The weather is heating up and many homeowners thoughts are turning to the garden as it’s now time to dust off the lawnmowers and dig out the dibbers to get our gardens ready for summer.

But with more and more homeowners considering external lighting, electric-powered water features and heated greenhouses, the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has issued a stark warning to homeowners considering tackling electrical work themselves.

In a recent report on the issue, the HSE estimated that over 13,000 people suffered an accident caused by tampering with electrical wiring or accessories around the home.

And with the DIY superstores packed full of great garden ideas that need electricity for power, the ECA is concerned some householders may get their fingers burnt.

“Electrics and electrical equipment should always be handled with the utmost care, particularly when being used in an outdoor environment”, commented ECA Director Steve Bratt.

“Homeowners should be sure that any products they use are intended for outdoor use as these will often have essential safety measures incorporated in their design that indoor products don’t.”

Enthusiastic DIYers should also be careful when it comes to outdoor electrical installation work.

Steve continues: “As well as the potential danger involved in homeowners attempting to carry out their own electrical installation work for garden lighting etc, there is also important legislation which governs such work.

“It is a legal requirement that all domestic electrical installation work complies with Part P of the Building Regulations. Householders can do this either by employing an electrician registered with a government approved self-certification scheme, or by having the work inspected by Building Control.”

Anyone seeking to employ an electrician should log onto www.partp.co.uk or www.eca.co.uk for a listing of registered installers. Anyone employing an electrician who is not registered under Part P must also notify Building Control in advance to have the work inspected and certified.

To help homeowners stay safe in their gardens, the ECA has also issued a top ten tips list.

1)      Never use electrical equipment in the garden in wet or damp conditions.

2)      Make sure that your electrical supply for outdoor use is fitted with an RCD (residual current device), as this will ensure power is cut in the event of a fault. You can buy plug-in adaptors if your power supply is not already fitted with an RCD.

3)      Always inspect any electrical tools or equipment closely before use. Frayed or lose wires could cause a nasty accident.

4)      Make sure that you unwind any extension cables fully when electrical equipment is in use, as if left coiled overheating can occur. This could damage the cables and make them potentially dangerous.

5)      Check that any electrical items, lighting etc, that you intend to use in the garden (including any sockets etc) are designed for outdoor use as these will often incorporate specific safety components, be low voltage (either 12V or 24V) and should be weather protected. Staff at most retail outlets will be able to advise on outdoor suitability at time of purchase.

6)      Never leave outdoor electrical equipment plugged in when unattended.

7)      Make sure you read any manufacturers instructions for outdoor electrical goods carefully. Inappropriate use of electrical equipment is one of the most common causes of accidents.

8)      Ensure that any cables or extension leads are not left out where they can be easily tripped over or, more importantly, cut through with items such as mowers or strimmers.

9)      Never attempt to repair electrical garden goods that appear damaged.

10)  Finally, if in doubt with garden electrics, always call on the advice and services of a qualified electrician.