Herald - Issue 425

Page 52 • The HERALD • 23rd June 2022 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS v Innovators in Metal Quality Iron Works Guaranteed. Small and large jobs undertaken, from gates and railings to weathervanes & curtain poles. Call Nathan on 07500 016546 customerservices@phoenixironworks.co.uk www.phoenixironworks.co.uk Unit B, Brokenford Business Centre, Brokenford Lane, Totton, Southampton, SO40 9LZ ✿ DOWN THE GARDEN PATH ✿ WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW IN TERMS OF ELECTRICS WHEN FITTING NEW LIGHTS IN THE GARDEN? by Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC When tting new lights in the garden, it is vital that all work completed is done in accordance with the latest Electrical Regulations (BS 7671) to guarantee maximum safety. As the lights are being tted outside, there is the added risk of adverse weather – this increases the risk of injury from an electric shock when handling outdoor electrical equipment. Outdoor lighting is at the top of the list for garden installations, with 51% saying they planned to install lighting to their garden last year. Speak to your local NICEIC certi ed electrical contractor before any outdoor light xtures are tted as they can advise the safe and appropriate steps that need to be taken to ensure the work is carried out to the highest standard. Should you employ their services, they will also be able to take care of the appropriate noti cation to the local building control body (if required) and issue certi cation once the work is completed. You can also speak to your local NICEIC certi ed contractor about carrying out an electrical inspection, especially if you have any concerns regarding the electrics in your garden. Following this inspection, you will receive an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) that will highlight damage, defects or dangerous conditions in your garden. You can search for an NICEIC certi ed contractor in your area by simply visiting niceic.com and typing in your postcode – but do make sure you get quotes from at least three di erent NICEIC certi ed contractors before agreeing to carry out any work. e Healthy Haven Garden at the Waterside Medical Practice are having a Grand Open Day on Saturday 23rd July from 10am to 3pm. ere will be cra stalls, the Praizin’ Hand Puppets Group, Surrey ice creams, food vans and music. e music includes a Ukulele group, Summer Worsley with 70’s and Country music and Andrew Rance singing and on the keyboard. Balmer Lawn Honda of Dibden Purlieu will be showing two of their cars. is is the rst open day that the garden is having since it opened in May 2019 and they want to showcase the Healthy Haven Garden and let the whole community enjoy it and have some fun. Please put this date in your diaries and do go along on the day. Look out for more details and posters nearer the time Tesco will be having an in store vote from the first week in July until 30th September using the blue tokens for the Healthy Haven Garden. If they win they will use the money to hold events in the garden for the bene t of the whole community. Grand Open Day Garden electrics