Armoured cable for garden

Roberto_gas · 31-07-2025 03:39PM #1

Hi,

I am looking to put a external weatherproof socket on the backwall and extend the power supply to put another socket on far side of the garden. Which cable do people recommend for it ? armored ? Any links. Idea is to use the supply for water feature/lightening in future.

Thanks.

Lumen · 31-07-2025 05:21PM

Distance?

rje66 · 31-07-2025 07:50PM

Yes armoured. But if not too late it would be better have lights work off internal switch. Saves going out to garden to switch on. Same with WF

sbs2010 · 31-07-2025 08:06PM

I did exactly this. About 20metres length.

Got the cable here

sbs2010 · 31-07-2025 08:07PM

National Electrical Wholesalers

Can't post link for some reason.

Roberto_gas · 31-07-2025 10:05PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123686788#Comment_123686788

Around 20-25 meters

Lumen · 01-08-2025 12:46AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123687647#Comment_123687647

I'd probably use 3x6.0mm SWA. It's more than you need for lighting but since you're putting in a socket you should spec it for full load.

If in doubt consult a sparks.

There are regs for direct burial, it's actually more burdensome than above ground wiring.

Try to bury it down to 2ft, even though that's a lot of digging.

I keep meaning to hire a proper trencher/cable plow.

greasepalm · 01-08-2025 01:03AM

must be 40 years ago i ran armoured cable for an outside greenhouse and had a cutoff switch in the extension to kill the power if needed. Had power sockets and lights in there.

Roberto_gas · 01-08-2025 06:23AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123688077#Comment_123688077

Will be running it in corners on the walls..no plan to bury..thanks

Lumen · 01-08-2025 06:28AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123688193#Comment_123688193

Ah, in that case I'd use the smallest diameter SWA you can get away with as it's easy to rewire in future if your needs change.

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/Charts/VoltageDrop.html

Roberto_gas · 01-08-2025 06:37AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123688194#Comment_123688194

Thanks that's what I was thinking..cable has to run through patio down set of stairs and into garden. Is SWA overkill or there are other options? Can put it a conduit as well through patio and wall

Lumen · 01-08-2025 07:10AM

I'd put a conduit under the patio so you can rerun the cable in future, but still use SWA as it'll be neater when clipped than conduit.

Up to you though.

Hooked · 01-08-2025 10:18AM

https://www.screwfix.ie/p/prysmian-6943x-black-3-core-2-5mm-armoured-cable-25m-coil/38769

Got mine in Screwfix

Armoured cable for garden

Comments