In the past, outdoor electrical stuff involved either waterproof connectors or sheltered sockets. With the increasing amount of outdoor electrical stuff this style of weatherproof socket has become very common. Although intended for walls of buildings I've seen them used on lamp posts for Christmas lighting as an alternative to the traditional blue Ceeform connectors.
They allow the use of an ordinary non-waterproof plug for an outdoor application by shrouding it and its cable completely inside an enclosure with a sealed lid.
The first ones were quite expensive and used weird gels to make the seal, but this more recent model uses a clever multi layer cable seal with closed, small and large hole seals that adapt to the cable diameter or just block the hole completely if there is no cable.
One of the things I dislike about reading the guides for installation components is the repeated reminder of a racket that was passed off as being for electrical safety. Hence why I had a slight rant while making this video. I disapprove of protection rackets and firmly believe that people have a right to do electrical work in their own homes. The resultant cash-for-approval system and its shallow crash-training seems to put more emphasis on filling out paperwork than it does on proper electrical theory. A very high percentage of modern "electricians" are suffering badly from the Dunning Kruger effect where their confidence is inversely proportional to their skills.
But anyway. It's a nicely designed socket. I wonder how the different brands deal with the real life wear and tear of regular use in all seasons.
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They allow the use of an ordinary non-waterproof plug for an outdoor application by shrouding it and its cable completely inside an enclosure with a sealed lid.
The first ones were quite expensive and used weird gels to make the seal, but this more recent model uses a clever multi layer cable seal with closed, small and large hole seals that adapt to the cable diameter or just block the hole completely if there is no cable.
One of the things I dislike about reading the guides for installation components is the repeated reminder of a racket that was passed off as being for electrical safety. Hence why I had a slight rant while making this video. I disapprove of protection rackets and firmly believe that people have a right to do electrical work in their own homes. The resultant cash-for-approval system and its shallow crash-training seems to put more emphasis on filling out paperwork than it does on proper electrical theory. A very high percentage of modern "electricians" are suffering badly from the Dunning Kruger effect where their confidence is inversely proportional to their skills.
But anyway. It's a nicely designed socket. I wonder how the different brands deal with the real life wear and tear of regular use in all seasons.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
I 100% guarantee that the front cover will snap at the hinges
Thanks for the helpful video. Is is possible to exchange the faceplates which come in units like these? I’m keen to replace the standard socket which came in mine with a smart socket. Assuming it fits then I presume it should be fine as your video shows that they’re fixed into place with screws?
The use of just an ordinary everyday double socket is a genious idea. It means that you don't have
to buy a whole new waterproof IP66 rated enclosure should the sockets get damaged in anyway, you
can just change out the damaged one for a new one which is much cheaper to do.
I agree about Part P. I've seen some shocking installations, done both by amateurs and professionals, so I can understand why the legislation was introduced, but the reality is that idiots are going to completely unaware of the Part P regulations and do their own thing anyway.
I knocked down a wall between my kitchen and the dining room and installed a new kitchen, with new plumbing and electrics – I moved the 13 amp sockets, added new ones, installed ceiling down-lights, under cupboard lights and an outside light – so it was a fairly major job. And of course I had to employ a tame electrician to certify my work and issue the Part P certificate. The cowboys would simply have done the work using incorrect cabling etc. and not bothered about Part P.
I need to replace either the RCD in the consumer unit, or the whole lot (if I am in the mood), which I installed 30ish years ago. However I cannot replace it now. I also cannot afford a sparky to do it as I'm on disability benefits etc. So, it is still there, failing every now and again.
I am more than competent to do the job, and I can do it when it is convenient to me.
I know my electrical system far better than anyone in the whole world, but yet, I am not allowed to basically touch it. I am not even allowed to remove an old electric shower in the bathroom.
It is pathetic. I contacted the IET and they avoided every question.
Had to have an electrician in to wire up our boiler. Took off spur and connected the 3 wires. However, he could not work out how wire in the thermostat – 2 wires + & – on a internal 12v supply. He said he would have to take everything home with him to study the videos and instructions. I did it in 20 minutes. He got £300 for that work.
Keep up the videos Clive – they are really good and well made. Oh, keep up the moaning as well!!!
What a coincidence! Delivered a couple of hours ago and I've just found your excellent film all about the product. Thank you for a helpful vlog. I share your feelings and your "rants" are justified. Best Wishes.
If you open up the drainage hole it will lose the IP66 rating.
Love those transparent plugtops. I have the exact same box providing power to my garden activities. Mine came with a rubber adaptor to allow using than un drilled back middle hole, the adaptor fits standard 20mm trunking The LEDs are great for telling me the power is out in our area is is frequently an issue. To get round the new regs I just made mine off to a plug and it just plugs into the double gang socket on the wall inside. Making it technically portable, like an extension lead.
Did my Part P when it first came out, gave me the knowledge to do but none of the permission. Learnt way more just working with the trades over the years. Just get all my work signed off by mates who are registered.
I have two of those in my garden,a great design.When I bought them the singles were bizarrely more expensive than the doubles.
I know this video is quite old now, but it pisses me off that "de-skilling" seems to be a thing these days. In the end, it is all about saving money. Skilled workers demand and deserve a higher wage. Rightfully so! But, when you want to cut costs, "de-skilling" comes in handy. Just train people the very basics, so they are eligible for a lower pay.
As someone who has gone through two vocational trainings in Germany I can just say: it sucks!
Thumbs up to the Scottish in that regard! They made a wise decision. And a much more safer one.