Outdoor Electrics Done Right: Garden Lighting, Sockets & Shed Power (EK Guide)

Updated on Oct 2, 2025

Outdoor Electrics Done Right: Garden Lighting, Sockets & Shed Power (EK Guide)

Making your garden more usable (and safer) after dark is one of the best upgrades you can do—especially in Scotland, where daylight can be short for half the year. Whether you want a cosy patio, path lighting, a powered shed, or a driveway security light, the key is doing outdoor electrics properly: RCD protection, the right cabling, weather-rated fittings, and neat routes that stand up to rain, frost, and the odd football.

Design & install ideas: Outdoor Lighting in East Kilbride
Guide costs: Pricing

The quick planning checklist (30 seconds)

RCD/RCBO protection: outdoor circuits and socket outlets should be RCD-protected for safety.
SWA cabling: use steel wire armoured (SWA) cable underground or where there’s risk of damage.
IP ratings: choose fittings with the right Ingress Protection (IP) rating for rain and location.
Controls: PIR sensors, dusk-to-dawn, smart timers—pick what fits your routine.
Routes & depth: plan clean cable runs with correct burial depth and warning tape.
Future-proofing: add a spare conduit or overspec a little if you’ll later power a garden room or hot tub.

Part 1: Garden lighting that actually works (and lasts)

Zones to think about

Access & safety: front path, steps, side gates—low-glare lights help you and visitors see clearly.
Task areas: patios, BBQ spots, outdoor kitchens—slightly brighter, switchable lighting.
Feature lighting: trees, borders, fences—subtle spots or bollards for ambience.
Security perimeters: driveways and rear corners—PIR or dusk-to-dawn units.

Picking the right fittings

Bollards & low-level markers: great for paths and edges.
Spike spots & up/down wall lights: aim at planting or façades for depth.
Step & brick lights: tidy, low-glare light where you walk.
Floods & security heads: choose good optics so you light the area, not the neighbour’s bedroom.

Warm white (2700–3000K) looks inviting on brick and planting; neutral white (4000K) suits paths and security. Mix thoughtfully—too cool can feel harsh.

IP ratings in plain English

IP44: “splash-proof”—fine for sheltered soffits/porches.
IP65: “jet-proof”—solid for exposed walls and most garden fittings.
IP67: “submersible/temporary immersion”—for ground spikes in water-prone spots or ground-recessed lights.

If a fitting goes in the ground, use IP67 and allow drainage (pebble sump), not a puddle.

Controls & smart options

PIR motion sensors: power-efficient for driveways and paths.
Dusk-to-dawn photocells: set-and-forget security/perimeter lighting.
Smart timers/schedules: integrate with your Wi-Fi for holiday modes or scene control.

You can mix these: e.g., dusk-to-dawn low-level markers plus PIR floods that pop on only when movement’s detected.

Part 2: Outdoor sockets—safe power where you need it

An outdoor socket saves dragging extensions through windows and keeps connections weather-protected.

Fit double, lockable IP-rated outlets near where you actually plug in (mower, pressure washer, Christmas lights).
Make sure they’re RCD-protected at the consumer unit (best practice) and labelled “outdoor.”
Use covered, switched outlets with cable entry seals that close around the plug.

Guide price: we often install outdoor sockets as a simple job—see the Pricing page for current guide costs.

Part 3: Shed and garden room power that feels like indoors

Want light and sockets in the shed—or a proper garden office?

Cable type: run SWA from the house on its own appropriately protected circuit.
Route: bury at the correct depth with warning tape, or clip neatly at low level if above ground is acceptable.
Inside the outbuilding: add a mini consumer unit with RCD/RCBOs, then wire lighting and sockets cleanly.
Earthing/metalwork: we’ll check bonding requirements for water/metal structures and specify the right protective devices.

If you’re planning heating, freezers, or lots of IT kit, tell us—circuit sizing will factor that in. Overspec a little now, and you won’t need to redo it later.

