If you need an electricity connection in the garden, you cannot avoid laying an underground cable. Our step-by-step instructions will show you how to proceed.
He who loves his garden not only cares for it. Because in order to be able to illuminate the garden beautifully even in the dark or for the supply of various electrical garden installations and devices electricity is necessary. Since the garden is placed on the same level as a wet room in the electrical system, all components used must first be suitable for this application, i.e. a protection class of IP44 or higher is required. For outdoor installations, it must be protection class IP65 or IP67.
If garden lights, pond pumps or other equipment are to be supplied with electricity over several seasons, it is worth laying underground cables.
Correct installation – step by step
If you want to supply electricity to atmospheric lighting, a pump or simply external sockets, you first have to lay underground cables. These special cables are highly insulated and can therefore withstand moisture, frost and weather. A plan is required before the installation can begin. This means that you will consider in advance where you need an electricity connection.
Little tip: The laying of empty pipes later saves the need to dig up again.
- Where the cable will later run along, a 60 cm deep trench will be dug. A previously drawn cord facilitates this work step.
- The bottom of the shaft is then filled with a 10 cm high layer of sand. The underground cable is then laid directly on the sand. The use of empty conduits makes this more high-quality. However, a spiral retractor is required for retraction.
- Once the underground cable has been laid, a 10 cm thick layer of sand is applied again.
- Cover hoods are used to provide additional protection for the cable harness. You can get these at a DIY store or electronics retailer.
- A so-called warning tape should not be dispensed with under any circumstances. This is slightly above the cover. When earthworks are carried out again, it is therefore immediately apparent that there is an underground cable here.
- In the last step you fill up a layer of sand again and your underground cable is laid.
Also considerwhether a distributor housing or a junction box is required. An outdoor floor tank can be used here as a distributor housing to enable several simultaneous connections. Depending on which devices are to be operated with it, an additional floor tank may be required for a transformer. Another possible use of the floor tank would be as a valve box. The outdoor floor tank should be level with the lawn so that it remains easily accessible via the removable lid.
Alternatives to the wired version
If this procedure is too much work for you, you can look out for battery-powered devices. For example, many garden lights or garden tools are already operated with solar and battery power. The disadvantage here is the frequent change of the batteries or the recharging of the rechargeable batteries. Many luminaires therefore already have their own solar cell, which automatically charges the built-in battery.
I am Don Burke, one of the authors at My Garden Guide. I am a horticulturist that cultivates, grows, and cares for plants, ranging from shrubs and fruits to flowers. I do it in my own garden and in my nursery. I show you how to take care of your garden and how to perform garden landscaping in an easy way, step by step.I am originally from Sydney and I wrote in local magazines. Later on, I have decided, more than two decades ago, to create my own blog. My area of specialization is related to orchid care, succulent care, and the study of the substrate and the soil. Therefore, you will see many articles dedicated to these disciplines. I also provide advice about how to improve the landscape design of your garden.
