An outdoor electrical socket is one of those additions you wonder how you managed without once it's installed. Whether for outdoor entertaining, garden tools, Christmas lights or pond pumps, a properly installed weatherproof socket makes garden living much easier.
What Makes an Outdoor Socket Different?
Outdoor sockets must be rated for outdoor use:
IP66 rating — a minimum of IP66 (dust-tight and protected against powerful jets of water) is required for sockets directly exposed to the weather. The socket will have a hinged weatherproof cover or lockable lid.
Surface or flush mounting — outdoor sockets can be surface-mounted on an exterior wall, or flush-mounted in a weatherproof back box (more common on rendered or stone walls).
Material — stainless steel or UV-resistant plastic with gaskets to prevent water ingress.
Electrical Requirements
All outdoor socket circuits must be:
- Protected by a 30mA RCD — mandatory for outdoor circuits
- On a circuit sized for the intended load (a standard 2.5mm² ring or radial circuit is fine for general garden use)
- Wired using cable suitable for outdoor or underground use if the cable is exposed or buried
Cable Routes
Cables reaching an outdoor socket typically come through the wall from inside the property. Options include:
- Through the wall — drilling through the external wall, with the cable in conduit inside the wall
- Underground armoured cable — running the supply underground from a sub-board in a garage or garden building
Can You Add an Outdoor Socket to an Existing Circuit?
Adding an outdoor socket as a spur from an existing ring main is possible, provided the existing circuit has RCD protection. However, a dedicated outdoor circuit from the consumer unit is preferable as it gives individual circuit protection and avoids any load sharing issues.
Part P Compliance
Installing a new outdoor circuit is notifiable under Part P. Adding a spur to an existing circuit is typically a minor works job. In either case, a certificate should be provided.
How Much Does an Outdoor Socket Cost?
Adding a single weatherproof double socket to an existing RCD-protected circuit typically costs £100–£200. A new dedicated circuit will cost more, depending on cable run length.
Onyx Electrical Solutions installs outdoor sockets and garden electrical supplies across Greater Manchester. Call 07000 000000 for a free quote.