Safety first: RCDs, circuit design & proper testing

Outdoor electrics are more exposed to damp and damage. That’s why the basics matter:

RCD/RCBO protection: fast disconnection under fault or earth leakage.
Correct device selection: RCBOs per circuit minimise nuisance trips—if the shed trips, the house stays on.
Glands & joints: weather-rated enclosures and compression glands; no “tap-wrapped” joints.
Testing & certification: we test insulation, polarity and fault loop values, then issue the right paperwork.

Already have outdoor electrics that trip or flicker? Book fault finding first, then tidy and expand once the basics are sound.

Cabling & routes: why SWA is the garden workhorse

SWA (Steel Wire Armoured) cable protects conductors from spades, gravel edges and rodent damage. Typical approaches:

Buried: trench, sand bed, lay SWA, warning tape, backfill. Avoid tree roots and future dig zones.
Surface/low level: along fences/walls in protective conduit where appropriate.
Under decking: clipped and protected—don’t leave it loose.
Across driveways: plan ahead—sleeves/conduit before paving saves money later.

We’ll agree a route that’s safe, neat and easy to maintain.

Security lighting that deters, not dazzles

Good security lighting is about coverage and control:

Mount height: 2.2–2.5 m is usually ideal (less glare, wider spread).
PIR & photocell settings: adjust time-on and sensitivity so it triggers for people, not every leaf.
Beam control: pick fittings with shields or adjustable heads to avoid shining into windows or the street.
Colour temperature: 4000K often feels crisp without being clinical.

A small, well-aimed 10–20 W LED can beat a poorly aimed 50 W flood. It’s about placement, not just wattage.

Typical costs (guide only)

Every garden is different, but these ballparks help with planning. For up-to-date figures, see Pricing.

Outdoor socket (IP-rated, RCD-protected) – guide price listed on our Pricing page
Replacing/adding an outdoor security light – see Pricing page
Patio/path lighting (per point) – depends on fitting choice and route length
Shed power feed (SWA, mini board, lights & a couple of sockets) – priced after a quick survey
Trenching/groundworks – depends on length and surface (gravel vs. paving); we’ll itemise per metre where needed

We always give itemised quotes so you can choose fittings and route options to suit your budget and taste.

Common pitfalls (and easy wins)

Using indoor fittings outside: they fail early and leak. Choose proper IP-rated gear.
No RCD protection: a non-starter outdoors—build safety in from the board.
Random extension leads: trip hazards and moisture risks—fit a proper outlet nearby.
Poor routing: cables draped across borders look messy and get damaged. Plan a clean run with SWA.
Over-bright floods: causes complaints and glare. Use aimed light and sensors.

Easy wins: add a couple of low-level markers for steps, a smart timer for holiday mode, and a lockable socket near your main outdoor workspace.

How we design your garden electrics

Survey & chat: what you want to light/power, where you walk, how you use the space.
Sketch & spec: fittings, control (PIR/photocell/smart), cable routes (SWA), and any spare capacity for future plans.
Quote: clear, itemised costs (fittings, labour, optional extras).
Install: tidy runs, correct terminations, RCD/RCBO protection.
Test & handover: certification, control walkthrough, and care tips.

See examples and options on Outdoor Lighting in East Kilbride.

FAQ

Can you add power to a shed without digging up the whole garden?
Often yes—there are neat surface-route options, or we can follow fence lines and edges. If crossing a path/driveway, we’ll discuss sleeves or discreet cuts.

Will outdoor lights increase my bills?
Modern LED fittings are very efficient. With PIR/photocells and timers, you’ll only use light when it’s useful.

What happens if a fitting fills with water?
Correct IP rating and proper glands should prevent this. If a legacy fitting has failed, we can replace with the right spec and check the terminations.

Can I control everything from my phone?
Absolutely. We can integrate smart switches or relays so you can schedule scenes, holiday modes, and override PIRs when you’re entertaining.

Plan your garden power

If you want a patio that feels like an extra room, a shed that works like a mini workshop, or a driveway that’s safe and secure after dark, we’ll help you design and install outdoor electrics that look great, work reliably, and meet safety standards.

Explore options: Outdoor Lighting in East Kilbride
Check guide costs: Pricing
Plan your garden power: tell us what you want to light/power and share a quick photo or sketch—we’ll come back with a simple plan and an itemised quote.