The Double Outdoor Socket is a weatherproof unit with two switched 13 amp outlets in one enclosure, so two things can run at once outside. It is rated IP56, which means dust protected and shielded against powerful water jets. Each outlet has an integrated on and off switch. The body is grey polycarbonate. It measures 165mm x 115mm x 75mm. It supplies 240V for garden tools, outdoor lighting, heaters and seasonal decorations. It has a 30,000 hour rated life, is CE certified and carries a 1 year manufacturer warranty. It is fixed wiring and should be installed by a registered electrician.
Key Features
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Two outlets: run a mower and a strimmer, or lights and a water feature, without unplugging one to use the other.
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IP56 rated: protected against dust and powerful water jets.
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Switched outlets: integrated on and off switches cut power at the socket rather than at the plug.
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Grey polycarbonate body with a 30,000 hour rated life.
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Compact: 165mm x 115mm x 75mm, for sheds, garages and garden walls.
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240V output for garden tools, outdoor lighting, heaters and seasonal decorations.
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CE certified, with a 1 year manufacturer warranty.
Specifications
| Outlets |
2 x 13 amp, switched |
| IP rating |
IP56 |
| Voltage |
240V |
| Material |
Grey polycarbonate |
| Dimensions |
165mm x 115mm x 75mm |
| Rated life |
30,000 hours |
| Certification |
CE |
| Warranty |
1 year manufacturer warranty |
Where to Use It
- Sheds, garages and garden walls.
- Electric mowers, trimmers and DIY tools.
- Outdoor lights, heaters and speakers.
- Security cameras, water features and seasonal lighting.
If one outlet is enough, the single outdoor socket is the IP66 rated single version with a lockable cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does IP56 mean on an outdoor socket?
A: The 5 means dust protected, so dust may enter but not enough to interfere. The 6 means protected against powerful water jets from any direction. In practice that covers rain, wind driven damp and hosing down, which is what an exposed outdoor socket needs.
Q: Why choose a switched socket outside?
A: Because you can turn the power off at the socket rather than pulling a plug with wet hands. It also means seasonal things like Christmas lights or a water feature can be switched off without unplugging and refitting the cover each time.
Q: Can I fit this myself?
A: No. It is fixed wiring on a circuit that needs proper protection, so it should be installed by a registered electrician, who will confirm the circuit protection and a suitable cable route.
Q: Single or double, which should I get?
A: Get the double if there is any chance of running two things at once, which is more common outdoors than people expect, for example a mower and a hedge trimmer, or lights and a pump. Fitting a second socket later costs far more than the difference now.
Q: Will it survive an Irish winter?
A: Yes. The polycarbonate casing and IP56 rating are made for year round outdoor use. Keep the covers closed when nothing is plugged in and site it where water runs off rather than collects.
Q: Can I plug an extension lead into it?
A: You can, but it is usually better to fit the socket where you actually need the power. If you do use a lead or a transformer outdoors, put the connection inside a weatherproof connection box rather than leaving it on the ground.
Q: Where can I buy a double outdoor socket in Ireland?
A: From Shamrock Electrical at shamrockelectrical.ie, with free delivery to every county in the Republic of Ireland from the first euro. You can also order for collection from our shop in Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.
Every order ships with free delivery from the very first euro, with no minimum spend and no threshold to reach. New customers take 10 percent off a first order. Trade pricing is not shown online, so if you are buying for a job or a contract, call us on 01 401 9907 or email sales@shamrockelectrical.ie for your rate. We are an Irish owned electrical supplier based in Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, just off the N7 and well positioned for the M50.
