68 June 2019 http://www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
Q
I’d like to install lighting around the garden including outdoor
lanterns, solar and wall lights. Please can you advise me on how
to carry out the work safely?
Andrew Bainford, TewkesburyA
Darren Staniforth, Technical Expert at
leading electrical regulatory body NICEIC,
offers some expert advice:
The garden is considered a high-risk area for
lighting, so it is important electrics are installed
professionally and safely and in accordance
with current wiring regulations. All external appliances or
sockets should be installed or checked by a registered NICEIC
electrician who will ensure all work is done safely and to
required standards. It is also important to purchase outdoor
lighting from a reputable retailer and to make sure the
fittings are waterproof with an IP rating to indicate how well
they stand up to external conditions. Remember to look out
for a BEAB Approved Mark and the European Community (CE)
safety symbol. My top tips for electricity in the garden are:
•All cabling should be suitable for installation outside. Your
registered electrician can advise you on the best options.
•Underground cables must be buried at a sufficient depth
to avoid damage from garden tools. This will require the
electrician to
dig a trench.
•Decorative
lights plugged
into an outdoor
socket should
be taken inside
after use, unless
waterproof. To
find a qualified
electrician,
visit NICEIC at
http://www.niceic.com.Q
My husband and I are about to invest in an outdoor security
camera. Are there any special features we should look out for?
Michelle Brown, via emailA
Charlie Higgs, Bosch Smart Home UK
Marketing Manager says...
An outdoor camera is a sound investment for
family peace of mind, protection and security.
When picking the right model you should
consider a range of aspects such as quality,
resistance to water, ease to set up and monitor.
Remember to ask about
additional costs such
as subscription fees, or
whether you’ll be tied
into a costly long-term
contract. The Bosch Smart
Home Eyes Outdoor
Camera has a built-
in light as well as an
intercom which can be
easily installed by replacing
an existing light. The intercom can be used through a smart
phone app, meaning you can view and speak with visitors on
your doorstep remotely. The camera also streams 1080p HD
video to your phone, allowing you to save up to 200 clips.
Eyes Outdoor Camera, £319.95, Bosch Smart Homeexperts
We answer your DIY
and maintenance questions
with a little help from
the experts
Ask the
Q
I want to buy a new sofa and like the idea of a bright bold print in
a classic style so it won’t date. Please can you advise me what to
consider for a look I’ll still love in years to come?
Joanna Collins, CoventryA
Megan Holloway, Marketing Manager at
Sofa Workshop, says...
The perfect sofa draws the eye in any
well-designed living space and is a great platform
upon which to experiment with materials, pattern
and colour. In fact, statement upholstery is
proving to be a huge trend in 2019. It really is the
year of the sofa and a bold bright print is a great option to stay
on trend. However, buying furniture is a big investment and we
all want to make sure we’re investing for longevity. Ensuring a
piece won’t date involves choosing a classic design and pairing
it with a fabric you love. The Thurloe sofa from our collaboration
with the V&A is a fantastic example of this. Seen here in the Love
Birds fabric from the archive-inspired collection, it combines
a maximalist
print with
generous
dimensions.
The V&A’s vast
pattern archive
has been used
to modernise
fabrics to fit
the trends of
today while
harking back
to timeless
heritage
prints. By
combining a
classic style
such as the
Thurloe with
a dramatic,
colourful
print, you can
create a real
statement in
your living
space that
will stand the
test of time.Thurloe Sofa in Love Birds,
£2,999, Sofa Workshop x V&A