Best Waterproof Outdoor Sockets for Gardens: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
18th Edition Electrician & Owner
We've all been there—running an orange extension lead through the kitchen window to mow the lawn or power the jet washer. It's not just inconvenient; it's a security risk and a tripping hazard. In Leeds, where the weather is famously unpredictable, having a proper IP66-rated outdoor socket is essential for any usable garden space.
As an electrician, I fix a lot of DIY disasters. The most common issue with outdoor power isn't the socket itself, but how it's installed. Water ingress causes nuisance tripping at the consumer unit, often taking out your freezer or Wi-Fi along with it. A quality waterproof socket, installed correctly, prevents these headaches.
In this review, I've looked at three options available on the market: a reliable budget double socket, a high-quality unit with helpful LED indicators, and a compact single socket for tight spaces. All are rated IP66, which is the standard I insist on for British weather.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "IP66 Waterproof Rating"
"The socket is fully waterproof against high-pressure water jets and heavy rain."
This is only true if the lid is clicked shut completely. Once you plug something in and leave the lid slightly ajar (unless it has a gel seal), water can get in. Also, if the cable entry gland isn't tightened or sealed with silicone, water will track down the wall into the back of the unit.
The Spec: "DIY Installation"
"Easy to install with just a drill and screwdriver."
Outdoor electrics fall under Part P building regulations in many cases. More importantly, drilling through the solid brick of a Leeds Victorian terrace requires an SDS drill and a 600mm masonry bit. You also need to ensure the circuit is RCD protected at the consumer unit, or the installation is dangerous.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
GREENSAPPIRE Outdoor Waterproof Socket IP66 – 13A Double Switched Plug Socket
GREENSAPPIRE
This is a standard, no-nonsense double socket that gets the job done without breaking the bank. It features the essential solid polycarbonate housing required to withstand UV rays and knocks. Ideally suited for homeowners who want basic power for a lawnmower or patio heater.
The Good
- Excellent price point for a double socket
- IP66 rating ensures protection against heavy rain
- Robust latch mechanism keeps the lid shut tight
The Bad
- The plastic knockouts can be stiff to remove neatly
- Does not include LED power indicators
Installer Tip:
When fixing this to an external brick wall, apply a bead of silicone sealant across the top and sides of the back box where it meets the brickwork, but leave the bottom open. This allows any condensation that forms inside to drain out rather than pooling around the live terminals.
Priced at £7.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonDesiretech Outdoor Double Switched Socket with 3m Cable – IP66
Desiretech
The standout feature here isn't just the build quality, but the fact it acts as a permanent extension lead. It comes with a 3-metre cable pre-fitted, meaning you don't need to chase wires into the wall if you have a nearby indoor socket to plug into (through a drilled hole). The LED indicators are a brilliant safety feature, letting you know the power is live before you open the lid.
The Good
- Pre-wired with 3m cable promotes easier setup for sheds/garages
- LED indicators provide visual safety check
- High impact UV-stable housing resists brittleness
The Bad
- Ideally requires plugging into an RCD-protected internal socket
- Cable is visible on the wall unless trunking is used
Installer Tip:
If you are running the cable through a wall to plug into an indoor socket, ensure you use a 'drip loop' inside the box or just outside the entry point. This prevents rainwater running down the cable and directly into the electrical connections.
Priced at £18.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonGREENSAPPIRE Outdoor Waterproof Socket IP66 – 13A Single Switched Plug Socket
GREENSAPPIRE
Sometimes you don't have the wall space for a large double unit, or you want a dedicated supply for a specific item like a pond pump or a permanent security light. This single-gang version offers the same robust protection as its larger sibling but fits in tighter masonry spaces, such as between a downpipe and a window sill.
The Good
- Compact size fits where double sockets won't
- Ideal for dedicated appliances (pumps, fountains)
- Same high IP66 waterproof rating
The Bad
- Limited to one appliance
- Does not usually allow space for oversized transformer plugs inside the lid
Installer Tip:
For dedicated equipment like pond pumps, I often prefer these single sockets. It stops family members from unplugging the vital pump to charge a phone or electric bike. You can even add a small padlock loop to some models to secure the plug in place.
Priced at £7.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician to install an outdoor socket?
What does IP66 actually mean?
Why does my outdoor socket trip the electrics when it rains?
Can I use indoor cable for an outdoor socket?
Are these sockets suitable for pressure washers?
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