Supplying power to a garage, garden office, outbuilding, hot tub, or gate often means a cable running underground across the garden. Here’s how we approach it.

BEFORE WE DIG

• We scan the route with a cable avoidance tool to check for existing gas, water, or other electrical services before any digging starts.
• We agree the route with you in advance, considering existing planting, driveways, and anywhere you might dig again in future (e.g. for fence posts or new planting).
• If the route needs to cross a public footpath or road, this may require separate permissions (street works) and we’ll discuss this with you before starting.

HOW THE CABLE IS INSTALLED

• The supply is typically run in SWA (steel wire armoured) cable, suitable for direct burial.
• The cable is laid at a protected depth (typically 450–600mm), with warning tape laid above it so anyone digging in future gets fair warning before reaching the cable.
• Where the cable enters a building or comes up out of the ground, it’s protected in duct or conduit against physical damage.
• An isolator is fitted at each end so the circuit can be safely switched off for maintenance.

REINSTATING THE GARDEN

Our price covers the electrical installation – digging, laying and backfilling the trench. It does not include turf, planting, paving or other landscaping reinstatement; the ground is left level and backfilled, ready for you (or your landscaper) to finish.

CERTIFICATION

Once installed, the new circuit is tested and certified in the same way as any other circuit, with results including the earthing arrangement appropriate to an outdoor/detached supply.

Running a supply out to power an EV charger away from the house, or new garden lighting? Both are jobs we regularly combine with a trenched supply.

Any questions about this or your job? Call us on 01444 682683 or email info@mlpelectrics.co.uk – we’re happy to talk it through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep does an underground cable need to be buried?

We lay armoured (SWA) cable at a protected depth, typically 450-600mm, with warning tape laid above it so anyone digging in future gets fair warning before reaching the cable.

Do you check for existing pipes and cables before digging?

Yes – we scan the route with a cable avoidance tool to check for existing gas, water or other electrical services before any digging starts, and agree the route with you in advance.

Will you reinstate my garden afterwards?

Our price covers the electrical installation – digging, laying and backfilling the trench – but not turf, planting, paving or other landscaping reinstatement. We leave the ground level and backfilled, ready for you or your landscaper to finish.

Do I need permission if the cable crosses a footpath or road?

Possibly – if the route needs to cross a public footpath or road this may require separate street works permissions, and we’ll discuss this with you before starting.