Running electrical cords through your garden can provide power for lighting, tools, decorations, and more. However, it's important to do it safely to avoid electrocution hazards, damage to the cords, and interference with lawn care. Follow these tips to run cords through your garden safely and effectively.
Planning the Route
Before running any cords, plan out the route they will take.
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Consider where you need power and measure how long the cords will need to be. Leave some extra length for adjustments.
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Choose paths that are out of the way. Burying cords under mulch or beside edges and fences helps hide them.
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Avoid high foot traffic areas where cords may get damaged. Don't run them across walkways or patio spaces.
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Check for obstacles like trees and shrubs. Give yourself enough distance to route the cord safely around them.
Protecting the Cords
Outdoor cords need protection from weather, animals, equipment, and foot traffic.
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Use exterior-rated extension cords designed for outdoor use. Look for types marketed as outdoor, outdoor-rated, heavy-duty, or SJW.
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Consider GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet strips or extension cords. These will shut off power if damaged to prevent shocks.
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Use covers like conduit or garden hose to shield cords that must run exposed across open areas.
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Bury cords under 2-4 inches of mulch or dirt if you want to fully conceal them. Mark their path with flags for safety.
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Secure cords with staples, zip ties, clips, or stakes if running them along fences and edges. Take care not to damage insulation.
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Unplug appliances when not in use so cords aren't energized unnecessarily. Don't leave connected overnight.
Digging Safely
Digging in your garden risks hitting buried cords. Take precautions when installing new plants or doing yard work.
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Mark all cord paths with highly visible flags, sticks, or lawn paint so you remember where they are.
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Avoid digging deep holes near cord routes. Hand dig carefully if you must dig nearby.
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Always hand dig within 1-2 feet of marked cord paths. Never slice into the ground with a shovel.
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Consider hand trowels instead of shovels or tillers if digging throughout the garden. They break up soil without slicing.
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Locate cords as precisely as possible, then gently dig around them by hand to expose them before mechanical digging.
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Unplug cords at the outlet if you'll be digging extensively. Temporarily move them out of harms way if needed.
Following Electrical Codes
Adhere to electrical codes for safe installation. Key rules include:
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Don't exceed 400 foot total cord length from the outlet without a voltage drop.
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Use 14 gauge or larger cords for lighting and decorations. 12 gauge or larger for tools.
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Outdoor outlets must have "in-use" covers over unused receptacles when cords are plugged in.
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Consider having additional GFCI protected outdoor outlets installed by an electrician if needed.
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Cords and outlets must be rated for outdoor use with proper insulation and covers.
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Only cover buried cords with mulch or dirt, not heavy objects like rocks or timbers which can damage them.
Inspecting Cords Regularly
Check cords periodically for damage. Look for cracks, cuts, loose plugs, or corroded terminals. Replace damaged cords immediately.
Also watch for signs of animal chewing, UV damage, brittle insulation, and excessive wear. Replace cords proactively as needed before hazards develop.
Removing Cords Safely
When removing cords from your garden:
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Always unplug from the outlet first before disconnecting anything.
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Carefully uncover buried sections by hand rather than digging them up.
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Double check that you have the entire cord and nothing is left behind.
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Coil cords loosely rather than wrapping them tight to avoid kinks.
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Store cords indoors when not in use to extend their life. Keep them off the ground.
By following these guidelines, you can safely install cords to bring power where you need it in your garden. Just take steps to protect the cords, watch for hazards when digging, and inspect them routinely. With proper precautions, cords can be used in gardens without risk of shock or damage.