensity, resulting in limited lighting options.