At SLE Electrical Services Ltd, we’re called out to all kinds of electrical faults across Hailsham, Eastbourne, Polegate, Seaford, Horam, Heathfield and the surrounding East Sussex areas—but every now and then, we uncover something that really makes you stop and think.
This week, during a routine job, we discovered an outside socket that had completely fallen apart, filled with dirt, moisture, cobwebs… yet was still live and still being used.
Yes—live.
Why This Is So Dangerous
Outdoor sockets take a beating from the weather, but when the housing cracks or becomes loose, water and debris can get straight into the terminals. In this case:
The enclosure had split away from the brickwork The rear box was deteriorated and open to the elements The terminals were exposed and covered in muck There was no protection against water ingress at all
It only takes a small amount of moisture to cause:
Electric shock risk RCD tripping Burning / melting Potential fire hazard
And because the socket was still functioning, the homeowner had no idea how unsafe it really was.
What We Did
We isolated the circuit, tested the supply, and made the area safe immediately. A full replacement weatherproof outdoor socket is being installed, complete with proper IP rating, a secure back box, and correct sealing to the wall.
This is exactly why outdoor wiring needs regular checks, especially with winter approaching.
A Quick Check You Can Do at Home
If you have outdoor power points, take 30 seconds to look for:
Cracks or loose covers Green mould around the seals Water pooling inside Faded or brittle plastic Cable entries that don’t look properly sealed RCDs tripping when you plug something in
If anything looks off—don’t use it. Give us a call and we’ll get it sorted safely.
Need an Outdoor Socket Check or Replacement?
SLE Electrical Services Ltd provides:
Outdoor socket replacements Garden and patio power installs Security lighting EV charger installs Consumer unit upgrades Full domestic electrical safety inspections
Covering Hailsham, Eastbourne, East Hoathly, Ringmer, Uckfield, Seaford, Pevensey, Bexhill and all surrounding villages, we’re local, reliable and fully NAPIT registered.
📞 07429 379495
📧 sle.electrical@yahoo.co.uk
Stay safe this winter—and if you’re not sure about the condition of your outside electrics, we’re only a call away.
