Electrical Safety Advice for Grass Trimmers

Grass trimmers usage and safety

Grass trimmers, also known as strimmers, are great for neatening up lawn edges and areas your mower can’t reach. But they can pose a safety risk if not used and stored properly.

Grass trimmers are just the job for cutting back weeds and overgrown grass. Electric cabled and cordless models are popular, although petrol-driven models are also available.

Cordless trimmers use a battery so it is important to charge it safely and know how long it will last. The battery is either built-in and can be charged in a similar way to a mobile phone or is a detachable power pack with its own charging unit.

Some models have power-saving eco modes, which tend to be quieter. Weight and ease of use are important, with many having telescopic shafts.

Grass trimmers use either a plastic line, which needs replacing as it wears down, or blades made of plastic or metal. Brush cutters are also available for clearing heavier foliage such as brambles. These often come with a bigger metal blade.

Key points

All grass trimmers must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.

Whichever type you choose, avoid buying second-hand trimmers.

Keep the area to be worked on clear of debris.

If using an outdoor socket, ensure it is splashproof or waterproof.

Buying a grass trimmer

Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
Avoid buying second-hand trimmers as you won’t know their history and they may not meet the latest safety standards.
Safety features can include a shoulder strap or safety harness which helps you balance the trimmer while using it, and a bump guard which prevent the trimmer from cutting beyond a certain point.
Register your grass trimmer so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using a grass trimmer safely

Always use the size of line or blade recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wear sturdy shoes that cover your toes and long trousers. Consider wearing a face visor and grip gloves for extra safety.
Check the trimmer for any signs of damage or a chewed cable and don’t use it if you spot anything suspicious.
Ensure pets and children are kept away from the area you’re working in. And check the area for any wildlife, debris or trip hazards before you begin.
Keep the cable over your shoulder and well out of the way during use to prevent cutting through it.
Be extra careful if working near gravel – if a stone is caught in the mechanism and spat out, it could cause a serious injury.
If your strimmer cuts out, unplug it before attempting to inspect it for any problems or blockages. And unplug it before cleaning.
Don’t use your grass trimmer when it’s raining, or damp on the ground. Electricity and water don’t mix.
Unplug the grass trimmer at the socket when not in use.
Store it in a cool, dry place, such as a shed or garage. If it's damp after using it, dry it properly before putting it away.
If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the trimmer off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
If you have to use an extension lead or cable reel, make sure it is suitably rated for outdoor use. It must be fully unwound and fitted with a thermal cutout. Keep it away from water or wet areas.
Sockets which supply equipment outdoors should be protected by an RCD (residual current device) to protect you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the product.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your grass trimmer with the manufacturer.
Store the grass trimmer in a cool, dry place.

AVOID

Buying second-hand grass trimmers or from third-party sellers online.

Using the trimmer if the weather is wet.

Using the trimmer if you spot any signs of damage.

Putting it away if it’s damp after use. Dry it off first.

Using an outdoor extension lead or cable reel in a wet area.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician.

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

When does a periodic inspection need to be carried out?

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool

Who should carry out a periodic inspection?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

My electrician told me that they were registered; however I now believe that they are not, as they have not given me a certificate. What should I do?

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

Always take care to check the ground before you use a grass trimmer. Small animals such as frogs and slow worms could be badly hurt by trimmer, but also larger animals such as hedgehogs which often sleep in longer grass during the day.

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

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Grass trimmers