Outdoor Extension Cable

[dk1uk]

Hi - I need to set-up some Christmas lights on a bush in my front garden. I have power in my garage and can run a cable under the door.

However, I don't have enough cable length. Is there any reason why I couldn't use a single-socket outdoor extension like this - http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-garden-extension-lead-1g-240v-15m/67112?_requestid=325724 - combined with an IP44 rated box?

Obviously it would be there for a few weeks and would need to be OK in cold/wet (possibly even snowy) weather.

Next year I'll probably install a permanent solution with armoured cable etc., but looking for a quick/cheap/easy solution for this year.

Many thanks.

 

[skotl]

Someone else will be along in a moment to give you a list of reasons why you shouldn't run the extension cable into the garden.

But with regards to the IP44 box, I'm not sure that they are designed for flex - I understand that they are expected to be used with fixed watertight trunking and I doubt you'd be able to maintain the IP44 (or anything close) rating by running flex into it.

 

[Sureitsoff?]

surely something like a dri-box is the answer as they are designed for outdoor lights etc connecting

http://www.google.co.uk/url?url=htt...kQFjAD&usg=AFQjCNGLnl2ayDuIFNIvrKhl3lKv0ejqcg

 

[dk1uk]

Thanks all - the dribox looks good.

Is it generally ok to run a normally outdoor extension temporarily into it? I can probably run it along a fence to keep it off the ground.

Thanks again.

 

[skotl]

It's not normally a good idea, but at least tacking it to a fence will lessen the chance of it bring run over, snagged or whatever from lying on the ground.

You definitely want to ensure that it's in an RCD-protected socket.

By the way - have you considered something like this; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/60-100-20...t=UK_Garden_Lighting&var=&hash=item5d48417ac5

Much safer (as in completely safe) for garden use.

 

[dk1uk]

Thanks again.

Thing is I already have lights. I can definitely make sure that the cable is clipped to the fence and it won't be lying on a driveway so will avoid it being run over. Thanks for advice tip on the RCD-protection.

Cheers