The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

Amazon reviewers praise the quality workmanship and high functionality of the Philips Garden socket. In addition, the model should look chic and modern, but without being too flashy. For fastening, the column is ideally screwed onto a concrete floor slab. Some buyers describe the assembly as a bit tedious, but with good tools it ultimately seems to go smoothly. Another important advantage is the relatively generous distance between the two slots, so that you can also plug in bulky plugs in parallel (difficult with many garden sockets).

The Brennenstuhl garden socket acts as a clear price-performance winner in comparison. Despite the extremely low price, users consider the model to be very robust, stable and highly functional. Among other things, the extremely solid rubber coating of the supply cable, which should be thick and resistant, but still flexible to use, is emphasized. This version is recommended for everyone who wants good quality and a low purchase price want easy installation - and accept optical losses and a short cable in return (can).

The garden socket from UNITEC is defined as a flexible distributor of good quality. Amazon reviewers are also enthusiastic about the inconspicuous look, which is reproduced from precious natural stone. Thanks to the successful design, the 4-way socket fits harmoniously and atmospherically into the garden. Perfectly suited for all hobby gardeners who need more than two slots and who want a natural stone look.

Purchase criteria

Type

Ground spike garden socket: At a Ground spike garden socket the socket boxes are on a ground spike. Usually it is made of plastic. In terms of assembly and price, the ground spike version is undoubtedly the best solution, only optically it often leaves a lot to be desired, as it is very simple and functional in design.

Column garden socket: The pillar garden socket is, as the name suggests, in the form of a round or square pillar. The sockets are incorporated into this column. It often combines elegant stainless steel with plastic flaps. Thus, the beautiful look is the greatest asset of this type of garden socket.

Outdoor lights socket: Kill two birds with one stone. Models that are designed as outdoor lights on the one hand and have slots for electrical garden tools on the other. They also usually appear as round or square columns and combine a stainless steel body with a plastic / glass light area.

Garden socket in natural look: Is it a tree trunk? Or a stone? No, a garden socket! The wood or stone look versions are particularly creative. They often have hidden slots that you can access by opening a door. When closed, these garden sockets fit harmoniously into the garden.

Weather resistance

Garden sockets are outdoor sockets. Accordingly, a high level of weather resistance is a basic requirement for their functionality. All garden sockets correspond to at least protection class IP44 - that is, they are splash-proof and protected from coarse sand. The higher the protection class (for example IP55, IP65, IP67 or even IP68), the stronger the water pressure the respective garden socket can withstand.

Assembly

Ground spike: Garden sockets with a ground spike only need to be inserted into the Garden soil put. This is the simplest type of assembly. But: In order for the socket to hold reliably, you need loose soil. Hard, stony ground is not suitable. The same applies to a foundation.

Screw connection: Except for the ground spike version, all garden sockets are screwed for fastening.

• Base fastening (metal): Screw the garden socket with pre-drilled holes in the base and the screws included in the scope of delivery onto solid ground. NOT suitable for soft ground.
• Base attachment (synthetic resin): Same principle as above. In addition, the selected fixation point must be absolutely level so that the softer material does not break.

Number of connections

Every garden socket has at least two slots. Before you buy, think about how many devices you would like to have plugged in at the same time in the garden - it depends on how many sockets the garden accessories should provide. Frequent solutions are 2-way and 4-way sockets. 3-way, 5-way and 6-way variants are rather rare.

Cable length

Depending on how far the connecting external socket is from the planned location for the garden socket, you need a more or less long cable. Most versions have a cable length between one and four meters. Models with a cable measuring five or even ten meters are not so common.

Note: Some garden sockets are delivered without cables. At least this gives you the opportunity to choose an extension cable yourself that suits your requirements (but it must be at least splash-proof!).

Extras

There are garden sockets that bring one or more additional functions. Here are some examples:

• with timer
• with twilight switch / twilight sensor
• with motion detector
• with remote

The garden socket with a timer is particularly popular. The timer is used to automatically activate and deactivate certain devices, such as electronic Christmas decorations, which should switch off automatically at a specified time. But: This integrated timer already takes up one slot. Sometimes it is also so bulky that it blocks the socket below or next to it. So take a very careful look at the garden sockets with timer before you buy them.

frequently asked Questions

How do I install a garden socket?

In order to supply the garden socket with energy, you have to connect its cable to a well-located external socket on the terrace or at the house. If the distance between the external socket and the intended location of the garden socket is relatively large, it is best to run the cable underground through the lawn - for visual and above all safety-related reasons (avoid stumbling as much as possible, unfavorable Weather influences). Alternatively, you can also connect the garden socket to the house circuit.

In both cases, experts advise making the power line switchable to give yourself the opportunity manage to temporarily close the line to the garden sockets in the evening or even in winter if necessary separate.

This video shows you an example of how you can install your garden socket:

If you would like to lay the power cable of the socket permanently underground, you should consult a specialist (electrician).

Which brands offer good garden sockets?

Among the best known and most popular brands for garden sockets belong

• Philips
• Brennenstuhl
• Somfy
• Green craft

Where is the best place to buy a garden socket?

Various garden sockets are available in hardware stores such as OBI, toom, Bauhaus, hagebaumarkt and Hornbach and of course at Amazon.

equipment

cable

If no cable is included in the scope of delivery of your chosen garden socket, you have to order a suitable model separately.

Timer

With the help of a supplementary timer, you can plan the activity of electrical devices in the garden in advance and control them automatically.

remote control

The garden socket can be easily switched on and off with a remote control. It often costs little money, but makes everyday gardening noticeably more pleasant. Important note: Only radio sockets can be controlled with a remote control.