Child Item

How to cover power cord so I don't cut it when using riding mower?

I've got about 20m of heavy extension lead crossing a section of the lawn that I'd like to cover so I don't catch it with the riding mower blades.

I've looked at cable ramps and cable protectors but 20m gets expensive.

I've thought about using ceiling battons screwed together with weed map pins to hold it down.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Gardening

Lawn

Lighting and Electrical

Comments

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @Steve5

Very simple @Steve5 just use a shovel and make a 30-40 mm deep slot (a slot no digging) in your lawn and push the cable into it so it is below ground level all the way. No rules governing the use of extention cords you can even have one drapped into a pool.

Simple close the slit with your foot grass will be as 100% normal

The heavy cable plastic will last for 10 to 20 years as the wires are also double insulated .

You will only need to protect the bit going into the ground at the start and finish of where the cable enters the ground Make some sort of shroud around the cable or over it as I am sure you will need to stop a whipper snipper whipping and tangling with the cable too. If the cable enters the ground across a cement path look for the cement expansion strip you might be able to press the cable into that groove Then tape over it cloth tape or plastic cable lid cover. etc or put a cover on it of any description the idea is not to trip on it.

Another Plan is to use 90mm storm water pipe and dig that under the ground or path it is big enough to feed power plug through it with out removing plug. us a few 15 degree bends (not 45) to allow easier cord feeding around corners.

Good luck have fun.

Ps plant bulbs along the power cable . What wattage bulbs you use is up to you. (sorry thats a furfy)

TedBear

Further to @Jewelleryrescue 's reply, I'd suggest also plugging the cord in via a portable RCD device such as

https://www.jaycar.com.au/single-rcd-safety-switch-outlet/p/MS4013 so that it will trip if the cord becomes compromised at any time, since you won't be able to see it once buried. (Couldn't find one at Bunnings.)

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24378#Comment_24378

Hi @TedBear

Thank you for raising that point for

@Steve5 just in case he needs one.

All new homes for a long while have had RCDs installed either a single RCD or these days they have gone mad and they put them every power circuit they are built into the breakers so you know which circiut popped seriously take all the fun out of running around the house turning power switches off and flipping RCD switch . I how ever dont know if homes had to be retro fitted across Australia which means unprotected people in older homes. A new bought RCD will be the only one in the house on that corded line.

But no harm putting another on that outlet the chances are the local and house RCD will trip together but some one re digging the lawn forgets there will be no hair raising moments.

Bunning stock about 4 types of RCD they call them saftey switches. one of them is

Arlec Single Outlet Safety Switch I/N: 7050029 $33.56

This is a replacement house breaker

DETA 40A Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker Without Integral Overcurrent Protection I/N: 4430660 $32.58

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @Steve5

Get another extension lead and go around the lawn area at need lift cable up out off the path ways use a bit of rope attached to a tree but try keep it neat and safe is the aim.

Steve5

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74833#Comment_74833

Thanks for all the idea!

TheHandySqirrel

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101073#Comment_101073

Hi @Steve5,

first off, can you explain why the extension cord is lying across the lawn?

If this is a permanent placement you would need to dig a trench, as @Jewelleryrescue suggested, however, there are a few rules and regulations to observe:

You are required to place the cable into a conduit (20 or 25mm depending on the diameter of your cable) along the entire length that sits underground.
You need to place this conduit at least 500mm below ground and ideally add a plastic warning tape half way between the conduit and the surface. Reference for NSW (see point 2.4.1.2), other states will be similar.

These two points are important for security and safety (and compliance with Australian standards).

Personally, I would also draw a schematic of your garden and where the cable goes. This is not only helpful for an older you, but also for the next owner of the property.

Lastly, RCDs do save lives, so I totally would secure all circuits with one. Especially if you consider that your outside cable could still be damaged in some way.

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101073#Comment_101073

Hi @Steve5

Use a RCD if your house do not have one fitted at the switch board. So I think rerouting the cable is a better idea around your lawn if you can so you can use your lawn mower at ease.. If hidden for a period of time shallow dug cable it can mistakenly be cut it as @TedBear says it is out of sight and that true I thank Tedbear for bringing that up.

Seek a better route if you can. (RCD will trip in less than 20mS and no danger if it is cut and shorted). Garden power point 90mm Storm water pipe will fit a 3 pin power plug through and can make a good all round garden shroud against whipper snippers in use etc. This also is extra protection for garden external weather proof power points conducts coming out of the ground.

FYI All Extension cords and power boards have no regulations once it comes out the power point it is at the users solo discretion. . Not all people can afford or need permanent installed power points power cables so they use Extension cords.. All new houses have RCD at the switch boards,1 more down the line is users choice on the power outlet side. Many thousands house holds run power to their shed and caravans as semi permanent installations in all manner of routes via a extension lead/s that is real life an all totally legal and within the rules.

Permanent under ground power on the circuit board side of the power point does have rules and must be installed by licensed electrician so those rules are followed.

I always thought the last time I read the Electrical specifications it was 600mm min for power underground in NSW, no I have it the regs are 500mm But I always ensure 600mm as dirt some time falls back into the hole on my jobs sites. It is 300mm deep under 75mm reo concrete you guessed it I ensure 400mm..

EricL

Hi @Steve5

It's fantastic that you've received excellent advice from @TedBear, @Jewelleryrescue and @TheHandySqirrel. From a safety standpoint, I suggest finding an alternative path for your extension cord. It gives you peace of mind knowing that it is safe to run your mower over your garden without tangling anything up. You don't have to worry if it's frayed, degraded or flooded because you can see its condition when it is installed above. You can still use a conduit to protect it from the weather and I totally agree with using an RCD device to protect you from electrical shocks.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24405#Comment_24405

Hi @Steve5

"I've got about 20m of heavy extension lead crossing a section of the lawn"

Is this one of the three twenty metre leads you mentioned in your thread here?

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Outdoor/Ampfibian-X1-Weatherproof-Connector-Protector/m-p/132158#M17680

I thought Bunnings and electrical wholesalers sold electrical lead by the metre? Less expensive? And then no need for waterproof connection boxes?

Just a thought.

Cheers.

Steve5

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74844#Comment_74844

Hi, Different project, same concept. Only needed one extension cord. Good point for buying cable and adding connectors, saves money on IP54 boxes.

Child Item