Outdoor wall sockets
Outdoor wall sockets bring power to the garden, patio, garage or pool without extension leads running from the house. Choose from single, double and multiple surface-mounted sockets with a protective lid, as well as models with USB ports, a switch or a built-in circuit breaker.
Outdoor wall sockets
Resistance to water and dust is shown by the IP rating. IP44 protects against splashing water and is enough under a canopy, IP54 is also dust-protected, and models rated IP65 or IP66 withstand even water jets, so they suit unsheltered walls. The spring-loaded lid closes by itself when the plug is removed, and some housings can be locked against unauthorised use.
Sockets with USB ports charge your phone or speaker right on the patio, while models with a switch disconnect plugged-in devices without pulling out the plug. Feed the cable into the socket from below so that water does not run along it inside.
Outdoor sockets should be protected by an RCD (residual current device), which cuts the circuit instantly in the event of leakage current, for example from a damaged cable or water ingress. Leave installation and connection to a qualified electrician and switch off the relevant circuit breaker before any work. Before buying, check that the socket type matches the standard in your country – in Ireland, this is type G (BS 1363).