Outdoor socket flush with the ground in the garden

[n180]

Is there a problem with installing an outdoor IP65 socket flush with the ground, fed via SWA cable?

Are there any regs or issues I should be aware of besides the usual when installing outdoor socket on a wall? Of course, I have to make sure it's in a location where it may not easily be stepped on, or someone to trip over it.

Also, if it is to be flush with ground, should it be flush with a concrete base around it or wood, or in some other enclosure?

 

[Baker1988]

If you put it flush with the ground woukd you still be able to plug stuff into it? Also ip 65 is protected from low pressure jets and if it is flush with the floor it might get slightly immersed in water (no fully) if it rains hard enough or drains back up which it is not rated for. I personally would not put it flush with the ground just raise it up a bit

 

[ImpededLoop]

The manufacturers instructions are likely to prohibit it. Also they normally require the accessory to be mounted vertically, not laid on its back.

 

[n180]

or would it be better to get a garden socket spike like this

NEW 2 WAY GARDEN 4M CABLE EXTENSION TWIN SOCKET SPIKE OUTDOOR WATERPROOF LEAD | eBay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-2-WAY-GARDEN-4M-CABLE-EXTENSION-TWIN-SOCKET-SPIKE-OUTDOOR-WATERPROOF-LEAD-/172506268185

I assume there should not be any problem with removing the lead that comes with the spike and attaching the swa with the external gland kit?

 

[n180]

thanks for the info guys, just saw your responses after my alst post.

Yes the immersion in water is a good point. And if the manufacturers instructions really prohibit then, I'll probably leav it.

I take it this is not a common thing to do then?

 

[HandySparks]

Just get a nice solid post put in (pref concrete), then fix your socket to it. The only electrical thing you want in the ground is a suitable cable.

 

[telectrix]

what i did when asked to fit one for a water feature was to hammer a couple of 4 ft lengths of unistrut into the ground, with a couple of cross bars sized to the double socket. then fed with SWA. socket attached to the strut with zededees and 6mm bolts.

 

[n180]

Thanks all, thats just the sort of info I needed. I'll get something solid into the ground to act as a frame to stick socket onto vertically.

 

[Octopus]

I would just make sure its well clean of the ground or mr and misses ant with all their kids will move in proto!

 

[tomspark93]

Just sink it in to the outside wall...

 

[telectrix]

what a bodger. and why has he taken the cpc to the plastic back box instead of the socket.

 

[Leesparkykent]

http://floorbox.co.uk/_files_/user_files/pdf_specs/ip66_spec.pdf I've put these in decking before. But if it's to be installed where water won't run off quickly I wouldn't be looking at any flush socket.

 

[Toneyz]

Looks like a good solution however it does not seem ip66 with plug top inserted.

 

[LankyWill]

I use @telectrix method aswell, it's the best method i think. In fact I think I stole it from him in another thread. Done one 6 months ago and no sign of rust, looks minimal aswell.

 

[Gazthesparky]

I haven't installed one myself but have used a few. There are special power pod things that are installed in the ground and then you wind them up when u want to use them. The ones I've used have 63a ceeform plugs fitted depends on your use really

http://popuppower.co.uk/

 

[Marvo]

I'd also elevate any outdoor socket by at least 8 inches above ground level for all the reasons already stated. Also it will get covered in mud from splashing during heavy rain if it's at ground level.

 

[uksrevivor]

It looks also likely apart from the previously stated problem of mud and water ingress that anything being plugged into the socket would place undue strain on the appliance cable as it would probably be at 90 degrees from the underside of the plug.

 

[CLareyC]

what i did when asked to fit one for a water feature was to hammer a couple of 4 ft lengths of unistrut into the ground, with a couple of cross bars sized to the double socket. then fed with SWA. socket attached to the strut with zededees and 6mm bolts.

Any pictures please?

 

[MJPD29]

Any pictures please?

I doubt he keeps pictures of his work from 4 years ago

 

[CLareyC]

I doubt he keeps pictures of his work from 4 years ago

True, but it may be something he has repeated more recently. I won’t hold my breath, anyway! Thanks